BABE IN BOYLAND by Jody Gehrman
Publication Date: February 17th 2011 by Dial
Rating: 
Summary: When high school junior Natalie–or Dr. Aphrodite, as she calls herself when writing the relationship column for her school paper–is accused of knowing nothing about guys and giving girls bad relationship advice, she decides to investigate what guys really think and want.
But the guys in her class won’t give her straight or serious answers. The only solution? Disguising herself as a guy and spending a week at Underwood Academy, the private all-boy boarding school in town. There she learns a lot about guys and girls in ways she never expected–especially when she falls for her dreamy roommate, Emilio. How can she show him she likes him without blowing her cover?
Review Overview:
- At first, I didn’t think I would enjoy BABE IN BOYLAND
- Do not read this book in public – you will definitely laugh aloud
- Surprisingly, this book was a fun read
After reading the first few chapters, I thought I would hate BABE IN BOYLAND. However, Jody Gehrman proved me wrong: this book was an entertaining read. I found myself sympathizing with Natalie – no one takes her seriously as a journalist or relationship columnist. Her solution: to write a winning piece for the Story of the Year contest about what really goes on in guys’ heads. Her first try at finding these elusive answers is a complete failure: either the boys didn’t trust her or thought she was trying to get into their pants. Thus, she realizes that the only way to find them is to disguise herself as a guy for a week and snoop around a private all-boy boarding school, Underwood Academy.
This is where the fun starts. Without giving too much away, I will list some highlights of the shenanigans Natalie or “Nat” gets herself into:
- An extreme makeover – boy edition
- A “make-out session” in the prop closet
- A date with her hot roommate’s sister
- A midnight swim with said hot roommate (naked, gasp!)
- A cat fight
I do have some issues with the book – for example, Erica’s situation is a loose end that Gehrman does not tie up. Also, I feel that there is not enough interaction between Emilio and Nat. However, I suppose the lack of interaction is because their relationship is not the main storyline.
My favorite line in the book is: “Maybe all human beings are destined to misunderstand each other, regardless of our chromosomes” (206). I like the fact that Natalie thinks about human nature and reflects on her career as the relationship expert at Mountain View High School. Also, her entry for the Story of the Year contest is pretty good, as her piece shows character growth.
I recommend BABE IN BOYLAND to anyone who wants a diverting read. This book definitely deserves a chance – Gehrman’s characters are too funny to ignore.
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Book Review, Three Stars - Audience: Young Adult, Author: Jody Gehrman, Book: Babe in Boyland, Genre: Contemporary, Genre: Humor, Loreal, Publisher: Dial | 
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14 Responses to “Book Review: Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman”
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Loreal says:
Thanks! It was definitely fun to read. Hope you give it a chance!
This definitely sounds like a fun read and I am glad to hear you enjoyed the characters. I really want to read this. And I love that cover, its adorable. Awesome review
Btw, I am loving the new look I really liked the other white one you had, but this one is fun too and I <3 that snitch near the title…so cute
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Thanks, Cindy! I hope you give these characters a chance!
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Cialina says:
Thanks.
I’m glad you like it.
your blog layout is completely amazing. you deserve more then 200 followers.
I’ve only heard good things about BABE IN BOYLAND. I need to get my hands on it! Great review; very honest 
Don’t be a stranger; stop by my blog and say hi! I’m not quite sure if we’re fellow followers, but I follow you!
Looking forward to hearing back from you,
Cory @ Anti-Drug Reads
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Haha! Thanks.
And yes I follow you as well. Thanks for stopping by.
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Thanks, Cory! Definitely check BABE IN BOYLAND out
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Anon says:
Jody is my Journalism teacher! I am looking forward to reading her books!
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Uh oh! She has to go on a date, as a boy?!
Judging by the cover, I knew this book would be funny, and I don’t think I’d mind reading in public even if it makes me LOL!
Great quote and review.
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Thanks! &Yes, Missie, she goes on a date as a boy…it’s hilarious.
I gave the same warning the other day about reading in public to one of my library patrons. Luckily I read it at home, so I could giggle as loud as I wanted.
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What a coincidence!
- Action Packed
- Borrow It
- Hahaha Funny
- Keeps You Guessing
- Heartwarmer
- Makes You Think
- Masterful World-Building
- Must Buy
- Page-Turner
- Poetic Prose
- Romantic Read
- Tear-Jerker
Great review! I’ve been eyeing this book for a while, but haven’t made the decision about whether or not to read it. From what you’ve said though, I think it’ll be a great read!
I also really like the line you quoted.