Jun 9 2006
REVIEW: Secrets of My Hollywood Life by Jen Calonita
Dear Ms. Calonita:
When I first read the blurb for this book, I was a bit skeptical. How was I going to cheer for the heroine who already had everything going for her? The narrator is Kaitlyn Burke, one of the hottest teen celebs in town who stars in an OC type prime time soap. You sold me on the idea that her life, while more glamorous, had some of the same problems any teen has. She is the subject of unsavory rumors spread by a jealous co star. She is tired from all the expectations of her parents and her attempts to please them. She’s really not sure what she wants to do with her life.
She is mentally exhausted from being an actress and would love it if she could take a hiatus. A hiatus, however, could spell career suicide. She manages to convince everyone in her family and her publicist that this break would be good for and her career. With the help of her stylists, assistant, and best friend, Liz, she dons a disguise for two months to become Rachel, the British high school student and enrolls in Liz’s prep school for two months. Of course, the disguise is hard to keep up and there is a constant juggling that Kaitlyn must do in order to pacify her publicist and parents and her own need from some of the regular life.
Smartly, you have Kaitlyn recognize when the disguise has gone too far. Kaitlyn realizes that she could be hurting people by her own selfish actions. And ultimately, Kaitlyn gathers some backbone to forge a life for herself and romantic interest. The flaws are in the romance itself. The “hero” is simply too perfect, too good to be true. His character was one dimensional and a discordant note in an otherwise good story.
The book rings with authenticity with alot of insider information. Your author’s bio says you were a Senior Entertainment Editor at Teen People for 8 years. Your industry experience and knowledge really shows. I would say that anyone who like like the young adult novels would like this book of yours. B-
Best regards,
Jane
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Jun 10, 2006 @ 02:18:23
This sounds like just the book for my 16 yr. old neice – great review!
Jun 11, 2006 @ 03:09:52
Another winner for me, I’m going to buy this one for my 13 year old niece who won’t stay away from my chick lit books…maybe I can tempt her with this book…
Nov 08, 2007 @ 16:49:22
i read it and loved it. its a good book to read no mater how old u are, a good story is a good story. and im about to go buy the secent book. its a most read, very entertaning and fun.
Feb 24, 2008 @ 14:24:22
I read this book for my 7th grade English class and loved it! it is great for any age, in my opinion.
Sep 22, 2008 @ 20:03:39
i LOVED THE BOOK AND i LOVED THE REVIEW. i LOVE KAITLYN BURKE AND (RACHEAL) AND AUSTIN HE IS SOOOOOOOO HOT
Sep 22, 2008 @ 20:04:57
i AM & HAVE TO BUY THE NEXT BOOK
Oct 12, 2008 @ 12:34:15
I read the book and loved it. :]
Nov 28, 2008 @ 22:06:41
I love this book! I read the first two, and lovedit. I can’t wait to get the third book. I would love to have the life that she does, except for having to deal with Sky!……..
Oct 24, 2009 @ 18:56:59
About this book. Secrets of My Hollywood Life by Jen Calonita
My 11 year old daughter has begun to read it. She got it at her middle school library where she’s in the 6th grade. My wife believes this book is far too advanced in content for her. She has skimmed it and feels it’s not right for Tat. What say you?
j