Review by Aliss Langridge
Pride and Premiership by Michelle Gayle
Published by Walker Books
In fiction, diaries always make a riveting read and it certainly works for Michelle Gayle’s protagonist: seventeen-year-old WAG wannabe Remy Bennet.
Remy’s lively voice is enough to keep any 14-plus reader entertained: she’s funny, sassy, trendy and, together with her older sister Malibu, has one goal – to marry a footballer so that she can pack in her job at the beautician’s. Is Remy really shallow and materialistic or has she just not thought about what she wants?
The diary not only follows the ups and downs of her dates with footballer Robbie Wilkins but also includes Malibu’s different dates, as well as her troubles at home.
Initially, we see how Robbie whisks Remy off her feet … but is he all he seems? The reader follows Remy’s journey ‘from wags to riches’ and more, as Remy learns more about what she really wants.
The story is packed with cultural references to entertain today’s teenage girls: Remy uses smiley face icons to reflect her emotions and refers to the latest WAGs, celebrities, music, clothes as well as using today’s slang.
All in all, Gayle’s debut is a fun read for today’s female teens.