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FindingJane
Jan 24, 2017FindingJane rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Adolescents typically struggle between two imperatives—fitting in or standing out. Some opt for the former because it’s better to be cool, accepted and adored than weird and hated. Others prefer the latter because they want to be individuals instead of witless, mindless sheep passively following the flock. But maybe there’s something positive to be gained from seeing the other side. This concept is thoroughly explored in this YA novel. While it reads like an exciting experiment, the switch in roles comes with some terrifying moments for both Goth girl Jade Leigh and the Barbie clone Mercedes Turner, her arch-nemesis. Suddenly, being Goth is cool, hip and trendy (and apparently a world-wide phenomenon) and being preppy is outré and freaky. The switch is both an illegal experiment and a pointed lesson to two girls who take their hostility just a little too far, once too often. Time and again, Jade and Mercedes come together (or rather collide) as they try to work on the problem while bickering, fighting and quarrelling. The author understands that being trapped in a mutual nightmare doesn’t automatically make enemies into friends. Both girls have some growing to do as well as understand what it means to walk a mile in the other person’s shoes. The novel credibly takes Jade and Mercedes through this Bizarro world and explores how it messes up their lives and yet binds them together. I’m a Gena Showalter fan although I know her through her writings aimed at an older readership. “Oh My Goth” is a terrific bit of SF as well as a top-notch entry in the YA category.