Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (Confessions of Georgia Nicolson, Book 1) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Dad had Uncle Eddie round, so naturally they had to come and see what I was up to..." (more)
Key Phrases: stiff dylans, sex god, Uncle Eddie, New Zealand, Herr Kamyer (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

She has a precocious 3-year-old sister who tends to leave wet nappies at the foot of her bed, an insane cat who is prone to leg-shredding "Call of the Wild" episodes, and embarrassing parents who make her want to escape to Stonehenge and dance with the Druids. No wonder 14-year-old Georgia Nicolson laments, "Honestly, what is the point?" A Bridget Jones for the younger set, Georgia records the momentous events of her life--and they are all momentous--in her diary, which serves as a truly hilarious account of what it means to be a modern girl on the cusp of womanhood. No matter that her particular story takes place in England, the account of her experiences rings true across the ocean (and besides, "Georgia's Glossary" swiftly eradicates any language barriers).

The author, Louise Rennison, is a British comedy writer and it shows. Whether Georgia is dealing with wearing a bra ("OK, it's a bit on the loose side and does ride up round my neck if I run for the bus"), pondering kissing and how to know which way to turn your head ("You don't want to be bobbing around like pigeons for hours"), or managing the results of an overzealous eyebrow-plucking episode ("Obviously, now I have to stay in forever"), she always cracks us up. Georgia struggles with the myriad issues facing teen girls--boys, of course being at the forefront--but she does it with such humor and honesty it almost seems like a good time. This refreshingly funny book is ripe for a sequel, which readers will await in droves. (Ages 11 and older). --Brangien Davis --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Publishers Weekly

British writer Rennison's subject matter may be the stuff of Bridget Jones's Diary, but the wit and bite of her delivery shares more in common with Monty Python. In a spectacular YA debut (Rennison is a comedy writer and columnist), the author creates a winning protagonist in the persona of 14-year-old Georgia Nicolson, whose wry observations and self-deprecating humor covers everything from prudish parents and bed-wetting three-year-old siblings to errant cat behavior and kissing (aka snogging) lessons. Teens will discover that nothing is sacred here (e.g., "Talking of breasts, I'm worried that I may end up like the rest of the women in my family, with just the one bust, like a sort of shelf affair"). Rennison exquisitely captures the fine art of the adolescent ability to turn chaos into stand-up comedy. For instance, when Georgia's father finds a new job in New Zealand, the teen says she's already formed her opinion of the country based on the TV show Neighbours; when her mother says, "Well, that's set in Australia," Georgia thinks, "What is this, a family crisis or a geography test?" Written as diary entries, the novel flouts the conceit, as when Georgia reports on a tennis match that she's playing concurrently ("I fall to my knees like McEnroe and the crowd is going mad"). The author bio indicates that Rennison is working on two more Georgia books; readers can only hope this heroine will keep them laughing all the way through high school. Ages 12-up. (May)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Library Binding edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (April 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064472272
• ISBN-13: 978-0064472272
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (616 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #33,791 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Even Grown-Ups Will Love This Book!, May 18, 2001

By	Dianna Johnston "Compulsive Reader" (Joplin, MO) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

If ever there was a book that matched the hilarity and wittiness of Bridget Jones, this is it! And even if you are an old lady, like me, you can appreciate the teenage antics and woes of Georgia Nicolson. After all, we've been there, done that...

Fourteen-year-old Georgia Nicolson is just like any other her age although she doesn't always see that. She thinks she's ugly, has no boyfriend potential, and believes her parents are a little (or a lot!) on the naff side. Well, what teenager HASN'T thought this! Reading this book is like having a reunion with myself. I was Georgia about 13 years ago and acted much in the same way. And author Louise Rennison was Georgia's age at one time, too, which is undoubtedly the reason Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging is pin-point accurate.

The humor, which spurs big bouts of fall-off-your-seat laughter, is this book's best asset, especially if you're in the mood to laugh. Georgia's 3-year-old sister, Libby, is too cute for words, and if you are a cat fanatic, you will most likely enjoy Angus the Scottish wildcat, who plays a sizable role in the story. A very quick book to get through, written in an easy-to-read diary format, complete with a handy British slang glossary in the back. Must read this novel -- it'll take a few years off you, make you smile, and have you wishing you were 14 again if only for one day. Kudos, Louise Rennison!

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars hilarious!, May 3, 2000

By	divalcious (nj) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (Hardcover)

Anyone thinking of picking this book up needs to do so right away. You know how sometimes when you read a book jacket and it says "laugh out loud funny" but it's not? Well this one actually made me laugh out loud all throughout it. The author needs to make a sequel because I can't wait to read more about Georgia. Also, I'm 28 so don't let the young adult label phase you. This book will make people of any age crack up.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and laughable read for all ages., May 30, 2001

By	Denise Bentley "Kelsana" (The California Redwoods) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (Hardcover)

Georgia Nicolson is 14 years old and right in the throws of everything a teenager holds sacred. As we experience life through her eyes we are brought back to a time that was simple yet complicated. However can that be you ask? Just lose yourself in this enjoyable piece of fiction for a day and you will find yourself laughing out loud and looking for someone to share the many hysterical bits of Georgia's life.

She has a cat that is big enough to stalk and eat the poodle next door and a three-year-old sister that smells a bit "hamsterish". She is in need of a first kiss and is learning from Peter who gives free kissing lessons to anyone who knocks on his front door before his mom gets home at 6:30. Georgia will charm you from the first sentence when she introduces you to her Uncle Eddie who is as "bald as a coot" and can't pass up a chance to ask her, "Should bald heads be buttered?". The scenarios are endless as well as hilarious. This is a wonderful light and quick read when you just want to have a laugh and remember how it was to be a teenager. Kelsana 5/31/01