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The Look
Ted doesn't think of herself as glamorous. But her gorgeous sister Ava is. So when it's Ted who spotted by a model agency, at the same time that Ava is diagnosed with cancer, things have clearly gone very wrong. Ted isn't interested in modelling but Ava wants her to give it a try. Just how far will Ted go to please her sister? And what sacrifices will she have to make?
328 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2012
49 people are currently reading
1962 people want to read
About the author
Sophia Bennett
123 books259 followersMy name’s Sophia, and I write about girls discovering their inner power. Sometimes they’re fashion designers, sometimes they’re would-be pop stars and sometimes they’re spies. They’re always a lot braver than they know, and I love it when they finally figure that out.
Since I won the Times/Chicken House competition in 2009 my books have been published around the world, from Germany to Brazil and Japan. When I’m not writing them, I tend to be at home in London with my family, or travelling around the place, talking about writing. (More about that here … ) As a writing teacher, I have been a visiting lecturer in writing for children at City University and City Lit, and a Consultant Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund.
Occasionally, people ask me what my advice would be to aspiring writers. Check out my writing tips page, on my website. Write every day, and rewrite even more. Follow your heart.
Since I won the Times/Chicken House competition in 2009 my books have been published around the world, from Germany to Brazil and Japan. When I’m not writing them, I tend to be at home in London with my family, or travelling around the place, talking about writing. (More about that here … ) As a writing teacher, I have been a visiting lecturer in writing for children at City University and City Lit, and a Consultant Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund.
Occasionally, people ask me what my advice would be to aspiring writers. Check out my writing tips page, on my website. Write every day, and rewrite even more. Follow your heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 257 reviews
September 15, 2023
I love this book. So much, in fact, that this review is surprisingly difficult for me to write. I don’t want to just gush about how much I enjoyed it, and I most certainly don’t want to give away too much.
The Look is an outstanding tale of two sisters, each experiencing life-altering changes that no one could have predicted. They turn to each other. Seeing the evolution of their relationship was tremendously satisfying. While the girls are completely different, they are both charismatic and loveable, making the whole story almost tangible.
Ted Trout is tall, lanky with constantly disheveled hair, and a uni-brow. For most 15 year old girls, this would be a nightmare. She accepts it and goes about her business. Immediately, I loved Ted. Her matter-of-fact way of dealing with things is unique and intriguing. She often cracked me up. I think everyone will admire this cheeky girl who tends to go with the flow, without being passive. The reader almost feels proud as Ted begins to realize, then embrace, the fact that she is a strong and confident girl.
Ava is the older sister. She is gorgeous, sweet and totally smitten with her simply awesome boyfriend. All is right in her world until she learns that she has cancer. But wait---this is not a “cancer” book. Ava is intricate to the story, yes, but she is not the main character and her disease is not the central theme. Ava won’t allow herself to be consumed by this, so she focuses all of her energy on Ted and the changes she is making.
To me, this book is about self-discovery. Learning that you can hear peoples’ opinions, but you get to choose which advice to follow; most importantly, you get to determine the impact the words have on you. Mistakes will made, but acknowledgment and an effort to correct will go a long way. Leaving your comfort zone is imperative for growth. You can try something new, hate it, yet still garner valuable insight. When you are honest with yourself and you follow your heart, you won’t be wrong. We all have a confidence and strength inside of us, we just may need to work hard to find it.
Please, read The Look. I like everything about it, and I bet you will too.
This review was written for the Buried Under Books blog.
The Look is an outstanding tale of two sisters, each experiencing life-altering changes that no one could have predicted. They turn to each other. Seeing the evolution of their relationship was tremendously satisfying. While the girls are completely different, they are both charismatic and loveable, making the whole story almost tangible.
Ted Trout is tall, lanky with constantly disheveled hair, and a uni-brow. For most 15 year old girls, this would be a nightmare. She accepts it and goes about her business. Immediately, I loved Ted. Her matter-of-fact way of dealing with things is unique and intriguing. She often cracked me up. I think everyone will admire this cheeky girl who tends to go with the flow, without being passive. The reader almost feels proud as Ted begins to realize, then embrace, the fact that she is a strong and confident girl.
Ava is the older sister. She is gorgeous, sweet and totally smitten with her simply awesome boyfriend. All is right in her world until she learns that she has cancer. But wait---this is not a “cancer” book. Ava is intricate to the story, yes, but she is not the main character and her disease is not the central theme. Ava won’t allow herself to be consumed by this, so she focuses all of her energy on Ted and the changes she is making.
