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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Summer Read For All Ages, August 20, 2009
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I am shamelessly addicted to Gossip Girl, and I read a lot of juvenile fiction, so ordering this book was a natural. Even though it has the usual cast of characters in stock situations, such as untrustworthy bitchy "friend", romantic misunderstandings, innocent girl in over her head, parental conflicts, rich girls with unlimited expense accounts, a trendy setting, and designer clothes, it was a refreshing new take. The characters are likable and we can identify with them. We have Casey who thinks that the bitchy back-stabbing, unlikable Summer is her friend, and Summer isn't anyone's friend. This, like many books in the adult genre will have you guessing who the characters really are. They could be any one of several people, and that makes it fun. Anyone with unsympathetic parents will totally relate to Devon, who is a very strong and likable character. I really loved Olivia as well. I did find it a little unbelievable that Casey's parents allowed her to go to Saint Tropez with scheming Summer and her clueless fawning mother. Since Summer is the catalyst for nearly all of the problems and misunderstandings that the other girls face, and since Summer is the reason that Devon, Olivia and Casey meet and bond, Casey had to go to France! I wouldn't call this book great literature, but it was a very satisfying read. What made the book even more enjoyable was the contrast between what the gossip magazines and internet were saying about Livia, Devon, and Summer, and the way things really were. It was a nice subtle reminder not to believe everything you read. I read it yesterday and finished it in four hours, during tornado warnings and some spectacular storms. Nature couldn't compete with the book. It was fun, interesting, and held this grandmother's attention from beginning to end. Even though there is a mystery that leaves the reader hanging, everyone will speculate on who did it, until the sequel is released. The writing was good, and I liked the fact that an adult like me, could read it and enjoy it, and so could younger readers. The author does not preach or talk down to the reader, and she did not dumb down the writing for her audience. I found this more enjoyable than a lot of adult books in the same genre. This was the most fun I've had with a book all summer. (No pun intended.) Most girls and their moms could read and enjoy this book. I am definitely going to get the sequel to this when it comes out. I hope we don't have to wait too long! I will also pass this book along to my daughter and grand daughter. I think they will love it too. Most of the problems are resolved in a satisfactory way. I would definitely recommend this book.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Fun but predictable, July 7, 2009
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There was just something about this book that kept me reading until 3 AM. At around 420-something pages, it took me about three and a half hours to read. I just simply couldn't put it down.
I've read many of Melissa de la Cruz's books and I've noticed that many her books have some of the same things : changing POV, a normal average girl thrown into a new world, and lots of drama.
I liked the rotation of POV between the three main characters: Devon, Livia, and Casey. It allowed me to get a feel for each girl and just let me understand the characters a bit better. I did feel that the author mentioned Livia's body issues too much; and I found myself skipping those parts when they were mentioned (in all of Livia's chapters).
Devon's struggle to remain sober added more authenticity to her character, but I found it odd that she didn't notice that her mom and Randall were just using her. I mean Devon's been in the business for many years and she still can't tell when she's being used? That was a bit odd.
And Casey was the stereotypical "normal" girl who gets to experience the rich and famous lifestyle. I was a bit annoyed that it took Casey a while to find out that her friend, Summer, had changed. But I did like the insight into assistant's jobs and the other set tidbits thrown in. Even though the characters were flawed, I still wanted to know what would happen to them.
Now onto the plot. It was predictable. I knew what was going to happen but I couldn't put it down. But Melissa de la Cruz's writing has improved and she can write some great summer reads! While the book is the cliched "Hollywood" book, it has heart. I am dying to know what happens next since the book ended in a cliffhanger (not a big one, but a cliffhanger nonetheless).
Overall: A great summer, drama-filled read perfect for that sunny, lazy day. And even though it's predictable and the character's are a bit flawed, it's a very good fluff read.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved the Book, and I Know who Did It, November 4, 2011
This review is from: Girl Stays in the Picture (Paperback)
This book was amazing, I finished it in a day. However, I'm leaving this comment for one reason, Melissa de la Cruz is not making a sequel, but she does tell readers who did on her faqs page.
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