At first I thought this book was a little bit too young for me but it actually shows what we can all go through and suffer with and whatever age and people don’t know about it unless we talk to them.

I didn't actually have expectations of this book, I just wanted to read it for a light contemporary, and while it was a good contemporary, it was not light at all. I want to put it out there that I did not see any trigger warnings for this and the book takes a pretty dark turn. Although I thought it was written really well, I've not been doing great mentally recently and I went into this not expecting the issues that were dealt with so that was not great.

Anyway onto the story; this is all about Kat dealing with teenage life, while also trying to be more like her mum and be a feminist. It's written from the point of view of Kat and the writing style definitely shows that the main character is a 15/16 year old girl. I had so much second hand embarassment and flashbacks to when I was that age while I was reading this, it was so hard being a teenager. So Kat has a crush on the new boy in the school who, if this was Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging, would be described as a sex god. She struggles between wanting to get his attention but also not revolve her life around a boy, she has to deal with the Queen Bee of the school who is a bully and quite frankly, horrible. Everything gets to Kat and one thing is the final straw and she finlly breaks down and talks to her parents, who handle the situation AMAZING. She manages to work through and find ways to help manage her anxiety and depression, and again, I love how it was written, I could relate so much and my heart broke for Kat. There is so much drama and growth for Kat and her friends and I loved it, it made me remember all the times when I was younger that me and my friends thought the current dramas we had was like, the end of the world (plot twist, it wasn't... we survived)

I would 100% recommend this book, it's very, I think realistic would be the best way to describe this. But if you do read this, make sure you go into it prepared for a book that tackles mental health issues.

As a teenager, I was a big fan of the Georgia Nicolson books. I thought they were absolutely hilarious. This book reminded me a lot of those - because of its style, and because of the diary entries. At the same time, it's a very welcome modernized update, that deals with feminism and mental health in a light-hearted, open manner.

Speaking of mental health, I had no idea this book would have anxiety and depression representation, and I thought it was handled very well. It was amazing to see such supportive parents, and to see positive therapy sessions in a YA book.

I think this is a really great book for a younger YA audience.

Rep: MC with anxiety and depression, Black side character, gay side character

CWs: depression, panic attacks, bullying, menstruation

A good story which will resonate well with a lot of YA. The pain of being a teenager is so real and Kate Weston has portrayed this well.

Chronicled through the diary entries of 15-year-old Kat Evans, readers join her in an obstacle-filled plight to becoming a “better” feminist and seduce the ASOS model ‘Hot Josh’. Having channelled the vibes of naughties icon, Louise Rennison, Weston’s heroine will have you howling with laughter and crying in frustration as you long to tell her that “everything will be okay – this too will pass”.

Although I am not the intended audience of this title, I will happily declare that I read this book in just one sitting. So vivid were the memories it ignited, I had to resist my urge to text every friend I’ve ever had (namely my crush) with an empathetic “I’m sorry that I was such an embarrassment” . It is Kat’s inability to keep her cool around Josh that made me crack with laughter. I realised in those moments that I’d never wish to be that age again and, maybe, I would never have to. Her anguish at feeling left behind by all of her peers and the self-loathing caused by social media, is something that all millennials can relate to. Similarly, Kat’s confliction with what being a “good feminist” even entails was particularly prudent. Is it allowed to want to look pretty? Is it allowed to hate other women if they’re mean? Is wanting to impress a boy an un-feminist ambition? The truth is, no one does feminism perfectly – because there’s no such thing.

For all the praise that I have bestowed upon this title, I oddly have to confess that it is not a book that I immediately clicked with. At the end of each evening, Kat lists all of the un-feminist thoughts that she has had throughout the day. To me, this was an overkill of the whole “bad feminist” “this is a private diary” motif. Though this isn’t a reflection on Weston’s writing as such, I felt like these lists were an unhealthy way to illustrate a point. Whilst it is very possible that this was, in fact, the intention, I believe that there are more poignant ways that Kat’s obsessiveness could be (and are!) articulated. The Bridget Jones-esque style of self-loathing was tedious and, in my opinion, felt dangerously outdated. Again though, I’m 25 – not 15.