To me, this book is about self-discovery. Learning that you can hear peoples’ opinions, but you get to choose which advice to follow; most importantly, you get to determine the impact the words have on you. Mistakes will made, but acknowledgment and an effort to correct will go a long way. Leaving your comfort zone is imperative for growth. You can try something new, hate it, yet still garner valuable insight. When you are honest with yourself and you follow your heart, you won’t be wrong. We all have a confidence and strength inside of us, we just may need to work hard to find it.
Please, read The Look. I like everything about it, and I bet you will too.
This review was written for the Buried Under Books blog.
July 4, 2017
5 Words: Family, fashion, love, tragedy, brave.
This book made me laugh and it made me cry. Often at the same time.
The Look masterfully weaves the world of fashion and modelling with high-school and the devastating effects of cancer on one so young. It's one hell of a read.
I felt a better person when I finished The Look, as though I myself had grown with the characters.
Ted is one hell of a great sister, an all round awesome girl. She suffers a little at school, but doesn't everyone? I only with that the whole school thing hadn't ended so HEA.
This book made me laugh and it made me cry. Often at the same time.
The Look masterfully weaves the world of fashion and modelling with high-school and the devastating effects of cancer on one so young. It's one hell of a read.
I felt a better person when I finished The Look, as though I myself had grown with the characters.
Ted is one hell of a great sister, an all round awesome girl. She suffers a little at school, but doesn't everyone? I only with that the whole school thing hadn't ended so HEA.
March 30, 2017
София Беннет "Облик"
5 из 10
Перевод: любительский перевод
Экранизация: нет
Жанр: современный роман, повседневность
POV: от первого лица
Любовная линия: практически нет
Отличительные черты: практически отсутствуют любовная линия, смертельная болезнь, модельный бизнес
Рекомендовано к прочтению, если вам нравятся: шоу "Топ-модель по американски", фильм "В активном поиске"
РЕЦЕНЗИЯ:
Приятно, когда от книжки, от которой ничего не ожидал и начала читать совершенно случайно, остаются приятные впечатления. «Облик» местами забавная, местами трогательная, а периодически и поучительная книга. Не о любви, но о семье, сестрах и взрослении, поисках своего пути.
Книга довольно предсказуемая, совершенно неоригинальная, и придраться вроде бы и можно, но как то совершенно не хочется, потому что книгу прочитала я за один день, а это о чем-то да говорит.
История начинается с двух сестер. Старшая – Ава, популярна, красива и немного легкомысленна. Тед – младшая сестра, неуверенная в себе, неуклюжая та, что всегда в тени сестры. Поэтому, когда на улице именно к Тед подходит скаут модельного агентства, удивляются буквально все.
Я знаю, что такое настоящая красота. Я росла рядом с ней всю жизнь и... либо Саймон был под кайфом, либо он принял меня за самую наивную дурочку всех времен и народов.
И именно это, а также тот факт, что у Авы неожиданно обнаруживают рак, становится тем, что меняет жизнь сестер. Под напором сестры, из-за желания стать замеченной дома и в школе. Тед решает стать моделью.
В общем-то, дальше не особо много событий, но как то все вписывается и все размеренно и логично. Мы видим, как под натиском болезни меняется Ава, из популярной и легкомысленной девочки, она становится зрелой и смелой девушкой. Точно также, как Тед из запуганной, стеснительной становится решительной и ищет свой путь в этом мире.
Это история о сестрах, что поддерживали друг друга в самые сложные моменты их жизни. О том, как часто родители не замечают «второго» ребенка и пропускают его превращение из гадкого утенка в прекрасного лебедя. О поисках своего будущего и о том, что близкие люди всегда будут рядом, даже в самые тяжелые времена.
Моя оценка: 5 из 10
5 из 10
Перевод: любительский перевод
Экранизация: нет
Жанр: современный роман, повседневность
POV: от первого лица
Любовная линия: практически нет
Отличительные черты: практически отсутствуют любовная линия, смертельная болезнь, модельный бизнес
Рекомендовано к прочтению, если вам нравятся: шоу "Топ-модель по американски", фильм "В активном поиске"
РЕЦЕНЗИЯ:
Приятно, когда от книжки, от которой ничего не ожидал и начала читать совершенно случайно, остаются приятные впечатления. «Облик» местами забавная, местами трогательная, а периодически и поучительная книга. Не о любви, но о семье, сестрах и взрослении, поисках своего пути.
