3 stars--I know this is a popular book, so I was SUPER excited when I saw it at the library. I immediately wanted to read Dork Diaries because the amazing art style captivated me. However, once I started reading, I had...mixed feelings about this book. --The Bad Stuff about Dork Diaries: I HATED Nikki, the main character. I know hate is a strong word, but there's no other way to describe my immense dislike of her. She's whiny, melodramatic, annoying, self-centered, insecure, hypocritical...the list goes on. She's constantly whining about how her life SUCKS because OMG, she doesn't have a phone! And she got a DIARY for her birthday! *gasps* Poor, poor Nikki! (BTW, I'm being sarcastic). Girl, just because you didn't get a phone and your mom gave you a diary instead doesn't mean it's the end of the world. Another thing I didn't like was how Nikki overreacts about every. Single. Freaking. Thing. Mean Girl MacKenzie insults her at school? Meltdown time! Brandon, her crush, smiles at her? Let's have a heart-eyed meltdown! Nikki's father waves at her? MORTIFIED MELTDOWN! Lastly, Nikki is a hypocrite--she constantly complains about how mean MacKenzie is while saying mean things about EVERYBODY behind their backs and tormenting her little sister, Brianna. NOT COOL. I could probably write a five page essay talking about why I hate Nikki. --The Good Stuff about Dork Diaries: You're probably wondering why I gave this book 3 stars if I dislike the main character so much. The answer to that is: I HEART THE ART!!! Seriously, the drawing style is AMAZING. As someone who appreciates art, I enjoyed looking at the pictures in this graphic novel. I also liked the character of Brianna (she's weird but hilarious). So, overall, I didn't love Dork Diaries, but I didn't hate it, either. I'll probably read the rest of the series, though...if only the local library wasn't ten miles away from my house :(.