Reader reviewed by Fiona Flamingo

I personally did not enjoy this book. I found it a tad bit boring and Janet's constant whining didn't make it better. It was just one of those books I couldn't finish. It didn't have much of a plot-Janet is a girl who thinks the whole planet revolves around her. She baptizes her mother the Mad Cow. It just was a weak attempt at sarcastic funny. I found it downright cruel, rather than funny, but it did have it's moments. At times Janet didn't annoy me quite as much and I could relate her.
However, overall, I do not recommend this book if you have better things to do or better things to read.

Reader reviewed by Tif

Sixteen year old Janet Bandry is exasperated with her family: her mother the 'Mad Cow', her father, a psychotherapist she refers to as Sigmund, and her weird photographer brother Justin. Janet decides that with her best friend Disha it is time for her to enter the Dark Phase of her life, in which she will wear black, listen to jazz, read Camus, and think Deep and Meaningful Thoughts. She finds herself chasing after a guy while two other guys chase after her, and ends up in the midst of a family crisis that will require her to do some real thinking.

I thought this story, told in diary format by Janet, was funny and interesting. There was definately a plot to keep things moving along, although several plot lines moved in and out of the diary entries, showing up many pages later and making it hard to keep track of what had happened. I also enjoyed the British slang, even more when I discovered the glossary at the back of the book. But Janet came across as very selfish and clueless, more like a thirteen year old than someone her age. The ending was unresolved and rather abrupt and hurried. I would have liked things wrapped up a bit more and to find out exactly what did happen.
But still, a very fun novel.

Reader reviewed by safia

This book captured me from the very first page and continued to hold me from there on. It is so hilarious and highly DRAMATIC.

Sixteen year old Janet is stuck in a loony family (which I can totally reate too!). Her older brother 'Geek Boy' snaps photos every moment he can. Her mother the 'Mad Cow' is constantly in an arguement with Janet's father 'Sigmund' a psychotherapist. Also her aunt, Sappho, a gay feminist vegetarian and her highly religious grandma, Nan, comes to visit. It's no wonder with such a family that Janet has to stay on her own planet and only makes contact with Earth as little as possible.

Currently Janet is entering the 'Dark Phrase' meaning she has to be profound, spiritual, and intellectually deep. This book provides such a good laugh and I definitely recommend it especially if you liked Bridget Jones's Diary or the Georgia Nicholson series.