This was a reread for me as I used to read and love this series as a child/almost teen. I remember thinking this was one of the coolest, mature books I could read at the time and while it makes me laugh now thinking about it (and realising how young the characters were), I still think there's a lot in this that could really resonate with young girls.

There is a lot of fatphobia in this book due to the main character Ellie always worrying about her weight, and finding new ways to criticise herself and comparing herself to her slimmer friends. While this isn't great to see and it doesn't age well, I can't say it something I would not have understood when I was the same age and also comparing myself to my friends who always seemed so much cooler, prettier and thinner than me.

I was surprised to have forgotten a lot about this book - in particular the fact that Nadine ends up with an older guy who is effectively grooming her for the entire book and pressuring her into sex. While it was great to see the dangers of this relationship and how Nadine's friends could see the signs and warn her against him - it was still just concerning as an adult to read it and I wanted ti wrap them all up in protective bubble wrap.

I enjoyed this though I think there are books later in the series that were my favourites as a kid and would probably prefer now. Looking forward to continuing on