Rennison, L. (1999). Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confession of Georgia Nicolson. New York: HarperTempest. 0064472272 It’s hard to believe this book is already ten years old. It makes me wonder if, I too, am old. I certainly hope not. The diaries of British teen, Georgia, a... more

Rennison, L. (1999). Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confession of Georgia Nicolson. New York: HarperTempest. 0064472272 It’s hard to believe this book is already ten years old. It makes me wonder if, I too, am old. I certainly hope not. The diaries of British teen, Georgia, are essentially a young adult version of Bridget Jones’s Diary: Often funny, occasionally insulting, always frivolous. Georgia’s humor often emerges at the expense of others, including her best friends and parents. There are also multiple jokes describing lesbianism in negative terms. Despite these drawbacks, Rennison has managed to capture the voice of Georgia well. Although the character often feels immature for her age, she can be used to describe the ways that media and other popular narratives influence young girls. And I always end up laughing out loud. At least a little. Activities to do with the book: This book is best for entertainment. If a teacher were desperate to turn this series into a lesson, they could pair it with Pride and Prejudice or Emma by Jane Austen and describe how plot points commonly present in most romantic comedies were first developed by Austen. Favorite Quotes: “I hope you like my diary and don’t hold it against me that my great-great-great-grandparents colonized you. (Not just the two of them, obviously…)” (A Note from Georgia). “You’re fourteen years old. You’ve only had that hair for fourteen years and you want to change it already! How bored are you going to be with it by the time you are thirty? What color will you be up to by then?” (p. 13). “Georgia, what have you done now?” (p. 21). “Then [my little sister] Libby said, “Yes, I am the Queen and Georgia did a big poo this morning.” I couldn’t believe it. He [Robbie, a love interest] could not believe it. Nobody could believe it. It was unbelievable, that’s why. He stood up quickly and I said, “Er, well, I’d better be going.” (p. 64). For more of my reviews, visit sjkessel.com.