Customer Reviews

Violet on the Runway

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4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
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Violet has always been a bit of a wallflower. She's freakishly tall and thin (six one as a high school senior, wearing size two jeans, extra long), which makes it hard not to be noticed sometimes. She not popular, though she has two best friends, Julie and Roger. A secret part of her does crave popularity. She sometimes wishes that she could be part of the trio of popular girls at Chapel Hill High, called the BK (for Bee's Knees). Even though she knows that the BK are inane and false, she craves their lives, their "glossy lips and breathy voices and fluttering eyelashes", and their boyfriends.

Then one day a high-powered modeling agent, Angela Blythe, spots Violet, and thinks that Violet could be "IT ... the next Kate Moss--but you know, taller and without the cocaine problem". Angela whisks Violet away to New York for a makeover and auditions. And before you can say "early graduation", Violet is an up and coming fashion model.

Of course life as a fashion model turns out not to be quite so glamorous as Violet expects. She incurs sabotage from jealous rivals, and becomes the target of tabloid news stories. She's exposed to alcohol and drugs, and finds people anxious to use her celebrity for their own gain. Even the BK befriend her, in the hopes of obtaining their own modeling contracts.

Things get a bit dicey for Violet for a while. This book is probably not appropriate for younger teens - it's definitely a high school book, and a window into the New York City celebrity party scene, drugs and all. But Violet maintains her own moral center, and learns to find her way out of trouble.

There's something universal about makeover fantasies. In high school I used to dream about moving away for a year, and coming back somehow transformed into someone more glamorous, more noticeable, more popular. This theme is a staple of high school romantic comedies (Grease, She's All That, The Princess Diaries, Clueless, Drive Me Crazy, The Breakfast Club, and so on), and I continue to enjoy them all, even though I'm more than 20 years out of high school. I think it's that innate desire to feel special, combined with the classic high school definition: popular = special.

Violet lives out this reinvention fantasy. And although she gets caught up in it for a while, she maintains enough inner doubt for readers to be able to relate to her. Here are her thoughts during her initial makeover haircut:

"Still worried, I sit in my chair and say nothing. I do this, I acknowledge, because I have never once in my life looked in the mirror and liked what I saw. Not once. So if that happens again, it won't be a big disappointment." (Chapter 7)

Anyone else out there able to relate to that? Here's what she thinks immediately after the haircut:

""Is beautiful, yes?" he says.

"It is," I whisper. And I mean it. But it's also the scariest thing I've ever done. Because the way my hair looks now, it seems like I might attract attention. I've spent my whole life trying not to be stared at or pointed at, and this hair is for a girl who craves the spotlight. I have a feeling this change isn't the first one that's going to make me feel both elated and terrified. But it's done, and I have to figure out how to handle it." (Chapter 7)

Violet on the Runway is escapist fare that I think will appeal to high school girls (especially those who like to read glossy magazines). I do have a few quibbles over certain plot points (which I won't get into, because I hate writing spoilers). And I had a bit of trouble with the switches back and forth between New York and Chapel Hill High - I felt that they took away from the coherence of the story. But overall, I found Violet on the Runway to be highly entertaining and to touch on valuable messages about self-respect and friendship. The sequel, Violet by Design, is scheduled for publication in early March.

This book review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on September 8, 2007.

Length:: 2:01 Mins

I was surprised to like this book as much as I did. It's a gentle read about how Violet's life changes when she's discovered as a model, and her journey to figure out who she is in this new world, and what to keep of her old life. Violet stays surprisingly sane and is a likable heroine throughout.

When you're a seventeen-year-old high school student who is both freakishly tall and forced to wear glasses, there is no question that you will, at some point during your adolescence experience self-esteem and confidence issues. For Violet Greenwood, that time is now. Which is truly devastating as high school is supposed to be the time of your life. And while Violet has two awesome buddies in the form of Julie Roger, she can't help but long for a chance to be part of the Bees Knee's (BKs) a trio of girls who rule the school and make everyone's life miserable. But that's the way things go in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, until Violet meets "the lady in Chanel shades."

