Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging Introduction
There are plenty of things that are different about Americans and Brits. We have a president, they have a queen; we have Indiana Jones, they have James Bond; we have Britney Spears, they have the Spice Girls. We could go on. One thing that most definitely is not different, though, is the agony of being a fourteen-year-old girl. No matter which side of the pond you live on, it's a doozy.
You don't have to take our word for it, though—let Georgia Nicols tell you herself in Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging, Louise Rennison's 1999 novel that launched a ten-book series about all things Georgia. Or all things worthy of being included in her diary, anyway, since the entire series is composed of her top-secret entries. Because this book is written for Georgia's eyes only, we get a no-holds-barred glimpse into the inner workings of one young woman as she tries to navigate the tumultuous terrain of boys, boobs, body hair, and more.
Whether you're an anglophile, a burgeoning teen looking for a little camaraderie, or just in the mood for a hilarious confessional, Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging is guaranteed to deliver. And hey, if nothing else, you'll probably at least understand what the title means by the time you finish reading.
What is Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging About and Why Should I Care?
Ever stood in front of the mirror and wondered why your nose isn't thinner/eyes aren't brighter/hair isn't more controllable or anything along those lines? Come on, we know you have—we all make the mistake of taking a good, long, super critical look from time to time. But doing so on the regular doesn't do a body good. And while Georgia doesn't really figure this out by the time the book ends, to us readers, it's crystal clear.
Georgia is obsessed with her looks. She has a ridiculously narrow beauty (and behavioral) ideal for what makes her desirable as a teen girl, and nitpicking herself for not fitting into this mold is a favorite pastime of hers. While it starts out as pretty relatable—see: the first paragraph of this section—over time, it's hard not to become critical of this habit. If you're anything like us, by the end you'll be shaking your book and shouting at Georgia to find value in herself beyond her appearance. After all, girl is funny—she just doesn't seem to know that this is key to her awesomeness.
Consider this a cautionary tale about a common habit gone wrong. You'll likely see just how easy it is to lose track of what really matters—and maybe even stop yourself from being overly critical the next time you walk by a mirror. Repeat after us: It's what's on the inside that counts.