“One of the funniest protagonists since…well… ever! She fits in with Bridget Jones and Georgia Nicolson. The writing is so sharp you may cut yourself”

NO MAJOR SPOILERS

 

India Smythe Stands Up in the latest novel from Sarah Govett, author of the Trinity Schools Book Award (TSBA) winning books, The Territory series. India Smythe Stands Up is a stand-alone, young adult fiction book about 14-year-old India who is negotiating teenage life.

Sarah Govett’s India Smythe Stands Up is a funny, coming-of-age novel which reflects the trials and tribulations of growing up and being a teenager in our modern society. From smartphones, social media, and translating the vagaries of emojis to anxiety surrounding climate change, Govett’s light-hearted novel still successfully tackles some of the deeper issues young people face today.

Narrated through the eyes of our protagonist, India, Sarah Govett captures the thoughts and feelings of a teenage girl through the inner monologue of a sometimes rambling 14-year-old. As India Smythe tries to ‘fit in’ we see the pressures faced by school children, especially girls, to understand the unwritten rules of being ‘popular’.

A great read for the modern teenager, Sarah Govett’s India Smythe Stands Up is a tale of bravery, the importance of being true and loyal to your friends, and standing up for what you think is right no matter what the consequences may be.

 

Reviewed by:

Catherine Muxworthy, Booksbirdblog

Added 28th March 2020

More Reviews By
Catherine Muxworthy

 

NO MAJOR SPOILERS

 

I was a huge fan of the Territory trilogy from Sarah Govett and so when I heard about India Smythe stands up I couldn’t wait to get started. This book does not disappoint either!

India Smyth isn’t like the other girls but it takes her this entire hysterically funny novel to learn that that is actually a good thing! Clumsy, funny, and a little bit goofy, it’s likely every young girl who reads this will be able to relate to India Smythe. I passed this novel to my 15 year old daughter when I’d finished, and she also gave it a rave review!

Follow India’s story as she attempts to fit in, tries to get on board with the cool kids, chases the best looking boy in school, and eventually stands up and is counted!

India Smythe Stands Up is laugh out loud in places, funny, relatable, and with an important message for young girls. Highly recommended!

 

Reviewed by:

Kath Cross

Added 6th February 2020

More Reviews By
Kath Cross