Overall, Kat’s anxiety is an accurate representation of the all-encompassing nature of mental illness and how it adds fuel to the fire of pre-pubescent insecurities. Being a “good” feminist is an uphill battle that everyone must face – it seems to change with every hour. If you were waiting patiently for a fully formed time machine, then you can look no further than right here – Kate Weston’s Diary of a Confused Feminist has got you covered.

Full of humour, wisdom and sensitivity. Weston's narrative is full of fabulous one-liners. But, most importantly, she has created a flawed, yet witty and crucially - relatable - character in Kat.
The perfect book to sink in to, giggle with as you join Kat on her journey.
Emma Perry, My Book Corner

This is the first book that I have read that lives up to comparisons of Louise Rennison's Georgia Nicholson series.

It was funny, the characters relatable and portrayed mental illness in a realistic way. Peripheral characters were fully fleshed giving the book a realistic feel.

Would recommend to feminists of any age.

#tim

It would be impossible to read a fictionalised teenage girl's diary and not draw comparisons with Louise Rennison, but I would say fans of Georgia and the Ace gang will enjoy this book. The diary format and lively tone make it hugely enjoyable, and there are some truly hilarious moments. But there is also a very powerful and well-handled element to this book in its depiction of Kat's panic attacks and struggles with mental health. The portrayal was so accurate, relatable and not at all overstated. It felt very true to life, and the ending was uplifting yet realistic.

15-year-old Kat wants to be a good feminist. But she also worries about not having a boyfriend, being left out by her friends, not being popular or pretty enough – does this make her a bad feminist? When all these pressures pile on and everything starts to get too much, sometimes the only way forward is to ask for help.

Diary of a Confused Feminist is a lot like a new Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (the top teen drama series from when I was at school, to those who aren’t aware). It was a very similar witty and lovable-but-embarrassing main character, the same friendship dramas and boyfriend angst, and the same embarrassing-but-caring family dynamic. With all these key features, it’s funny and relatable, but just not as good.

The author has done a very good job of outlining the way people think about feminism vs what it’s really about, and also (I think) in dealing with issues of mental health and its perception. However, the feminism aspect in particular was very repetitive, with whole sections of Kat stressing about the same points over and over rather than the plot progressing forward.

This was a highly entertaining and cringe-worthy book, with sweet friendships and important life lessons. It’s definitely the kind of book I would recommend to teenagers, but certainly not above Louise Rennison’s Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series.

I was delighted to get a copy of Diary of a Confused Feminist to read and review. This is a quirky and fun account of life as teenager trying to balance school life, relationship and friendships whilst trying to navigate the thorny issue of feminism and all the controversy that it brings. There is a great mix of humour alongside more serious issues and definitely makes me glad I am no longer a teen, although many of the issues faced still affect those of us of a slightly more mature vintage! I really enjoyed the diary style of writing and felt it made it more easily accessible and a little different to some of the other YA books I have read of late. Kate touches on so many issues which affect teens and young adults today and gives the reader a good giggle as well as some really sound advice though reading how Kat navigates these. I like how it wasn't all boys and school work but social media and menstruation also feature unashamedly. Very modern and relevant! Definitely a book I will be recommending to both teens and above!
Thanks to NetGalley

I'm probably showing my age here but this book felt to me like the Georgia Nicholson for the "woke" generation. I'm probably not the target age group for this novel, but I couldn't stop myself having a giggle at some of Kat and her friends' antics. It is a warm-hearted account of trying to be the best version of yourself growing up in this confusing world.

While it is often laugh out loud funny, it also handles some really challenging issues, including mental health and congratulations to Kate Weston, because this was well-managed, it felt real and respectful and I truly hope it helps other young girls living with similar issues around anxiety and depression, particularly when it's being hidden behind a smiling face. I think Kat is brilliant for speaking up about her issues and I'm all for more teen fiction that portrays mental health issues positively.

This is a very relevant YA novel about the pressures facing teenagers and in particular teenage girls in the era of Instagram, snapchat and the pressure to just be more. Told in diary style it gives what feels like a very genuine insight into the mind and pressures that Kat faces with her friends, school and the minefield that is dating.

As funny as Diary of a Confused Feminist is, it does deal with some serious topics such as mental health/anxiety, bullying, period poverty, etc. It's really refreshing to read a YA book with such genuine, solid friendships and that really shines through in this story. The amount of period positivity is such a plus, it's so amazing to hear a teenage girl talk so openly about periods in front of her dad, brother and male friend.

