Review ARC: New Girl by Paige Harbison

Title: New Girl

Author: Paige Harbison

Published: January 31st 2012 by HarlequinTeen

Arc taken from netgalley

Book Description:

They call me 'New Girl'...

Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.

Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.

Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.

And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.

My Thoughts:

How long are you going to stay behind her shadows?

I’ve heard that New Girl was adapted from Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. I haven’t read that book yet, so I really can’t compare it. New Girl is a story of our heroine who moved to another school during her last year in high school, thus being the “New girl” of Manderley Academy. She didn’t know that the spot she took was that of Becca, a former student who has gone missing, and that’s when her life takes a drastic turn.

I didn’t expect that I’ll love this book. Honestly, I’m not a big fan of contemporary novels, but I’ve read a few, depending on the blurb. Before I fall by Lauren Oliver was the last one I’ve read that I enjoyed reading, and I must say that I enjoyed reading New Girl more. When I first read this, I was instantly addicted and I couldn’t put it down! I love how the POV changes from the New Girl to Becca, and I also love the idea of not revealing new girl’s name until the last chapter.

I love reading a good mystery, and this one sated my hunger for one. Throughout the book I kept on thinking what really happened to Becca. Did she really run away or was she murdered? I wanted to rip my hair out from thinking too much!

New girl is an interesting heroine. Despite all the bullying and comparison to Becca, she remained strong and refused to lose her identity. I like that about her. Dana, new girl’s roommate was really creepy. She’s obsessed with Becca and she’s crazy. I hated her whenever she does mean things to new girl and I almost wanted to throw away my kindle because of frustration. (And it’s a good thing I didn’t!)

Overall, New Girl was a fun and light read. It was captivating and it will instantly lure you into the story. Ms. Harbison really did such a great job on this one.

I give this book 4.5 whales.