Книга довольно предсказуемая, совершенно неоригинальная, и придраться вроде бы и можно, но как то совершенно не хочется, потому что книгу прочитала я за один день, а это о чем-то да говорит.
История начинается с двух сестер. Старшая – Ава, популярна, красива и немного легкомысленна. Тед – младшая сестра, неуверенная в себе, неуклюжая та, что всегда в тени сестры. Поэтому, когда на улице именно к Тед подходит скаут модельного агентства, удивляются буквально все.
Я знаю, что такое настоящая красота. Я росла рядом с ней всю жизнь и... либо Саймон был под кайфом, либо он принял меня за самую наивную дурочку всех времен и народов.
И именно это, а также тот факт, что у Авы неожиданно обнаруживают рак, становится тем, что меняет жизнь сестер. Под напором сестры, из-за желания стать замеченной дома и в школе. Тед решает стать моделью.
В общем-то, дальше не особо много событий, но как то все вписывается и все размеренно и логично. Мы видим, как под натиском болезни меняется Ава, из популярной и легкомысленной девочки, она становится зрелой и смелой девушкой. Точно также, как Тед из запуганной, стеснительной становится решительной и ищет свой путь в этом мире.
Это история о сестрах, что поддерживали друг друга в самые сложные моменты их жизни. О том, как часто родители не замечают «второго» ребенка и пропускают его превращение из гадкого утенка в прекрасного лебедя. О поисках своего будущего и о том, что близкие люди всегда будут рядом, даже в самые тяжелые времена.
Моя оценка: 5 из 10
June 29, 2015
I read this book last year. I do not like chick-lits so I should have known better than to pick this one. Thankfully, I had borrowed it from the library, so I did not have to regret wasting money on it.
From the synopsis at the back, I was expecting it to be a light read and something I could complete in an hour or so. However, it was the author's attempt at dealing with issues such as cancer, the fashion industry, finance problems and body image. In my opinion, the author did not succeed at this attempt.
Meet the main character of the book: Ted, who according to me, looks something like this-
She is tall, thin, gawky and has hair that look like a bird's nest.
However, one day she is spotted by a man from a famous modelling agency who thinks that she could try her hand at modelling. She as well as her gorgeous sister can not believe this and think that it is a scam.
By the way, her sister Ava is described somewhat like this:
So, no wonder they were shocked when Ted got picked over Ava.
However, they gradually consider that there might be some truth in the proposal and Ted (with Ava's help) starts attending photo shoots and spends time in modelling.
After a while, though, Ava starts getting sick and it is discovered that she suffers from cancer. Things change for the siblings as well as their parents as they have to endure hardships that they had never dreamt of.
The major turning point of the novel is
Ted has to decide whether to stay with her sister or to go to New York and become a supermodel.
You wouldn't be a genius if you figured out what she chooses.
The other plot twists are equally predictable. . And oh, Ava has a love interest too. As if it wasn't obvious- stunning girl like that, how could she have been single? And her love overcomes all hardships, even cancer.
Seriously? CLICHED, did I mention that before? . I do not have problem with cliches but in this book, I could have predicted everything that was going to happen.
I did not have a problem with the writing. It was light and simple, which was good since the book was a chick-lit.
I did not find the characters amusing. I did not get attached to them at any point. However, I found myself reacting in this way at some places:
Really, Sophia? Really?
Anyway, I have ranted a lot for now. I have read a number of favourable reviews for this book on Goodreads but it wasn't my cup of tea.
If you want to read a good book about cancer, I suggest you read Ways to Live Forever. It will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions unlike this book here.
From the synopsis at the back, I was expecting it to be a light read and something I could complete in an hour or so. However, it was the author's attempt at dealing with issues such as cancer, the fashion industry, finance problems and body image. In my opinion, the author did not succeed at this attempt.
Meet the main character of the book: Ted, who according to me, looks something like this-
She is tall, thin, gawky and has hair that look like a bird's nest.
However, one day she is spotted by a man from a famous modelling agency who thinks that she could try her hand at modelling. She as well as her gorgeous sister can not believe this and think that it is a scam.
By the way, her sister Ava is described somewhat like this:
So, no wonder they were shocked when Ted got picked over Ava.
However, they gradually consider that there might be some truth in the proposal and Ted (with Ava's help) starts attending photo shoots and spends time in modelling.
After a while, though, Ava starts getting sick and it is discovered that she suffers from cancer. Things change for the siblings as well as their parents as they have to endure hardships that they had never dreamt of.
The major turning point of the novel is
Ted has to decide whether to stay with her sister or to go to New York and become a supermodel.
