Dork Diaries: Crush Catastrophe Book Review By Divine Precious Ibeji

Author: Rachel Rene’e Russel

Characters:

Nikki Maxwell, Brandon Roberts (her crush), Chloe Christina Garcia and Zoey Ebony Franklin (her bff’s), André (who Nikki must take care of since he’s in a student exchange program and she’s his student ambassador. It’s mandatory), Makenzie Hollister (school bully), Brianna Maxwell (Nikki’s little sister) and family.

Summary:

Nikki Maxwell and he bff’s are all counting down to the end of the school year. Nikki thinks she has her summer all figured out, with lots of fun plans to hang out with her friends and her crush, Brandon. It’s going to be perfect! But when she gets the mandatory assignment to take care of the new boy Andre’ and he seems to show an interest in Nikki, things become confusing super-quickly! The very last thing Nikki want to do is hurt Brandon…What do you do if you accidentally crush your crush?!

Likes or dislikes:

I love how the book really represents real life, and puts it all in a teenage drama, not to talk about how funny and relatable it is. Even though it might not be as relevant for younger readers, but I think there will be at least one thing from this book that has happened to you. I don’t dislike anything, in fact, I believe this might be the best book I’ve read so far in the series, but I would suggest making the side characters stand out and appear in the story a little bit more, like Chloe and Zoey.

Favourites:

CHARACTERS: Chloe and Zoey because they are hilarious, and I think they add more drama to the storyline.

SCENES: I think the best, and my personal favourite scene in the book was at the Cheesy Queasy Pizza place where they unravelled the juicy secrets and jaw-dropping drama.

OUTFIT OF NIKKI: The outfit she was wearing where Daisy led her on a wild goose chase and ended up leaving muddy paw prints on her clothes. The outfit was a jean dress with a bow at the lower-belly, it had a thin stripe at the lower-waste and a buttoned strip going from the collar to the hem of her dress, it had two breast-pockets, both at either side of the buttoned strip. For accessories, she showcased the bandanna tying her hair into a ponytail and her loop earrings perfectly, while rocking a pair of zig-zag patterned boots, with a bow in the middle.

OUTFIT OF OTHER PEOPLE: The dress Makenzie wore while trying to ‘introduce’ herself to Andre’. She wore a beautiful designer dress with extra layers of ruffle at the hem (a flounce hem). But, as well as the ruffle, the hem was bedecked with jewels. The top of her dress was shape like a heart that stopped at her upper chest. She had a cute frilly purse with the centrepiece of a bow. A sparkly jacket with frills at the cuffs was what she used to compliment the fabulous piece of clothing, as well as her phenomenal high heels she wore which (of course) contained some glamorous gems. To finish it all off she wore pearl bracelets and golden bangles, not forgetting her diamond engraved earrings, (they were to die for).

The lives of the main characters:

Nikki: Nikki is the new girl in school. She’s a self-proclaimed dork and chronic doodler with big dreams and an even bigger addiction to writing in her diary. Nikki often underestimates herself despite her many talents. Although she finds herself knee deep in drama (no thanks to her little sister and arch nemesis) this dork embraces her dorkyness and always lands on her feet.

Chloe and Zoey: Chloe is Nikki’s boy-crazy BFF, partner in crime and amateur romance expert. She’s sweet, girly, really sensitive and loves to read all of the latest novels. Chloe is very protective of Nikki and always has her back when the going gets tough. She can bring a big smile to Nikki’s face with a group hug or by flashing her “jazz hands.” Meanwhile, Zoey is Nikki’s BFF, partner in crime, and a human Wikipedia. She’s brainy, mature, and a loyal friend who enjoys reading self-help books and spouting off zany quotes from famous people. She’s funny, creative and bails Nikki out of trouble on the regular. You can always go to Zoey for homework help or a quick therapy session!

Brandon: Brandon is Nikki’s secret (but not-so-secret) crush. He’s smart, funny, down to earth, and a very skilled reporter and photographer for the school newspaper. Despite Brandon’s popularity and obvious good looks, he’s a loner who’s also a little awkward around girls. But there’s one girl he’s interested in. Who could it be? (wink wink).

Makenzie: MacKenzie puts the “H” in hater. She’s the glamorous, queen bee of the CCPs (Cool, Cute & Popular), and lives for fashion, lip gloss, selfies, and making people miserable—especially dorks like Nikki Maxwell. Her motto is, “Whatever MacKenzie wants, MacKenzie gets.” So, if you’re a threat, watch your back because beneath her confident, fabulous exterior there’s a whole lot of CRAZY.

Andre: André is a student participating in the Student Exchange Week program from North Hampton Hills. Nikki was obligated to be his student ambassador and guide him throughout his week at Westchester Country Day. He is French and his father has a home in Paris, where he often visits. He has studied at the Louvre museum program for gifted students. André is artistic, similarly to Nikki. He is very popular among the girls at WCD as well as NHH and is intimidating to all of the guys, especially Brandon Roberts.

Brianna: Brianna is Nikki’s wacky little sister. Also known as Madame Bri-Bri, she’s a bratty T-Rex in pigtails. She’s spunky, stubborn, and loves getting into trouble with her imaginary sidekick, Miss Penelope (a puppet). Brianna thinks she’s tough as nails, but she’s terrified of the tooth fairy! Her crazy antics make you want to laugh out loud, or pull out your hair!

Mrs Maxwell: Nikki’s mum is the most normal member of her family. She wants the best for Nikki and expects the best out of her, too. This super mum is ALWAYS happy and cheerful which gets on Nikki’s nerves. She loves chocolate and relaxing bubble baths. Her hobbies include gardening, trying to cook edible food and family sharing time.

Mr Maxwell: Nikki’s dad is the bug exterminator at Nikki’s snobby prep school. He’s a total cornball who proudly drives around town in his work van with a five-foot long giant plastic roach on top. He’s Nikki’s biggest fan but she keeps his work at her school a big secret. He loves squashing roaches, elevator music, and butting into Nikki’s social life. Unfortunately they don’t make sprays for pests this big.

RECOMODATIONS:

I would recommend this to anyone who likes Tom Gates, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, The Misadventures Of Max Crumbly, and a few David Walliam Books. Moreover, if you like teenage drama and people having to deal with their (bratty, annoying, rude, and/or meddling) siblings; this is the book for you.

Picture from Google

OVERALL THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ, AND I SUGGEST YOU GET IT. TO GET THIS BOOK, GO TO; WWW.SCHOLASTIC.COM. IT COST £8, OR YOU CAN GET IT FOR £6 AT OTHER ONLINE SHOPS LIKE AMAZON. I LOVE DORK DIARIES!