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Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl
Margo Zimmerman is gay, but she didn’t know until now. An overachiever at heart, Margo is determined to ace her newly discovered gayness. All she needs is the right tutor.
Abbie Sokoloff has her own gayness down to a science. But a flunking grade in US History is threatening her acceptance to her dream school. All she needs is the right tutor.
Margo agrees to help Abbie get her history grade up in exchange for “Queer 101” lessons. But as they spend more and more time together, Margo realizes she doesn’t want just any girl—she wants the girl.
Abbie Sokoloff has her own gayness down to a science. But a flunking grade in US History is threatening her acceptance to her dream school. All she needs is the right tutor.
Margo agrees to help Abbie get her history grade up in exchange for “Queer 101” lessons. But as they spend more and more time together, Margo realizes she doesn’t want just any girl—she wants the girl.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews
May 16, 2023
YA isn't my preferred genre, but this was great. Humour, self-discovery, quiet pining for that girl you shouldn't like, anxiety, insecurity, neurodiversity, and a whole lot of
'BE YOURSELF AND F*CK WHAT ANYONE ELSE THINKS!'
🙌
First, I would like to know why YA has the lion's share of sapphic humour. Someone please tell me why the adults aren't injecting this much humour into their books. More full-on romcom, please! This is the thing that brings me (begrudgingly) back to YA so often. 😞
That aside, this was a really well-rounded and enjoyable listen. I'll even go so far as to say that I'd recommend the audiobook. Kristin DiMurcurio didn't do it for me with Delilah Green because I felt like she fit more as a YA narrator; as luck would have it, she really does! The other narrator did a fantastic job as well, so it's definitely worth a listen! 🎧✅
Here's what to expect:
* ✊ Great neurodiv reps! I know I say this often in my reviews, but that's because I think it's important and fantastic to see these characters becoming more prevalent! Look forward to a fantastic and prominent autism rep with a lot of positivity around that aspect of her character, and an ADHD rep. I loved the portayal of and positivity around these traits!
* Beautiful depth of character without the abundance of thoughts from each character becoming too much or ruining the 'show-don't-tell' balance.
* Two wonderful coming-of-age stories. Even though one character knew her sexuality and was comfortable in it from the start, there was still a lot of character development for both MCs which felt well-balanced.
* 😂 Lots of humour kept there from being any dull moments.
* Some great side characters...and some really sh*tty ones, of course. (It's a YA, there must be *ssholes!)
* 💕 A cute romance, obviously.
* 🔥 A surprisingly steamy (for YA) romance. Now, on this point, some may get the ick, but let me explain: The story is realistic about the sexual activity of teens. One of the MCs is sexually active, one is not so much. There are no really explicit sex scenes, but there is sexual tension and an awkward, fumbling, cautious semi-FTB scene. It's done well and gives more than just that 'omg, they finally kissed!' that many YA stories leave you with (which is, of course, fine and can be appropriate for some stories.)
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this for a fun, light, and positive read/listen! 💯
First, I would like to know why YA has the lion's share of sapphic humour. Someone please tell me why the adults aren't injecting this much humour into their books. More full-on romcom, please! This is the thing that brings me (begrudgingly) back to YA so often. 😞
That aside, this was a really well-rounded and enjoyable listen. I'll even go so far as to say that I'd recommend the audiobook. Kristin DiMurcurio didn't do it for me with Delilah Green because I felt like she fit more as a YA narrator; as luck would have it, she really does! The other narrator did a fantastic job as well, so it's definitely worth a listen! 🎧✅
Here's what to expect:
* ✊ Great neurodiv reps! I know I say this often in my reviews, but that's because I think it's important and fantastic to see these characters becoming more prevalent! Look forward to a fantastic and prominent autism rep with a lot of positivity around that aspect of her character, and an ADHD rep. I loved the portayal of and positivity around these traits!
* Beautiful depth of character without the abundance of thoughts from each character becoming too much or ruining the 'show-don't-tell' balance.
* Two wonderful coming-of-age stories. Even though one character knew her sexuality and was comfortable in it from the start, there was still a lot of character development for both MCs which felt well-balanced.
* 😂 Lots of humour kept there from being any dull moments.
* Some great side characters...and some really sh*tty ones, of course. (It's a YA, there must be *ssholes!)
* 💕 A cute romance, obviously.
* 🔥 A surprisingly steamy (for YA) romance. Now, on this point, some may get the ick, but let me explain: The story is realistic about the sexual activity of teens. One of the MCs is sexually active, one is not so much. There are no really explicit sex scenes, but there is sexual tension and an awkward, fumbling, cautious semi-FTB scene. It's done well and gives more than just that 'omg, they finally kissed!' that many YA stories leave you with (which is, of course, fine and can be appropriate for some stories.)
