Customer Reviews

Geek Magnet

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love these kind of cute romance novels. However, most of them are extremely corny, and make me cringe. I'm just thankful that this one didnt! I am very excited about reading more books that Kieran Scott wrote, she is honestly a great author. I just can't believe how much i ended up liking the book! Looking at the title/cover/introduction, you probably don't expect much sophistication from this novel. However, a lot of true life stories are incorporated into this novel. It really suprised me how effortlessly Kieran Scott described complicated situations that some people go through in life. And you know how some teen books (especially teen romance books) are just SO corny? this one wasn't!

All in all, i give it 5 stars. trust me, you WILL end up liking it. I felt that i struck gold when i discovered this author, and cannot wait to read more books by her!

WARNING: My review has minor spoilers

This book is, as the title and cover suggest, a fun read, and it involves teen issues like dating without being your stereotypical YA novel. But, though I enjoyed it, I was left uninspired and was a little disappointed along the way.

First off, there wasn't a great sense of place in the novel--setting was not detailed and left too much to the imagination, if you ask me. I know dropping a state or city name in the book somewhere isn't necessary, but the actual look and feel of places weren't well-developed. Maybe this critique seems minor because we aren't consciously aware of the setting, but that's how setting should be. So, when descriptors are sparse or absent altogether, it's nearly glaring. Without a good sense of place, I'm not as engaged.

Secondly, characterization seemed a little off. KJ isn't your average teen, and she takes school seriously. Because of this, I expected her to be a little wiser when it came to her long-time crush, the popular Cameron Richardson. Considering what she felt for him was just a crush after all--it was infatuation, not love, and was, ironically, based on looks--I don't see how KJ could have been reasonably blind from Cameron's obvious flaws. She comes off as a law-abiding citizen, and her father is an alcoholic, yet she isn't turned-off by Cameron's underage drinking? And she was offended when Robbie called Cameron shallow, yet KJ repeatedly mentions how good-looking Cameron is and his looks are the only reason she likes him in the first place? And, even though she isn't your average teen, throughout the book she thinks Robbie will never want to socialize with her again, or is laughing at her behind her back, because she has an alcoholic father. She asks him if he thinks she's a "freak" because of it. Funnily enough, though, she doesn't hold these views with Stephanie, her best friend. Stephanie knows about her father and she hasn't run off. So why would KJ think Robbie would? This makes no sense to me. All these things just don't add up, and when they arose, I was either close to yelling at KJ to wake up and see Cameron for who he was--since it was so obvious she would sooner or later, as the book's predictable--or I was rolling my eyes at her silly belief that Robbie would turn his back on her because of her family problems.

And while I was left confused by all this, I found other characters as fleshed out as cardboard cutouts. While this kept things comical as far as the geeky characters were concerned, it left more to be desired from characters like KJ's best friend Stephanie, and KJ's mom. Oh, yeah, and KJ's brother, too--he was so minimally developed I forgot about him! And yes, these are all minor characters compared to KJ, but they're significant people in her life. Couldn't we have had more characterization other than Stephanie loves science and KJ's mom won't stand up for herself, and every now and then, gets a sliver of hope from her Al-Anon meetings and gets on her high horse? This is all we have to work with as readers. To me, Robbie's character is the only one that's fleshed out AND makes sense, though his liking Tama Gold was a little confusing, considering he was opposed to the popular crowd.

Finally, while other reviews have praised the fact this isn't a corny teen book, I have to argue it has a degree of corniness. You know how things are going to turn out, and though it involves serious issues like alcoholism, they're only subplots. The focus is on themes like popularity and dating and finding out who your real friends are, etc.--all very common themes.

And though I wanted KJ to learn to stand up for herself, all the ways in which she did defend herself were disrespectful and negative. She yelled at her father and mother and insanely went off on two geeks, and overreacted with another character, throwing a drink in his face. And though she apologizes in the end, she doesn't apologize to everyone she hurt--only the geeks. So even though you're rooting for her, once you see how she decides to respond, you hate her as much as everyone else.

If you're interested in a YA book that features a similar protagonist--one who isn't your average teen and places the more serious issues at the forefront--I suggest Beauty Shop for Rent: Fully Equipped, Inquire Within. The characters and settings are very well thought-out.

I suggest you read this book without high expectations. Maybe you want a romantic YA novel that takes predictable turns, because it's comfortingly familiar and you want things to be kept pretty light-hearted. If not, and you want a little more substance, I'd recommend the Beauty Shop for Rent.

I absolutely loved this book. Saw it by chance and decided the premise was interesting and fun enough to pick up. I was not disappointed. It was thoroughly enjoyable. Very fun, light reading, and quite entertaining. I would definitely recommend this one.

I had not heard a lot concerning this book, probably because it's a few years old, but I saw it on sale online, so I picked it up on a whim. The story sounded cute enough and I thought the cover was adorable so I purchased it. All things considered, I am glad I had a chance to read this book.


