Customer Reviews

Catching The Crown

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

When I first received the book, I was excited to read page after page of helpful advice. I think the book is a good read as far as encouragement goes. However, this book is very short, and I think Lu Parker left out a lot that she could have shared. I would have appreciated something more on the lines as to details. She mentioned she had a coach, but didn't say how her coach helped her. She didn't talk too much about wardrobe selection, and not much on preparation.

I think she talked more on her reign rather than what did she did to achieve Miss USA.

Like I said, it's a real good encouragement book. As far as advice, she gives some, but not much.

If you think beauty queens are all alike, you're about to learn otherwise. Lu Parker clearly has that rare combination of beauty and smarts that make her a savvy businesswoman (and helped her win the Miss South Carolina and Miss USA crowns), not simply a beauty queen.

While some people might be dissuaded from reading Catching the Crown because they think the road to pageant success is paved with the proverbial gold bricks (, they will quickly learn otherwise if they pick up this pageant primer. Catching the Crown shows that there are myriad difficulties and challenges that competitors like Lu face each year in advance of the Miss USA, Miss America, or Miss Universe pageants. More important, however, Lu explains how to pace oneself and overcome adversity by creating realistic physical and mental goals.

What Lu Parker has put together is a must-read if you are a young woman who's inclined to join the pageant circuit. The pressures of competition are intense, she writes, and the process can be disheartening. As a former model and television reporter, I know well how much harder these rejections are for teenage girls -- many of whom begin their pageant careers at 14 or 15. If I had had a resource like Catching the Crown for modeling when I was 15, I might have avoided some of the pitfalls and relentlessly unscrupulous people who are invariably part of the industry. I recommend it highly.

Lu Parker has been there and now in this helpful book, she tells *you* what she did on her road to success in the Miss South Carolina USA, Miss USA and ultimately Miss Universe Pageants. Lu is very candid in the book, discussing her disappointment in not making the Top 3 at Miss Universe and also of coming back to the Miss South Carolina Teen USA pageant the year after placing as first runner-up and not placing at all. Her book transcends all ages of pageant competitor, teens, miss Mrs. and Ms. competitors will find her advice applies to all ages, it is not specific to one pageant system although of course the focus is on the USA system. Her personable writing style is just like having Lu as your own personal pageant coach, guiding you along the way, giving specific tips and advice on such things as wardrobe, makeup, and getting along with your fellow delegates. I can highly reccommend her book--no matter what system you compete in or what your age is----her advice is timeless!

I really enjoyed this book.This book is different from any pageant book you have ever read. This book is by someone who has been there done that and was successful trying(Miss South Carolina USA 1994,Miss USA 1994). This book includes good suggestions on application entry,interview(great common asked interview questions)wardrobe(gown,swimsuit,interview talent etc.)and tips on how to get sponsership funds. Lu Parker also gives you a little run by of her year being Miss South Carolina USA/Miss USA 1994 which seemed to be a year never to be forgotten. I enjoy competiting in beauty pagents I wish I had this book when I first started entering. But I will be prepared for upcoming pageants and you will too.EXCELLENT BOOK I will recommend to anyone who can't afford pageant trainiers and enjoy entering pagents.

I think Lu has done a wonderful job with this book. It's very informative and appears to cover all areas of beauty contests. Though not into competing, I would highly recommend it to anyone wishing to get started.

I thought "Catching the Crown" was one of the best books I've ever read on pageant competition. The best part about it was reading the information from someone who has competed at such high levels. Lu Parker made me feel like she was coaching me personally at my house. The information is easy to read, complete, and she tells you things you may have never thought of before. It made me want to go out and compete, and now I feel a lot more prepared to try.

I have read many pageant books, but this one was probably the most helpful overall. It had great advice on exercise and fitness where as many of the other pageant books don't. It actually had strategies and sample plans to follow for all the areas covered. GREAT BOOK!

After reading this book I felt more informed about my favorite hobby of competing in pageants. I think it would do every competitor good to read about Ms. Parker's journey.

Lu Parker's Catching the Crown is a brief and well-written work. Ms. Parker has captured the inspiration and motivation that propelled her to pursue her dreams of competing and winning. In addition her "how to" hints are concise, practical and to the point.

Perhaps the greatest gift that Ms. Parker's book bestows to the reader is relaying the possibility of realizing dreams through commitment and determination. Her self-esteem comes through with each and every page, yet she retains a modest demeanor. As a single father raising a teen-aged daughter, I am always looking for tangible examples that can help her grow up to be the best she can possibly be. In this regard Ms. Parker fits the bill, and her book provides a great road map for wonderful opportunities.

I really enjoyed her book. The information will be very helpful for my daughter who is competing in the Teen Miss SC pageant in November. I even E-mailed her with a question which she very promptly replied to. I do not know if all her information would be helpful for every pageant but if you are doing the USA system I think her book would offer alot of insight into the pageant. Thanks again for your help.