I enjoyed the book, and I really think it would be a good read for teenage girls, showing them that they’re not alone if they’re having a tough time at school, or on the other side, showing them the consequences their actions can have on others around them. The List is a good coming of age story, dealing with issues that real teenagers face. In a similar vein to Thirteen Reasons Why (although a lot more light hearted), I think The List highlights some of the very real issues teenagers are facing today. It does a fantastic job of showing how some of the characters are so caught up in getting the approval of their peers – and the lengths they will go to to keep it. The List explores body image, confidence and how the two are linked, not to mention friendship, loyalty, jealousy and betrayal.

I think Siobhan Vivian did an excellent job at showing how objectifying teenagers and holding them to a beauty standard is, quite frankly, damaging – not only for the girls named ugliest, but for the girls named prettiest too.

I must admit there were times early on in the book when I forgot who was who, but there’s a handy copy of the list at the front of the book and I quickly remembered the characters’ stories by checking back to it. The book centres around the eight girls on the list and their immediate friends and families. After all, prettiest or ugliest, once you’re on the list, you’ll never be the same. When they discover they are this year’s victims, Danielle, Abby, Candace, Lauren, Sarah, Bridget, Jennifer and Margo struggle with the judgements of their peers. The girls who are become the centre of attention, and each reacts differently to the experience. XO KITTY on Netflix & TSITP on Amazon Prime /// NYT bestselling author of THE LIST, STAY SWEET, WE ARE THE WILDCATS. The girls who aren’t picked are quickly forgotten. One is named the prettiest, one the ugliest. It happens every September – The List is posted all over school. I always enjoy a good YA novel, and although The List is something a bit different from the YA books I generally read, I liked the sound of it so I thought I would give it a go.

The list vivian