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All’s fair in love, war and popularity.

Whatever they told you is a lie: grades, good behaviour and hard work mean nothing. Popularity is the only prize that counts.
The popular kids get an easy ride their whole lives. Not because they’re special or smart, but because they know how to lie and cheat and manipulate their way to the top. Popularity isn’t friendship, it’s power and status you can use to win everything you want. Why settle for cast-offs? Become popular, and everything else follows: the homecoming crown or the corner office, it makes no difference. If you want to get anywhere in life, you’ve got to play dirty.
The meek don’t inherit a thing.
Nice girls win nothing but regret.
Virtue is wholly overrated.
If you don’t do it, some other girl will.

Chapter One

Never fall in love with a rock star. That’s what Katherine Elliot’s mentor had said on her first day at Think Louder magazine: never fall in love with a rock star, and carry pepper spray at all times. Alan was gone now, of course, and Kat was no longer the same wide-eyed girl whose hand shook transcribing notes from her first big interview, but she did her best to impart that wisdom to all the other new hires.
If only they would listen.
“Are you OK?” Kat wanted to use the toilets before the main act arrived onstage, but a weeping blonde blocked her way to the cubicles.
“Wha…what?” The girl raised her head long enough to fix Kat with a pathetic stare, blue eyes smudged black.
“Jessica, isn’t it?” Kat recognised her latest intern under the wispy fringe and moved closer. “What’s wrong?”
Jessica sniff led. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Try me.” Kat might not share the intern’s penchant for hot-pink mini-dresses, but she knew a thing or two about broken hearts.
“It’s…it’s over!” Jessica broke down again. “He said he, he needed some space. And, like, we were better off apart. And…!” Burying her head in her hands, Jessica resumed her sobs, this time louder than ever.
No, they never listened.
As Jessica shook with lovelorn sorrow, Kat looked around for support, but they were still alone in the dark tiled bathroom with nothing but the low hum of the air-conditioning as interruption. “Let me guess,” she murmured, stroking the girl’s shoulders in comforting circles. “He’s in a band, and things are really happening for them, but he’s so committed to his music, it just wouldn’t be fair on you to stay together.”
“How did you know?” Jessica blinked at her in surprise.
Kat tried not to laugh. “Just a hunch.” She passed a handful of tissues, wondering if things ever changed. Twenty-eight was too young to feel this jaded, but in a world populated by barely legal ingénues in leggings and “vintage” nineties denim, Kat was practically ancient. “Clean yourself up and go enjoy the show, and don’t waste any more time crying over him,” she advised. “There are hundreds of guys like that in London. I bet he’ll even come crawling back once his major label deal falls through.”
“Right, he will, he totally will.” Jessica brightened.
“That’s not a good thing!” Kat exclaimed, but the intern wasn’t listening.
“Devon’s probably just scared.” She turned to the mirror and set about repairing her eye makeup. “You know, with the intensity of it. He did say he’d never felt this way before.”
“Right…” Kat was still spinning from the girl’s sudden mood change. “Wait, did you say Devon?”
Jessica glanced down, faux-coy. “Devon Darsel. You can’t tell anyone; we’ve been keeping things quiet.”
“I bet you have.” Kat’s sympathy quickly dissolved. Devon was notorious on the scene: the pale-faced lead singer of a hotly tipped rock act, he was the kind of tortured artist who could make even the most bitter journalists start gushing things like “Shakespearean eloquence” and “air of dissolute tragedy.” He also had a penchant for the Think Louder interns. Kat shook her head, watching Jessica hopefully apply another layer of electric-blue mascara. She was getting off lightly; the last junior writer to enjoy Devon’s affections had f led back to Birmingham with nothing but a broken heart and a suspicious burning sensation to show for her grand love affair.
“Thanks Kate,” Jessica beamed, surveying her ref lection one final time. “You’re the best.”
“It’s Kat,” she corrected, but the girl had already sashayed back into the bar, no doubt in search of another boy to break her heart. “And you’re welcome…”