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this for a fun, light, and positive read/listen! 💯
Read
October 26, 2022Official blurb TK. Unofficially, imagine Ciara Smyth mashing up LATE TO THE PARTY and SHE GETS THE GIRL, but Jewish! (And autistic!) Truly delightful.
March 29, 2023
this book tried so hard to be some kind of authentic gen z lgbt voice and failed even harder.
the problem with multi pov books is that more often than not, at least one of those povs will be utterly unbearable. i hated abbie. i’ve read almost 40 books so far this year and she was the most irritating, unlikeable lead yet.
for a book that featured a lot of “lessons” on sapphic culture, parts of it were also blatantly lesbophobic. abbie frequently complains of the biphobia she faces, all while perpetuating negative lesbian stereotypes and putting down the other mc, margo, for her sexuality.
i’m autistic and a lesbian and was really excited about the autistic lesbian character but the book was just so godawful i couldn’t even appreciate that.
also, can we stop with the john mayer references in 2023? we’re better than this! would’ve, could’ve, should’ve, bitch!
the problem with multi pov books is that more often than not, at least one of those povs will be utterly unbearable. i hated abbie. i’ve read almost 40 books so far this year and she was the most irritating, unlikeable lead yet.
for a book that featured a lot of “lessons” on sapphic culture, parts of it were also blatantly lesbophobic. abbie frequently complains of the biphobia she faces, all while perpetuating negative lesbian stereotypes and putting down the other mc, margo, for her sexuality.
i’m autistic and a lesbian and was really excited about the autistic lesbian character but the book was just so godawful i couldn’t even appreciate that.
also, can we stop with the john mayer references in 2023? we’re better than this! would’ve, could’ve, should’ve, bitch!
May 14, 2023
A delightful and surprisingly horny/sex-positive queer YA romance / coming of gayge book where two opposites-attract teen girls fall for each other. Margo is an overachiever who wants to ace her newfound gayness, so she enlists Abbie, a tomboy skater girl who's been out as queer forever to "teach her how to be gay"; Abbie needs help bringing up her grade in history, a subject Margo loves, so it's an even trade.
I loved Margo in all her sweet naive baby dykeness right away; Abbie got off to a rough start (intentionally, I think, on the authors' part) so if you're a bit wary of her at first, keep reading.
I loved how seamlessly Margo being autistic and Jewish was weaved into the story and how Abbie's BFF is slowly revealed as the asshole she really is, and how the reader realizes how lonely poor Abbie is, despite the confident hot queer girl vibes.
This was really funny and I laughed out loud lots of times. If you liked She Gets the Girl, this has similar vibes but neurodivergent, queer, Jewish, and more sex!
I loved Margo in all her sweet naive baby dykeness right away; Abbie got off to a rough start (intentionally, I think, on the authors' part) so if you're a bit wary of her at first, keep reading.
I loved how seamlessly Margo being autistic and Jewish was weaved into the story and how Abbie's BFF is slowly revealed as the asshole she really is, and how the reader realizes how lonely poor Abbie is, despite the confident hot queer girl vibes.
This was really funny and I laughed out loud lots of times. If you liked She Gets the Girl, this has similar vibes but neurodivergent, queer, Jewish, and more sex!
November 28, 2022
Absolutely delightful. Official blurb TK.
June 24, 2023
This was super cute and funny. I loved the theme that there's no right or wrong way to be gay.
A couple of times I felt this crossed the line into lesbophobia. But also, maybe I was being sensitive about it…I don’t know.
A couple of times I felt this crossed the line into lesbophobia. But also, maybe I was being sensitive about it…I don’t know.
June 29, 2024
There was a lot to like here, Abbie is bi-sexual and Margo has decided she is gay, but does not seem to know how to be. So trading gay training with help in history class seems to make for a building relationship. The two leads are well done, but most of the extraneous extras, not so much. Very uneven story with some good education material within. A couple of notable quotes below. 3+ stars.
'The point is, sex is what you define it as. Don't let someone else tell you what does and doesn't count. And, listen - you're pretty headstrong, but no one talks about this so I'm going to - don't let anyone of any gender bully or coerce or force you into doing anything you don't want to do. Consent knows no bounds.' pg 193
'You don't talk about sex like this, like a medical professional, to someone you want to have it with. pg 194
'The point is, sex is what you define it as. Don't let someone else tell you what does and doesn't count. And, listen - you're pretty headstrong, but no one talks about this so I'm going to - don't let anyone of any gender bully or coerce or force you into doing anything you don't want to do. Consent knows no bounds.' pg 193
'You don't talk about sex like this, like a medical professional, to someone you want to have it with. pg 194
October 5, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
If you're looking for a cute sapphic romance that also gives a solid introduction to queer safe sex, biphobia, and the fact that you don't have to look or dress or act in a particular way to be valid as a queer person, this book is fantastic. I think this is PERFECT for teenagers because it manages to offer great education while simultaneously delivering an adorable rom-com where an openly bi-girl agrees to teach an over achiever about gay culture in exchange for academic tutoring.
