Angus, Thongs, and Full-Frontal Snogging and On the Bright Side, I'm Now the Girlfriend ofa Sex God are not books aimed at large, or even small, social issues. Rennison avoids serious issues like teen pregnancy and drugs in her writing. The books are written to entertain, and in the process Georgia and other characters examine all the personal and sometimes petty issues that teens obsess about—appearance, clothes, various aspects of the facts of life, gossip, the absurdity of adults (especially teachers and parents), being amusing, pet peeves, and favorite snack foods. No reader can expect to gain any great insight into British society or the deep philosophical issues of the times.

Still, the diaries are realistic in revealing normal adolescent development with humor and tolerance. The books remind us that it is fine that teens are not adults, and we cannot expect them to...