The Exile of Gigi Lane by Adrienne Maria Vrettos

Book Details
The Exile of Gigi Lane by Adrienne Maria Vrettos
Hardcover, 352 pages
2010, Margaret K. McElderry
ISBN: 1416924337

Synopsis
Heathers meets Bring It On in The Exile of Gigi Lane, where a high school queen bee's rise to glory is nothing compared to her fall from it.

Review
I thought The Exile of Gigi Lane would be a cute, fun read. It was, but it was so much more.

We experience Gigi's popularity downfall in a rigid social hierarchy that is more clearly defined than the structure of most large companies. It's hard to like Gigi, as she is completely delusional in the way she believes others view her. Her delusions make it all the more meaningful when reality begins to set in. Self-esteem is necessary to a healthy life, but in realistic proportions. Gigi's manta - "I'm Gigi Lane and you wish you were me." - speaks volumes of her opinion of herself and others.

Teen girls live in a volatile bubble where a flippant offhanded remark by one can alter another's life monumentally. The Exile of Gigi Lane is an exaggerated inside look at this bubble. We see how mean girl bullying can take on a life of its own, while also leading a person to learn what's truly important in life. Gigi is hugely hurtful to others under the guise of helping. She seems to truly believe that making mean comments is the appropriate way to teach someone how to change their life for the better. The most shocking part of the novel is that I really did sympathize for her once she got her priorities straight.

The Exile of Gigi Lane contained a bit of mystery and a twist ending I never saw coming. This book is extremely fun with some real life lessons to be discovered. The school itself was unrealistic in my mind, but the story itself was truly engaging. The Exile of Gigi Lane is deliciously evil, very funny and surprisingly touching.

Rating

Links
Adrienne Maria Vrettos' website