Margo is autisic, Jewish, and has finally realized she's a lesbian after a telling game of spin the bottle. Abbie is visibly queer and seems like the perfect person to help her master the art of queerness. But along the way they just might catch feelings....
I love how deftly this examines some of the pitfalls of queer communities, the struggles of coming out (and not just once) and the way neurodivergence can impact how people frame their sense of identity or deal with big changes. It's an excellent novel and I really recommend it to any teachers or librarians working with teens! I received a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.
If you're looking for a cute sapphic romance that also gives a solid introduction to queer safe sex, biphobia, and the fact that you don't have to look or dress or act in a particular way to be valid as a queer person, this book is fantastic. I think this is PERFECT for teenagers because it manages to offer great education while simultaneously delivering an adorable rom-com where an openly bi-girl agrees to teach an over achiever about gay culture in exchange for academic tutoring.
Margo is autisic, Jewish, and has finally realized she's a lesbian after a telling game of spin the bottle. Abbie is visibly queer and seems like the perfect person to help her master the art of queerness. But along the way they just might catch feelings....
I love how deftly this examines some of the pitfalls of queer communities, the struggles of coming out (and not just once) and the way neurodivergence can impact how people frame their sense of identity or deal with big changes. It's an excellent novel and I really recommend it to any teachers or librarians working with teens! I received a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own.
Want to read
October 13, 2022Dahlia Adler pitched this as "Ciara Smyth mashing up LATE TO THE PARTY and SHE GETS THE GIRL, but Jewish! (And autistic!)" and now i need to read it immediately thanks
April 14, 2024
Margo Zimmerman is the super cool kid others don’t know whether they want to be or be with. She aces all her classes, she’s part of the high school swim team, she’s gorgeous, and her family is wonderful. When she realises she’s a lesbian, she wants to learn everything about being gay, from the culture to meeting girls. One of her teammates is openly queer, so Margo asks her to teach her. Abbie Sokoloff, who is struggling in one of her classes, agrees, in exchange for some tutoring.
I love that for once, the autistic MC is the self-confident character, not the awkward one. Margo has zero issues with being on the spectrum. It’s who she is. Take it or leave it. At first, Abbie may seem rude and dismissive, but as the story unfolds, it’s easy to understand her initial behaviour. The person behind the persona is a lot more likable, as Margo will find out.
This audiobook kept me chuckling for most of the time I listened to it. I laughed aloud any time one of the Zimmerman’s family’s pets was mentioned because they all have such brilliant names. I loved Margo’s relationship with her brother, who is also queer, and a communist. He’s not the most helpful on her journey to understand how to act gay (spoiler: there’s no right way), but I loved the way he teases her lovingly and respectfully. Another thing I liked is that even though it’s a YA book, it’s spicy. Teens have sex in real life and while I don’t necessarily expect sex scenes in books aimed at teenagers, I like that there are, sometimes. Because, you know, life.
Dual narrations aren’t often convincing to me, but I rather enjoyed this one. I loved Kristen DiMercurio’s performance in Ashley Herring Blake’s Bright Falls series and I loved her in this too. Marli Watson was a new narrator to me, she’s great as well, and I hope to hear her in more sapphic stories. The whole narration is excellent but my favourite part was the first kiss, which sounds like spoken word poetry. 4.5⭐️
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
June 15, 2023
WOW WOW WOW.
I’m gonna come back and review this later, but the wows will have to suffice while my brain comes down from the euphoria of reading this book.
---
Review update:
It’s been a few days since I was stunned into speechlessness after finishing this book, but I’m back with what I hope is a better review than the repeated wows I left you off with before.
Margo Zimmerman’s epiphany, after a spin the bottle kiss with her very pretty classmate, is that she’s gay. And Margo’s reaction to this revelation isn’t: “Oh shit, I’m gay. I don’t want to be gay!” It’s more along the lines of: “Oh shit, I’m gay. How do I be gay?” Because if there’s one thing Margo is good at—and let’s be honest, Margo is good at a lot of things—it’s knowing how do pretty much anything… As long as she knows the rules and parameters. When the internet, her brother, and her attempt at a local queer club’s teen afternoon fail her, she opts for the next best option: ask her classmate, swimming teammate, and known queer girl, Abbie Sokoloff, to teach her how to be gay.
But Margo and Abbie aren’t friends and Abbie has her own shit to deal with, like trying not to fail her AP History class so that her university acceptance isn’t revoked. She’s also basically raising herself, since her parents can’t seem to get their shit together. The last thing she needs is to help seemingly perfect Margo Zimmerman with anything. But especially with being gay because there isn’t a “how to” in queerness; one just is.
What follows is heartwarming and hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking. And I loved every minute of it. This book is primarily dealing with the question of queer identity and the gatekeeping that sometimes comes with that from within the queer community. But it’s more than that too.