As career planning went, serial seduction wasn’t bad; it was certainly cheaper than plying writers with cocaine like most of the other edgy Brit-rock bands. But as Kat reluctantly wandered back into the main room of a too-cool East London bar, she had to admit that Devon didn’t need to stoop to those kinds of tactics. No, The Alarm was actually going to make it, unlike the opening act that night. It was an invite-only industry showcase, so the room was thick with air-kisses and skinny jeans, and everyone was ignoring the poor performer stranded onstage with her electronic keyboard and a single spotlight.
Taking pity on her, Kat found a corner of relative calm and began to make notes until a PR girl swooped into view.
“Hiya!” Oblivious to Kat’s reluctance, the girl leaned in and bestowed the ubiquitous air-kiss, almost falling out of her white vest in the process. “Oh my God, you’re not drinking!” she exclaimed, eyes wide. “Let me f ix that.”
“Don’t worry, I never drink on the job.” Kat shrugged. The glossed pout dropped open.
“Never?” she echoed, her mind clearly boggling as she tried to comprehend a work-night without hilarious tequila blackouts and vaguely consensual hook-ups.
“Never.” Kat repeated with a small smile.
“Oh.” A frown, then recovery. “So, like, enjoy the show! I know you’re going to love these guys. They manage to capture the harsh nature of inner-city deprivation and urban struggle with incredible insight.” That last sentence was recited with such a f lat edge that it had to have been ripped from the press release. “Anyways, it was great to see you—we must catch up sometime!” The girl stretched her lips into another gleaming smile and then was gone, leaving Kat in a cloud of such insincerity, she felt her teeth itch from the aspartame.
Soho or Shoreditch, it made no difference: the scene was always the same. Hipsters, scenesters, general “-ers” of the week—the trends changed with dizzying speed, but the core of uber-cool chameleons remained, parading around the VIP section like it was a personal catwalk. At f irst, Kat had found them an amusement, but years of being ignored by the same faces at every show had left her uneasy and a little resentful. She didn’t have to put up with it, she knew, but whenever she was tempted to quit music journalism for an industry where people had principles, convictions even, all Kat had to do to restore faith in her chosen profession was cue up her favourite song in the world.
On the bus, in the off ice, even hiding in the corner of a car-crash event like this, there was one song that could restore her sanity, her belief in music as something more than a f leeting background soundtrack or pretext for a shallow, drunken party like the rest of the piranhas here tonight. Abandoning her notebook and the chatter around her, Kat slipped her headphones in place and for a few moments, escaped.
Soaring chords, heartfelt lyrics and a melody she could feel shivering behind her ribcage; it swelled, surged, broke like nothing she’d heard before, or since. The reclusive singer, Eliza Monroe, had released only one album in the last decade, and her tiny, self-run label ignored every one of Kat’s impassioned pleas for an interview, but somehow that just added to the mystery. It was the one track Kat could never capture in a few well-crafted phrases, the piece of magic she had yet to convey printed on the page.
But God, she loved to try.

I can always count on Abby McDonald for fun reads that will at the same time make you think. I have read and enjoyed her previous novel The Liberation of Alice Love and I was really excited to read this novel—especially because I am a sucker for friendship stories and the cover is just plain gorgeous (love the colors used!).

The Popularity Rules is the story of Kat, a feminist that works as a music journalist—she loves her job even though she had to deal with snobby, fake and bratty interns, musicians and industry people. But when she looses her job and was blacklisted due to her angry, feminine bitch reputation, she knew she had no choice but to approach her ex-best friend Lauren, who pretty much changed overnight into a bubbly blonde and dumped Kat for popularity when they were in boarding school together. Kat had never forgiven Lauren for her betrayal. Lauren, who claimed to have the secret to popularity and her success, wanted to take Kat under her wing and teach her "the popularity rules" as a way to make amends. Kat was reluctant and didn’t want to sell out but having no choice and no money, agreed... and this is where the story pretty much took off.

I did sympathize with Kat and know where she is coming from. Her best friend betrayed her and left her for greener pastures and I knew how she felt having experienced something similar in high school. But at the same time I wanted to shake her and tell her to get over it—it’s high school. Kat also showed some backbone in the beginning but I wanted her to yell louder at some of those people, like her boss at Think Louder. But Lauren, from the very beginning, intrigued me. She appeared almost robotic, ruled by the popularity rules but I thought she was a very interesting character and I wanted to know if her character will grow in the novel. You learn there was more to her and her vulnerabilities as the story went on. I did liked the insider view of the world of celebrities that author gave us. It was fun watching Kat and Lauren wade through it using the popularity rules. This book does have romance in it but it wasn’t the focus of the story which was a nice change from other chick lit books I’ve read.

I didn’t enjoy The Popularity Rules as much as I did Abby McDonald’s previous novel The Liberation of Alice Love but it was still a fun, well-written read nonetheless. If you’re a fan of Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella or Jill Mansell, don’t hesitate to pick this book or Abby McDonald’s other book The Liberation of Alice Love.

Kat Elliot enjoys her job as a music journalist writing about alternative music and occasional diatribes about the awful behavior of rock stars towards young women. One of those stories goes just a little too far and she finds herself out of a job and blacklisted from just about every magazine around. At her lowest she agrees to meet her boarding school friend Lauren who betrayed her in the worst way but who is now offering her a new life.


Is it possible to forgive?


