The Girls I've Been
A New York Times Bestseller * A USA Today Bestseller * In this feminist, suspenseful thriller the daughter of a con artist is taken hostage in a bank heist--and will need to tap into all her skills in order to survive. Nora O'Malley's been a lot of girls. As the daughter of a con-artist who targets criminal men, she grew up as her mother's protégé. But when her mom fell for the mark instead of conning him, Nora pulled the ultimate con: escape. For five years Nora's been playing at normal. But she needs to dust off the skills she ditched because she has three problems: #1: Her ex walked in on her with her girlfriend. Even though they're all friends, Wes didn't know about her and Iris. #2: The morning after Wes finds them kissing, they all have to meet to deposit the fundraiser money they raised at the bank. It's a nightmare that goes from awkward to deadly, because: #3: Right after they enter the bank, two guys start robbing it. The bank robbers may be trouble, but Nora's something else entirely. They have no idea who they're really holding hostage . . . A FORBES, BUZZFEED, BOOK RIOT AND KIRKUS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
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Community Reviews
What a rollercoaster ride! This book was intense from start to finish. If you are looking for a young adult thriller - this is it.
Very unexpected. The blurb and cover seem like fun thriller vibes, but the âthrillingâ plot is completely secondary to the actual book. I guess how Iâd describe it is that it seems like itâll be a narrative book but itâs more of a character book. In a way itâs almost coming of age, though very unconventionally. Nora is 17 and grappling with the way her childhood has shaped her life and how she wishes to change it moving forward. Iâm trying to keep it vague because as much as I keep saying itâs not a super plot-based message, the plot is 100% exciting. You need a little suspension of disbelief but just let yourself have fun with it and it wonât be a problem!
I didnât find it surprising, and it didnât feel life changing. When I put it down I wasnât itching to pick it back up. But I kept wanting to find out the ending, and I definitely felt for Nora throughout.
MILD SPOILERS:
The hostage situation kept me on edge, and I liked hearing all the different ways they were getting out of situations as the plan had to keep change. I often dislike books that drag something out for too long, but it worked here since it was so action packed. And logistically, it made sense for it to be mainly focused on a few hours.
I will say the whole thing felt a little neat to me. Like yay your sister and you got out and are making a new life and you went to therapy and you outsmarted everyone in prison so youâre free! But I mean happy endings are nice soâ¦
OVERALL:
Iâm not sure Iâd recommend this. I think to the right person, yes, but itâd have to come with a warning⦠If you want an exciting book with a lot of emotional substance to go along with it, you may enjoy this one.
category: roomie book bracket #3
rating: 3.5 stars
I didnât find it surprising, and it didnât feel life changing. When I put it down I wasnât itching to pick it back up. But I kept wanting to find out the ending, and I definitely felt for Nora throughout.
MILD SPOILERS:
The hostage situation kept me on edge, and I liked hearing all the different ways they were getting out of situations as the plan had to keep change. I often dislike books that drag something out for too long, but it worked here since it was so action packed. And logistically, it made sense for it to be mainly focused on a few hours.
I will say the whole thing felt a little neat to me. Like yay your sister and you got out and are making a new life and you went to therapy and you outsmarted everyone in prison so youâre free! But I mean happy endings are nice soâ¦
OVERALL:
Iâm not sure Iâd recommend this. I think to the right person, yes, but itâd have to come with a warning⦠If you want an exciting book with a lot of emotional substance to go along with it, you may enjoy this one.
category: roomie book bracket #3
rating: 3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book. It's not the typical kind of story I go for. I didnt realize it was a YA novel at first but I liked that about it.
I felt I could relate for the FMC alot through her struggles and loved seeing her strength grow through all the girls.
I would definitely recommend!
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