Excellent book for Teen book club - lots to discuss with themes of power, feminism, etc. ( )

Frankie Landau-Banks is feisty and intelligent. This coming of age book takes a sharp look at peer pressure and the need to belong. Set in a Northern New England wealthy prep school, the previously independent Frankie finds the spot light when one of the richest and the most attractive, popular young man looks her way. Wanting to belong in the boys network, she sadly learns the barriers and perceptions of male vs. female roles.

There is nothing particularly in depth or special about this book, but, it was a quick, delightful read. ( )

Ages 12 and Up – After a summer of swan-like transformation, Frankie Landau-Banks enters her sophomore year at her elite boarding school, Alabaster Prep, a beauty. Although she had been introduced and occasionally allowed into the popular crowd by her older sister the year before, it is only now that handsome senior Matthew notices her. As a girlfriend, Frankie is quickly accepted into the circle of upperclassmen, but she soon finds that this is not enough. Matthew and his friends are members of the all-male secret society Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds, an Alabaster tradition to which her father used to belong, and Frankie wants in. When Matthew won’t own up to having any secrets from her, Frankie follows and spies on him and his friends then, using a false online identity, orchestrates pranks for them to carry out.
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks is filled with clever wordplay, well-crafted pranks, and themes of feminism and subversion. While the writing and characters get a little pretentious at times, the novel is very engaging and was in 2009 voted a favorite by teens. Recommended for all teen collections. ( )

In this clever story by E. Lockhart, Frankie finds herself quietly trying to infiltrate a decades old, boys only secret society that is a tradition at Alabaster Prep School. In doing so, she satisfies herself on many levels, but finds the ultimate result somewhat disappointing. Frankie's goals and aspirations and her desire to be noticed will make her a character that many teens, especially girls can relate to. I found the plot intriguing and creative, but some teens will find its lack of action to be a turn-off. Those students who enjoy thinking while they read will love it. ( )

Reviewed by Lynn Crow for TeensReadToo.com

Frankie Landau-Banks has gone from geeky to gorgeous over the course of the summer, and she can hardly believe it when Matthew Livingston, the senior she worshipped from afar the year before, seems interested. But being Matthew's girlfriend comes with a lot of things Frankie didn't expect. She feels uncertain navigating the complicated politics of his social circle, and uneasy with the antics of his friends, which often seem to exclude her. Worst of all, she senses that he's not letting her all the way into his life--that, because she is a girl, he will never see her as an equal.

Then Frankie discovers that Matthew is a member of the school's exclusive--and male-only--secret society. At first she only spies on them out of curiosity. But as her desire to prove herself every bit as capable as Matthew's male conspirators grows, she finds herself getting wrapped up in the society's business of sneaking and pranking, without any of the boys suspecting a thing.

With Frankie pulling the strings, anything is possible.

THE DISREPUTABLE HISTORY OF FRANKIE LANDAU-BANKS is one of those rare books that is equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking. Frankie's exploits are full of humor, suspense, and drama, but she's not afraid to stop every now and then and consider the consequences of her actions. Her insecurities make her as believable as her smarts and her guts make her admirable. Readers will be cheering her on from beginning to end--and wondering how the things she learns along the way might apply to their own school adventures long after they've put the book down. ( )

Original post at The Little Bookworm refers to audio version

Frankie attends Alabaster Preparatory, an elite school for both old and new money alike. She begins dating Matthew Livingston, one of the most popular senior boys, her sophomore year. Matthew is a member of the school's most secret male society and Frankie wants in. Underestimated by the boys and tired of being "adorable," she makes it her mission to become the brains behind the brawn.

I've now read everything by E. Lockhart with the exception of Fly on the Wall. And I've enjoyed everything I've read. She writes such smart, witty, and real girls. Frankie is an amazing girl even I felt like smacking her now and then. She lives in a world of privilege but doesn't want to accept the status quo and won't let herself become regulate to being one of the girlfriends or just a cute girl. She wants to be powerful and recognized for her intelligence. I admire the way she went about getting what she wanted and recognize that ambition in myself. Not to the point of Frankie, but still that need to be the one in charge, to be the controller. The boys I recognize from school and from friends, boys who just are without needing to try. The way they effortlessly exist while the girls have to watch what they say or how they act lest someone assign a label to them. I think that is what Frankie is looking for, to be herself without being labeled.

