Customer Reviews

Johnny Be Good

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

 

 

I finished this book days ago and have been stewing on it ever since. This was my first experience with "chick lit" so I am hesitant to review it because maybe this IS what some women are looking for in a five-star read. Is this what all chick lit is like? Men cheat-- deal with it? Personally, because I was hoping for a light feel-good story, I was flabbergasted and disgusted. I am not a feminist by any stretch of the imagination, but I was taken aback by a story line that features a woman falling in love with a man who, while extremely hot and likeable (yes, I get the attraction), is a womanizing douche bag.

I loved Meg and wanted the best for her, but she was so stupid at some parts that I wanted to smack her. This is a story about a naive girl who comes to work as a PA for a famous rockstar and falls in love with him in the process. He leads her on and breaks her heart many times and never says he's sorry. I found it terribly depressing. That being said, the book was a page-turner. I stayed up all night to finish it because I simply had to find out how it would end.

The ending was abrupt, shocking, and unfulfilling because we are left wondering if there will be a sequel but there is no promise of one. I read in Amazon UK reviews that the next book by this author explains what happens to the characters. I picked up the book and spent an hour flipping pages until I found the two paragraph mention, which still left me unhappy but gave a little bit of closure.

So even though I really disliked the actual story because it is about a woman who doesn't respect herself enough to say no to a guy whom she has watched, repeatedly, treat other women like napkins (use em and toss em), the book had other aspects that I did enjoy so I am giving it three stars. Christian was a good guy, and at least Meg was smart enough to eventually see it. And this is a book that has stayed with me even though I didn't like it, and I found myself waking up in the middle of the night and thinking about it and analyzing it further. If you are a fan of traditional love stories, this aint' your book. But if you can handle the drama of chick lit, you might like this one. I will not be reading any more books in this genre though.

I am not sure how, but to date I have never read any of Paige Toon's books. Having seen this in a charity shop a few months ago I picked it up and promptly forgot about it, as it became consumed in my ever growing to read pile. Wanting something new I picked this up recently and decided to give it a go, and boy am I glad I did.

The moment you start reading you realise that this is Chick Lit for the dreamers amongst us. Can you imagine working as a PA to the hottest rock star on the planet? Err, when I was 15 maybe? Having said that I adore books like this which manage to transport you right back to your dreams and wishes! Although the story itself is based on the less realistic scale of `things that could actually happen', the characters aren't. We meet Meg who is on her way to become a PA to Johnny Jefferson, who just happens to be a sexy Rock God. It took me less than two chapters to immerse myself in this outlandish fairytale story.

Although the fairytale seems to come true for Meg as she arrives at Johnny's plush pad in LA, it soon starts to become a little more difficult than she first though. Johnny himself was what you would expect from a rockstar; difficult, impatient and constantly surrounded by booze and women. I can honestly say that although I wasn't overly keen on Johnny, the story made total and utter sense. Meg is a great girl who is in a position many can only dream of. What makes the story great is the fact that Meg is a normal girl, living and working in an unusual place. Johnny's best friend Christian is also a main focal point of the story as he is along for the ride whilst writing Johnny's biography.

There were some funny moments in the book too and I found myself reading quicker and quicker. I loved the fact that you are submerged into the crazy world of Johnny and his ever increasing demands. The story towards the end was looking a little predictable, but that didn't faze me as that was where I wanted it to go. One thing I was NOT prepared for was the ending, which left me screaming "no" with frustration. Thankfully, for once leaving a book too long has worked in my favour. The follow up to this book entitled "Baby Be Mine" was released a little under two months ago (yay), and has already been ordered!

This certainly wasn't a challenging book (just how I like it), but the story and characters flowed easily. It is a perfect beach read and I literally cannot wait to read the follow up, I'm just sad that I waited this long to read it!

I'm still contemplating if I really liked this book. I just finished reading it about an hour ago and am feeling disturbed. The ending leaves you a bit baffled...and, although I have heard that Paige Toon continues her stories in the books following this one, I can't say that it will help me get the closure that I need. I did, however, immediatly go online and order Chasing Amy. If you like other Toon books, I'm sure you won't be disappointed...but prepare yourself for a lackluster finish!

