Bad Habits

LoveReading Says

Introducing Alex - the formidable, purple-haired President of her high school’s Feminist Society, which is quite a role given that St Mary’s is a strict co-ed Catholic boarding school ruled by servants of the patriarchy. Determined to get kicked-out from said patriarchal prison, Alex sets about staging a performance of The Vagina Monologues - a sure-fire way to secure her expulsion, while enlightening pupils, priests and nuns, and de-stigmatising the word “vagina”. 

Author Flynn Meaney has outstanding flair for creating authentic, engaging characters and dialogue, not least through Alex’s quips and comebacks. But, while she’s razor-sharp, with an ability to wither the bolshiest of boys, Alex is also the person people go to “for the stuff you can’t say to a nun or your room-mate”, and a loyal, loving friend, especially when supporting her own roommate. A romantic Disney Princess to Alex’s invincible warrior, Mary Kate’s relatable dreams and worries balance Alex’s irrepressible rebelliousness, and their friendship is a life-affirming joy.

Then there’s Hockey Player Pat, who’s not quite the boorish jock Alex initially takes him for. In fact, he comes up with a cunning way for The Vagina Monologues to be performed. The question is, can Alex bring herself to cooperate with her no-sex-before-marriage-advocating nemesis for the greater good? With a flamin’ hot finale, this rip-roaring read blazes with rebellion, friendship and the power of speaking out.

Joanne Owen

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