Tanya Eby is the narrator and she does an excellent job. At first I thought that she read too quickly, but later realized it was tailored to the scence. Her voice is pleasant and she makes everything Frankie does seem natural and intelligent. ( )

This book managed to tie Jeremy Bentham, the Cacophony Society, and the basics tenets of Feminism all in a tidy little bow. The cherry on the sundae (or the um, trinket on top of the bow?) is Lockhart's stellar first person account of how it feels to be a knockout 15 year old who feels her personality and intelligence are undervalued by those she loves the most. Highly recommended!Also - I noticed in her "Thank You"s at the end of the book that her "writing group" consists of Scott Westerfeld, Maureen Johnson, and John Green. I guess they just get together and rub up against one another to let the genius juice get properly distributed? Man. ( )

I don't normally read YA fiction, so I was setting myself up to be disappointed by reading The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart as one of my first forays into the genre. It just wasn’t my type of book, and it unfortunately reinforced in my mind the stereotypes I have of YA fiction. Lots of people like this book, but as a newcomer to the YA genre, I am not one of them.

More thoughts on my blog

When someone recommended E. Lockhart's The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks to me, it was described as "Harriet the Spy meets Prep." I still hold onto my childhood obsession with Harriet the Spy, so I said, "Count me in for this one!"

Meet Frankie – a sharp-witted, buxomly 15-year-old who would have been classified as a mildly geeky "Bunny Rabbit" just one year ago. Sophomore year at Alabaster prep school is determinedly different than Frankie's freshman year. She is no longer "Zada's little sister" and she's landed a senior boyfriend – Matthew Livingston, the most popular guy in school. But Frankie is determined to be viewed as more than just arm candy to the senior crowd. She wants their respect as an equal, and gosh darn it, she is going to get it!

Now, Matthew turns out to be one of the Kings of the all-male Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds, a secret organization that has been around Alabaster since the 1950s and one of which Frankie knows bits and pieces (thanks to her Basset Hound-member father). Unfortunately for the present day Basset Hounds, Frankie knows more about the organization than its members, and she immediately determines this as her opportunity to get "in." Determined to not be underestimated, Frankie begins anonymously plotting a series of practical jokes that will return the Basset Hounds to their former pranking glory.

Frankie is such an enjoyable character to read. She's clever, intelligent, and strong-willed, yet she still possesses those girly qualities that worry about fitting in and having a boyfriend. She has her quirks, like using "imaginary neglected positives" - words that have a negative prefix (like un- or dis-) and a root that is not really a word, such as (im)petuous, (dis)turbed, and (in)ept. And one of my favorite conversations in the novel is a discussion on why tomato is the best fruit because it has versatility. At times, Frankie may seem like an overbearing girlfriend, but on the whole, the novel ends painting Frankie as a YA heroine (albeit, the message is blatantly stated on the last page). I think these contradictions just makes her a multi-dimensional character.

I generally find prep school novels enjoyable, because they place raging teenage emotions in an adult, college-like world. Thus, drama will always ensue. This book is most definitely a light and entertaining read that will have you hooked for the couple of hours it takes you to finish. ( )

This is the story of how Frances (Frankie) Rose Landau-Banks grows up through her sophomore year and becomes a brilliant mastermind. It involves everything about Frankie's life, from a chance meeting on the boardwalk, to her father's history, to her boarding school, to her crush on a senior boy who doesn't see her until she fits his world view, and everything else.

Moreover, it's a story especially for young women because it so clearly follows the complicated threads of what it means to be good enough and smart enough, and still not be seen for who you are. This is a story where the difference between lying and loyalty makes all the difference, and all the difference depends on where you fall on the lying-loyalty spectrum.

