I've had the first installment of the series in my possession since the year it came out. With all of the hype that surrounded it, I was eager to read it, yet kept putting it off. Now, it's a popular TV series (one of my FAVORITES by the way) and I decided that since I am hooked on the show, why not give the book(s) a try.

Unfortunately, in my opinion, this novel left much to be desired. It doesn't live up to the hype of the series -- and usually when you talk about books and movies/shows it's the other way around -- and I believe that's what left me unmoved. I expected the book to be MUCH better. Now, don't get me wrong, the GOSSIP GIRL novel is a juicy one, but it's missing something. The characters lacked a sense of vigor but if you're a gossip-monger, do you really mind?

GOSSIP GIRL is a strictly a "for entertainment purposes" type of book and reminds me of the ever-present celebrity scandals that bombard our TV sets and newspapers on a regular basis. Definitely NOT for the young and impressionable. 3 stars.

I've had the first installment of the series in my possession since the year it came out. With all of the hype that surrounded it, I was eager to read it, yet kept putting it off. Now, it's a popular TV series (one of my FAVORITES by the way) and I decided that since I am hooked on the show, why not give the book(s) a try.

Unfortunately, in my opinion, this novel left much to be desired. It doesn't live up to the hype of the series -- and usually when you talk about books and movies/shows it's the other way around -- and I believe that's what left me unmoved. I expected the book to be MUCH better. Now, don't get me wrong, the GOSSIP GIRL novel is a juicy one, but it's missing something. The characters lacked a sense of vigor but if you're a gossip-monger, do you really mind?

GOSSIP GIRL is a strictly a "for entertainment purposes" type of book and reminds me of the ever-present celebrity scandals that bombard our TV sets and newspapers on a regular basis. Definitely NOT for the young and impressionable. 3 stars.

I love the television show and got this book to see how it compared, suffering the embarrassment of being a 19-year-old in the Young Adult section. "Gossip Girl" can be fairly enjoyable at times, but I'm not quite sure what audience it's catered to. I finished the book in about an hour and a half- the reading is a bit oversimplified. The characters are interesting enough, but one-dimensional. All of this is expected for the young teenage book set. But other parts of the book are troubling. It doesn't bother me that the characters do drugs and have casual sex- I've been reading books about all that for years. The problem is that they suffer absolutely no consequences for their actions- no STDs, no arrests, no angry parents. The characters are still seen as people to look up to and people who get good grades. Sure, in the book the characters deal with some problems, but nothing like they would in real life. If you're a mature teen who enjoys semi-trashy chick lit, then "Gossip Girl" will do the trick. Otherwise, stay away. Maybe try the TV show instead.

Gossip Girl shares the latest gossip on her website, like that Serena's back from boarding school.This former it-girl is back to be Blair's best friend again, but Blair feels differently. She's mad at Serena for stealing her boyfriend and leaving without even saying goodbye. Read this book and find out if they're best friends for ever, or best friends for never.

A book for young teenage girls that they are able to relate to, Gossip Girl by Cecily Von Ziegesar. This book has a lot of combinations of every different teenager.

This is a fiction book about 14 to 17 years old teenagers. They are basically allowed to do what ever they want, just as long as they don't embarrass their family. Serena van der Woodsen is back in town after a year of boarding school, just when things couldn't get any worse. Seems like something is a miss fit with Serena's old friends, Blair, Isabel and Kati have better things to do besides wonder what Serena did to get kicked out of boarding school and doesn't plan on having her as a friend again. However, not everyone is upset over Serena's return. Blair's boyfriend, Nate, is having a hard time being truthful with his girlfriend and is glad that she is back. Nate's friend, Chuck, is hoping the rumors of Serena are true. Serena is find things in common with her new friends.

I would recommend this book to people who enjoy reading books that are drama filled; this is the right book for you. It gives you a better perspective about how it is like being rich and when your parents are ever home, it's not the same as your normal life. Just remember you can relate to this book in many different ways.

I purchased the 1st series of Gossip Girl in hopes of getting my 17yr daughter more interested in reading, I must say it was an awesome pick, she loves the book. She is already on the 2nd book and can't stop talking about how good it is. Great choice for High School girls

Just finished reading this book and I thought it was pathetic. Why? Because it's extremely shallow and the characters are pathetic. Like somebody else on here said, these teens are snobby stuck up rich kids who waste their lives getting stoned, drunk, and drugged. They do nothing but party, gossip, and stab each other in the back. If you like books like that, then by all means, waste your money on it.