Angela Blythe is sassy, sophisticated, and a scout for Tryst Models. She's also interested in yanking Violet out of her go-nowhere job at the local movie theater, and casting her into the spotlight at New York City's Fashion Week. Violet, who has spent most of her formative years in Chapel Hill, the victim of bad fashion and buttery popcorn, can't help but think that this is a joke. But it's not, and she grabs the chance in a heartbeat, eager to make a name for herself. Soon she finds herself on a whirlwind ride of magazine covers, runway show closings, Page Six fodder, and even a few shocking moments from her supposed "best" friends. Violet never knew that leaving her cushy small-town life for the Big Apple would result in so much backstabbing. So much hatred. So much...pain. But each and every moment of it gives her the ability to grow and become a stronger person. And if getting to the top is what it takes to find out who your true friends are, then let the games begin.

Melissa Walker knows teenage girls. She also knows the body image issues we encounter and face on a daily basis; the struggles to fit in and be normal; and the self-deprecating way that we view ourselves in just about any situation. She knows the self-loathing, and the angst. The joys and the tears. She knows it, and she put every last one of those things in her debut VIOLET ON THE RUNWAY. Violet is a girl who any reader can identify with. Sure, she may be a supermodel, but under all those haute couture clothes and pounds of make-up, she's a normal girl just like you and me who has experienced the same ups and downs that we go through on a day-to-day basis. Walker has taken the perpetual wallflower, and placed her front and center, making her an inspiration to all those awkward-feeling readers who are convinced that they don't belong. VIOLET ON THE RUNWAY is a true diamond in the rough that will draw anyone in. Bravo Melissa!

[...]

I LOVED this book - by the time it ended, I was hoping that Melissa Walker will write another one so I can follow along and see where Violet's life is going. Very good writing, awesome book!

It is impossible not to love the main character Violet, even if she has won the genetic lottery! Her story of transforming from gawky high school student to runway model kept me rooting for her...she was refreshingly real and endearing. I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out!

Just your average awkward teen by schoolday and glamorous New York model by...well...the rest of the time. Violet's totally fun and relatable -- even if you don't happen to have a pair of twelve foot gams or could ever pull off skinny jeans. She's got real-life issues, along with dealing with the unreality of the fashion industry. This book is so great -- I'm glad there's a whole series to quench my Violet fix!

Melissa Walker has a very unique insight to the teen world, and one not usually found in the oversaturated 'teen fiction' market. She brings a realistic spin to her characters, mainly by not falling into the trap of using typical 'teen' stereotypes that are very black and white. There are no 'jocks' vs. 'nerds' in the traditional sense (though, as with any good story, there are underdogs, and people you hope get taken down a few notches), and the story isn't one of 'loser conquers all'. It is far more complex than that, which how teenager-hood, especially around the ages of 16,17, and 18, really was. If you think back, we all had 'jock days' and 'nerd days'. Some days, you felt like you were on top of your game. Great friends, great fun, etc., and then the next week, you could feel like you were all alone. And Walker captures all of that so well, especially the ever-important relationship between the two main characters, Violet and her best friend Roger. You feel you know these characters, and you are intrigued by them. They aren't merely a device to promote the storyline (i.e., girl moves to city becomes model). Too many best-sellers these days have a plot that races along and, while intriguing, lacks any serious character development. You aren't in love with Robert Langdon from the DaVinci Code, but rather where the 'zany' plot will take you next. Walker's characters, conversely, are the heart and soul of the story, and one could, and I hope Melissa does, put them in a variety of different situations and plot lines in future books, and you would still be interested in their relationship and exploits.

Choosing a book to give (I'm thinking aunts and uncles, grandparents, shopping for young relatives) is tricky--pick the wrong one and your gift can go from great to...socks. However, I'm giving this book the "Perfect Gift" stamp of approval. Sophisticated upper-middle-schoolers on up will be thrilled to receive this charming and empowering story. Violet on the Runway is the ultimate answer to the question, "what are the kids reading now?"

