Gossip Girl Author's Casting Criticisms

Author of the hit teen series-turned-TV show phenomenon, Cecily von Ziegesar, is thrilled with the way that her books have been adapted for the big screen - with one exception.

According to People, von Zeigesar's one complaint to the producers of the show: the casting of Vanessa, played by Jessica Szohr.

As she explained in an interview with MTV.com, "I think Vanessa is one character they ruined."

"In the book, she's kick-ass and has a shaved head and wears lots of black. I think a lot of the readers who don't usually read teen fiction identify with Vanessa."

Oh come on! Jessica's hipster version of Vanessa is pretty spot-on for Brooklyn teenagers in 2008.

The author continues, insisting that it's nothing personal against the actress, saying: "I just wish Vanessa was like she is in the books a bit more."

So what's her favorite casting pick, then? Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass, impressed that the way he looks and acts is consistent with the beginning of the series.

She also gives her nod of approval to Blake Lively as sweet socialite Serena van der Woodsen and Leighton Meester as queen bee Blair Waldorf.