I really don’t know what Dent was trying to accomplish with this novel, as the theme of rising above one’s situation is rather feeble within this novel. This is a slightly different review from all the well known modern books going around at the moment, but I truly believe this series of books needs to be recognised and loved again! While at first Diary of a Chav seems like a hard knocks version of the Georgia Nicolson series, it's not long before Shiraz's unique voice comes out. Diary of a Chav - Keeping It Real, is all about the hilarious adventures of the super-sparky and mouthy Shiraz Bailey Wood. Figuring what to do with your life, working through friendships, problems with boys, it’s all in there and humorously done.

I highly recommend that you, or any teenager or adult you know, join Shiraz in her journey through teenage life, and I apologise if you think these books are way past their sell-by date, I’m just ‘keeping it real’. The slang will be an impediment for some readers, but there's an equally funny glossary in the back. Still, Shiraz and Carrie are lovin' it, even if money is running out and the only jobs on offer seem to be bog cleaning and bottle washing at the local bar .As well as the books being silly and funny, they also portray resilience and going against the status quo. At the same time, though, I was kind of disappointed there was no real statement made about these ideas, unless they speak for themselves; for example, Shiraz’s mom think the way to live a comfortable life is to marry a rich man, not to get an education and a good job, and while Shiraz does seem to want to continue with her schooling, nothing further is said on the matter.

I have just spent two weeks of sheer unmitigated hell in a half-finished hotel, what was advertised as 'the most stunning jewel in the crown of this fabulous island. Its like putting Kate Plus Eight, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and Sixteen and Pregnant, and Jersey Shore in a blender and getting a very bizarre human being (and yes, I know two of those shows are on MTV but essentially they're almost the same network these days). Shiraz is the kind of kid who has a brain full of words, but isn't challenged or engaged by much in the school department. The diary format works well for Shiraz's outspoken voice, and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes YA and is looking for a good laugh.When she's not writing comedy Grace is to be found 'faffing about on the internet' or 'faffing about in the garden or kitchen' or 'just 'faffing about generally. But I gave it a chance, and I found that it was very convincingly written, and had an interesting plot! I'm not gonna give away the plot but any girl (or boy if you really want to read a really girly book) will enjoy it.

I'd elaborate on what I liked, but I forgot to update when I finished it - a year ago - and now I've forgotten everything I loved about it, other than the main character's character development was top notch. Chav, by the way, is a derogatory term for working-class British youth who wear hoodies, sneakers, and bling. It honestly is one of the best books I've read it's hilarious and at the same time rather interesting . But she and her best friend Carrie go to a school frequently referred to as "Superchav Academy" and her mother seems put out by Shiraz' sister, Cava-Sue, who is attempting to better herself by pursuing A-levels at an arts college.Soon home in Goodmayes seems like the only place to be, sorrounded by everyone she’s grown up with, people she loves to bits…Can Shiraz give up her dreams? Poor characters aside, I did enjoy this unusual portrayal of working class culture because even if I don’t agree with all of their values, as displayed primarily by Shiraz’s mother, I recognize them as authentic and universal, not just localized in London. Her year at school does a two-week work stint, and while working at a mind-numbingly boring job at a packing plant, Shiraz decides she will try to do the work at school. Through all the chaos of their outwardly dysfunctional families and relationships, love in the end shines through - particularly after Shiraz hilariously achieves one of her seemingly unreachable ambitions. Being American I have no idea what she's talking about, even after a lengthy explanation about the hideous overuse of tracksuits and fake tans.