The story centers around KJ, a high school junior who was just given the job of stage manager for her school's musical production of Grease. I think a lot of people can relate to KJ, I certainly can. There are a lot of teen books out there about "mean girls" and 'frenemies" and whatnot; but KJ is entirely unique in this market - she is a nice girl. In fact, she is too nice. She cannot be mean to anyone and therefore attracts the unwanted attention of the school geeks. I love the idea of this, because this really happens. I was one of those girls in high school, not to the extent of KJ, but I could not make someone feel bad either.

Anyways, on with the story. The problem arises when Resident popular girl, who happens to be playing Sandy, takes KJ under her wing. Tama tries to set her up with KJ's longtime crush Cameron, but Tama declares that the geeks have to go. She tries to teach KJ how to repel the geeks and how to be mean. Now of course, drama ensues and KJ begins to question who she is becoming. People begin to get angry with the new KJ, but a select few stand by her side.


One of which is her new friend, Robbie. You see, the two of them developed a friendship because KJ agreed to help Robbie get Tama interested in him. However, their bond soon grows and KJ really begins to trust and rely on Robbie.
The geeks are also brilliantly and hilariously written. There are three main geeks that kind of stalk KJ throughout the book - Andy, Glenn and Fred. Andy is incredibly smart and logical. Everything he does has some kind of scientific backing. He is also extremely into health foods. He is constantly trying to get KJ to eat weird foods. Then, there is Glenn. Glenn is my least favorite type of Geek. He is super touchy-feely. We all know people like that. He seems to have no idea about the concept of a personal bubble and is constantly saying inappropriate things to KJ. Finally, we have Fred. Fred is chubby next door neighbor. He is extremely sweet and would do anything for her. Unfortunately, he is exactly socially graced and he often embarrasses himself and those around him.


Honestly, the only problem I had with Geek Magnet, is that it was rather predictable. The plot was not surprising in the slightest, but it was still well written. The characters are charming enough that it is still an enjoyable read, even when you know what is coming.


Geek Magnet was a quick and enjoyable read that is perfect for a lazy day. It is easy to get into, but isn't exactly hard to process. It isn't the best book I've ever read in this genre, but it was certainly entertaining.

KJ is the stage manager for her school's production of Grease, and while she loves the environment and the rush of being in charge of such a big production, the play also throws her in the way of Fred, Andy, and Glenn, three terribly geeky guys who are all but obsessed with her. KJ's interested in dating star athlete Cameron, but he never even notices her until Tama, the ultra-popular leading actress, decides to make it her own personal project to get Cameron and KJ together. If Tama's sudden act of charity seems suspect, that's because it is. Through all the social turmoil, KJ has to sort out her friend priorities, figure out how to deal with her geeky suitors, and make sense of her interactions with Robbie, an upbeat actor/musician who seems more appealing with every passing day.

If you're in the mood for a romantic comedy YA that isn't pure fluff, Geek Magnet is a great pick. KJ is a behind-the-scenes artistic type who can herd actors and delegate tasks but is helpless about telling people to stop bugging her. She also isn't sure how to deal with her angry, alcoholic father who makes home life miserable for her and her mom and brother, so the novel shows KJ's development in all areas, not just romantically. She faces many of her biggest fears throughout the course of the story, and I'm proud of every new challenge she rises to meet. Of course, I'd prefer that KJ had immediately seen through Tama and known that she was using her, but it's realistic behavior. And I was pleased at what a true friend KJ was to Tama; she was never really a flunky, and that lent a sense of sweetness to her scenes with Tama.

Robbie Delano is an excellent male lead, something I've come to expect from Kieran Scott's novels. He doesn't get a POV, but he has a major impact on the plot. He's instrumental in KJ's growing confidence, and he's a true original--he's amazingly talented but doesn't care about popularity, and he's into acting, singing, and band, when he could easily have stuck with the jock crowd he used to belong to. He's normal-guy romantic, so he'll wear a nicer shirt and pick out a single white lily for a first date instead of donning a suit and handing out a dozen red roses. There are few things more enjoyable to read than a couple of 3-dimensional characters slowly figuring out their mutual attraction (even though KJ and Robbie both think they're interested in other people).

Fun romance, likable characters, and some deeper issues interspersed with moments of hilarity make Geek Magnet a winner for those looking for something uplifting.

I really liked this book. I enjoyed howw you could relate to all of the characters. I also loved how they added that "achoholic dad" thing. It made the book mature and it showed that even if someones life seems erfect from the outisde, its probrably not once you get to the inside. The "Geeks" are soo funny! Eve though I kind of felt bad for the "geeks". Well, once you read it you'll understand ;).
It doesnt drag at any point, which is AWESOME! And, I am REALLY hoping the author decides to make this a series! Because SO much can happen in between the characters!!
I <3 this book!

A girl loved by geeks. How can you not love a character that is loved by people who secretly drive her insane?

KJ Miller is a nice girl. She's nice to everyone. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body.

Until she meets Tama Gold. And becomes friends with her. The popular girl. The girl who teaches her how to "stand up" for herself. Or, basically, more or less, teaches her how to be mean!

KJ finally gets the chance to go out with her wildly popular crush and realizes something. But what exactly?

Is Tama really her friend?

