Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison

Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison
Harlequin, 2011
224 pages
9780373210282
Note: The copy I read was a galley copy from NetGalley.com, viewed on my Nook.

Bridget feels her life is out of control. Her father won't pay her any attention, her step-mother is way too emotional, she can't quite get over her gorgeous ex-boyfriend, her friends are all morons, and she just might be expelled from school. When she decides to take matters into her own hands by crashing her car, she assumes that will be the end of it. But she finds that she is now on trial for her actions (crimes) committed against her friends, family members, and faculty at the posh private school she attends. This mean queen bee must find a way to make it up to everyone before her spirit leaves her body forever.

Judging by the cover...: Creeeeeepy. And so fitting. Although people are bound to think that you're reading another preppy rich girl novel (and they won't be too far off).

Favorite Elements:

• The Afterlife - I love speculating what's waiting for us when we die, and Harbison's theory is provocative. Is there a judge and jury of your peers waiting to evaluate your actions in life? What happens if they decide you're guilty? Chilling!
• Mr. Ezhno - A teacher who really loves his job and cares about his students! He tries hard, and even though he doesn't connect with the kids right away, he keeps trying. Here's to all of the teachers out there!
• Liam - Hoooo boy! Where was he when I was in high school? What a fantastic guy! Any girl who doesn't want to do her best for him obviously doesn't deserve him. Smart, sensitive, loves his mom, and a football player. Honey, you just don't throw a guy like that away!

Overall (out of 5): 4
The book begins with her pushing the pedal to the metal, envisioning her funeral, and sending her car down an embankment and to her doom. And to think that I actually felt sorry for her in those first few pages. What a fool! It's not often I want to punch the main character in the face multiple times throughout the story. Bridget is a girl you absolutely love to hate. Maybe too much. And I'm sure everyone knew someone like her in high school. Rich girl, family connections, popular, beautiful, and a grade A witch with a capital B. Harbison really knows how to manipulate a reader's emotions. I felt like I was there, watching Bridget commit these foul acts against those who, against their better judgment, loved her. The plot was brilliant, and I had an extremely hard time putting it down.

Recommendation: Definitely a piece of prime chick lit. However, even though the cover might scream out things you wish it wouldn't, don't think this is your average I'm-rich-and-my-life-sucks book. You'll find that there are even better things about it than wanting to do bodily harm to Bridget. Like Liam. And Michelle. And Mr. Ezhno. And Meredith. And countless others that make this book fantastic. And who knows, maybe you'll even get to like Bridget.