What do you think?
Rate this book
Geek High #3
[(Summer of the Geek )] [Author: Piper Banks] [May-2010]
The third compulsively readable book in the smart and witty series about a high school for gifted students. Miranda Bloom has scored an adorable, lacrosse-playing boyfriend, Dex McConnell, and an awesomely easy summer job looking after a ten year old mini-genius, Amelia. This summer is going to be sweet... Then reality puts the brakes on everything. Though Dex and Miranda are official, she feels like he's keeping secrets-secrets that may have to do with his fashion model ex-girlfriend. Meanwhile, Amelia is harder to figure out than advanced trigonometry. How can they bond if all she does is practice the piano? Plus Miranda's mom just invited her to live in London with her. Living across the pond would be great, but can she really leave Geek High and Dex? Looks like Miranda has a secret of her own...
Unknown Binding
First published May 4, 2010
7 people are currently reading
603 people want to read
About the author
Piper Banks
4Ìýbooks80ÌýfollowersGrowing up, Whitney Gaskell always wanted to become a writer. Then for some unkown reason, she went to law school. Whitney then decided to write under a pen name, Piper Banks, but also is now known as Whitney Gaskell.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 6, 2012
3.5 stars and still adorable. I love that these are such funny, down to earth books and Miranda's life is so full of great relationships. From her parents to her stepmom and stepsister, to her friends and young charge and boyfriend, there's never a dull moment. And not a single supernatural creature to be seen.
September 25, 2012
Yet again I enjoyed installment three of the 'Geek High' series. Miranda grew on me even more. I love that she is a fully-fleshed character with good points and bad points. She often reminds me of myself!
I thought the plot points were pretty plausible. Although, I must say most of the characters sound way older than they are. They seem like they're in their late teens. Amelia, who is meant to be ten, didn't sound ten at all and it was a bit frustrating. I can't imagine a ten-year-old saying some of the words she did. But I did like that she and Miranda got along in the end, I thought that was nice.
Unfortunately my copy was riddled with errors - there were at least five times where the wrong character's name was used in the dialogue, when it was clear that they could not have spoken. For example, Mrs. Fisher says "Sit down, Amelia" when in fact it should have read "Sit down, Miranda" because Amelia was upstairs in her room, and Miranda was the one they were interrogating lol. I don't know how the editor could have stuffed that up so badly?!
I must admit, another thing that annoys me is the author feels the need to explain EVERYTHING just in case the reader hasn't read the previous two books lol. Because I've read the first three in quick succession it just becomes a pain in the ass. But anyway, I'm looking forward to reading the fourth book.
I thought the plot points were pretty plausible. Although, I must say most of the characters sound way older than they are. They seem like they're in their late teens. Amelia, who is meant to be ten, didn't sound ten at all and it was a bit frustrating. I can't imagine a ten-year-old saying some of the words she did. But I did like that she and Miranda got along in the end, I thought that was nice.
Unfortunately my copy was riddled with errors - there were at least five times where the wrong character's name was used in the dialogue, when it was clear that they could not have spoken. For example, Mrs. Fisher says "Sit down, Amelia" when in fact it should have read "Sit down, Miranda" because Amelia was upstairs in her room, and Miranda was the one they were interrogating lol. I don't know how the editor could have stuffed that up so badly?!
I must admit, another thing that annoys me is the author feels the need to explain EVERYTHING just in case the reader hasn't read the previous two books lol. Because I've read the first three in quick succession it just becomes a pain in the ass. But anyway, I'm looking forward to reading the fourth book.
August 21, 2013
I didn't like the way the author keeps on reminding her readers of things that are already mentioned in the first two books of the series. It's like, "hey, in case you forgot, Miranda can solve complicated Math problems in her head" and "Hannah is her step sister" � these are basic things a reader can't forget. If you're not planning to read the series in order, this style would work but for people who read series the way it should be it's fucking annoying. Nice story though.
December 18, 2015
3.5/5
Nunca he pensado que estos sean los mejores libros de la historia, pero si te entretienen bastante y son súper fáciles y rápidos de leer.
Nunca he pensado que estos sean los mejores libros de la historia, pero si te entretienen bastante y son súper fáciles y rápidos de leer.
November 28, 2024
I finished this book in 2 days-I like it! This is the only book I've read in the series, but it kept me hooked! The relationship between Amelia and Miranda was interesting because they used to hate each other, but then they eventually developed a sister-like bond. This book did a good job on writing about teenage romance. [SPOILER ->] I wish Dex would just tell Miranda his secret instead of making it look like him and Wendy were together...
June 8, 2018
It was entertaining enough. A nice summer read. There are some annoying mistakes on the second half, like when Mrs Fisher calls Miranda Amelia twice, for example. Other than that, I did like the characters and the plot.
July 31, 2023
I mostly read this for the nostalgia. I found the book in my basement and thought I’d read it again. It’s a cute summer YA read. I enjoyed Miranda’s friendship with Amelia and how Miranda became more than just a babysitter. Short easy read that’s perfect for teens.