The only thing that dampened my enjoyment was i felt a little old for the targeted group, I’m a 22 year old and I’m not that confused about feminism but I do love that this book is out now and would have loved if something like this was out when I was 16!

I would love to share this book with my nieces and glad that a book like this is out in the world for younger girls.

Everything is changing for Kat. As she nears 16, with her trusty friends, she feels completely clueless.

I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Well this was an interesting book.
I really struggled with it, and could not stand the first 50-60 %. I was so close to DNF-ing, and did a lot of skim reading.
Our narrator is Kat, and as you may have guessed, this is her diary. I like the content, that Kat is trying to find her way through life as a teenager, constantly thinking she's doing it wrong. She's passionate about being a feminist, but doesn't always know how it's supposed to work, and always tries some wobbly rules. Kat and her friends are always trying to weigh their feminism against their natural teenage awkwardness of their looks and crushes.

What didn't work for me was the execution.
The narrative is her stream of consciousness, jumping from one thought to another without warning, and with a lot of drama.
The "diary entries" are repetitive, and who on earth does separate entries for every new thought a minute.
It was all chaotic and made my head hurt. I was so ready to put it aside and mark it up as not-for-me; but I saw some other reviews raving about how emotional it was. Intrigued, I ploughed on.
When I got to 50%, I was still wondering when this was going to happen and in what form.
Kat was still angry at her crush for dating the Queen Bee; and that her friends had boyfriends and she was getting left behind...

I've got to say that it was remarkably moving portrayal of someone dealing with anxiety.
It is such a stunning reflection of the problem, and the stigma attached to mental health.
Kat is a perfectly normal girl, with normal drama in her life. She has great friends, and a loving family who support her no matter what. This does not mean she is exempt from depression.
It's something that she hides behind smiles and being the "funny-feminist-one", but it is slowly getting the better of her.

I was so proud of Kat speaking up about her problems. I relate quite strongly with this, and wish I had talked about it sooner.
I love that her family and friends fully embrace her problems and research what they can do to help her, no matter how small the gesture seems.
I like the final result, which focusses on Kat feeling more confident in herself, instead of some stereotype of judging her worth by "winning the boy".

This started a 1-star, and finished a 5-star. Now I'm confused.

If I was 10 years younger I would have LOVED this book (way to make myself feel old)
It was an enjoyable read and I definitely recommend it for young adults.

When I first started reading "Diary of a Confused Feminist", I thought there were a lot of similarities between this and the "Confessions of Georgia Nicolson" series by Louise Rennison, which were my favourite books when I was a teenager. It actually put me off a little because I felt like it was so similar it was almost unoriginal.

However, I'm glad I stuck with it because it did eventually come into its own. There were a couple of parts that made me smile (and a few that almost made me cry!) and I especially liked Kat's friendship with her best friends Sam and Millie. It felt like an accurate representation of what teenage life must be like today (this is coming from an almost-30-year-old!)

I also liked the ending and thought it sent a positive message.

If I had read this 15 years ago then I probably would have given it a much higher rating. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to my 16-year old sister.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I first started reading this book , I wasn’t sure how much I was going to enjoy a book written from a 15 year olds perspective, but I have to say I found it very enjoyable and quite funny.
With Kat as the lead experiencing the wonder that are teenage years! (Yeah right!) Dealing with the pressures of social media, figuring out how to be a feminist, periods and having a crush on the ‘hot’ guy.
It made me thankful that my teenage years are long gone, but also that if this book had been around when I was a teenager, I might not have worried so much. Though saying that, the issues raised in this book can easily apply to females of any age, therefore I recommend this book to all.

Kat is the most loveable character! While the books main focus is feminism and Kat’s attempts at trying to ‘get it right’ it makes a good point of showing that feminism means different things to different people and that you don’t have to be or act one particular way to be a feminist.

Kat lives with her mum, a successful scientist who works full time, her dad, a comedy writer, who gets on her nerves at times with his silly ‘dad’ jokes, and her annoying brother Freddie. She has a beautiful relationship with her loyal dog Bea, who clearly brings her great comfort.