I just thought this book was over all boring and really, really stupid and beneath me. And I'm seventeen. Well guess what? We're not all this dumb and immature.

After working with teens for nearly two decades, I don't recognize the teens described in this book. Yes, it's fiction, but the characters are a combination of every stereotype of teens. It's an insult to real teens.

If it were well written, I would get it, but the author transitions from one character's POV to another without thought. It is full of cliches, and detailed description of the designer clothes and purses that the characters wear. Oh, and don't forget the hair!

Yes, our teens struggle. Yes, many are sexually active. Yes, many drink or smoke weed or are taking their parents' prescription drugs. But these characters (14 to 17) have sex with each other, with friends, with older men, all the while smoking, drinking, taking drugs, and shopping their way to fabulousness.

Seriously. . .

I started reading the series because I saw the TV show and fell in love. I read each one in about 2-3 days so they are a pretty good read. I'm not going to go into detail about it because that's what Wikipedia is for.

I loved it because as a teenager I can relate to what the characters are going through: jealousy, breaking of friendships, trying to fit in, popularity, gossip, etc. That's why I think it's so popular, because so many people are going through or went through what the characters are going through. Most people that read them either are young and dealing with these issues or remember what it's like to. I connected to each character in a different way and saw a little or a lot of myself in every one. Each character has their own personal struggles - one is suffering with bulimia, one's drug addicted, one's trying to gain a positive reputation and her old friends, etc. Many people criticize the profanity, drugs, sex, immorality of the books but the truth is a lot of these things are very real. Some things are heightened a bit but that's because it has to keep the readers interested, but most of it is the reality. Many people think the whole thing is an exaggeration but it's really not. I went to a very pristigious middle and high school in California and two girls were pregnant in the eighth grade! All of these things are very much a part of teenage reality, so it would be ridiculous not to portray it in some books and act like it's not there. And for those of you who are totally against it, just don't read it! Why are you even "wasting" your time and money buying, writing, and reading about it? Find better things to do than criticize literature.

I love reading about these characters and what they do next. I also recommend the show!!!

Serena's come home after getting kicked out of boarding school and everyone wants to know if the rumors are true. Was she pregnant and did she leave her baby in France? Is she really dealing drugs with her initial "S" stamped on each pill? And what's up with her clothes? Is she getting them from a homeless shelter?

All Serena wants to do is hang with her friends and have her old life back. Unfortunately, her friends and old life don't want her back. But don't waste any time feeling sorry for her. She's still rich and gorgeous, and manages to draw the attention of two photo-artists who ask her to model for them and then plaster the city with her pictures. (Well, pictures of some part of her. No one's really quite sure which part, though. Belly button, maybe?) Anyway, she also manages to make new friends and shows signs of adding some depth to her otherwise shallow world.

Don't expect to walk away feeling enlightened after reading this page turner, however. It's not great literature, but it is entertaining and a breezy bit of escapism, much like its tv namesake. Fans of the weekly drama will note some character differences: the names are the same, but physical descriptions, personality traits and economic status vary - most notably in the characters of Dan and Ginny Humphrey. Dan is a little more gritty and angst-ridden and Ginny doesn't look so much like Barbie's little sister, Skipper.

I rated the book five stars because I really enjoyed it and plan on reading the rest of the series. Would I recommend it to you? Well, if you're familiar with and enjoyed Morgan Burke's Party Room trilogy, Melissa De La Cruz's Blue Bloods or Hobson Brown's The Upper Class, you'll probably like Gossip Girl, too. They all center around spoiled, rich kids - or, in the case of Blue Bloods, spoiled, rich vampires - and the dirty secrets that sometimes even money can't hush.

Out of all the Gossip Girl Novels, the first one is my least favorite. Dont get me wrong this book is still good but it does start off slow. If you want to start reading this series then just deal with the first book and you will be glad you did because the rest of the books wont let you put them down. Almost all teenage girls enjoy these books simply because of the amount of gossip they contain. It sometimes can be cheesy because not all girls can relate to them very well but in another sense that makes them even more addicting. Once you "get past" the first book you will be hooked and want to know how the rest unfolds. Dont pass this series up.