The story is engaging and well paced, written with a light, deft touch, and a particularly good grasp for setting up and describing those unwritten rules that are learned and followed, and which chafe so viciously. ( )

Frankie finds herself suddenly popular as the girlfriend of the hottest boy at her prestigious boarding school. Her discovery of a secret male society at the school and her desire to be considered intellectually as well as physically leads her to commit computer identity fraud with hilarious and unintended results. Anyone who enjoys young adult literature, teen romance stories, and language play should enjoy this book. CKL ( )

YA Fiction.
I very much enjoyed this book. The protagonist, Frankie is smart, funny and constantly underestimated by her family, friends and especially her popular new boyfriend. Frankie is a student at Alabaster Preparatory Academy and her boyfriend is part of a "Good Old Boys" club called The Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds. Frankie knows she will never truly belong to this group but she is determined to discover their secrets and make her own mark in life - by beating the boys at their own game. Lockhart makes some interesting correlations between Alabaster and The Panopticon ( )

The only reason I picked up this book was because it involved something called the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds - and who doesn't love a Basset.

I'm glad I did. It's targeted for the teen market - although I think it might be too "tame" for some teen audiences. I appreciated a strong willed, independent, female protaganist as she manipulates her way through a male-oriented institution.

Lacking the gratuitous sex and language many teen novels feel necessary to draw interest, the story line remains fairly wholesome with well developed characters the reader can actually begin to care about.

Not particularly thought provoking - unless you get into word play (i.e., is "dulge" the opposite of "indulge") - but a relatively quick and enjoyable read. ( )

This is the best book I've read probably since reading The Hunger Games (and everyone knows how amazing THAT book is!). The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks is definitely on my all-time-favorites list.

It is no doubt that Frankie is a very strong female protagonist, even though her family inexplicably treats her as their baby. She struggles with her identity between her sweet on the outside and known to everyone as their "Bunny Rabbit" personality, and her willful feminist persona she has manifested within. Not only is she a strong person, but a very intellectual strategist as well.

She is aware something is changing in her, but Frankie is unsure if she likes the new person she has become: secretive, deceiving, powerful. Once her family is aware of this change, they feel she has become unstable and in need of help. I don't this is true. I recognize an intelligence and an awareness in Frankie that a rare amount of teens possess.

The cast of characters is well-rounded and balanced, no matter how big or small their role was. And the pacing of the story is written such ease and flows perfectly.

The Disreputable History is a coming-of-age story. You may think it is about breaking the rules or being in control, but I think it is truly about daring to take a chance. Daring to go against the common thought, society, and convention to prove to the world you can make a difference.

The only complaint I have is the ending. I felt there was not enough closure, making the end fall flat a little. Ultimately, what happens to Frankie is no fairy tale ending. It leaves your heart aching, long after you have read the last page. And although it leaves the reader with endless thoughts and questions, my opinion is The Disreputable History is excellent, as is, as a stand-alone novel. A sequel would take some of the original's charm away.

E. Lockhart has done wonders with this book. If you haven't read it, then you obviously need to get a copy asap. Not to sound pushy or anything :) Five stars! ( )

Frankie is on summer vacation from her exclusive boarding school, when an astounding change takes poacel When she returns as a sophomore, Michael, the campus hunk notices her. And, he's a senior! Another change-Frankie no longer likes being considered inconsequential! She wants people to take her seriously! What do boarding school, basset hounds and Frankie have in common? Find out, as Frankie's plan unravels slowly in this funny look at boarding school and boys!

This book was a nice surprise, the writing is brimming with alertness and a sharp intelligence that isn't often found in 'romantic shcool fiction' which is often a genre that I steer clear of.

I best describe this book as a 'modernistic' Jane Eyre, or perhapes a more doeful Blyton...

My review clearly will not do this book justice, but here goes:

Frankie Landau-Banks has finally blossomed over the summer, and has finally been recognised as a beautiful woman by the much-worshiped senior, Matthew Livingston. Navigating the bizarre politics of his 'boyish' social circle, and juggling her own insecuries, Frankie tries her best to 'make a name' for herself.

She discovers Matthew belongs to the schools anicent secret society, which excludes all forms of female presence. And a game of cat and mouse begins...

This book explores the joys of 'sneaking and pranking' but it is very much a book for older readers. The writing style is snappy and will easily be lapped up by those with a strong fondness for witty wordplay. Not enough people have read this hidden gem! ( )

When you first met Frankie Landau-Banks, she is a girl waiting for her star to shine. She feels a little boxed in by her nickname "Bunny Rabbit" and all that it implies. People just don't seem to see her. Later, she turns the school inside out, without anyone ever guessing that she was the mastermind of all the school disorder.