I fell in book love with Margo and Abbie. I watched them forge an unlikely friendship and then an even unlikelier romance. And I loved every second of it.
Some other things you’ll finding in these pages:
- Not one, but two Jewish protagonists.
- Autism representation. And representation that shows Margo thriving.
- Popular kids who aren’t assholes and less popular kids who aren’t (not that I’m here to defend popular kids, but it was nice to see something different than what pop culture usually presents)
If I had to criticize this book for anything is that sometimes it was hard to follow the narrative. Shrum and Waxelbaum go for what I think is an attempt at teenage sentence structure and diction. So there were a lot of incomplete sentences and I had to reread parts to figure out the meaning or intent.
4.5 stars
June 15th - Just a wee update:
I just listened to the audiobook and the issues I had above with the novel cease to be an issue when you listen to it. The audiobook is fantastic. I had wondered if I'd rated it too highly last month, but nope. I loved it just as much, if not more than when I first read it.
I’m gonna come back and review this later, but the wows will have to suffice while my brain comes down from the euphoria of reading this book.
---
Review update:
It’s been a few days since I was stunned into speechlessness after finishing this book, but I’m back with what I hope is a better review than the repeated wows I left you off with before.
Margo Zimmerman’s epiphany, after a spin the bottle kiss with her very pretty classmate, is that she’s gay. And Margo’s reaction to this revelation isn’t: “Oh shit, I’m gay. I don’t want to be gay!” It’s more along the lines of: “Oh shit, I’m gay. How do I be gay?” Because if there’s one thing Margo is good at—and let’s be honest, Margo is good at a lot of things—it’s knowing how do pretty much anything… As long as she knows the rules and parameters. When the internet, her brother, and her attempt at a local queer club’s teen afternoon fail her, she opts for the next best option: ask her classmate, swimming teammate, and known queer girl, Abbie Sokoloff, to teach her how to be gay.
But Margo and Abbie aren’t friends and Abbie has her own shit to deal with, like trying not to fail her AP History class so that her university acceptance isn’t revoked. She’s also basically raising herself, since her parents can’t seem to get their shit together. The last thing she needs is to help seemingly perfect Margo Zimmerman with anything. But especially with being gay because there isn’t a “how to” in queerness; one just is.
What follows is heartwarming and hilarious and sometimes heartbreaking. And I loved every minute of it. This book is primarily dealing with the question of queer identity and the gatekeeping that sometimes comes with that from within the queer community. But it’s more than that too.
I fell in book love with Margo and Abbie. I watched them forge an unlikely friendship and then an even unlikelier romance. And I loved every second of it.
Some other things you’ll finding in these pages:
- Not one, but two Jewish protagonists.
- Autism representation. And representation that shows Margo thriving.
- Popular kids who aren’t assholes and less popular kids who aren’t (not that I’m here to defend popular kids, but it was nice to see something different than what pop culture usually presents)
If I had to criticize this book for anything is that sometimes it was hard to follow the narrative. Shrum and Waxelbaum go for what I think is an attempt at teenage sentence structure and diction. So there were a lot of incomplete sentences and I had to reread parts to figure out the meaning or intent.
4.5 stars
June 15th - Just a wee update:
I just listened to the audiobook and the issues I had above with the novel cease to be an issue when you listen to it. The audiobook is fantastic. I had wondered if I'd rated it too highly last month, but nope. I loved it just as much, if not more than when I first read it.
May 31, 2023
I’m an autistic femme lesbian (who loves history and horses) and I have never felt more seen in a book.
I loved the bi-rep a LOT and the fact people TALKED instead of just… walking away from conversation.
I’ve read almost 150 books this year, but this is my absolute favourite.
I loved the bi-rep a LOT and the fact people TALKED instead of just… walking away from conversation.
I’ve read almost 150 books this year, but this is my absolute favourite.
August 27, 2023
Margo Zimmerman can now speak her truth. She is gay. The picture perfect femme presenting, sundress wearing, cute sandals, teen cover girl kind of gay. She has spent her entire life getting the best grades, swimming trophies, and being the most popular girl in high school. Now she wants to succeed at being gay so Margo straightforwardly approaches Bi teammate Abbie with a proposition. Help Margo figure out the ins and outs of the lgbtqia+ world and in turn, Margo will help Abbie with AP History.
Tropes like this story are fun because you get the familiar, two people falling for each other in spite of differences but also a unique telling of that growing connection. Margo and Abbie have great chemistry and are hilarious together. I had fun listening to the story and the dual narration by Marli Watson and Kristen DiMercurio added all the right nuances. In addition, with high school ending and adult responsibilities looming in their near futures, both Abbie and Margo are learning to be good people despite life’s obstacles.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Tropes like this story are fun because you get the familiar, two people falling for each other in spite of differences but also a unique telling of that growing connection. Margo and Abbie have great chemistry and are hilarious together. I had fun listening to the story and the dual narration by Marli Watson and Kristen DiMercurio added all the right nuances. In addition, with high school ending and adult responsibilities looming in their near futures, both Abbie and Margo are learning to be good people despite life’s obstacles.