Violet likes to think of herself as a wallflower. She's a senior who's never had a boyfriend and has a grand total of two friends. She just feels plain and ordinary. Nothing about her stands out, except for the fact that she is freakishly tall. So when a representitive from Tryst modeling agency asks her to fly up to New York for a consultation, she agrees. Little does she know that this decision will change her in so many ways. Violet's first trip to New York is a hit, in fact she booked for four shows during Fashion Week! She is overjoyed and is finally seeing herself as just a little bit out-of-the-ordinary. Fashion Week is a hit. Violet can't contain herself and when she walks down the runway she flashes a huge smile, which soon becomes her trademark. She does such a great job that she pushes her nemesis, Veronica, out of the prized closing slot of the show. As Fashion Week draws to an end, Violet rises to stardom. She's finally found a friend, and maybe even a boyfriend. Once Fashion Week finishes she relunctantly comes home to good, old Chapel Hill High School where she is profusely greeted, not just by her 2 best friends, but by the ever so popular BK (bees knees) girls. Violet is loving all the attention, but she let's what's really important slide. Thinking her modeling career has slowed down, Violet is shocked to hear that she is still hot in New York, and Tryst wants her to come live up in New York. After much persuasion her parents agree and Violet graduates high school early and packs her bags for the Big Apple. Busy schedules and sharing a one-bedroom apartment with four other girls, including Veronica, excites Violet at first, but will the spark soon die off.

This was an exceptionally good book. Violet is one of the most down-to-earth characters I've met. Yes, being a model can sometimes make her full of herself, but she seems like such a friendly and honest person. This story makes me realize that we all have our doubts. Whether it be if were good enough, pretty enough, or smart enough. I think Melissa Walker does a great job sharing the message that we all have our talents, and faults. Also that it is important for us to be nice to everyone, because we don't know their circumstances. I also loved all the fashion in the book. I myself am not a fashion-junkie, but I think it's fun to learn something new about pop culture. All the fashion lingo was fun to read and also I was allowed a sneak peak into the world of modelling. This a great book for any teen girl, especially one who has ever thought she was not good enough, but turns out to be superior!

From www.mrsmagooreads.com

Title: Violet on the Runway
Author: Melissa Walker
Grade: A-
Ideal Audience: Girls, 12+
Reading Type(s): The Down-to-Earth Reader & The Fun Reader

Summary: Violet has extreme confidence and self-esteem issues. She's incredibly tall, impossibly skinny, and people have been making fun of her about it all through middle and high school. Now she's a senior, and even though she has the two greatest best friends in the entire world- Julie and Roger- she still secretly wishes to be popular.

However, an opportunity even better than popularity has presented itself to Violet. Angela, an agent from Tryst Models, thinks that Violet could be the next big thing! Violet knows what the modeling world can do to a girl, but how can she resist a chance to finally feel good and confident about herself?

Well, it turns out Violet doesn't quite know everything that the modeling world can do, and she's about to find out. At first she's treated like a princess and becomes a big hit, but it's not all fun and games after that. For some reason, fellow model Veronica has labeled Violet as a dangerous enemy. When Violet moves into the modeling apartments, she witnesses Veronica's anorexia and drug problems. The agent, Angela, is getting increasingly demanding and Violet's relationship with Peter Heller, an important figure in fashion, may or may not be a good thing.

Violet knows that she should probably go back home soon... but she doesn't want to risk becoming a wallflower again.

My thoughts: I was expecting this book to be okay- not horrible, not great- but I really liked it! It realistically portrays the modeling world (at least, to the extent of my knowledge; I'm probably not the best judge of this) and I felt like I understood why Violet wanted to model so badly even when she wasn't enjoying it anymore.

I recently finished reading the next two books in the series, and reviews will be coming soon. I'm definitely looking forward to more of Melissa Walker's books in the future!