Little Jenny Humphrey was known for being a party hardy student back at Constance Billard in New York City. There, she palled around with two glamorous seniors who definitely knew how to live the good life; and even got cozy with one of the most gorgeous guys a girl could ever meet. But Jenny has turned over a new leaf in life. By leaving Constance Billard, and New York City behind, she's hoping to create a new persona for herself at Waverly Academy. One who's a little less wild, a little more studious, and, perhaps, slightly more low-key. But once she arrives at Waverly, Jenny is convinced that her plans have gone awry, and is thrust into a competition with some of Waverly's most gorgeous girls in a battle to see who comes out on top, and can make it as Waverly's IT girl.

Book 1: THE IT GIRL - Sophomore Jenny Humphrey is finally vacating the city, as well as the illustrious Constance Billard, and heading to the countryside to attend the prestigious Waverly Academy. While it may just be a stone's throw away from the bright lights of Times Square, Jenny knows that it's a place where she can finally reinvent herself, and create a name she feels is worthy. A place where she can become...an It Girl. As soon as she arrives on campus, everything feels different, from the horsey smells, to the lone owls flying around, Jenny feels as if she has arrived, and intends on embracing the goddess she truly is. Now all she needs is a proper boy toy to worship her. But when Jenny encounters her two uber-rich, self-absorbed roommates - Callie Vernon and Brett Messerschmidt - Jenny begins having second thoughts. After all, those two are only ready to lend a helping hand if something's in it for them. And increasing Jenny's popularity doesn't likely hold a very high place on their to-do list. Surrounded by gorgeous girls, and even more gorgeous guys, Jenny knows that she's in the right place, now she just has to find the ability to stay there. And, if taking the fall for someone else, getting caught with "off-limit" boys in "off-limit" areas, and going up against the Disciplinary Committee all in the first week of classes is what it takes, then Jenny's all for it. After all, there's nothing that she wouldn't do to become...an It Girl. 5 stars.


Book 2: NOTORIOUS - Sophomore Jenny Humphrey is finally settling into the groove at the prestigious Waverly Academy in Upstate New York. And now that the hard part is done, she's ready to infiltrate the groups of beautiful people waltzing around Waverly. Finally she'll have her chance to turn herself into a sophisticated individual who can do just as well in the country as she can in the city. The fact that she's rooming with two of the most beautiful and popular girls at Waverly - Brett Messerschmidt and Callie Vernon - and sleeping in Tinsley Carmichael's old bed doesn't hurt either. Sure, things haven't been totally smooth-sailing since her arrival at Waverly. Jenny almost got kicked out of the elite school on day one, but after taking one look at Callie's adorable, shaggy-haired boyfriend, Easy Walsh, she knew that this place was right for her. And now that Easy seems to be ignoring Callie, and focusing his affections on Jenny, she's utterly ecstatic. That is, until the notorious Tinsley returns to Waverly - after being expelled for Ecstasy last year - and takes up residence in Jenny's bed, leaving Jenny to find comfort in a small cot. Tinsley sees the way people are talking about Jenny, making it like she's the new "It" girl, and Tinsley's not having it. She refuses to let some short, big-chested city girl steal her claim to fame, and take away all of her admirers. And she most certainly won't allow Callie and Brett off the hook that easily - not after she took the fall for them last year. Now it's their turn to get what's coming to them, and find out who - Tinsley, Jenny, Brett, or Callie - will be the new "It" girl. Because there's obviously not enough room for all of them to claim that title. 5 stars.


Book 3: RECKLESS - When Jenny Humphrey arrived at Waverly Academy, the Waverly Owls had one thing on their minds, discussing the new girl and her voluptuous body. Jenny, on the other hand, had something quite different on her mind, creating a reputation for herself entirely different from the one she had earned back in Manhattan. Here in Upstate New York, the petite sophomore has managed to catch the eye of three of the hottest guys on campus, kissed two of them - quite passionately, I might add - and had the privilege of making one of them her boyfriend: the artistic, adorable, oft-times brooding, Easy Walsh. The Kentucky-native is just the type of guy Jenny has always wanted, and Easy can't keep his eyes off her. Too bad his eyes should have been on someone else - namely, his girlfriend, the waif-like, shopaholic Callie Vernon. Soon the ultra-powerful Tinsley Carmichael was informing Callie that their sweet-faced, city girl new roommate was nothing more than a manipulative tramp who was using Callie to get to Easy; even though Tinsley was guilty of something much worse: stealing the scrumptious Mr. Dalton out of Brett Messerschmidt's perky clutches just to spite her. Now war has been declared. Callie and Tinsley against Brett and Jenny. But when the two groups are split up against enemy lines - Callie and Jenny in Dumbbarton 303, and Brett and Tinsley living just downstairs - conflicts will seemingly come to a head. For suddenly, everything is about to change. Tinsley's dirty laundry is about to be aired for the world to know. And when Easy comes searching for Jenny, and stumbles upon Callie, some scandalous activity will occur that will leave someone in tears. With the entire Waverly student body waiting in the wings for something juicy to happen, everyone knows something will - it's just a matter of which girl will come out on top and claim the title of IT. 5 stars.

I actually completed the entire IT GIRL series before succumbing to the power of Cecily von Ziegesar's original claim to fame - GOSSIP GIRL. Even though I was unaware of Jenny's past, I found that her entry into the world of Waverly Academy was thrilling, and fun to experience by her side. Each of the three books included in this collection tell the tale of girls whom you love to hate. Those who are rich, beautiful, and intelligent beyond belief. While Jenny may not have the same sorts of resources as they do, she manages to prove herself as one of the elite, and a character to be reckoned with. Her naïve, yet street smart personality is catching; and her ability to hypnotize, and win over just about any guy she comes in contact with is humorous, and downright juicy. Cecily von Ziegesar has penned another winner with THE IT GIRL. Sassy, scandalous, and satisfying - you won't be able to resist!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Okay, well I love Gossip Girl so it's not surprising that I like this book too. Jenny has always been one of my favortie characters in Gossip Girl and I love her in The It-Girl. I definitely reccomend this book to The Clique-lovers and Gossip Girl-lovers. YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!