While this might sound like a simplistic chick lit book it really goes much deeper and I found it to be a very enjoyable read. Neither Kat nor her friend Lauren are cardboard cutout characters and as they explore the personas they have exhibited after high school they learn what is important in life. Once I started the book I had a hard time putting it down as I found myself wrapped up in Kat’s transformation and Lauren’s efforts to help her.


This is a great book for vacation or a rainy day. The story is compelling and the characters are interesting and well developed. The plot moves along with some unexpected turns along the way.


I also reviewed Ms. McDonald’s book The Liberation of Alice Love (see my review HERE) and I like this book even more.


As Kat’s life is taking the final whoosh down the toilet, an old friend from high school shows up and offers her a way to finally take control of her life. The Popularity Rules are secret and sacred, but Lauren is willing to share them with Kat if she’s only willing to listen. When Kat finally reaches the point of desperation, she gives Lauren a call and they both embark on a journey to remake Kat’s life.


After reading The Liberation of Alice Love, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this book, but I was eager to get my hands on it. Though I wasn’t overly thrilled with Alice, it was a thought-provoking read that I enjoyed. The Popularity Rules exceeded my expectations. Abby has definitely grown as a writer. Her character creation is more intense as is her ability to keep me tuned into the story.

The characters are bold and bright with a smattering of sarcasm and wells of intricacies. Each character in the book is flayed apart to perfection; letting us not only take a peek at them, but analyze them without even trying. For me, this was truly the best part of the book. I was able to psychoanalyze myself as well as the characters without even realizing I was doing so until I’d finished reading. I hesitate to say, I may have actually learned something about myself and others.

As for entertainment value, this book is spot on. Kat is a music journalist, so we’re thrown smack dab into the glitzy glamour of the hip rock crowd and all of its fame. Though there weren’t many laugh-out-loud comedy moments in the book, I found myself smirking and grinning through parts. The Popularity Rules was a relatively quick read, considering all the content. I found myself turning page to page without being able to put it down.

Each chapter begins with one of the rules. Some of them I agreed with, some I didn’t, but all had a bit of truth hidden in them.

After finishing the book, I found myself comparing it to Mean Girls. Of course, it’s a much deeper adult version, but similar. We have a girl with strong ideals that she fights the rest of the world to hang onto until she finds that being one of the beautiful people can actually be a lot of fun.



The Popularity Rules by British author Abby McDonald is an experiment into the world of the in crowd and what it takes to be a part of it. Heroine Kat Elliot quickly learns that being a writer in the cutthroat world of music journalism isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. Down on her luck and in need of something to believe in she takes up an old friend up on the possibility of changing her life, in every conceivable way. McDonald offers readers an often sarcastic but humorous look at how the other half lives. Would you be willing to throw out every idea and creed you believed in to be a part of the crowd? Is popularity the most important factor in being successful in all area’s of life? Or is it only a means to an end... Being popular doesn’t always mean being happy.

McDonald hits on a subject that strikes at the heart of young women in just about every culture. Popularity vs. idealism. Can you be popular and still stand up for what you believe in. I thought the author did an amazing job of showing the reader the kind of dedication, preparation and overall headache that goes into being the "it" girl, so to speak. Even after Kat completely changes her clothing and hair style, she learns that popularity is more about how you are perceived by others as opposed to how you see yourself. I’m not a proponent of holding what other people think about me in high esteem, but I did understand where the author was coming from.

From my own experience as a young girl and even after reaching adulthood, like most girls I had this idea that I could go home for the summer or start a new job and be a completely different person if I wanted to, so I loved the overall premise of this book, it is so completely authentic. Re-inventing oneself may not be easy but it’s a fantasy that I think most woman have and some throw caution to the wind and actually do it. Kat becomes so downtrodden and desperate that readers will begin to identify with her and want her to succeed in getting her job back, finding the man of her dreams and rekindling the long lost friendship she shares with Lauren. Kat is a very realistic character that has to decide what is most important to her, and whether or not the popularity rules fits in with her aspirations.

Kat may be the lead character in this one but she has some very interesting counterparts. Lauren is a great character. McDonald writes her as somewhat mysterious and aloof. She wanted so desperately to not be on the fringe anymore that she was willing to give up everything including her friendship with Kat. Readers will see how much Lauren has had to give up and ultimately why she made such a drastic choice. Oscar and Gabi are loads of fun and certainly add to the comic relief in the book and draws tension away from the main characters, but it is Ash that steals the secondary character show. He is a passionate music producer and he finds something in Kat that she doesn’t even see in herself. He carries his passion over into every part of his life and that makes him such a meaningful hero.