4.5 stars rounded up.
June 1, 2023
Very fun and educational 🤣😂🤣
March 26, 2023
i'm an autistic lesbian so to say i was hyped for this book would be an understatement. unfortunately, even though there was so much potential here and some parts i did really like, i couldn't get past the writing.
this book tries really hard to have a realistic gen-z teen voice, but to me (a teenager), it felt like the authors didn't know how we talked, yet tried to mimic it anyway. in my opinion, that resulted in the wrong kind of chaos, and beyond that, i personally felt like some things went to fast for me as a reader to be invested.
i wish this book delved a little deeper into its important topics, but i guess i'll have to accept this one was not for me...
this book tries really hard to have a realistic gen-z teen voice, but to me (a teenager), it felt like the authors didn't know how we talked, yet tried to mimic it anyway. in my opinion, that resulted in the wrong kind of chaos, and beyond that, i personally felt like some things went to fast for me as a reader to be invested.
i wish this book delved a little deeper into its important topics, but i guess i'll have to accept this one was not for me...
April 2, 2023
Note: I originally wrote my review during the HarperCollins strike, but have misplaced where I saved it on my computer so this will be shorter/more condensed than others until I can do a reread.
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by Inkyard Press.
Margo Zimmerman recently realized she was a lesbian, but doesn't know how to be gay. Abbie Sokoloff has been out and proud for a long time, but a failing grade in US History threatens her dream school acceptance. Margo offers to tutor Abbie in exchange for “Queer 101” lessons. As they spend more time together it becomes clear that soon they'll just want each other.
Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl is an adorable young adult sapphic romance. I was happy that this book featured two gay Jewish girls–I'm finally seeing myself represented in literature–if only these stories existed when I was in high school, then I would've know I was queer much earlier too. This book was very relatable to anyone who may be questioning or confused about their sexual orientation. While I can not specifically comment on the autism representation in terms of authenticity, I thought it was well-written and thought it was wonderful to see.
Of course there is no correct way to be gay, but it was charming to see Margo go through the motions with her lessons from Abbie. Their connection was very sweet.
It's important to note how Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl explores events and actions that may be triggering to some readers including mentions of biphobia, parental neglect and toxic friendships. I thought the authors did a great job dealing with these tough topics.
This coming-of-age story is very warm-hearted and I definitely recommend it.
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by Inkyard Press.
Margo Zimmerman recently realized she was a lesbian, but doesn't know how to be gay. Abbie Sokoloff has been out and proud for a long time, but a failing grade in US History threatens her dream school acceptance. Margo offers to tutor Abbie in exchange for “Queer 101” lessons. As they spend more time together it becomes clear that soon they'll just want each other.
Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl is an adorable young adult sapphic romance. I was happy that this book featured two gay Jewish girls–I'm finally seeing myself represented in literature–if only these stories existed when I was in high school, then I would've know I was queer much earlier too. This book was very relatable to anyone who may be questioning or confused about their sexual orientation. While I can not specifically comment on the autism representation in terms of authenticity, I thought it was well-written and thought it was wonderful to see.
Of course there is no correct way to be gay, but it was charming to see Margo go through the motions with her lessons from Abbie. Their connection was very sweet.
It's important to note how Margo Zimmerman Gets the Girl explores events and actions that may be triggering to some readers including mentions of biphobia, parental neglect and toxic friendships. I thought the authors did a great job dealing with these tough topics.
This coming-of-age story is very warm-hearted and I definitely recommend it.
July 19, 2023
loved this :) strikes a really fun balance between classic queer YA + excellent hs au fanfiction. there are some obvious broad strokes, but that’s the fic way! also shockingly horny in the most delightful way. sometimes teens fuck!! i loved the audio performance from both narrators. best moments were 1) when margo pauses by the knife block when abbie’s dad sucks and 2) the excellent pet names (the british peerage! best friend black horse!)
December 10, 2022
Loved this but I will be withholding my review until the Harper Collins Union has their reasonable demands met.
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Love sapphic books, too? Let's be friends! Booktok | Bookstagram | Twitter
May 15, 2023
This was cute and quick read. It's a sapphic high school story.
Abbie teaches Margo how to be queer in exchange for history lessons.
Abbie teaches Margo how to be queer in exchange for history lessons.
April 14, 2023
Margo Zimmerman realizes during a game of spin the bottle that she is attracted to girls. Figuring out she is gay during her senior year of high school has its challenges. She decides she needs a mentor to teach her queerness and sets her sight on Abbie Sokoloff. She is bisexual and has been out since 8th grade. But Abby has her own issues. She is failing her AP US History class and the college that accepted her is now revoking her admittance because of her grades. Margo can tutor Abby in history and in return Abby will teach her about being gay.
