Dads, Geeks & Blue Haired Freaks by Ellie Phillips

Published by Electric Monkey in June 2012
Pages - 295

I was having a good hair day when this whole thing started.
It was my birthday and, in honour of having made it to fifteen, I'd given myself purple streaks (Blue Haired Freak from SFX hair dyes) perfected using only a tint brush,a tail comb and some kitchen foil. I'll admit it looked fine, but after I crossed the threshold into her front room, it took my Aunt Lilah less than a nanosecond to slam it. 
Goodreads Summary
Sadie Nathanson spends her life trying to survive the excruciating embarrassment of simply existing. It’s hard enough being a bit of a shrinking violet within a loud and outspoken extended family, but the unexpected card from ‘Dad’ on her 15th birthday is the last straw.
As ‘Dad’ was an Internet sperm-donor, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that this is a bad joke, probably set up by her ex-best-friend Shonna. But it starts Sadie wondering – just who was her father? Is he the cause of her worry crinkle and wonky bum? What would happen if she tracked him down?
So she decides to do just that. With help from her nerd cousin Billy, his friend Nodding Tony and a regular dose of ‘Haironomics’ (Sadie’s own hairstyle-related philosophy system), they uncover a lot more than they bargain for...

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If I had to describe this book in one sentence this is what it would be - a realistic teen version of Mama Mia without the music and sunshine! LOL 

You can't help but feel a little sorry for Sadie at the beginning of the book. Having to suffer with everyone  at school knowing she was a test tube baby must have been hard to deal with. When things get out of  hand and Sadie receives a birthday card from her dad on her birthday, she knows she has to find the truth. Everyone would want to know who their parents are.  Sadie's journey to discovering the truth is hilarious and heartfelt at the same time. You follow Sadie on her emotional journey as along the way she discovers just how close some family members are and finds a little love too. 
You never consider that some people might never be able to find out who their father is, as he only exists as a number on a form from a donor clinic. I actually came away considering how these people dealt with it - never knowing what illnesses they may genetically inherit, unaware of who they may resemble. It is actually quite sad when you think about it. Giving the gift of life is our greatest achievement, yet knowing who gave it to us helps to give us a sense of belonging. In this book, I felt Sadie dealt with it very well. 

There are geeks in this book, but you knew that from the title now didn't you? I am not a fan usually of geeks but they are growing on me, besides there is a secret geek in this one,an  undercover as a popular kid! I kid you not! Tony is very cute and you guys will adore him. 

The hairstyle of the day calendar had me in stitches - oh if only I was so creative! Sadie is a bit of a whizz with hair and if she ever qualifies she can definitely cut my hair!

I adored the humour in this book; Sadie's voice is very original  and refreshing and you can't help but love and laugh at her  as the story progresses. The story is told in first person, so you get a real feel for who she really is. 
The book is set in Hackney, which intrigued me. I am really loving the rise in books set in the UK, who needs America settings when we have good old rain filled Blighty?