Kat is not only struggling to be a feminist but also struggling to concentrate on her GCSE coursework which is most concerning because she dreams of becoming a journalist. Through the story, you can see how her confidence decreases as she puts things off due to self-doubt and her concerns over her best friends Sam and Millie growing up quicker than her and getting boyfriends.

Above all, though I felt this was more about friendship, family and the support that they provide. Kat has some amazing friends and family who support her. When she realises that things aren’t going right for her, she finds some great support from her parents who take her to see a doctor. Kats mental health issues are dealt with in a very realistic and sensitive way and this could possibly help other, similar people, who are suffering to feel less alone and to open a dialogue with their friends and family as well.

There are some laugh out loud funny pieces in this and I will be passing it onto my daughter (15) to read and review). It took me right back to being a teenager myself!

I should start by saying I am not the target audience for this read, being in my late 20s. That said, I normally enjoy YA genres, even if the characters are more than ten years younger than me. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case with Diary of a Confused Feminist. Don't get me wrong, there were sections I did enjoy and that I felt were done well - period poverty, Kat's parents, mental health insight and social media pressures. But overall this fell a bit flat and although I'm sure I would have loved it when I was 16, I can safely say this isn't a YA novel that stands the test of age. There are some funny, endearing and relatable parts, but mostly I felt both the plot and characters were stereotypical and undeveloped. The characters especially did not feel real or unique: Kat's two best female friends were interchangeable, as was her male best friend, apart from the fact he was gay (and I believe the only queer character in this supposedly contemporary novel). I did love that this was a modern look at the pressures teenagers truly have to deal with on a daily basis, including the social media aspect, but again felt this was insincere and hollow. Kat's mental health problems for example were only slightly implied, until all of a sudden she's at the GP and we essentially get a Google description of anxiety and depression symptoms, which Kat all of a sudden has (I am sure prior to this there was no mention of panic attacks, compulsions, etc.). Diary of a Confused Feminist had some great insights and themes, and is well written and researched, but ultimately I think it could have been done better. Perhaps the diary entries should have been used in addition to another narrative, as I think using them alone prevents the audience from developing connections to Kat's world; instead leaving us standing on the edge, not relating or emphasising with anyone, including Kat.

*I received an advance review copy of Diary of a Confused Feminist from the publisher through NetGalley.

Following in the vein of sharply-written contemporary YA with a distinct and unapologetic feminist slant, Diary of a Confused Feminist brings us into the world of Kat. Think somewhere along the lines of Laura Stevens duology on the travails of Izzy O'Neill and you're on the right track.

The story opens with her friends attempting to make a statement through graffiti on a school wall, painting #TIMESUP, but getting caught by a teacher, only managing #TIM. The merciless of ribbing of Kat by her family and others sets up a light-hearted tone, but one that is not afraid to tackle feminist issues at the same time.

The main issue being addressed here is Kat coming to terms with what a 'good feminist' is. Can you wear makeup? Can you hate other girls? Why are periods? etc.

Kate Weston handles the diary format brilliantly, often dropping in a line or two at one time, quickly followed by another entry a few minutes later. Kat seems to be prone to embarrassing teen mishaps, one after the other, leading to a more deep-rooted mental health issue.

Along the way, we see her struggle with her friends Sam and Millie having more luck in the love department, as well as her younger brother. The diary gives an insight into how this affects Kat, even as she discovers more about feminism. Through the internet and reading, I liked the organic discovery of campaigns like Jameela Jamil's I Weigh, and books like Feminists Don't Wear Pink.

The book shows both the confusion but also the difficulty of bring a feminist when there is so much stacked against you. It deals with body image, the expectations for girls compared to boys, friendships, the role of men in feminism and the role of education.

The cast of supporting characters is excellent, in particular Trudy, the queen bee of the school, and Kat's parents, a high-flying scientist mother and strong, supportive and funny father.

Overall, Diary of a Confused Feminist is a really good exploration of what it must be like for a teenage girl now. It's also hilarious, providing some proper laugh out loud moments, while being heartbreaking and heartwarming.

Kate Weston has done a good job with this one. 

This is a funny and exciting read and will leave you feeling all happy inside after.

It also explores how confused and awkward teenagers actually feel throughout this story.

If you want a funny read then pick this up.