The best thing in the story is all the representation. Margo is autistic, Abby is ADHD, Margo’s brother is pansexual and poly, Abby's bf Charlie is a gold star lesbian and the mains are also Jewish. I thought it was a bit overboard in all it’s labeling. Margo and Abby start off antagonistic but of course become friends. Margo isn’t Abby’s type but there is a spark. Abby also loves Margo’s supportive, funny, loving family. And her own uncaring, fighting parents suffer by comparison. The lessons themselves are fun and can be as simple as how to stand or sit gay.
Margo’s autism isn’t the focus but there are comments about her focusing on eye contact, zoning out, masking and stemming. The flow of conversations, to me is at times hard to follow. I know the authors are trying to have characters teen speak and be cool but deciphering what they were saying got tiring. I read a lot of YA books but I am much older than the target audience so maybe it is a “me” issue. And Margo can absolutely name my future pets. I want to yell for Dame Julie Andrews to fetch a ball or tell Sir Sean Connery to be quiet.
Overall the mains are great. The friends are hit and miss because not all of them are kind or supportive of Margo and Abby spending time together. Appropriate YA novel for high school and up. Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for the ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)
The best thing in the story is all the representation. Margo is autistic, Abby is ADHD, Margo’s brother is pansexual and poly, Abby's bf Charlie is a gold star lesbian and the mains are also Jewish. I thought it was a bit overboard in all it’s labeling. Margo and Abby start off antagonistic but of course become friends. Margo isn’t Abby’s type but there is a spark. Abby also loves Margo’s supportive, funny, loving family. And her own uncaring, fighting parents suffer by comparison. The lessons themselves are fun and can be as simple as how to stand or sit gay.
Margo’s autism isn’t the focus but there are comments about her focusing on eye contact, zoning out, masking and stemming. The flow of conversations, to me is at times hard to follow. I know the authors are trying to have characters teen speak and be cool but deciphering what they were saying got tiring. I read a lot of YA books but I am much older than the target audience so maybe it is a “me” issue. And Margo can absolutely name my future pets. I want to yell for Dame Julie Andrews to fetch a ball or tell Sir Sean Connery to be quiet.
Overall the mains are great. The friends are hit and miss because not all of them are kind or supportive of Margo and Abby spending time together. Appropriate YA novel for high school and up. Thank you to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for the ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review. (3.5 Stars)
April 12, 2023
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book at first but I ended up really liking it. I didn't really like Abbie at first either, but I liked her character growth. The writing was average and sometimes cheesy. I liked Margo's family and I hated Abbie's parents and friends.
August 1, 2023
Margo Zimmerman gets the Girl has a cool premise: totally-gay-but-"visually-straight" Margo Zimmerman trades her history smarts for queer-eye=for-the-queer-girl sessions with disaster bi Abbie Sokoloff. I figured I'd get a lighthearted read about finding yourself in (and out) of the micro-labels that run rampant in the queer community. What does "dressing gay" look like, anyway? And this is coming from a lesbian who wears strictly lesbian shoes, thank you very much.
Unfortunately, this book did not deliver in that department. Or any department, really. While Margo does "find her way," the emphasis on that HUGE portion of the story is lost in the way-too-quick and way-too-forced romance. Everything about this book felt forced, really. Characterization was heavy-handed, sloppy, and honestly both girls' internal dialogues were so similar I kept forgetting who was talking. Jokes and pop culture references felt super cringe, Margo's autism feels like an afterthought, and Abbie's EVERYTHING—her neglectful parents, her fight with her best friend—just seemed so ridiculous and there-to-show-she-has-struggles that, in all honesty, I wish I'd just DNF'd and spent my time reading something better.
But, I kept reading. Because while maybe this wasn't the book for me, I do like keeping abreast of what's in YA because my students enjoy it and I have a bunch of them who love romance. They'd love this book, then, because there's a really weird sex scene in it? I'm not one to censor anything and I think reflecting real teens experiences' in literature is important, but the sex scene in this book felt like something I'd find in an adult romance novel. Knowing these girls are seniors in high school took me so far out of this book and made it so that I'd not feel comfortable recommended this or having it on my shelf. It's just a bit too... graphic for an adult to feel comfortable recommended to a student.
Anyway, this was NOT the book for me. I won't yuck someone's yum (though I guess I just did?) but... yeah. No thanks.
Unfortunately, this book did not deliver in that department. Or any department, really. While Margo does "find her way," the emphasis on that HUGE portion of the story is lost in the way-too-quick and way-too-forced romance. Everything about this book felt forced, really. Characterization was heavy-handed, sloppy, and honestly both girls' internal dialogues were so similar I kept forgetting who was talking. Jokes and pop culture references felt super cringe, Margo's autism feels like an afterthought, and Abbie's EVERYTHING—her neglectful parents, her fight with her best friend—just seemed so ridiculous and there-to-show-she-has-struggles that, in all honesty, I wish I'd just DNF'd and spent my time reading something better.
