Book Review: New Girl by Paige Harbison

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin; Original edition (January 31, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373210426
• ISBN-13: 978-0373210428

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

New Girl was one of the best YA contemporary novels I have read in ages.

Arriving at the prestigious Manderley Academy, things are going to be difficult for its newest student. Ripped from her sunny Florida life right before senior year, the cold and isolated Manderley is a world apart from what she is used to. Her roommate is hostile and bitter, the other classmates openly stare and whisper. When she learns what happened to Becca Normandy, the girl who disappeared, people look at her as though it’s her fault she isn’t there anymore. Constantly measured up to Becca, she can’t help but also compare their lives.

She tells herself it’s only one year. After that she can forget all about Becca Normandy and Manderley. But someone is catching her eye, making the gossip-mongers talk more than normal. Max Holloway. Becca’s boyfriend.

New Girl felt like the modern YA retelling of Rebecca. The setting, the holding back of the main character’s name, and the ghost of the ex haunting thoughts and footsteps. It was expertly written and I found myself intrigued and wrapped up in the mystery and suspense. Not to mention the delicious Max Holloway.

I’m encouraging everyone to read this one.