This book was so enjoyable and funny and relatable and made me reflect on my own high school and college experiences. Unlike Peyton, I wasn't name called or bullied for being tall or had issues dating (coz you know.... you didn't "date" in high school in South India in the early 2000s), but I could find similarities with so many of her struggles - hitting the seat in front of you in the bus with your knees coz your legs are too long, not finding the right fitting clothes or size 12 shoes in the women's section, feeling guilty for blocking the view of others behind me.... and always peeved that none of my secret crushes were ever taller than me. So, it was great to read about an MC who reminded me a little about myself.

Peyton is a pretty amazing talented girl but is not confident enough to express herself and the secrets of her dysfunctional family have left her unable to trust anyone or show her vulnerabilities. Jay is a great looking tall guy who doesn't play sports and wants to be an actor and can dance very well - I was really impressed with this characterization because it is so different from the usual macho jock stereotype. It also helps that he is a nice, kind, trustworthy guy who is also very charming and really brings Peyton out of her shell. I loved her character growth and the way she comes into her own is amazing to see. The whole dynamic of the team in the drama club was very entertaining and I enjoyed their rehearsals for the modern day adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. But my favorite character was definitely Peyton's best friend Chloe, who is absolutely confident, sassy and takes no bullshit when it comes to her friend. She really reminded me of my childhood best friend and now I really miss her 😭😭😭

Overall, this is a fun entertaining read with very easy flowing writing and lovable characters but I definitely reveled in the nostalgic feelings it evoked in me. ( )

3.5

Although a bit slow at the beginning, The Law of Tall Girls definitely pays off at the end. Perfect for fans of Kasie West or Sarah Dessen, this books follows Peyton, a very tall girl (over 6') who has spent most of her life hiding. She keeps secrets from her dad, her classmates, etc. She's self-conscious, embarrassed, and worried. She's dated guys of all heights, but is really sick of looking down at her dates, she wants to be swept off her feet (literally) and adored in a way she assumes is only for shorter girls.

Peyton has allowed herself to get boxed into her assumptions about a lot of things: how people see her, what they think of her height, what they would think if they find out her carefully hidden secrets.

From my perspective, the first part read slow. I found the actual "law" part to be a little goofy--although believable, unlike say, getting locked into a library for a weekend (I'm looking at YOU, West!) There was a lot of explaining and setting up, while writing around secrets that were kept from the reader. Since I figured out both of those secrets before they were revealed, that part fell flat for me. I think it might have worked better if those things WEREN'T secrets to the reader, but just to the characters.

However, when things start moving, they REALLY get moving. As Peyton comes alive to her own potential, as she becomes aware of how people truly see her, as she realizes that nearly everyone has oddities, she becomes a character I truly rooted for.

This is a well-written contemporary romance and as much as I enjoy those, I think they are really hard to find! (It reminded me of my favorite adult contemporary author, Kristan Higgans.) Often, even if the plot is good, the wording feels cringe-y. Or the wording is good, but the plot seems ridiculous. Macgregor has written a lovely story about what it's like to fall in love and wake up to one's place in the world. ( )

What great and satisfying read! Told mostly from high school senior Peyton's viewpoint as an extremely tall and self-conscious girl, it's got some nice plot twists (mom's real issues, for example) disappointment, but mostly hope and a really decent ending. It's a great story to suggest to teens who feel odd or self-conscious because as they read, they'll realize they're far from alone or unusual in this crazy world of ours. ( )