But, I kept reading. Because while maybe this wasn't the book for me, I do like keeping abreast of what's in YA because my students enjoy it and I have a bunch of them who love romance. They'd love this book, then, because there's a really weird sex scene in it? I'm not one to censor anything and I think reflecting real teens experiences' in literature is important, but the sex scene in this book felt like something I'd find in an adult romance novel. Knowing these girls are seniors in high school took me so far out of this book and made it so that I'd not feel comfortable recommended this or having it on my shelf. It's just a bit too... graphic for an adult to feel comfortable recommended to a student.
Anyway, this was NOT the book for me. I won't yuck someone's yum (though I guess I just did?) but... yeah. No thanks.
December 11, 2023
Reread #1 - 11/12/23
Yeah this slayed just as much as the first time around. I did try and read the physical book, but found myself continuously going back to the audiobook. This is one of those audiobooks where the narrators just really elevated the experience.
In hindsight, while I think there’s room for characters like Charlie in queer ya, I do think it’s a shame that Abbie had no allies in her life. Her queer friends were assholes, and her parents were even bigger assholes. I think it’s important to represent homophobia coming from queer people and the damage that does. But it seems a shame that Abbie had queer friends who were just nice loving people. I worry that the lack of positive representation in stories like this might cause young people to view queer spaces, as even scarier and potentially hostile places and yeah sure they can be overwhelmingly they are not! It would’ve been nice to see Abbie have some support from queer friends who just loved and excepted her (could’ve been an option for this, but instead, they only had like two things)
But all in all I really LOVE this book and the audio is just fabulous!
Initial read - 25/05/23
Loved it. The storyline is solid, the relationship is well developed and the character development was just CHEFS KISS!!! I loved the way queer teenagedom was depicted including the way both girls learnt to be better allys to themselves and their community. The deconstruction of issues like biphobia within the queer community, “gold star lesbians”, and the idea you need to look a certain way to be queer were just such relevant and important topics for young readers to hear about. I also liked the autistic rep. All in all, this is definitely one of the best fxf YA/NA books I’ve read and I look forward to the paperbacks release so I can cop a physical copy!
Yeah this slayed just as much as the first time around. I did try and read the physical book, but found myself continuously going back to the audiobook. This is one of those audiobooks where the narrators just really elevated the experience.
In hindsight, while I think there’s room for characters like Charlie in queer ya, I do think it’s a shame that Abbie had no allies in her life. Her queer friends were assholes, and her parents were even bigger assholes. I think it’s important to represent homophobia coming from queer people and the damage that does. But it seems a shame that Abbie had queer friends who were just nice loving people. I worry that the lack of positive representation in stories like this might cause young people to view queer spaces, as even scarier and potentially hostile places and yeah sure they can be overwhelmingly they are not! It would’ve been nice to see Abbie have some support from queer friends who just loved and excepted her (could’ve been an option for this, but instead, they only had like two things)
But all in all I really LOVE this book and the audio is just fabulous!
Initial read - 25/05/23
Loved it. The storyline is solid, the relationship is well developed and the character development was just CHEFS KISS!!! I loved the way queer teenagedom was depicted including the way both girls learnt to be better allys to themselves and their community. The deconstruction of issues like biphobia within the queer community, “gold star lesbians”, and the idea you need to look a certain way to be queer were just such relevant and important topics for young readers to hear about. I also liked the autistic rep. All in all, this is definitely one of the best fxf YA/NA books I’ve read and I look forward to the paperbacks release so I can cop a physical copy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2023
Margo Zimmerman gets the girl, and also she should get everything she ever wants, because she's the most precious human ever.
I listened to the audiobook for this, which was GREAT, and this is the absolute cutest sapphic YA romance. The premisse of this book, of Margo getting lessons in how to be gay, is executed hilariously, and it had me laughing so often, because it was both really funny and also really earnest at the same time.
Before going in, I knew that this would have lesbian, bisexual, and Jewish rep, which is already great. But I didn't know it would also have neurodivergent rep, which was a really pleasant surprise! Margo is autistic and throughout the story, Abbie figures out she has ADHD, and what do you know, this just happens to be my favourite kind of pairing.
Aside from the romance, there's tougher conversations about queerness, friendship and family, which I thought were all really well done. This gave the book a good amount of substance without turning it into a heavy read.
All in all, I would highly recommend this, and I can see myself rereading this when in need of comfort.
I listened to the audiobook for this, which was GREAT, and this is the absolute cutest sapphic YA romance. The premisse of this book, of Margo getting lessons in how to be gay, is executed hilariously, and it had me laughing so often, because it was both really funny and also really earnest at the same time.
