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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
First in On the Runway series is runaway success, August 4, 2010
Premiere by Melody Carlson is the first book in the On the Runway series. Paige and Erin Forrester have just been tapped to star in their own reality television show about fashion. Paige is a natural in front of the camera and looks like a model while having an encyclopedic knowledge of the fashion industry. Erin is far more comfortable behind the camera where she doesn't have to worry about competing with her gorgeous and stylish sister. When their producer wants to introduce their show by having them appear on another reality show (think The Hills), Paige's chemistry with star Benjamin soon has his onscreen girlfriend Mia fighting mad. Erin is still battling her feelings of betrayal about ex-boyfriend Blake, but his interest suddenly returns when she's going to be on television. All she can do is turn to her faith in God to get her through this confusing time. This is by far Carlson's best young adult series yet. Erin is down-to-earth and immediately relatable to teenage girls who feel like they will never measure up to the popular girls, but she has a strength of character that is admirable and will be inspiring to readers. When I finished, I wanted to immediately read the next book in the series, Catwalk, because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to the characters. This is a series sure to go far with teenage readers (and their moms!).
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Which is the real reality?, August 7, 2010
Paige and Erin Forrester are two young ladies with the chance of a lifetime, to star in their own reality TV series about fashion. Paige, the older sister, is way into fashion and the Hollywood scene, while her younger sister is more down-to-earth.
This book is written from the viewpoint of Erin as she tries to keep things together for her family in a spiritual way. Erin is a new Christian and is struggling to be a good testimony to her widowed mother and her starry-eyed sister.
Premiere is a well written book that is aimed at the teenage girl crowd. It shows young girls that it is still possible to find God, even in the world of today. I don't think that this is the main focus, which to me is a let down. Erin's internal struggles with morality is what made this book strong in certain areas.
Melody Carlson understands good character study. Erin plight's are really heart-felt and easily identified with. This also gave me mixed emotions about the characters and their bad choices in boyfriends. It seems the bad choices made by the "bad boyfriends" were easily forgivable while the good choices made by "good male friends" were dismissed by a brush of the hand. I do think this happens a lot in the real world with many young women, they go after the "bad boys". I just don't like that promoted in books. I enjoy the good overcoming the evil in reality or fantasy.
Other than that this book is hard to put down. The book has a feel like a reality television episode, there really is no conclusion, just the end of an episode. Carlson is a good writer, and I think this may be the first book in a series.
Review by Mick McArt
Author, Tales of Wordishure
[...]
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
TV Reality, December 15, 2010
Erin and Paige both love cameras. Erin loves to be behind the camera. Paige thrives in front of the camera. Otherwise, they are total opposites. Both get their chance to be in the spotlight when they appear in teen reality show. They use that show to create exposure of their new show.
I loved the characters. They each had their distinctive characteristics. Being in the story of TV Reality was interesting. I realize that this is a work of fiction but I do believe that it's not too far off the mark. The audience loves to see conflict and drama. The game is figuring out the true friends and enemies. Add a guy and a couple of girls to create frenemies - a person who pretends to be your friend for their own gain.
This book reminded me the Big Brother Reality show. You have characters constantly putting `on an act' for the camera. You really didn't know who was telling the truth.
There was a faith element that is subtle. I find it interesting that some reviewers are put off when they find out that the Christian faith is part of the plot. It might be helpful for reviewers to do a little bit of research on the publisher before agreeing to read and review a book. With that in mind, the faith aspect is sprinkled throughout because Erin is a Christian and it is part of her character.
This book appeared to be character driven versus plot driven. There was a plot but it felt more like a slice of life. I would recommend this book for ages 10-12.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
<[...]> : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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