June 13, 2012
SUMMER OF THE GEEK is the third in Piper Banks's Geek High series. I have not read the first two, GEEK HIGH and GEEK ABROAD, but the story was still easy to follow. Miranda Bloom attends a high school for the gifted, which is currently out of session for the summer. She's working as a baby-sitter; her boyfriend Dex is a lifeguard. Being a lifeguard, he's looking at lots of pretty girls in bikinis - including Wendy, his ex-girlfriend the model. Speaking of models, Miranda's stepsister Hannah wants to be one. Unfortunately, the 'rents aren't so big on that. (And that's not the only thing they're fighting with each other about.)
My favorite storyline was the baby-sitting one, despite its predictability. Amelia Fisher spends all her time playing the piano, which her parents encourage due to her talent. Banks does put a few welcome spins on the storyline. Amelia genuinely likes playing the piano; it isn't something her parents are forcing her to do. They've just taken it too far. In addition, after Miranda helps Amelia diversify her interests, Miranda also helps Amelia think through her reasons for doing so and present them logically to her parents. Yes, there is a big dramatic scene that undercuts some of this, but generally its a problem in a teen novel solved by people acting rationally.
The love triangle part seemed a little forced, especially juxtaposed with the baby-sitting storyline. Amelia can help Miranda communicate with her parents, she can talk to her stepsister to help their parents, but she can't talk to her boyfriend? (Not just about Wendy, but about her own decision about whether to move to England with her mom.) Of course, teens do do silly things when it comes to relationships.
Overall, SUMMER OF THE GEEK will appeal to both geeks and non-geeks looking for a light summer read. (Miranda's ideas of appropriate summer activities don't include marathons of the extended versions of the Lord of the Rings movies. Clearly, she hangs out with a different set of geeks than I do.) While the boyfriend-girlfriend stuff is typical, both parent storylines are well-done and could be helpful for readers. SUMMER OF THE GEEK will probably appeal more to tweens than teens. I don't recall any objectionable content.
My favorite storyline was the baby-sitting one, despite its predictability. Amelia Fisher spends all her time playing the piano, which her parents encourage due to her talent. Banks does put a few welcome spins on the storyline. Amelia genuinely likes playing the piano; it isn't something her parents are forcing her to do. They've just taken it too far. In addition, after Miranda helps Amelia diversify her interests, Miranda also helps Amelia think through her reasons for doing so and present them logically to her parents. Yes, there is a big dramatic scene that undercuts some of this, but generally its a problem in a teen novel solved by people acting rationally.
The love triangle part seemed a little forced, especially juxtaposed with the baby-sitting storyline. Amelia can help Miranda communicate with her parents, she can talk to her stepsister to help their parents, but she can't talk to her boyfriend? (Not just about Wendy, but about her own decision about whether to move to England with her mom.) Of course, teens do do silly things when it comes to relationships.
Overall, SUMMER OF THE GEEK will appeal to both geeks and non-geeks looking for a light summer read. (Miranda's ideas of appropriate summer activities don't include marathons of the extended versions of the Lord of the Rings movies. Clearly, she hangs out with a different set of geeks than I do.) While the boyfriend-girlfriend stuff is typical, both parent storylines are well-done and could be helpful for readers. SUMMER OF THE GEEK will probably appeal more to tweens than teens. I don't recall any objectionable content.
May 11, 2010
Summer is looking good for Miranda Bloom. Not only does she have a gorgeous boyfriend Dex, but she’s also got a great job looking after a ten-year-old mini-genius, Amelia. Unfortunately, though, things aren’t turning out as well as Miranda hoped. Amelia practically hates Miranda the moment she sees her; this musical prodigy would rather spend hours practicing piano than bonding with her au pair. Dating Dex is wonderful, but Miranda can’t help but feel that he’s keeping something from her, something related perhaps to his fashion model of an ex-girlfriend. To top that off, Miranda’s driving test is fast approaching, and she’s sure she’s going to fail. Can Miranda fix all her summer troubles in time to just enjoy her vacation?
Though I have not read this novel’s prequel, Geek High and Geek Abroad, I was still able to enjoy Summer of the Geek. This is a primarily character driven novel that deals with the various pressures of being a teen, but outside of high school. Protagonist Miranda Bloom is a good pick to represent the female teen; she struggles with tons of insecurities regarding her appearance as compared to others�, her relationship with her boyfriend, and her success in taking care of Amelia. I’ll admit that this constant self doubt becomes very annoying to read about, but I can’t deny that it is realistic. Miranda and her friends� various exploits were interesting enough and will keep the reader moderately entertained. Overall, Summer of the Geek is a light, humorous read and a decent story.
Summer of the Geek will be enjoyed by fans of Fringe Benefits by Valerie Frankel, The Queen Geek Social Club by Laura Preble, and Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman.
reposted from
Though I have not read this novel’s prequel, Geek High and Geek Abroad, I was still able to enjoy Summer of the Geek. This is a primarily character driven novel that deals with the various pressures of being a teen, but outside of high school. Protagonist Miranda Bloom is a good pick to represent the female teen; she struggles with tons of insecurities regarding her appearance as compared to others�, her relationship with her boyfriend, and her success in taking care of Amelia. I’ll admit that this constant self doubt becomes very annoying to read about, but I can’t deny that it is realistic. Miranda and her friends� various exploits were interesting enough and will keep the reader moderately entertained. Overall, Summer of the Geek is a light, humorous read and a decent story.
