Girl in Development [Hardcover]

Jordan Roter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 4, 2006

Vintage-chic, East Coast transplant Samantha Rose would rather be reading Virginia Woolf than Variety. So when her uncle arranges a surprise summer internship at a hot film development company, Sam is not prepared for the Tinsel-town twist. From her spoiled room mate (her Beverly Hills-bred cousin, Kate), to the backstabbing poseurs at her company (ironically named 'Authentic Pictures'), everything about L.A. feels fake. And, although smart, self-protective Sam hates to admit it, it's all a bit intimidating. Will Sam realize her own Hollywood ending? Not before this girl in development is thrust into the spotlight and down a personal red carpet of genuine friendship, romance, and betrayal.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...a hilarious and heartwarming story in which true friendship and loyalty trump Hollywood premiers and heart throbs. -- Jordana Brewster, actress, The Fast and the Furious, Annapolis

You'll want to spend time with Roter's outrageously fun and relatable characters. -- Heather Hach, screenwriter, Freaky Friday

About the Author

Jordan Roter was born and raised in New York City. After studying English and American literature at Brown University she moved to Los Angeles to work in film development and production. She is currently writing her second novel

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (May 4, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525476903
• ISBN-13: 978-0525476900
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,989,860 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for anyone who's ever been curious about Hollywood!, June 1, 2006

By 

Karen Switz "Hollywood Assistant" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Girl in Development (Hardcover)

Roter hits it home with heartwarming characters who reveal the dirty little secrets of Hollywood hot-heads. The characters reflect hilarious moments of friendship and hardships that will leave you wanting more! A must read!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best YA novels that people of all ages will love, May 14, 2006

By 

Madame Z (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Girl in Development (Hardcover)

GIRL IN DEVELOPMENT is one of those books that brings you back and reminds you of what it feels like to be 18 and to have finally found a sense of self and then have it tested all over again, reminding you that you still have some growing pains to endure. This honest portrayal of one girl's journey is delivered with wit, empathy and insight into the human spirit. I highly recommend this book to anyone who knows what it feels like to fall in love, feel betrayed and find friendship in the unlikeliest of places.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Get to Know This Girl, July 6, 2006

By 

Little Willow (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Girl in Development (Hardcover)

Girl in Development is a fish out of water story -- with the fish dressed in vintage designer dresses and swimming carefully in the murky waters of L.A.

When Samantha's uncle gets her an internship at a film development company, she appreciates the gesture, but it's not her dream job. She would rather curl up with a good book than hobnob with film stars. Not wanting to seem ungrateful, she accepts the job and flies across the country to spend the summer with an uncle and cousin she barely knows.

The book explores the relationships that develop that summer between Sam and those around her: Kate, her sophisticated and seemingly self-assured cousin; Kate's two best friends, Tatiana the television actress and Dylan the hypochondriac; and two boys at Sam's workplace, Matt Sullivan, who is slightly older and possibly interested in her, and Ross, who is slightly nerdy and hilariously blunt.

Roter has created characters that are realistic and relatable, rather than snotty and stereotypical. The main character is a sweet girl who has good intentions. Readers can sympathize with her sense of bewilderment when faced with a new job and new surroundings.

Though she is wealthy, Kate is not a material girl. The sassy older cousin has layers which are peeled and revealed as the story goes on. Though Kate is more world-weary and mature than Cher from Clueless, the two would definitely be friends.

Thankfully, Roter eschewed the obvious (and overdone) Pygmalion path. Kate never attempts to change Sam; rather, it is the unexpected friendship between the cousins that spurs changes in each of them -- changes for the better. Her leading ladies grow to accept one another.

Unlike some other books shelved in young adult fiction, the romance in this book is clean enough to appease parents and teachers. No eyebrows will be raised by this book. It will inspire gentle, knowing laughter instead.

In her debut novel, Jordan Roter has created a story that is, like her main characters, is fun and cute, sweet yet sophisticated. A 30-year-old reader will enjoy this book just as much as a 16-year-old will, and mothers and daughters can share this story. In other words, fans of Gilmore Girls need to pick up this book.

Girl in Development is not only likable, it is enjoyable. It is even more refreshing than the complicated coffee drinks Sam and Kate order, and just as sweet.