College Girl

(Paperback)

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Description

"A raw and resonant debut novel" (Megan McCafferty) and a vivid portrait of life on a modern college campus. College senior Natalie Bloom is beautiful and ambitious, but also painfully insecure. At twenty, she's still a virgin, never even having had a boyfriend. At school, Natalie hides out most weekends in the library-until she meets Patrick, her fantasy (she thinks) of a cultured, intellectual Prince Charming. But the more time they spend together, the more Patrick brings out her worst insecurities. And before Natalie's ready, she winds up losing her virginity- and her sense of direction, as her emotional responses take a dangerously self-destructive turn. Soon it'll take only the most extreme measures to reclaim her sense of self, her confidence, and her ambition. Insightful, moving, and achingly self-aware, College Girl is an intensely real portrait of a character whose insecurities are recognizable to us all, and of a time of life that changes everything.

Reviews

"A sensitive yet laser-precise look at the joy (and indignity) of college life."
-Diablo Cody, Oscar(r)-winning screenwriter of Juno

"Weitz's prose is insightful, and Natalie's rocky coming-of-age tale...[is] a compelling read."
-"USA Today"

"Weitz is so adept at capturing the pain and insecurity attached to campus life and love, it's impossible to read without squirming-or at least without recalling the stupid decisions of your own early 20s."
-"Entertainment Weekly"


a"College Girl" is a sensitive, yet laser-precise look at the joy (and indignity) of college life. Weitzas prose is lovely, direct, and wincingly honest.a
a Diablo Cody, Oscar-winning screenwriter of "Juno" and author of "Candy Girl"
aA raw and resonant debut novel. Readers will recognize themselves in Weitzas very real narratora I know I did. Like Natalie Bloom I hovered on the fringes of frat parties, wondering why everyone was having the time of their lives except me. In the end, Patricia Weitzas novel is not only compelling and compassionate, but a page- turner. Natalieas transformation, drawing on strengths she doesnat even know she has, had me cheering.a
aMegan McCafferty," New York Times"abestselling author of "Second Helpings" and "Fourth Comings"
aWeitzas assured debut follows the trials one painfully shy college student faces when she ventures beyond the safety of the library. . . . Weitz masterfully captures the collegiate atmosphere as seen through the eyes of a troubled, sympathetic young woman.a
a"Booklist"
aThis debut novel unwraps an intriguing downward spiral, deftly portraying social and psychological implications of college life. Natalieas need to come to terms with her history, slowly revealed throughout, is well worth the read.a
a"Library Journal"
aBoth cringe-worthy and compelling, self-absorbed Natalie will remind many readers of their own awkward youth. . . . A deft, modest coming-of-age tale from debut author Weitz.a
a"Kirkus"
aWith "College Girl" Patricia Weitz has created an everywoman for our bewildering times, a woman who transforms before our eyes into a philosopher of heartbreak and redemption.a
aNick Flynn, author of "Another Bullshit Night in Suck City"
aSharply observed and unflinchingly honest, "College Girl" is a sexual coming of age novel that will resonate with anyone who remember the bitter sweet emotions of their first love affair. Weitzas depiction of the underbelly of the student dating scene is so uncannily perceptive that it will make you squirm.a
aFiona Neill, author of "Slummy Mummy"

Author Bio

Patricia Weitz has worked for The Nation, The New Yorker, and Los Angeles Times. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, the filmmaker Paul Weitz, and their two children.