Summer of the Geek will be enjoyed by fans of Fringe Benefits by Valerie Frankel, The Queen Geek Social Club by Laura Preble, and Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty by Jody Gehrman.
reposted from
December 12, 2011
after 2 months of hiatus, I'm reading this again...and reminded me how adorkable Miranda is, how sweet Dex is and how frustrated I am with Charlie and Finn because they're still not together!! Demmet. We'll see if they will realize how perfect they are together in the end of the novel...or maybe it will be on the next one? GAAAAAAAAH.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
I have read it....and it kinda lost its charm on me. Sure, it was cute and there are parts in the novel my heart was kinda pinched when Miranda thought that Dex is breaking up with her (and vice versa) but it wasn't that....ugh....well, I have related more with the first book, 'Geek High' and I remember I somewhat rooted the english dude, Henry in the second book, 'Geek goes abroad'...there were a few errors in this book, I don't really know if the version that I've got (it's an ebook) is the real and legit published one or the somewhat raw and still-to-be-edited version. But it was cute...though I sure am not contented on how it ended--especially with Charlie and Finn. ARRRRGH. It's a short novel so it was a fast read. HAHAHA. :)
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
I have read it....and it kinda lost its charm on me. Sure, it was cute and there are parts in the novel my heart was kinda pinched when Miranda thought that Dex is breaking up with her (and vice versa) but it wasn't that....ugh....well, I have related more with the first book, 'Geek High' and I remember I somewhat rooted the english dude, Henry in the second book, 'Geek goes abroad'...there were a few errors in this book, I don't really know if the version that I've got (it's an ebook) is the real and legit published one or the somewhat raw and still-to-be-edited version. But it was cute...though I sure am not contented on how it ended--especially with Charlie and Finn. ARRRRGH. It's a short novel so it was a fast read. HAHAHA. :)
February 12, 2012
Oh noes, Miranda thinks her supercutelifeguardsurferboyfriend might want to get back with his ex! He's hiding something from her, for suresies.
She can't feel too bad, though, because she's also got a secret. She has an invitation from her mom to spend the next school year in London, where there's another handsome guy interested in our geeky-protag.
Just what is a geek to do? Pretend like nothing is wrong, and obsess over it internally, of course!
Really, though. This was just as readable as the others. I would have finished it quicker if the kids weren't being all demanding, asking for food and stuff. <.<
She can't feel too bad, though, because she's also got a secret. She has an invitation from her mom to spend the next school year in London, where there's another handsome guy interested in our geeky-protag.
Just what is a geek to do? Pretend like nothing is wrong, and obsess over it internally, of course!
Really, though. This was just as readable as the others. I would have finished it quicker if the kids weren't being all demanding, asking for food and stuff. <.<
January 29, 2015
Para comenzar, este libro estuvo bien, cuando comencé a leer la saga, creo que esperaba mucho de los libros que venÃan y todo eso, pero bueno los libros no son la gran maravilla, pero entretienen, algunas mas que otros.
En este libro por fin tuve una idea más clara del romance entre Dex y Miranda spoiler:
Yo probablemente tendré un enamoramiento con Dex, es realmente alguien inusual en todos los libros que he leÃdo, el me gusta mucho.
Y Miranda no creo que haya madurado tanto, a veces me cae bien y a veces no.
July 23, 2013
Summer of the Geek is the third book in the Miranda Bloom series. Young Adults will relate to Miranda as she goes through normal teenage troubles that help mold her future. I love all of the characters in this series, including Miranda's "au pair," Amelia, who is a new addition in Summer of the Geek. My only negative was that I noticed a few typos throughout the novel, but it wasn't enough to really bother me. The next book in the series is Revenge of the Geek, which I am definitely going to read.
February 14, 2011
I liked the first two better. This one wasn't bad though. It just maybe didn't seem as dramatic as the first two, or eventful perhaps. Though much did happen, so I don't know what's wrong with me. Though I am wanting to read the next one though!
September 27, 2011
This book is amazing and Piper Banks out does herself once again by enhancing the charcters(making them feel like everyday people), along with her writing style being so phenominal making me want to read her books again and again.
June 3, 2012
There are some things I like about these books: realistically dealing with people's differences, family relationships, problem solving, and this book was a good choice for a plane trip. There isn't tremendous depth here, but it is enjoyable.
July 17, 2010
Easy fun read.
August 28, 2010
she has a job as a babysitter shes a genius in math so the mom thought it would be a good idea for her she teaches this girl how to be normal
Read
October 15, 2010it was amazing
May 7, 2012
I think......
January 1, 2014
Ah que libro tan cute n.n
December 8, 2013
I hate jealous rants....
February 11, 2014
Very dull and so predicting.
April 2, 2014
It was alot of fun i really like it
September 3, 2014
Por ahora, es el mejor de los otros 2 *-* Siento que con cada libro la autora mejora mucho.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.