Oh My Goth

By Gena Showalter

Book Overview

A note from Jade Leighton's journal Years ago, a tragic accident robbed me of my mother and emotions. Because I find beauty in darkness and thrive outside social norms, I've been labeled a "freak" at... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416524746
• ISBN13: 9781416524748
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: MTV Books
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.0" x 0.6" x 5.0"

Customer Reviews

The Compulsive Reader's Reviews

Jade Leigh would probably rather kill herself than become a conforming "Barbie" like almost every other girl at her school. Unfortunately, these sentiments, along with her all black dress code seemed to have guaranteed her a permanent status as Loser at her high school. But when her attitude lands her in hot water, her principal comes up with an unconventional punishment. Jade is immersed into an alternate reality, one where everyone dresses, acts like, and worships her. And what's more, she's stuck there, unless she can somehow work together with her arch nemesis, Mercedes, and find a way out. In Oh My Goth, Showalter will take you on a witty and complex Matrix-esque ride. This novel gives a wild and highly entertaining twist on the life of modern teenagers while still remaining true to reality by throwing in many of the issues millions of them face each and every day. It is evident through the dialogue and actions of these genuine and lively characters that Showalter knows teenagers, and what's more, she empathizes with them. Jade's individualism and her probing questions about life, death, acceptance, and hate give Oh My Goth a certain depth that will brand Oh My Goth in your memory for quite a long time.

Courtesy of Teens Read Too

Jade is a Goth-girl who is a total nonconformist and is a "freak" at her school. Mercedes is a "Barbie" -- blonde, super-popular, and a total conformist, who is also Jade's mortal enemy. Clarik is a new mysterious boy that has come to their high school, who Jade quickly realizes she has a crush on. The girls' principal is sick of these two girls causing problems so she decides to teach them a lesson they will never forget. After getting the parents' consent, the girls are taken to an old rundown building, strapped down, and sedated. Mercedes and Jade have no idea what is going on, until they wake up at home. They go to school only to realize that everyone has turned Goth and the "Barbies" are the "freaks" now. The girls don't like their new environment at all and are determined to find out how to get back to reality. Clarik is in the game with them and he and Jade become very close. Can he help get them back? Will they ever get back to the reality they knew? When they get home, will things be the same way they were before, or will the girls have to change? This is a super-fun, fast-paced novel that even someone who would be called a "Barbie" can like! The characters are all lovable, and I really enjoyed this book! Reviewed by: Taylor Rector

Loved it!

This is truly an original teen book and I think anyone, whether you're in the popular crowd or a 'freak', would get something from reading this. This is the first book that I've read by Gena Showalter and it wont be my last!

fine values driven tale

In high school, the students dress up as "Barbies" with four exceptions whose garb is "Goth". The quartet is treated as freaks by the norms. Jade Leigh believes in expressing her individuality as a Goth; she does not care that her peers revile her and talk disparagingly about her behind her back; especially Mercedes, the most popular student in the class as she loathes Jade with a passion. Most of the teachers detest Jade too. The Principal takes Jade and Mercedes to a building in an out of the way place. There a doctor sedates them and places them in a virtual reality experiment where most of the pupils are Goths while the few Barbie clones are Jade's few friends in the real world, but hate her in this realm. Only by working together can Jade and Mercedes find a way out of their bizarre new world. Both Mercedes and Jade learn life lessons about tolerance and acceptance of another person's lifestyle and interests. Teens will enjoy OH MY GOTH as they will relate to the school scene especially since the lead duo seems three dimensional in the real world and in the virtual realm. This is a fine values driven tale. Harriet Klausner

A great summer read for teens or college students

What would you do if you woke up and the whole world had turned goth? Well that is a little extreme but what if you woke up and your whole school is goth? Not only that what if you were once and outcast and now you are one of the coolest kids in school. That is the premise for the new MTV Books title "Oh My Goth" by Gena Showalter. Jade is totally not trying to be like anyone else. She marches to the beat of her own drum. She has a reason to be dark and a little different. Her mother died in a car accident--while teaching a then fifteen year old Jade how to drive. By 17, Jade hates school and can't understand why anyone can understand her for who she is--just a girl trying to find herself in the world. When Jade is sucked into an alternative world where everything is much different she has to depend on others to believe her story. Even though the high school goth scene isn't like it was in the late 90's, teens will relate to this story of an outsider who suddenly finds themselves a part of the in crowd. Oh My Goth is a great summer read for teens or college students. It's the perfect book to take on vacaction or to read during your down time. Teen editor Bellaonline.com