This book is an easy read. It has some intrigue to keep you guessing a little bit. I like the discussion of the panopticon throughout the story, because you often wonder - what kind of supervision does this school have? Why do the students seem to run the place? And so within the story is sort of an answer. My final comment is that while it is hard to figure out what drives Frankie, she ends exactly where you might expect. Not exactly a happily ever after. And the book is all the better for that. ( )

wow wow wow. I really wasn't expecting a ton from this book and couldn't get into it at first, but I ended up loving Frankie. A tough girl who wants to play with the boys, who wants whatever the world says she can't have. Plus, a great peek at that prep school world. ( )

This is what I'd call an "intelectual" book. I call it that because the main character is very smart and will go off on random tangents of mathematical theorems, grammatical rules, or devious masterminded plans. It was a very satisfying read with a slightly unsettling ending. But I have seen worse and this was open enough so that the character had time to grow after the story but not as "closing" as I would have hoped. ( )

While Lockhart started the book rather slowly and used vocabulary that might prove difficult for some readers, the book took off later and never stopped. Frankie Landau-Banks proves to be an extremely engaging and strong feminist character. I found myself rooting for her in the end despite the gender difference. This novel will not only delight but engage female readers especially but not exclusively. ( )

I loved the main character! I love the fact that she was strong individual even though her reasons for doing the acts may have been immature. She was flawed, but rose to see herself as more than, just a pretty girl and earns respect due to her courage and inguinuity. I loved the ending as well, since it was not wrapped up is a nice little ending where everyone lives happily ever after... because as most of adults know there is more teen angst to come for most 15 year olds. ( )

Between first and second year at a prestigious prep school, Frankie has filled out and popular hottie Michael Livingstone has noticed. Frankie loves being Michael's girlfriend and, perhaps even more, being part of Michael's circle of friends.

But Frankie's feminist side can't help notice that Michael never tries to be part of her world and, as accepted as she is in his, as a female she will never truly be a member of the old boys club. Frankie becomes a little obsessed with this idea and uses her knowledge of the secret society to prove her right to be included.

Clever writing style (though Frankie's systematic thought processes surely take more than the few seconds they get in the book!) and humorous story. Not sure if American teens will be able to relate to prep school / secret society concepts, even with the experience of the Harry Potter series. Frankie will be understood best by girls already inclined to make their own way in the world. ( )

Frankie Landau-Banks is tired of being underestimated. Starting her sophomore year at Alabaster Preparatory Academy, Frankie begins the struggle to finding her true self. She’s snagged herself a very cute senior boyfriend, but is it "better to be alone, than to be with someone who can’t see who you are." Frankie is ready to show everyone just how much they underestimate her! Frankie knows from her father that there is a secret society on campus called the Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds, and she discovers that her boyfriend, Matthew, is a member. Infiltrating the male only club, Frankie uses the alias thealphadog and devises a series of elaborate pranks. The "dogs" carry out the pranks unbeknownst that Frankie is the mastermind behind them all. But will she get the respect she’s always wanted or will she wish she was simple and sweet?E. Lockhart is amazing! This is the first of her novels that I’ve read, but I know I will continue to pick up her books and will probably be going back and reading some of her old titles! I absolutely love Frankie. You don’t often find female characters that are empowering the way that Frankie is, it was completely refreshing. I love to read books about strong female characters! The pranks were hilarious and at the same time genius, I found myself laughing out loud! This is an excellent novel on self discovery and self acceptance and I absolutely recommend it! ( )

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks was a really decent example of teen fiction about girls. i appreciated the fact that it mostly steered clear of the rediculous relationship drama most books about teen girls can't help but contain. and i love that this girl wants to test her self, not only because she wants to feel included, but because she needs to prove to herself that she's the person she thinks she is. there are points where it wobbles off into sappiness, but mostly it was enjoyable and entertaining. ( )

Family and friends still see Frankie as "Bunny Rabbit," a good girl going to a good school who follows the rules and still needs to be protected. But Frankie doesn't see herself that way at all, and she's out to prove that she can think for herself and blaze her own trail.

Frankie is a really likable heroine, and her relationships and schoolmates are believable and sympathetic. I found myself rooting for her even when I didn't agree with her 100%. ( )