Video Magic [Paperback]

Vikk Simmons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 5, 2005

Kimberly Lange is no stranger to competition. She's been trying to catch up to her successful big brother for all of her 16 years. So when she and Marla Monroe compete for the coveted internship on Northrupp High's senior video project, Kimberly's not just trying to grab a chance to work with Greg Winters, the project's dreamy cinematographer. She's also out to prove that she's as much a winner as her big brother. Kimberly's good intentions can't protect her from her own impulsiveness, which jeopardizes her budding relationship with Greg. Now Kimberly must reexamine what it truly means to win.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Quick paced, with teen smart dialogue, this deftly woven rollercoaster romance will hold you with interesting stops along the way." Elaine L. Galit, co-author Exploring Texas History: Weekend Adventures -Vikk Simmons-s second novel in the Northrupp High series is another exciting ride on the romance roller coaster; and like her first book, it doesn-t shy away from tackling the bigger issues. In her previous book, Simmons explored environmental concerns. This time out, she looks at the darker side of competition and the green-eyed monster of jealousy. As always, Simmons knows just when to tug at our heartstrings and when to make us cheer for the good guys. Video Magic is a clear winner!- -Deborah Whitaker, Author --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Awe-Struck (August 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587494396
• ISBN-13: 978-1587494390
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,356,706 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars VIDEO MAGIC, October 26, 2006

By 

Heather E. Ames (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Video Magic (Paperback)

Teenagers these days face more challenges than ever before. Vikk Simmons understands and confronts some of these important issues in VIDEO MAGIC.

Kimberly Lange is a junior in High School. She knows she wants to become a cinematographer after graduation, and she's applied for a position as an intern on the annual senior videography club project. She approaches everything in life with single-minded determination and always chooses the fastest means to an end. She remains oblivious to the effect of her own actions on those surrounding her, and harbors a deep jealousy of her older, over-achiever brother, Bobby. In her eyes, they have been locked in competition from the moment she was born.

Greg Winters is the senior in charge of the videography project. He knows the value of preparation and is methodical in his approach to life--the complete opposite to Kimberly, which leads to complications, confrontations, and ultimately, to a friendship that develops into a budding relationship, despite their differences.

Kimberly's best friend, Carol, develops a case of the "green eyed monster" when Kimberly becomes involved not only with Greg and the video project, but also finds a new friend in Marla, once a rival for the internship. Kimberly finds herself in turmoil at every turn as she becomes estranged from Carol, gets into hot water with Greg and Mr. Jeffries, teacher and sponsor of the video club for overstepping her bounds and making rash promises to the Principal, and has to deal with her brother, home for a visit and undermining her confidence at every opportunity.

Kimberly learns lessons throughout this book, controlling her impulsivity and finding fulfillment in becoming part of team. She discovers that winning isn't the ultimate victory she once thought it was, and finding love involves giving as well as receiving.

Simmons shows the pitfalls not only of jealousy but rivalry. The students of this second book in a series about Northrupp High School are struggling to complete projects, prepare for future careers and manage their personal lives. The pressures of modern-day life are clearly reflected in choices made and decisions that could dog these characters long after they leave high school.

Lovers of romance will find satisfaction here, as Kimberly and Greg find more than the video project occupying their thoughts. Their characters evolve with the plot, and as the stakes grow higher, they become people the reader will root for until the last, satisfying page.

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure enjoyment, July 9, 2006

By 

I Read Too (Golden, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Video Magic (Paperback)

I loved this book from beginning to end. The main character was interesting and the plot kept me turning pages. I hope I'll see more from this author soon.