Readers of contemporary women’s fiction will find this one interesting on a lot of levels. Being a music industry writer myself, I really loved the angle that McDonald uses to bring about Kat’s transformation. Anyone who has ever been on the outside looking in with empathize with Kat and love her sassy spirit and caviler attitude. The author ties everything together and pulls off a happy ending for Kat and her esteemed entourage. I liked the fact that the reader is left wondering what is going to happen until the very end. There are several twists and turns in this one to keep the interest high and readers will find it well worth the time it takes to read this one at over 400 pages. Great chick lit, with a hint of romance!


The Popularity Rules is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.


I’m giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

MY THOUGHT
LOVED IT

Kat looses her music journalist job just as her former BFF from high school returns to her life. What Kat doesn’t know is that Lauren had dumped her as a friend when she discovered a book called The Popularity Rules much like those *RULES* books on how to get a guy. Now, Lauren is back to make amends and help Kat discover her inner popularity. Each chapter starts with a bit of wisdom from the book. Kat goes through an extreme makeover of personality, career and appearance which help propel her into a whole new lifestyle. The chapters headings are actually pieces of advice which might really work, but I imagine that they are a bit sarcastic at the same time. There are some real gems mixed in the snark like: Chapter 33 "Like it or not, nothing stays the same, and neither should you."

After a bit of research, I found that this is the author’s second book and first adult story. Kat and Lauren both seem stuck in their teen years when they ultimately discover that you must remain true to yourself to be happy. Overall, the story will leave you feeling good and you might even try a few of the rules yourself. I really wonder if the chapter headings are part of some actual book on popularity. I really enjoyed this one and it is a super pick me up story that should appeal to those who love Rachel Johnson and Jane Green.

What if there was a rule book on how to be popular? That’s the cute premise of Abby McDonald’s first novel for adults "Popularity Rules. Want a chance to win? Leave your email address in the comment section. One will be chosen randomly by Sunday evening after six.

Rule 1: All’s fair in love, war and popularity…
Kat Elliot is no social butterfly: she’s spent her life rebelling against phonies – and it’s led her nowhere. Just as she’s ready to give up her dreams and admit defeat, in steps Lauren Anderville. One-time allies against their school bullies, Lauren and Kat had been inseparable. Then Lauren returned from summer camp – blonde, bubbly and suddenly popular, and Kat was left to face the world alone.

Lauren finally wants to make amends by teaching Kat the secret to her success: “The Popularity Rules”. A decades-old rulebook, its secrets transformed Lauren that fateful summer.

Tempted by Lauren’s promises of glitzy parties and the job she’s always dreamed of, Kat reluctantly submits to a total makeover – only to find that life with the in-crowd might have something going for it after all. But while Lauren has sacrificed everything to get ahead, is Kat really ready to accept that popularity is the only prize that counts?



Music journalist Kat Elliott isn’t afraid to take pop musicians down a notch, detests networking, and doesn’t care about her image. When her nonconformist ways lead to her ousting from Think Louder magazine, Kat reinvents herself with the help of her ultra-successful former friend Lauren and an old guide to life known as the Popularity Rules. Lauren first adopted the rules in high school and has since left Kat behind. Now she’s letting Kat in on her secret. Armed with a new look and a method for making and manipulating friends, Kat begins to fit in the scene she once eschewed, and her career takes off. What both women realize, however, is that chasing popularity can have dire consequences. McDonald, author of The Liberation of Alice Love (2011), offers an entertaining modern take on the classic myth of Pygmalion.

4 Stars

REVIEW: With a hip London setting, details about the music scene and a plot with Pygmalion-like elements, The Popularity Rules is sure to please readers far and wide. Fans of Helen Fielding’s chick lit classic Bridget Jones’s Diary and Sophie Kinsella’s Shopaholic series will adore this one.

Ex-besties achieve fame by applying high school rules to London’s social scene in McDonald’s biting second novel. From the day they met as awkward, unattractive freshmen, Kat and Lauren were inseparable. But the summer they turned 16, Lauren transformed, returning to school gorgeous and instantly popular—leaving Kat in the dust. Now in her late 20s, Kat is a music journalist whose caustic feminist rants often find her passed over in favor of her less experienced, more fashion-forward colleagues. By chance she reconnects with Lauren, now a branding consultant, who reveals that her success came from a mysterious diary containing a detailed plan to achieving popularity that she discovered as a teen. The rules for the adult world are no different, she argues, offering to teach Kat. After an extreme makeover and some schmoozing tips, Kat is transformed into the music scene’s new “it girl,” and the writing jobs, sycophants, and party invites roll in. Kat’s nagging doubts about selling out, and suspicions about Lauren, are inevitable, but a few clever twists that teach both women some surprising lessons about power, success, and friendship save the story. Though McDonald’s supporting characters tend toward caricature and the endless stream of “industry events” can be tedious, readers will relish the ride. A gleeful skewering of pop culture, modern femininity, and female bonding.