It has been a while since I had a book that got me riled up like THUG did it for me. When I saw Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu, I thought it would be my ticket to reaching it again. Well, to know if it happened or not, you should read my book review of Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu ahead.Â
About Moxie
Book Name: Moxie
Author: Jennifer Mathieu
Genre: Fiction – YA
Characters: Vivian, Seth, Claudia, Lucy
Setting: The USA
Plot Summary of Moxie
When the boys at Vivian’s school get away with their sexist slogans and actions, Vivian circulates out feminist zine called Moxie anonymously to bring the girls together. Her actions and ideas garner attention and soon the school girls walk out to support one of theirs claims. How Viv and her friends stand up to the toxic environment forms the rest of Moxie.
Book review of Moxie
Moxie talks about topics that are highly relevant today – feminism and rape culture. It highlights the importance of speaking out and the power of collective voice.Â
I loved how the shy and obedient Vivian turned to be the voice of the rebellion and protest. The story may have been written for a younger audience but worked for me – to an extent. But then, the story also had its flaws that left me unimpressed.
Things that worked for me
- I adored the new and old female friendships that were formed during the story.
- The messages on feminism and rape culture certainly made me worked up and agitated.
Things that didn’t work for me
- Some of the characters were so one dimensional that they seemed straight out of a parody.
- The romance between Seth and Viv was so forced and the book could have easily been romance free.
- While there were adults involved, why the situation was never brought to their notice?
Bottom-line
If you are looking for a book to help to start a conversation about feminism with your niece or nephew Moxie may be the one for you. I felt it was more of a middle grade book than a Young Adult literature.
Similar reviews you might like
- Juniper Lemon’s Happiness Index
- Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
- The Boy Who Steals Houses by CG Drew
- Ziggy, Stardust and Me by James Brandon
- The Extraordinaries by T J Klune
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Let us chat!
Have you read Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu? How do you distinguish between Middle grade and YA? Suggest some feminism books please. Let us talk.
I really want to read this book and it’s on my wishlist. I think this one is great because it brings up to the forefront important relevant topics and I like that the shy girl is the one advocating for change. A shame about the unnecessary romance though! Sometimes books would be better without a love story in them.
We should discuss about this one as soon as you finish reading it.
I think you’ve warned me off this one. Haha, great review!
It worked for so many others though.
I am really curious to try this one buuut I’ve heard a LOT of people agreeing with your list of negatives. Like it felt maybe too simplistic or something? It’s annoying when they also throw in unnecessary romances. eek.
Yes the characters and the plot were card board cut and too plain to be enjoyed.
I think there are a lot of book that are at the fine line between YA and middle grade, but no matter the category this looks like a great book to start some important discussions!
You put it perfectly!
I’ll keep this one in mind for the girls I work with. It sounds like this is a good book to make them more aware of the issue.
I am sure it would be.
Nice review.
Thanks!
Sounds like a good book for the early teens to be reading.
But it has been marketed as a YA. Go figure!
Great review!
Thanks!
Great conversation starter! The plot is inspiring although too bad about the romance angle.
I wish it was romance free!
Sounds like a useful conversation starter for the younger generations.
It definitely is.
I love the format of your reviews. And this book sounds like something I should read.
I am happy that you like my reviews.
This looks intriguing 🙂 I think I’ve heard of it before but never looked too closely. And I love your new blog banner, by the way 🙂 Very nice!
Yay, I love the banner too. Thanks.
Interesting premise – I love a kickass chick
You will like the female lead for sure.
Love the idea of this book. Great cover too.
The cover is what attracted me as well.
This does sounds like a good one for a younger audience. I sure like that cover and title.
I loved the cover and will definitely recommend this for the younger ones.