I bought this book with store credit at my favourite used bookstore. I wasn't sure what to expect, but wanted a better idea about what my students are reading/watching on TV.

This book was a guilty pleasure read. I read it in one sitting and enjoyed the descriptions of the idle rich, white New Yorker teenagers. This book sheds light on the shallow lives of the main list of characters. I am not sure that I will buy or use credit for these books, but I would check them out of the library to just keep up to date. Yeah, that is the excuse I'll give.

Criticisms aside, I do think that the books do give more than lip service to the cruelty of cliques and silent bullying that can take place among girls (_Odd Girl Out_).

There are better books out there for the teenaged set: Francesca Lia Block books or Carolyn Mackler to name two authors.

GOSSIP GIRL just wasn't my cup of tea. It's pretty graphic with the language, sex, and drug use, but the real horror of the novel is the poor writing. The characters are largely flat and unlikable, and the story doesn't really go anywhere. There are some flashes of wit, but the novel mostly consists of cliches and situations you would find in any soap opera.

If you're mature enough to handle the adult themes in this novel, why not graduate directly to novelists like Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, or Jackie Collins? In my opinion, their books are just as sexy, but are far better written and feature much more interesting characters.

The book is great I read it in less then two days and I'm not a reader. I started watching the show on The CW and loved it. I was reluctant to read the books at first because I figured they would be too different or too similar. The books are different but the changes are slight. If you watch the show and are thinking about reading the books I suggest you do. They give a more detailed version of the episodes and a lot more scandal and activities.

I am 25 and I loved this read. It is my guilty pleasure where I can just get away from my life and get wrapped up in the lives of rich New Yorkers. This is fun and I would reccommend it to anyone interested in a easy page turner.

This book was filled with drama and romance and all the things teen girls love to read about. I read it at age 14 and I liked it a lot. However, some things could be improved, and that is why I gave it 4 stars.

This book is the first book of an eleven book series. The whole series follows the life of the elite New York Upper East Side teenagers. It is a great read for anyone who enjoys a little drama and gossip!

The book starts out where the prequel, which was written after Cecily Von Ziegesar wrote the series, left off. It has been a year since Serena left New York for Hanover Academy Boarding School. But now she's back and there are millions of he said she said stories flying around about her. "Where has she been?", "Why is she back?", and "What kind of trouble did she get into that she got kicked out of boarding school?".

Now that Serena's back she is trying to get things back to normal in all her friendships, but there is on problem. Blair doesn't want her back she liked being on top of the social ladder instead of trailing behind Serena like she used to. Nathan and her are still in an awkward state with each other since there sexual endeavor before she left. But she finds comfort in the West Sider Dan, who has had a thing for her since eight grade.

This book goes through the gotta be at Kiss on the Lips party and the drama that unfolds with the whole gang of Upper East Siders, Serena, Blair, Nate, Chuck, Dan, Jenny, and Vanessa.

I can't wait to read the next one and see what scandalous events will happen next!

I read this book in honor of ALA Banned Book Week, and while I don't believe any book should be banned, I don't think this book should ever have been published. It was filled with typos and out-and-out grammatical errors that made me cringe every time I came across a new one.

The characters were ALL flat, and while I felt a marginal amount of pity for the main character, I couldn't put myself in her shoes and feel any kind of sympathy for her. The book was just poorly written. It was like watching a bad teen movie but takes more of a time commitment.

Instead, pick up a book worth your time like The Princess Diaries Box Set, Volumes I-III (Princess Diaries) by Meg Cabot, or if you really need to read about a poor little rich girl, you can't beat Gingerbread, Shrimp and Cupcake by Rachel Cohn. I mean, even Blue Bloods and Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz are better than this.

The Upper East Side used to be overrun with plastic surgery happy society women, and spoiled tots torturing their high-priced nannies. But times have changed. While these people still occupy a small portion of the sidewalks, they have been pushed aside for a new generation of beautiful people. Teenagers brought up in the lap of luxury, who spend their days buying overpriced La Perla undergarments at Barney's, and indulging in frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity. But spending money isn't all that's on their mind. There's always...gossip.

Ever since the flawless Serena van der Woodsen departed from New York City to take up residence at a boarding school in Connecticut, sixteen-year-old Blair Waldorf has ruled Constance Billard School for Girls. As the daughter of a prominent lawyer turned gay, Blair has always gotten her way. And, with Serena out of the picture, was able to snag the gorgeous, green-eyed Nate Archibald for herself. Unfortunately, as much as Blair would like to deny it, Nate has always had a thing for Serena. A secret passion for the blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty. And now with Serena back in the picture, Blair doesn't know where their relationship will stand. So she has to take drastic measures...hand Nate her V card and he'll be hers forever. The only problem is that Nate is a stoner who has a very short attention span, and even sacrificing herself to Nate won't let him forget the passion he feels for Serena.

But he's not the only one. Dan Humphrey isn't your typical rich kid. For one, while he attends school with some of New York City's most privileged, he actually resides in an apartment on the Upper West Side with his chesty younger sister, Jenny, and his eccentric writer father, Rufus. Dan is a dark, brooding poet, whose penchant for cigarettes and Folgers coffee crystals leave much to be desired. But, like Nate, Dan is infatuated with Serena. The only difference is that he has never so much as spoken to her before, and she doesn't know he exists. Now that Serena's off the A-List, and treading outcast waters, however, the only thing he can hope is that she'll find her way to him and they can live happily ever after. In his dreams, of course.

Gossip is one of those things you can't help but be enamored with. Sure, you can pretend all you want that you have no interest in who's dating who, or who's wearing what, but you do. And you love it. Cecily von Ziegesar has managed to touch upon the hot commodity of gossip, and turned it into an amazing new series. Blair is so evil and mean at times, and while that may seem like something that would be a turn-off to the reader, she's actually an addicting character. Her ability to turn people against Serena in a snap is impressive; while the fact that she is able to juggle school, extracurricular's, a boyfriend, and ruining people's lives is humorous in a sinful way. Nate is a character who seems to have nothing between the ears. He's intelligent and gorgeous, however, the fact that he spends most of his time stoned makes him slightly bizarre, and a useless addition to the human race. But I still love him. Thus far, Serena is the most appealing character. She is kind, sweet, and selfless. She manages to ignore the nasty things people say about her, and keep a smile on her face no matter what situation she is thrust into. Basically, she's happy-go-lucky, and completely irresistible. Dan is an offbeat character, who reminds you of old, soulful beatnik poets who spent their days lounging around Greenwich Village in the 1960's. While he seems sweet, some of his poems are so serious and creepy that he can freak you out at times. But the kindness that he extends to his younger sister, Jenny, more than makes up for it; and actually leaves you rooting for the Humphrey family, in general. A delicious new series that will definitely give you something to talk about.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Salacious, overdramatic, juicy, scandalous, hot hot hot!
It's just plain fun. And I appreciate that C von Z has brought teen lit into the 21st century.

The worst book I have ever read. who really cares about rich brats and their "tragic lives." This probably only appeals to rich white kids. Which i am not.

I read this book because I'm getting a Masters in writing YA fiction, and I know that this series is hot right now. I thought, Hey, it'll be a fun, guilty pleasure (which seems to be the publicist's catch phrase).

Wow, was I ever disappointed. It wasn't the drinking or the sex or the pot smoking, or even the utterly wretched ideals this book puts forth that shocked me: it was how incredibly dull the book was. I could hardly finish it. The characters aren't characters, they're just names. I found it difficult to tell them apart, since they had no personalities. The dialogue was pathetic, the plot was non-existent, and even the vices were boring and unoriginal. For a "story" about people who are supposed to be so interested in art and fashion, there was a shocking lack of actual style in this book, and the omnicient narrator was just irritating. Every time she signed off with, "You know you love me," I couldn't help rolling my eyes. I had quite a headache by the time I finished.

Luckily, the boredom put me right to sleep.

This worthless piece of excrement is the teen version of Mills & Boon - formulaic, trashy and forgotten as soon as the bad taste leaves your mouth. I had hopes for this book as a light and easy guilty-pleasure read. Alas, not one character in this book is in the least appealing, the "plot" is ... well, non-existent, and the writing is lazy, clumsy and jarring, what with those frequent foreshadowing comments inserted into the prose as if the narrator can't bear to be left out of the action.

(I found the first example of narrative intrusion on the third page:

"He was trying to get the kid to loosen up a little. All these Upper East Side kids were way too uptight.

That's what he thinks. Give them time."

If Cecily von Ziegesar had the slightest idea of how to write, she'd realise that you have to let a story tell itself. Instead I just want to tell her to [...] out.)

It's a pretty sad indictment of this book that the only times I roused myself from ennui while reading it were to fling it across the room in disgust at von Ziegesar's incompetence in all things literary. HOW did this series ever get published? Oh, wait. It must be a product endorsement thing. After all, the only time the writing gets the least bit passionate is when von Ziegesar is salivating over designer labels.

Truly, utterly dreadful. Burn this book the next time you need firewood. At least then it'd be good for something.

Cecily von Ziegesar's first launch in the Gossip Girl series brings you into the lives of some of New York City's wealthiest families. Throughtout the novel there is the mysterious, unknown gossip girl who answers questions and talks about what everone is doing. The book starts off when Serena van der Woodsen arrives back from boarding school. Blair Waldorf, her used-to-be-best-friend, now hates her, and everyone is spreading rumors about why she is back and how she spents her suummer and why she got kicked out of boarding school. All of Serena's old friends are now mistrteating her, while Blair's boyfriend, Nate Archbald, tries to hook up with her. Serena meets Dan and Jenny Humphrey, while trying out for a part in Vanessa Abrams movie for the Constance Billard movie festival. Dan has a huge crush on her and Jenny looks to her as a role model, because she is stunning. Unfortunately Vanessa gets jealous and gives the part to someone else, but Serena still talks to Dan. Serena is now getting used to not having very many friends, even though she is the it girl of New York City. This novel shows what gossip can do to people. Overall Cecily did a great job. This book is really interesting. Yes there are some inaapropriate parts and some profanity, but you can get over it. This book keeps you interested in whats going to happen and is a real page turner.

I picked up the book, thinking it was gonna be something good, its about Rich Stuck Up manhattan girls who compete who is better,theres so much drama, not my ideal book...if you like drama and gossip then read the book.

I'm about 1/4 of the way done witht the book and so far I've loved it! Can't wait to see how the TV version goes this fall!

this is definately a book you read during the summer when you're bored.
it's pretty good. The other books are better than this one.

We found out recently that our daughter read 3 Gossip Girl books at age 11 without our knowledge. The first was bought on a trip to a bookstore with relatives when we were not with her. We did not think to tell our cousins to look carefully at her choice of reading. We certainly learned our lesson. The other 2 books were borrowed from friends. We have since told her that we have to see all books that come into her possession.

Gossip Girl books are pure smut. I wrote a "1" rating because I had to fill something in for the review to be accepted. I would have written
minus zero! We were appalled when we read excerpts from the books. The values championed by the characters are disgusting. They are wealthy teens with access to drugs, alcohol and sex. There are no rules. They are proud to sleep with their best friend's beau or with their divorced mother's new companion. The books have another feature that draws kids in. They mention different stores and locations around NYC. Between the smut and the mention of local stores, etc. many kids can't get enough of these disgusting books. Some kids read one a day! They also have profanity. When I found out that our 11 year old daughter had read 3 of these, I felt VIOLATED. Please look carefully at what your kids are reading!!!

A very concerned parent

To all those mothers out there who are "apalled" by this series, they need to take a deep breath and loosen up. These books are not supposed to be guidelines for anyone to live their life, nor are they supposed to be held to the light of true fiction. These books provide a window to an almost ficitous world where money rules and everything goes. Of course I would never live my life the way they do, but sometimes it is fun to imagine a world you could never live in. The Gossip Girl world is full of rumors (which no one is stupid enough to believe), drugs, sex, and designer handbags. Adults need to realize that some people do live this way; in a world where they have whatever they want and have no consequence. They cannot simply pretend it doesn't exist. However, the narrator is able to tell about this world humorously, expressing everything we did not want to say out loud. Despite the fact that the main characters have shallow tendencies, who doesn't? But, the girl who runs the website in this book seems by far the most positive, upbeat and intelligent girl in the story; she is the one I most admire for her positive demeaner and sassy personality.
Obviously I would never consider this series equal to the great classical literature. But, if you want to see how the other half lives, check this book out and before you know it, you will have entered the world of Gossip Girl.

My 16 year old received this as a gift. It is insulting to anyone with values. Not a page can be read that is not filled with drugs, sex, innuendo, drinking and other immoral behavior. Did I mention cussing? If you are seeking something with literary value, keep looking. I tried not to give it a star, but was forced to rate it a "one".

These are the most friggin' addicting books I have ever read. I'm going at the rate of about one a day now, just devouring them one after the other. I'm on number four...I'll admit it, at first I was skeptical, thinking "get real," but then I just got sucked into it. And before I knew it, I couldn't get out. I'm still stuck, and all in all it's not a bad place to be.

To those of you that think this book is a bad representation of teenagers, here's a message: if we're not like this, we're thinking about being like this.
What is so unrealistic about it? I don't get it, seriously. It was a fun light read and I can't say it was the best book ever, and I will for sure read the sequels. But for those of you who overanalyze and think that books are for picking out every single paragraph and finding some deeper meaning then this is definitely not for you.

The story line and characters in this book make for a good story. I really enjoyed the book. It usually takes me a week or two to read a book this size, but it only took me 3 days to read this one. A great teen book.

Please. to me it wasnt "juicy" or i wasnt "shocked"
I thought it was a boring and ot to meton disgustingly dirty book.
I wouldnt go farther than half the book because it just seemed like the same old wannabe book about gossip , sex, and getting dunk. Who cares. it's unreal and unbeleiveably stupid to me.

Im pretty sure i was feeling my brain turning to mush after 7 pages.
I wouldnt recommend it to anyone and i wouldnt read the second book in the series forget about finish the first one.

i would continue but i have to go. no time to waste my time on *this* book. ugh.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I READ THE WHOLE BOOK IN THREE DAYS! I LAUGHED, CRIED, AND MY JAW DROPPED A FEW TIMES. IT TRULY IS A JUICY READ. I RECCOMEND THIS BOOK TO ANY TEEN.
YOU KNOW YOU LOVE ME,
KRISTIN

It about rich kids doing whatever they want like sex and durgs. I doubt such a family would allow their kids to go around do things like that. Trust me, it's not worth it.

I will always read book reviews over the internet before buying any book again. I don't even want to explain what's in the book because it is completely worthless. I did not have any clue that this book was not intended for a 25-year-old lady. I really thought that this book was a story about the awful consequences of gossip on society, for instance, or a story about a girl who gets caught by her own evil actions after gossiping and spreading rumors around. I did not imagine that it was written in such an inappropriate way to support gossip and other immoral behaviors. Besides it's pointless and disrespectful, since it's supporting something that is totally not innocent. Defiantly, I would not recommend this book for young girls nor for 18 and up, because it does not have any useful bit of information. If people keep reading these kinds of books that corrupt young girls' minds, damages their intellectuality, people will ruin the world. Gossip girl will not help you be clever, impressive, genuine, or popular. Invest your time in a much constructive reads.

(Possible spoilers) Wow...this book had no point to it at all. It was about a group of rich girls living in New York and the girl every girl wants to be, Serena van der Woodsen, (such a soap opera name) has been kicked out of her boarding school in Europe and has returned to NY. Gossip ensues.

This book had no point. The characters were shallow and 2 dimensional-with the exception of Jenny and Dan,-the plotline was bad and predictable, and everything turned out happily ever after. Also, the characters had sex on every other page, which kind of disturbed me. But then again, I haven't read anything like this before.

Then why did I give this 4 stars? Because it was simply addicting. As much as I tried not to care about the characters...I did. Throughout the whole story, I rolled my eyes at the sheer stupidity of the plot...but I didn't put the book down. The author knows how to keep you into her story.

My friend told me to read this book. I always saw it in the bookstore so I said to myself ok why not. Well ever since I opened the book I couldn't put it down! It's that good. And now I have to order the rest of the series because I can't wait to see what happens next!

