Customer Reviews

The Princess-in-Training Manual/Divas Don't Fake It

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

 

 

This two-books-in-one offering is great to read in one sitting. The concept is cute and the stories are entertaining. However, in the spirit of constructive criticism, I should point out some loose ends. I think Divas Don't Fake It should've been longer. It would've made quite an interesting novel if the characters and story had been further developed. The aforementioned novella is my favorite of the two -- for Orloff uses the same no-nonsense language she used in Spanish Disco. Xandra Kingston is a great character. We need more heroines of this sort. Although there are times in which Xandra's confidence is a bit too caricatured to be believable. The Princess-in-Training is also nice. It chronicles Princess Jacqueline de Soignee's overall fabulousness. However, I found the heroine's fashion talk and shopping expeditions a tad boring. She namedrops famous fashion designers from beginning to end. At times I felt as though I was reading a less amusing version of Confessions of a Shopaholic. The characters in both novellas are caricatures at best. I know these stories are satires, but I think that a little more realism wouldn't have hurt. All in all, not a bad reading experience. This isn't as good as Losing It, A Clean Slate or Diary of a Blues Goddess, but it is a fun, quick read nevertheless. I recommend it as a great complement to a deep bubble bath and a martini.

This hilarious new Red Dress Ink book dives into the world of tiara and princess tendencies. This great new book by the author of "Diary of a Blues Goddess" and "Spanish Disco" is a really funny tongue-in-check look into the world of princess, divas and what's it like to be those things in the "MODERN" age. It's not all fun and games --- that's for sure. This great flip book (from 2 very different perspectives) is a fun and great addition to the Red Dress Ink library. It's fun and light --- not a literary giant -- but fun nonetheless.

Cheers!

Chick-lit is (sometimes deservingly) known for being "lite" on story and characterization. And the flip-book "The Princess-in-Training Manual/Divas Don't Fake It" lives up to that. "Divas" is a passable piece of chick-lit, but "Manual" is an excruciatingly self-satisfied piece of garbage.

Jacqueline de Soignee is the perfect princess -- self-confident, beautiful, wealthy, and universally adored. Oh yes, and of course she's also down-to-earth. Despite being royalty, she's just like every other girl. (Note to every-other-girls of the world: if you're not retching now, you should be). She offers tips on how to be a non-royal princess, as she navigates a web of fashion, displeased kings, sexy Frenchmen and slimy tabloid reporters.

In contrast, Xandra Kingston is a diva with a capital D. She's passionate, confident, can curse out a man, and is the center of attention wherever she goes. Like Jacqueline, she offers quite a few tips on becoming a true diva, while navigating the problems of love, work and personal life. And occasionally a well-aimed thrown plate.

There have always been self-assured women around, and this flip-book seems to be a celebration of such women. Unfortunately, Orloff seems unaware that it's no fun to read a personal fantasy that name-drops designers fast and furiously. There's nothing wrong with fantasizing about being a Paris-Hiltonesque princess, but keep it to yourself rather than inflicting a poorly-written story on the world.

The two heroines could not be more different -- Xandra comes across as humorous and self-assured, without the neuroses that most chick-lit protagonists have. The scene where she roars at a male opponent is just wonderful. Jacqueline, on the other hand, just seems like a fantasy alter ego -- she's rich, beautiful, adored, and has the IQ of a salted peanut.

The princess tips are vapid and pointless. The diva tips, on the other hand, are pretty solid, although they echo of women's self-help columns. And the storylines follow suit. Xandra's tale is fun and unself-conscious, while Jacqueline's starts with a director burbling that her presence -- a cameo where she steps out of a car -- will make his film a masterpiece. Gag.

This two-pack is rancid on one side, but pretty amusing on the other. Unless you dream of being a shopping-obsessed princess, avoid "The Princess-in-Training Manual," and learn how to not fake it as a diva.

