"Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

 

💬: The fifty contestants in the Miss Teen Dream Pageant get on a plane thinking that this trip was going to be one of the best of their lives. This beach trip would be perfect. They could tan, swim, party, and get all dolled up for the pageant. For most of the girls, this is the dream. Unfortunately, the plane they were on had a different plan in mind. Instead of landing on a beautiful beach getaway, they would crash onto a deserted island filled with monstrous animals and few necessities- not even lipstick! So what's a beauty queen to do? Should they listen to Taylor, Miss Texas, and practice for the big show she swears they're going to have? Or should they listen to Adina, Miss New Hampshire, and learn how to survive in this 'totally bogus' wilderness? Decisions, decisions. 

And hey! What's up with these sexy pirates? 

❤: What I loved most about this book was definitely the characters. Each character, though similar in their need to get off the island, is thoroughly unique and beautifully hilarious. They are incredibly diverse and not one girl is similar to another. Though you make think these characters are entirely fantastical, you might find yourself relating to them. I specifically relate to Petra, Jennifer, and Adina who are all on a journey of self-discovery. All of the girls have their own stories and Bray specifically tells the reader who each chapter is about (it changes almost every chapter). The comedy in this book is unlike any other book I've ever read. The jokes are thought out and intellectual, while also being offbeat and (sometimes) dark. Overall, I highly recommend this book to teens who want a hilarious read while also getting an emotional adventure.