In the book Gossip Girl by Cecily Von Ziegesar, the boys and girls are equal here in the big city of New York. Their morning consists of going to private school, picking up some gossip, and doing the things that seem to be "cool". While when the sun goes down and school work comes to an end they party and do what grown ups are suppose to do then go to school the next morning with a hangover. Its senior year this year for all of them and they're going off to college. Some are ready while others are actually too caught up on there high school life to not care about anyone else's or even moving beyond. Blair and Serena are the two main characters. They are best friends but Serena gets more attention than Blair; she always comes second. Gossip starts to fly quickly between the Constance girls and boys. Whether someone knew what it was about or not, even ones who are obsessed start to wonder if all these rumors are true. With friendships going down hill, cheaters, and even making new friends, the gossip doesn't end here. The beginning of the book starts off with Serena Van Der Woodsen coming home from boarding school because she got kicked out. This becomes Blair's worse nightmare because ever since Serena left Blair has been the center of attention, to even the fact she needs to lose her virginity to Nate her boyfriend. She begins to turn their friends against her with the nasty rumors and as you know one thing leads to another. The boys who are in love with Serena think twice about how she really is, looks are deceiving. As for Jenny and Dan they have admired Serena for years.

In the whole plot of the book good verses evil is a good setting, especially for the up coming series of this book. The author doesn't just show you how life in the big city have luxury things all your life can be like but she shows you that normal humans, especially teenager girls have difficult lives. Also the fact that girls who seem to have everything are even more scandalous especially between a boy. She shows it very well on how she brings each character out it captures the reader and even the text itself. Also where she has two conflicts going on in one book she as a smooth transition between both. There is nothing to improve on this novel that could possibly be. This is well written and even the vivid pictures you capture from reading is awesome. This is a novel to a successful series of Gossip Girls.
Overall the novel Gossip Girl is highly recommended not just for teenagers but also just for a good laugh sitting on the edge of your chair or maybe for a weekend get away book. The author does an incredible job displaying girls and their typical day.

My 17 year old loved this book ! she is reading a whole series and so far has loved them all.

I enjoyed this book. Yes, it is full of stereotypes. Yes, it is full of bad language and hash subjects such as drugs, alcohol, and sex. I would never reccomend this book to anyone younger than the 11th grade. It is a book for older readers that have experienced most of high school and know where they stand. Younger readers run the risk of believing that everyone in high school drinks, smokes, swears, and has sex. I'm sorry parents, but this does happen in high school and in some ways older readers can understand and relate to some of these topics if not by experience but by association. As an older reader I am able to connect to the feelings of jealosy, disappointment, curiosity, and lust, yet I can also understand that this book is merely a story meant for entertainment. Some have commented that the characters are shallow, but I think they will become more developed as the series continues. This first book seemed like an introduction that will be developed upon later. I plan on reading more of this series because I enjoyed the drama, but I caution young readers and their parents to wait until you or your children have seen what high school is really like and can tell the diference between a story and reality.

Ok, here's the deal: I know what's from right to wrong. I'm a 17 year old teen, I don't drink, smoke, or do drugs like these girls in Gossip Girl does. Why? Because I know what's right and wrong. This is a horrible book for teens who are just being their lives and eager to try everything. It makes those things look cool and hip, but it's not. However, it's a good FICTION book to read. The characters are catty, and fun to read about. Blair is an annoying twit who's jealous of Serena, and loves Nate, a total pothead. Serena just came back from boarding school, now people make up lies about her getting kicked out, having a baby, doing drugs, having sex. Serena isn't that innocent, but I don't think she's as bad as people claim. There's also Veronica, Dan (who's in love with Serena), and Dan's sister, Jenny (my favorite character). It's a fun book to read, but not recommended for younger people, in my opinion.

Parents BEWARE!!! The author has written these books to appeal to young adults and teens. But, what she doesn't tell us parents is that her "novels" are soft, soft porn plain and simple. She splashes the pages with profanity and not just any profanity...but she uses the "f" word quite frequently. I have forbid my 8 children from ever reading junk like this and have had this authors books (Gossip Girls and The IT Girl) removed from our schools library and our local public library. Check it out for yourself at any local bookstore, flip through the pages and you will be amazed at what she has written and keep in mind...most are letting their teens read this junk. It isn't right. Where are our morals and values at?

Gossip Girl is about a girl named Blair. She is living the high life. Living in New York, she is in on all of the fashion trends and gets all of her clothes from the best stores around. Nate is her boyfriend. When her friend Serena returns from boarding school after being kick out, everything changes. Blair, Serena, and Nate used to be best friends with each other. Before Serena left for boarding school Nate and Serena hooked up. After Serena went off to boarding school Nate and Blair started going out. After finding out that Nate and Serena had hooked up, Blair did not want Serena to be back. Knowing that if he could, Nate would want to get with Serena, made Blair jealous. Blair was also jealous of Serena since she was getting most of the attention. People are wondering why she got kicked out of boarding school and everyone is hearing different stories that is making her even more popular than she already is.