I dont understand the purpose of this book.. I thought is would be a cute read - but I found myself wondering what the heck this was all about. Divas dont fake is terribly written - instead of a plot - thought it would be cute to swear. Princess in Training.. dragged and dragged.. I think this was just a way to try to impress us with all the traveling to exotic places and all the name brand clothes.. Who cares!! DONT WASTE your money - This Diva in training would rather be a door mat than follow these examples of what a woman should strive to be. These two getting a book deal makes me wonder what is wrong with the publishing world to publish this junk. I guess all of us should be thankful - there is a book to be published in all of us regardless how good it is.. someone will publish it...

Don't bother. I bought this silly pair of books thinking I would be amused by some tongue-in-cheek humor and dry wit. Instead, I was bored to death. The Princess-in-Training Manual dragged and dragged, had no plot to speak of, and seemed to be a book made to advertise designer brands that are mass-marketed, but that actual princesses do not wear, full of lots of seventh grade level French (incorrect seventh grade level French. I couldn't believe the mistakes that were made in basic French in this book). However that was better than the Divas Don't Fake It, which was full of filthy language and obnoxious characters. Who want to read a book which has its point that women should learn how to swear like sailors and abuse men? (The main character seems to think that she is brave and interesting because she can say the f-word and throw her fiance's books out of windows as well as embarrass him in front of family members. Think about how it would seem if a male character were behaving the way she does). I would give this book no stars, if that were an option.

I am fan of the Red Dress Ink line, and rate most of them at least 4 stars. However, this book just wasn't as good as the others. I bought it because I liked the fact that it was two books in one. It reminded me of those "He said, She books" I used to read as a preteen. But these are two totally different books, and I think that's the problem. Becase of the two book format, the stories were short. The characters felt undeveloped. Too much drama in a small book just seems a little overwhelming. I felt as if I need more information and reasoning to why the two female characters acted the way they did.

I loved Erica Orloff's Spanish Disco (also Red Dress Ink) and this book just didn't measure up.

Loved the concept of two books in one. This one is definitely a quick read. Fun and punchy and uniquely different. Divas Don't Fake It was the better story of the two with an exciting, feisty heroine in Xandra. The Princess was a bit hard to relate to, but the story idea was fun. All in all, an easy two commuter train rides read.

"Divas Don't fake it" by Erica Orloff. Xandra is a diva who uses her skills to full advantage. She explains what diva means so that females will learn about empowerment. She's not afraid to make a scene, or tell the truth even when it means hurting someone else. Divas are kind to those who deserve their kindness and are honest to a fault. It is not easy loving a diva but those who do find it a rich and rewarding experience because they are very special people who are not afraid to love and be loved. Erica Orloff's tongue-in-cheek tale "Divas Don't Fake it" might turn off some readers who think profanity and rough sex is not their cup of tea.

"The Princess In Training Manual" by Princess Jacqueline de Soignee. She is a real princess whose family was saved from Madam Guillotine during the French Revolution by their chamberlain Jacques who whisked them away to Geneva. Princess Jacqueline believes royals are different then commoners but everyone has the potential to bring the inner princess out of hiding and behaving to the manner born. Jacqueline can be kind when it is called for but she has a very high opinion of herself and doesn't understand when people scorn rather than appreciate royalty. Readers will understand the opposite as Princess Jacqueline will turn off readers except perhaps the Paparazzi and a few royal worshippers.

Though intended as satirical humor, only die hard turn the clock back to the Age of Divine Royalty elitist wannabes will enjoy this duet.

Harriet Klausner

Divas Don't Fake It and Princess in Training were both good and very entertaining. A lot of people can not relate to Jacqueline's character and I admit Xandra's character was more real because Jacqueline was a rich bratt, but each book was unique and a lot of fun to read.

I loved reading "Divas don't fake it". It was really cute. Too bad the publishers had to tell the author her book would be pushed over by a stupid fairy tale. While Xandra was a sassy, "gimme the r-e-s-p-e-c-t", fun, outgoing, outspoken diva who wouldn't nudge, she nudged for once, and let Jacqueline the dumb, amsuing clown "princess" take the other half of what could have been more of Xandra's amusing and funny tale.