Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging

April 23, 2001
In a starred review, PW
said this "winning protagonist's wry observations and self-deprecating humor covers everything from prudish parents and a bed-wetting three-year-old sibling to errant cat behavior and kissing (aka snogging) lessons. A spectacular YA debut." Ages 12
-up.

Stina Nielsen is a perfect choice for this narration. She gets 14-year-old Georgia just right, capturing her wry humor and moving easily between the panic, misery, and exultation that make up a teenager's day. Whether she's experimenting with kissing, makeup, or being a best friend or a big sister, Georgia always manages to get herself into a position to look ridiculous sooner or later. The results are hilarious. As she is English, there's an interesting little glossary at the end to fill you in on all the slang Brit terms. Nielsen does a stellar narration using a bubbly cadence that has you laughing and cringing throughout. If it weren't for the picture on the cover, you'd be tempted to think her no more than 15 herself. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine