Customer Reviews

Franco American Dreams

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

While the story of this young girl's adoration of bad boys is endearing and even entertaining, the writing style is like that of a high school freshman (could she possibly have used the term "ballistic" any more often than she did?). Her constant (and I mean CONSTANT) references to brand names makes the reader believe she must have been hired by every corporation in the United States to include their name. It's annoying, and for me was impossible to ignore. The characters are such exaggerations that they come across as simply unbelievable. The main female characters, Abbie & Georgette, are pathetic. They seem to pin all of their hopes and dreams on superficial attributes and toxic men. Abbie acts like an obsessed stalker over Franco, and then she wonders why she gets treated poorly.

Remember those Sweet Valley High books you used to read as a pre-teen? Well, this reads just like an older version of those sappy novels. The ending was predictable and way too fairytale. If you're a teenager looking for a very light story and don't have many expectations, I say go ahead and read the darn book, if only for a few chuckles. A classic for Generation X it is NOT. Perhaps Generation Y can make better use of it.

This book is nowhere near Generation X (early 90s) but more of Generation Why (late 90s). The plot was good but the characters all seemed to be attempting to act older than they really were (and I think most of us can agree at 29 that we really didn't know as much at 19 as we thought we did). The ending seemed a bit unrealistic, with Abby getting a job in NYC before she even had a shred of fashion design experience under her belt. A final project in college doesn't mean squat in lieu of real experience. And when she finally flew to the Big Apple, what happened to all her stuff? She left behind her car, her pink and orange striped couch, and her "closet crammed with clothes". The book doesn't say if she sold them, shipped them, etc. A good attempt, but immature.

I am a little past 19 (14 years past) and I still loved this book. I thought it was hip, funny, and real. The depiction of Abbie's feelings for Franco was right on target and universal to a LOT of women, whether 20-year-old college co-eds, middle-aged professionals, or senior citizens. You're never too old or too young to fall for the wrong guy and get a broken heart. I loved the character of Abbie, although I thought she was making a BIG mistake. I mean, the guy chose substances over her and neglected her, and she treated him like an IDOL?!?!? (Good thing she wised up at the end)Also, who fantasizes about marriage, babies, and a life together with a guy they first meet? Abbie obviously never heard the word ACQUAINTANCE! Still in all, this a refreshing, humorous, poignant read, and although it has a teenage main character, this book can hold the interest of those considerably past the Clearasil-and-SAT's age group. I should have bought two copies -- I'm afraid I'm gonna wear out the first with rereading!

This was one of the best books I have ever read. The way that I tell a book is good is if after I read it if I can pick it up at any where and read it from there. It truly mad me laugh and feel.

Every 20 year old Californian I know has reccomended this book. It was a lot of fun, and a fast read, but a month after reading it, I had to strain to remember anything about it. I don't think you will find this book particularly memorable unless you can relate to the main character -- ie. fashion obsessed, boy crazy, rampant extrovert.

This book was my favorite book ever! It was just really interesting, and Abbie(the main charactor) was a great person who was discovering herself. She realized that she always picked looks over intelligence when it came to guys, and was trying to become less shallow. Of course she doesn't change and winds up getting her heart broken by the cute guy. This book is a TOTAL must!!! It was so excellent that I never once put it down. Please, I definetly recamend that you read it!

I couldn't get past Chapter 6. Abbie is pathetic. Just when you think you have her figured out, something will be stated that completely changes your perception of her. However, that statement never has basis anywhere else in the book, and doesn't fit in with Abbie's personality. The book itself is not very funny, and not at all a gripping read. I do not recommend it.

I absolutly love this book! It is definately one of my all time favorites. I love the way it is written and I love each and every one of the characters. Everyone should read this book. I read it twice.

This is a wonderfull book for young adults. When you first start reading this book it may sound tasteless and uneventfull, but as you read further , you will start to enjoy it more and more. This book has a well developed plot that you will grow to love.

I love this book and I've read it a number of times. I think her writing is terrific, and I'm waiting for more books by Julie Taylor.