Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Nov 2016
304 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
His classmates may consider him a nerd, but Benedict Pendleton knows he's destined for great things. All he has to do is find a worthy girlfriend, and his social station will be secured. Sure, Benedict is different - but that's what he likes about himself.
Pen Lupo is sick and tired of hiding who she is. On the outside, Pen is popular, quiet, and deferential to her boyfriend. On the inside, however, Pen is honest, opinionated - and not sure that she's quite like other girls. Do they have urges like she does?
When fate intervenes, Pen and Benedict end up at the same vacation resort for winter break. Despite their differences, the two are drawn together. But is there such a thing as happily ever after for this unlikely pair?
"Starred Review. A truly beautiful story about passionately falling in love with another and learning to love and share your true self." - Kirkus
"Starred Review. Although this novel includes detailed descriptions and discussions of masturbation, consent, and first-time sex, it's never didactic or heavy-handed, and instead offers a raw, empowering, and lighthearted view of first love and teenage - and especially female - sexuality. Ages 17–up." - Publishers Weekly
"Though this work is not completely without charm, lazy characterization and offensive language make it a pass for school and most public libraries." - School Library Journal
"This is a love story that is genuine, explicit, passionate, and often adorable. Pen's and Benedict's ability to accept their true selves transcends their hormones, their parents' burdens, and their peers' expectations, and makes for a reading experience not soon forgotten." - Booklist
This information about The Nerdy and the Dirty was first featured
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