I thought that this was a really good book. Even though they are older than me, I can relate to it. Gossip, gossip, and even more gossip. That is what goes on at middle school, along with high school like in this book. It was sort of hard at the beginning to get into, but after reading a few chapters I loved it and wanted to read the next one right away.

I found this book to be some-what slow at the beginning, but I pushed through and around the middle of the book, I couldn't but it down! This book has an honest and correct look on how insecure and sensitive teenagers are, EVEN if they are a group of wealthy, fashionable, popular teens.

Serena returns to her loving home and friends, after being kicked out of boarding school she had been attending... or so she thought. Her best friend "Blair" secretly and almost obviously doesn't want Serena back. Blair is extremely jealous of Serena for many reasons, especially because she knows that Nate, her boyfriend would do anything to be with Serena. Nate and Serena made love on one unexpected night, and they have had to keep that a secret for quite some time. While all of this is happening, gossip is flying, and everything that is being said is being posted on a website for everyone too see. This book is all about jealousy, insecurities, and backstabbing. It digs right into the minds of teenagers, and we all know teens LOVE gossip!

I thought this book was a pretty good book. It's a quick read, that's enjoyable. Like I said above, the book started a little slow, but in the end, I had a lot of fun reading it.

This book was GREAT to read! I first thought it was going to be another romance teen book where the girls have trouble with the family~ she is having a trouble at school. you know ~ the basic stuff in all teen romance books. But this one just hit me. It was the best teen book I have ever read.

Gossip Girl is the unidentified narrator of this first in a series. She describes the comings and goings of a group of affluent high school students in Manhattan. All of these girls and boys come from very wealthy families where the children are basically left to do what they please when they please and all with the financial backing of a trust fund.

But life isn't always greener on the other side. Serena has just returned from a boarding school she was kicked out of and finds that her friends have moved on without her leaving her to fend for herself in a lonely social circle. Blair, Serena's former best friend, is miserable that her competition is back in town and equally upset at the way her boyfriend, Nate, looks at Serena. Nate, happy enough with Blair, is actually in love with Serena and cannot forget the one night of sexual magic they had the previous summer. Add a number of other young adults, all with their own worries and insecurities, post about them on a website, and you have Gossip Girl - a fun and catty quick read.

This book is definately not a work of great literature, but is a really simple fun quick read. Gossip is one thing many women take guilty pleasure in - add reading about it to the list. Adults and teens can relate to the issues of jealously, insecurity, and fear from which teenagers quietly suffer. Simplistic in nature, this book is clearly meant to be taken lightly, but entertain nonetheless. Word of warning to parents - some content is a bit racy for young teens.

i reall y in joy this book and i hope u will to it about the lifes of teen having the types of promble teen have there on there way to college and its a hard time with B,S,N.J,AND SO MUCH MORE ONCE U READ THIS ONE YOUR READY TO READ THE NEXTSO READ IT YOU WILL REALLY INJOY HAVING SUCH THIS BOOK WILL LIKE IT AND SOME of this promble migh relate to u or people u know

I am not entirely clear as to what type of topsy turvey world considers this a "teen book". While it deals with young people and some relevant situations, it deals with all of them in a fairly adult way. I do not think that the subject matter is too mature for a teen of sixteen or seventeen, however, I strongly suspect that this series biggest followers are a tad bit younger than that. So if you are a parent interested in buying this book for someone younger than sixteen I suggest you wait a year or two. Okay...that was my PSA.

Now, onto my actual review.

Much to my surprise, 'GOSSIP GIRL' started off a little slow, but toward the middle it picked up and drew me right into the high class world of these privileged young girls. I think Cecily Von Ziegesar has created a series with a very honest look into the world and the minds of not only upper class teenagers but teenagers in general. It highlighted how even the most apparently put together and well polished girls can be insecure, and most importantly, human.

'GOSSIP GIRL' is also chock-full of juicy tidbits referring to it's main characters that will keep you wanting more. Von Ziegesar will surely have readers of all ages coming back for more. Definitely a very guilty pleasure!