Soon after reading Lucy in the Sky, i IMMEDIATELY picked this one up... then the next one... then the next one. But you'll read about my reactions to THOSE in another review. ;D THIS is about Johnny Be Good!

We meet Meg for the second time (she made her first appearance in Lucy in the Sky), as she quickly drops everything in her life to go and become the PA to rock star/sex god, Johnny Jefferson. But she soon struggles trying to avoid mixing business with pleasure. Johnny is the epitome of the sexy bad boy you can't help but pine after and Toon does an AMAZING job writing him up. You know he's bad for you, but you just can't seem to help yourself. EVery woman's dream... to be the one that 'changes' him. He was 100% believable as a character. What is it about rock stars huh?? Even with their faults... they're still unbelievable sexy! gosh.

This book just reeks of fun, sexiness and intrigue. Meg was absolutely likable, Christian was certainly adorable... and Johnny was just downright sexy.

I loved this book! My ONLY complaint though would HAVE to be the ending. it was just too abrupt for me. HOWEVER, Toon's next novel is said to be a sequel to Johnny be good so i am anxiously awaiting the release of that novel. I cannot wait!

I've read this book 4 times already - i can't get enough of it. By far my favourite book (along side Paige Toon's other book "chasing daisy").
The Best thing about Paige Toon's books is that they are continuous... the ending is always discovered in the next book you read. So for those of you who want to find out what happens to Meg in Johnny be good.. you must read Chasing Daisy to find out!!!! It's the best.
I'm a devoted Paige Toon reader ... Her books are so funny and entertaining!
Please read this book (after you've read "Lucy in the sky") then read Chasing daisy... the next book "pictures of Lily" will be released this year in July i think... so keep your eyes out for that too!

Earlier this year I read and reviewed Paige Toon's 3rd and newest novel, Chasing Daisy. Simply, I loved it. I finally had a chance to read her second book (apparently I'm going backwards) this past weekend and swept through quickly it yet again. Toon writes great chick lit.

Johnny Be Good follows Meg Stiles, personal assistant to Johnny Jefferson - the biggest rock star in the world. Although convinced that she won't fall for him like every other girl, she quickly melts for his green eyes, blonde hair and irresistible talents. Trying to not let her crush get in the way of her job is hard, especially considering he's always around and sometimes flirty. Johnny's best friend Christian helps keep Meg grounded as they venture from celebrity party to stadium concert, but it doesn't always help. In this world of non-stop parties and LA heat, Meg learns a few lessons on how to deal with a rock star...and her own heart.

Johnny Be Good is great fun. A quick read, the book takes a nice backstage look at life of a personal assistant - how the job isn't always glamorous, but there are perks. From LA to Amsterdam, Meg gets to travel with Johnny around the world and hide her crush the entire time.

The book was incredibly easy to get into and very fun to read. Each character was drawn exceptionally well - from mysterious Johnny with his mood swings, but incredibly gentle moments, to the best friend Christian's caring and thoughtful ways. Even Meg is superb as the "every day" sort of girl. Toon created her PA job very realistic, letting readers envy her at one moment, and then realize the perils involved in another.

I found myself very much like Meg in many ways. I agreed with all of her decisions up until the end. (As a side note, the ending is a bit shocking and very open - so much so that Toon's fans have effectively convinced her to write a sequel.) One thing Toon does that I love is include her characters in other books. It was nice going back over my copy of Chasing Daisy to see the hint of what Meg really does do in the end.

I like that you never hate Johnny for being a jerk. Okay, at some points you do, but much like crushes of my own, when looking back I never think of those bad scenes, I only reflect upon the good ones. He's an interesting character - and very realistically drawn. I actually started missing him in the handful of chapters he's not in.

I loved the descriptions in the book. My favorite chapters include her trip to Big Sur with the two guys - the overall scenery made me want to fly there tomorrow. And the action within those chapters had me smiling ear to ear - wishing I, too, was there.

All in all, Johnny Be Good is an excellent book that's addictive and fun. I find myself already missing the characters, excited for the sequel yet to come. Paige Toon is definitely an up and coming name in chick lit and I hope she breaks into the US market soon (as her books are mostly sold abroad). I'm definitely getting her first book and am thrilled about her upcoming one.