The List

Siobhan Vivian
62 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
YA
Published in 2012

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Book Brief

Siobhan Vivian

The List

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Modern Classic Fiction

•

Realistic Fiction

•

Romance
Setting

High School • Contemporary

Theme
Loneliness

•

Femininity

•

Friendship
First Publication Year

2012

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

The List by Siobhan Vivian follows the experiences of eight high school girls who are named on an anonymous list that labels them as either the "prettiest" or "ugliest" in their grade. The story explores the impact of this list on their lives and personal identities.

Contemplative

Emotional

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.5

34,294 ratings

49%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

The List by Siobhan Vivian offers a thought-provoking exploration of high school dynamics and the impact of labels on teenage girls. Readers praised its authentic portrayal of adolescent struggles and character depth. However, some criticized the narrative for predictable elements and unresolved subplots. Overall, it's a compelling, if occasionally flawed, look at teen life.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The List?

A reader who enjoys The List by Siobhan Vivian would typically be a young adult interested in high school dynamics, social hierarchies, and the impact of looks on identity. Fans of Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson and Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher may find this book compelling.

3.5

34,294 ratings

49%

Loved it

33%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

Character List

Both a protagonist and antagonist, she subverts the victim archetype and strives to manipulate the social dynamics at Mount Washington High through a notorious reputation on an "ugliest" list.

A popular senior who is initially celebrated for her conventional beauty but must confront her past friendship with Jennifer and her own role within the high school's social hierarchy.

Recognized for her physical transformation, Bridget grapples with an eating disorder exacerbated by public praise and societal pressures around body image.

An outcast junior who uses non-conformity as a defense mechanism but struggles with visibility and her quest for genuine connection, especially with her friend Milo.

A freshman athlete labeled as "ugliest" due to her muscular physique, she faces conflicts between her authentic self and societal expectations of femininity.

Starting as a "Queen Bee" sophomore, her social standing based on her looks is challenged when she ends up on the "ugliest" list, exposing the frailty of her friendships.

A naive sophomore new to the public high school environment, she receives sudden popularity from being labeled "prettiest," leading to challenges with her family dynamics and understanding of friendship.

A freshman named "prettiest," she enjoys newfound social status but faces academic struggles and tensions with her academically successful sister, Fern.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Modern Classic Fiction

•

Realistic Fiction

•

Romance
Setting

High School • Contemporary

Theme
Loneliness

•

Femininity

•

Friendship
First Publication Year

2012

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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