Book Review : Oh My Goth by Gena Showalter

Oh My Goth by Gena Showalter

Product Details Reading level: Young Adult Paperback: 256 pages Publisher: MTV (July 4, 2006) Language: English ISBN-10: 9781416524748 ISBN-13: 978-1416524748

A fiercely individualist Goth girl wakes up to discover that the whole world has gone Goth and she's actually -- gag -- popular. Jade Leigh is a nonconformist who values individuality above all else. She has a small group of like-minded Goth friends who wear black, dabble in the dark arts, and thrive outside the norm. They're considered the "freaks" of their high school. But when Jade's smart mouth lands her in trouble -- again -- her principal decides to teach her a lesson she'll never forget. Taken to a remote location where she is strapped down and sedated, Jade wakes up in an alternate universe where she rules the school. But her best friends won't talk to her, and the people she used to hate are all Goth. Only Clarik, the mysterious new boy in town, operates outside all the cliques. And only Mercedes, the Barbie clone Jade loathes, believes that Jade's stuck in a virtual reality game -- because she's stuck there, too, now living the life of a "freak." Together, they realize they might never get back to reality...and that even if they do, things might never be the same.
This book is an interesting twist from the normal mushy teen romance which is present in most YA books. Our protagonist, Jade Leigh is a nonconformist - she's a typical Goth girl with backbones and guts. When she is sent to the headmistress, Ms Hamilton's (dearly known as Hammy) office for talking back to a teacher, Hammy decides to punish her to a field trip along with Mercedes Turner, the leader of the Barbie clones who is caught kissing a guy in the library with their parents' consent.
Turns out, it isn't a field trip at all. Hammy has collaborated with a scientist to transport the girls to an alternate world, a virtual reality game. In this new world, most of the student body are Goths and Barbies are considered as freaks. How will Jade and Mercedes survive and get out from there?
Oh My Goth is a very likable and funny book. There are moments when I laugh out loud while reading Jade's diary entries. A few notable quotes from this book are:

‎"People are the most difficult thing in the world to change."
‎"There’s a really stupid saying: When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade. Well, I have a better saying: When life hands you a lemon, shove that lemon up its stupid butt."
‎"What makes big boobs and perkiness so attractive to boys? I mean, really. Two round, mounds of fat and a fake smile. Yeah, winning attributes."

At first, Jade and Mercedes hates each other so much that they vow never to interact with each other. But after a series of events, the relationship between the two girls changes from nemesis to friends. It's really a good thing, considering the albatross between them only existed because of their parents. In the virtual world, Jade learns to see things as they really are, as well as acceptance and love, while Mercedes learns about the true nature of her boyfriend and to be humble and friendly to the Goths in the real world (now dressed as Barbies). So, in a way, Hammy did the right thing all along to send the girls there.
To sum things up, Oh My Goth is a highly enjoyable teen novel that will appeal to those who enjoy a little fun and excitement in life. Thumbs up for Gena Showalter!Rating:

Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over 30 books, ranging from white-hot paranormal romances set all over the world (and even in some places that do not technically exit), sexy contemporary novels and thrilling young adult novels.

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