The List by Siobhan Vivian

The List

by Siobhan Vivian

‘Page-turning… reveals the wars waged every day between girls and their images in mirrors’ E. Lockhart, author of WE WERE LIARS

Prettiest or ugliest, once you're on the list, you'll never be the same.

It happens every September – the list is posted all over school.

Two girls are picked from each year. One is named the prettiest, one the ugliest.

The girls who are picked become the centre of attention. The girls who aren't are quickly forgotten.

Through the eyes of eight very different girls, THE LIST captures the high school experience with all the struggles of identity, self-esteem, and judgements.

Whether they’re on the list or not, things will never be the same.

What readers are saying about THE LIST

‘THIS BOOK MADE ME FEEL ALL THE THINGS…Raw and heartwrenching and authentic. I really feel like this is a book that any young girl struggling with her looks should read.’

I was awed at how Siobhan Vivian was able to weave this intricate story that involves some pretty harsh realities with a right amount of levity to keep me captivated.

‘The storyline that the author has flawlessly created and that gripped me throughout.

Reviewed by violetpeanut on

3 of 5 stars

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The premise of this book is that each year before Homecoming a list is posted with the prettiest and ugliest girl in each grade. The book is told in chapters from the POV of each of the 8 girls.

In general I liked this book. I felt for each of the characters, good and bad. It portrayed all the angst of teenage girls - fitting in, first boyfriends, pressure to look like a girl in a magazine, being an athlete, being an outcast, etc - with all of the heartbreak and elation of real life. I thought the story brought to light a version of bullying that is more prevalent than people think and can be just as harmful as physical or verbal abuse.

I was disappointed that the book didn't go into more depth for each of the girls. It was just long enough to give us a peek at each of them and their various issues but was not long enough to give a satisfying resolution. The ending was somewhat abrupt and left me wondering what happened throughout the rest of the school year.

Overall this was a good read and I would recommend to anyone interested in books dealing with bullying or wanting to relive their high school days.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 27 May, 2012: Finished reading
  • 27 May, 2012: Reviewed