And is her crush really her crush?

GEEK MAGNET is definitely the 2008 summer must-read! I adored KJ right from the first page. There are serious issues in this book, but they are portrayed in the most fabulous way. Funny! A book everyone should read this summer!

Reviewed by: Taylor Rector

High school junior KJ (short for Katie Jean) is very kind. Maybe too kind. She can't seem to say "no" when classmates or adults ask her for help. She does say "no" to the geeky boys who are attracted to her, um, body, but they don't always get the hint because she's still super nice to them.

Most of the story revolves around a musical production of Grease taking place at KJ's school, Washington High. In fact, the book begins with a cast list noting all of the main characters and what roles they play in both the show and in KJ's life. The book is written in traditional prose, but instead of having numbered chapters, it is split up into five acts, and each chapter is a numbered scene with a title that hints at the action to come.

This book will give readers a newfound respect for theatre crew members. KJ works her tail off backstage as the stage manager. I was pleased to see a protagonist who took pride in her work, and happy that she wanted that position and loved it, as opposed to the typical "I want to be the lead!" or "I want to be on stage, but I'm too shy - Oh, wait, now I'm the lead right in time for the happy ending!" stories. There's nothing wrong with those stories, of course, but those behind the scenes really ought to be celebrated just as much as those on stage.

Musical theatre is my passion, and Grease is the word, so I loved all of musical scenes. I applauded the non-traditional casting: popular girl Tama, who has beautiful cocoa skin and sassiness to spare, plays Sandy; KJ has red hair and is, err, well-developed but so uncomfortable with her body that she covers it up in layers and hoodies. As an actress/singer/dancer who occasionally works as a stage manager, I really appreciated KJ's dedication to the show, and all of the little tidbits about the production.

KJ herself must do a little acting on more than one occasion. She's known for being the nice girl, and she's always tried to let boys down gently, Tama encourages her to be bolder, even a little rude, in an effort to repel the guys and stop being a geek magnet. KJ's home life takes a turn for the worse when her father starts drinking more and more frequently. KJ tries to hide her father's alcoholism from her friends and stay upbeat, but it's hard.

Kieran Scott has written a surprisingly poignant story with a healthy mix of drama and fun. She handles serious issues with tact and feeling while giving the story enough humor and sentiment to keep her main character positive. In addition to the drama on and off stage, Geek Magnet also has carpools, understudies, skee-ball, and paint. Lots and lots of paint. Throughout the book, KJ releases her frustration through her art, painting up a storm whenever she's really emotional.

Trivia: Kieran Scott also writes under the name of Kate Brian, best known for her bestselling series Private.

KJ Miller is a geek magnet. And to prove it, she's got not one, not two, but three geeks following her every move. Sure they bother her, especially Glenn with his constant rude remarks, but deep inside KJ just can't be mean. Or can she? When KJ unexpectedly befriends high school starlit, Tama Gold, she suddenly finds herself in the "in" crowd; but hanging with the populars comes with a price. Ditch the geeks or never hook the high school football Cameron Richardson. With her homelife and friendships fraying, and the Grease production on the brink of disaster, is KJ really ready to kiss her greekdom friends goodbye?
This charming story about one girl's quest for love, life, and forgiveness is sure to bring out the "geek" in everyone.

There I was scouring the "New Releases" shelf at the library when I bright pink cover caught my eye. [Ooooo shiny!]
When I pulled it out, to my surprise it was Geek Magnet (and also to my surprise the geeky guy on the cover looked an awfully lot like a certain person I know-spooky).
From the beginning of the book I knew I would rate it 4 BLTs. The characters were funny, KJ's emotions were very relatable-especially her homelife problems-and the the chapters were set up in scenes like a production. Speaking of productions, amidst KJ's problems she was also the stage manager for Grease, which was a great addition to the book. Though the end was fairly predictable, Geek Magnet did manage to keep me on the edge of my seat. KJ kept making wrong turns and creating the perfect mess. I was mad along with her, frustrated with her, happy with her, knew what she was going through-what a great relatable character KJ is, huh?
TINY SPOILER........
I can also that Tama Gold just burns my toast! Boy what a brat, and thankgoodness KJ turned out to be a smart girl after all. The best part about Geek Magnet was forgiveness and that being "popular" is not important.
Okay, now I can truthfully say I Am a Geek. After all, we ARE the smart ones.......

Kieran Scott is also the author of I Was a Non-Blonde Cheerleader, A Non-Blonde Cheerleader in Love, and Brunettes Strike Back.

Age Group: YA, ages 13+
Genre: Realistic/Contemporary, Comedy, Romance
Content: Mild crude humor, family violence, references to teen drinking, and mild language
Recommend? Yes

I absolutetly loved this book!
It's such a great story about popularity, friendship, boys, and family.

KJ and myself are so much alike. I could really understand where she is coming from. We are both geek magnets, we think similarily, and we both are involved in musicals (except i actually preform in them rather than work back stage).

I love Robbie! He is so sweet and i quiet often found myself laughing out loud to some of the things he says. Such a great character.

I highly recommend this book not only for teens but also for anyone.