Before going in, I knew that this would have lesbian, bisexual, and Jewish rep, which is already great. But I didn't know it would also have neurodivergent rep, which was a really pleasant surprise! Margo is autistic and throughout the story, Abbie figures out she has ADHD, and what do you know, this just happens to be my favourite kind of pairing.
Aside from the romance, there's tougher conversations about queerness, friendship and family, which I thought were all really well done. This gave the book a good amount of substance without turning it into a heavy read.
All in all, I would highly recommend this, and I can see myself rereading this when in need of comfort.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
December 4, 2023DNF around 20 pages. It was like being repeatedly screamed at "LOOK HOW QUIRKY AND GAY AND AWKWARD I AM I AM SO AWKWARD LOOK LOOK LOOK" and I just couldn't
October 28, 2023
Ok so - I loved this book but I'm a little uncomfy with the YA rating...
I adored Abbie and Margo. Both of their characters were strong but I have a major soft spot for Margo, an autistic horse girly? She's just like me and I would die for her. The exploration into queer spaces from a person who never quite felt like she fit was really fantastic.
What stopped me up a bit was the sex. Listen, I am a firm supporter of sex being in YA books - it's normal and as long as there is nothing explicit in it I don't see a problem (a book I read recently that I think handled this well was They Hate Each Other). But the sex here was pretty explicit. Absolutely something I would expect from a New Adult genre but I think too much for a YA book.
Honestly if this book were marketed as New Adult or if these characters were in college this would be a 5 star read for me no hesitation but...idk man. Something about reading high schoolers having spicy time gave me the ick.
I adored Abbie and Margo. Both of their characters were strong but I have a major soft spot for Margo, an autistic horse girly? She's just like me and I would die for her. The exploration into queer spaces from a person who never quite felt like she fit was really fantastic.
What stopped me up a bit was the sex. Listen, I am a firm supporter of sex being in YA books - it's normal and as long as there is nothing explicit in it I don't see a problem (a book I read recently that I think handled this well was They Hate Each Other). But the sex here was pretty explicit. Absolutely something I would expect from a New Adult genre but I think too much for a YA book.
Honestly if this book were marketed as New Adult or if these characters were in college this would be a 5 star read for me no hesitation but...idk man. Something about reading high schoolers having spicy time gave me the ick.
July 22, 2024
3.75*
September 28, 2023
6/10
at first i thought i was gonna love this
then i got it when it came out. made myself read about 10 chapters of it. disliked it so much (it was mostly the mc and young adultness about it) i thought i never would pick it up and would put the rating as 0/10.
now about 4 months later i continued where i left off, and it could be my pms, but the book had me actually invested so much that i was crying a couple of times. definitely one of the y/a stories that are captivating enough.
at first i thought i was gonna love this
then i got it when it came out. made myself read about 10 chapters of it. disliked it so much (it was mostly the mc and young adultness about it) i thought i never would pick it up and would put the rating as 0/10.
now about 4 months later i continued where i left off, and it could be my pms, but the book had me actually invested so much that i was crying a couple of times. definitely one of the y/a stories that are captivating enough.
May 5, 2023
3.8⭐️ Jewish, autistic, sapphic rep??? It’s an immidiate yes from me.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room; the cover is atrocious. Okay, now please listen when I say ignore that cover and get this because it’s a great read.
Margo Zimmerman is light and upbeat, dealing with the topic of coming out in such a humorous way that I was grinning the whole way through.
The tension between the MC’s is everything and it deals with harder topics like absent parents also.
Rep// Jewish, sapphic, autistic MC, Jewish sapphic MC (I believe has ADHD), Pansexual, poly, genderqueer (any pronoun) SC.
Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me a copy for review.
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
Tw// absent parent, divorce, grade/school struggles, biphobia, coming out themes (handled positively though), ableism, stereotypes, topics of sex.
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room; the cover is atrocious. Okay, now please listen when I say ignore that cover and get this because it’s a great read.
Margo Zimmerman is light and upbeat, dealing with the topic of coming out in such a humorous way that I was grinning the whole way through.
The tension between the MC’s is everything and it deals with harder topics like absent parents also.
Rep// Jewish, sapphic, autistic MC, Jewish sapphic MC (I believe has ADHD), Pansexual, poly, genderqueer (any pronoun) SC.
Thank you to Harper Collins for sending me a copy for review.
TW’s listed below, please skip if you don’t want vague spoilers.
Tw// absent parent, divorce, grade/school struggles, biphobia, coming out themes (handled positively though), ableism, stereotypes, topics of sex.
February 24, 2024
Its books like this that give me hope for future generations. A copy should be in every library. The characters may be snarky but the hearts they contain reflects the depths we all have inside.
Thank you to Inkyard Press and Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you to Inkyard Press and Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for a honest review.
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