Customer Reviews

Vidalia in Paris

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

 

 

I read Vidalia in Paris as research into what tweens are reading and enjoying these days, it was recommended at my local library. I also work with teenagers, and have always been surprised at the level of reading skills and the things they were finding interesting, reading similar things to myself, such as Murakami and Marquez.

Sadly, I found Vidalia in Paris to be trite. This poorly written and poorly edited book underestimates the reading maturity of tweens and teenagers. On the other hand, the relationship between Vidalia and Marco was odd, and certain romantic scenes were inappropriate at best for young readers, and most certainly unnecessary to the story, adding nothing to Vidalia's character development that couldn't have

Additionally, though not important for anyone who has never been to Paris, certain details about the city were incorrect, from my experience living there. Don't buy this book, and certainly don't give it to any young person you care about.

Although I've never been to Paris, I almost feel as if I was visiting while I was reading this novel. The descriptions and imagery portrayed in Watson's writing is spectacular! That alone made Vidalia in Paris an enjoyable read. Vidalia herself came across as a real person and her maturity is well expected after the relationship with her mother is explained. Yes she still makes mistakes as anyone her age would be expected to do.

I disliked Marco and I still don't understand why Vidalia liked him other than for his smoking hot good looks. The guy is shady and not only that but a loser to boot. I know my dream date is to dine and dash! I mean come on, red flag right there. I know you can't help who you fall in love with, but you can choose who you associate with. She couldn't even be open with Marco, and yet she had no problem being open with Julien but she chooses to dismiss that.

Had I liked Marco, I think I would have liked this novel better. It was still a good read, but there are some things that I wish had been played out a little differently, obviously!

Vidalia is thrilled--this summer, she's headed to Paris. And as if it weren't enough to simply be there, she'll be studying under the famous artist and teacher, Laurent Benoit. Despite her reservations about leaving her mother alone for six weeks, she sets off, excited for what her visit will bring. Once in Paris, she meets two guys--sweet, studious Julien who works at the bookstore Shakespeare and Company, and mysterious Marco, who is impulsive and passionate--and not altogether truthful.

Soon Vidalia is caught up in the excitement and wonder of a beautiful city, freedom, and the thrills of first love...but when she finds herself in over her head, will she be able to help herself?

One thing that stands out the most in Watson's debut novel is her exemplary use of imagery and her highly descriptive language that brings Paris and the surrounding French countryside to life, lending an air of authenticity to the book that is hard to achieve otherwise. Likewise, Vidalia is a very multi-faceted character whose strong emotions are palpable, and readers will empathize with her conflicting feelings for Marco, her exasperation with her mother, and the hurt of a friendship that seems to have run its course. These convincing and heartfelt feelings, along with Watson's smooth style, make it easier for teens to buy the slightly far-fetched details of the book, like Vidalia and Marco crashing an elite party. However, Watson keeps surprising the reader until the very end with plot twists and turns that you won't see coming without unnecessarily complicating the structure of the story. Overall, the Vidalia in Paris captures the beautiful rush of independence, and best of all, the coming of age.

"Vidalia in Paris" is a transporting read: Sasha Watson deftly captures those moments of great change in a person's life that are at once scary and exhilarating. Vidalia is at once intensely familiar with her insecurities and yet inspires with her strong character. As others have noted, I could hardly put the book down!

Vidalia finds herself traveling to Paris on an art scholarship for six weeks during the summer. She's happy to be away from the struggles of her home life.

She loves art, but her first art class is a disaster. Her specialty art, rabbit houses, is completely different than the art produced by the other artists in her class.

Her host family seems too busy to hang out with her. She's on her own for most of her vacation - which is fine with her; she's there to focus on her art.

Then she meets Marcus. At first, she doesn't like him, but then he seeks her out and she can't help feeling flattered. He has different ideas about the rich, ideas that get her in over her head.

Can she put aside her concerns and love with wild abandon?

The descriptive quality of this book was sensational; when Vidalia walked down the streets of Paris, it felt like you were walking right beside her.

This breezy romantic tale forces Vidalia to make tough decisions based on her struggling conscience.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

I loved this book!!!!! Finally, a compelling young-adult book heroine who is interesting, brave and ambitious.

My favorite quality in a book is not being able to put it down, and this one is truly addictive! I could so relate to the heroine, who is trying to forge and stand up for her own creative identity in a world overrun with beckies and eccentrics. This book rocks.