You wouldn't be a genius if you figured out what she chooses.
The other plot twists are equally predictable. . And oh, Ava has a love interest too. As if it wasn't obvious- stunning girl like that, how could she have been single? And her love overcomes all hardships, even cancer.
Seriously? CLICHED, did I mention that before? . I do not have problem with cliches but in this book, I could have predicted everything that was going to happen.
I did not have a problem with the writing. It was light and simple, which was good since the book was a chick-lit.
I did not find the characters amusing. I did not get attached to them at any point. However, I found myself reacting in this way at some places:
Really, Sophia? Really?
Anyway, I have ranted a lot for now. I have read a number of favourable reviews for this book on Goodreads but it wasn't my cup of tea.
If you want to read a good book about cancer, I suggest you read Ways to Live Forever. It will take you on a roller coaster ride of emotions unlike this book here.
July 5, 2012
Bagaimana jika selama lima belas tahun dirimu yang kamu tahu adalah kamu jangkung (hampir 185senti), kurus, dan punya wajah bundar. Teman-teman memanggilmu Raksasa. Bahkan guru favoritmu menganggapmu cowok karena posturmu itu. Itulah yang Ted Troud rasakan. Di samping fisiknya yang berlebihan, dia punya kakak yang cantik dengan tubuh aduhai, bukan tubuh aduh duh seperti dirinya.
Makanya pas Simon yang mengaku pencari model mendatanginya alih-alih, Ava, kakaknya, Ted kalang kabut. Dia menduga kalau Simon sedang mabuk, atau penipu yang sedang mencari mangsa.
Ted dan Ava hidup pas-pasan. Orangtua mereka menyetop uang saku mereka karena Dad di-PHK, dan Mum-lah yang menafkahi mereka. Mereka sedang dalam tahap beradaptasi dengan keadaan baru mereka sampai Ava didiagnosa kanker. Dia harus mengikuti pengobatan dan kemotrapi. Satu-satunya yang membuat Ava bahagia (selain pacarnya, Jesse) adalah mendapati bahwa Simon itu sungguhan, bukan penipu.
Dengan bekal keyakinan dan dukungan dari kakaknya, Ted akhirnya mencoba memasuki dunia modeling. Bertemu dengan fotografer, agen majalah, dan juga si tampan Nick, putra si pemilik agensi :D
Namun apa yang mesti dilakukan Ted ternyata tak semudah yang dia pikirkan, terutama karena dia merasa tak punya 'bekal' untuk menjadi model. Setiap go-see dan casting yang dia datangi tak membuahkan hasil. Satu-satunya pekerjaan sungguhannya adalah ketika menjadi model salah satu majalah remaja.
Dan ketika hari-harinya menjadi model perlahan-lahan menguap, Ted bertemu dengan perempuan tersohor di bidang modeling yang mengatakan kepadanya bahwa dia unik. Namanya Tina. Dan dari Tina-lah Ted meroket. Hanya saja semua terasa tidak benar. Ketika Ted terbang ke New York untuk menjalani nasibnya, Ava terbaring di rumah dan sedang sakit. Walau Ava-lah alasan Ted berada di dunia modeling, Ted merasa tanpa Ava di sisinya, semua tidaklah sama.
Namun untuk membahagiakan Ava, tentu Ted harus menjadi model. Menghasilkan uang banyak. Berpose untuk desainer-desainer terkenal. Dan membelikan banyak barang bagus untuk Ava. Tapi cukupkah semua yang Ted lakukan buat Ava? Alih-alih berada di sisinya?
hiks... sukaaa... :')
Pertama baca ini yang tebersit di ingatanku adalah acara scouted. reality show di E! yang isinya tentang model scout mencari model di mana-mana. Dan yang paling kuingat adalah tentang Amber dan Nicole. Amber gadis enam belas tahun yang ditemukan di mal ketika sedang berbelanja dengan ibunya. Sedangkan Nicole cewek dua puluh dua tahun yang percaya diri dan mengerti dunia model.
Di episode itu, Amber sama sekali ga ngerti dunia model, dan mau belajar tentang dunia model. Tapi dia cantik banget. Dan kecantikannya tuh justru dari ekspresi ga tahu apa-apanya itu. Kayak Ted di sini, justru karena dia masih ga ngerti apa-apa, makanya dia unik ^^
Tapi yang kutangkap dari Amber dan Nicole adalah, rezeki ya di tangan Tuhan hehehe.
Sedangkan dari buku ini, yang kutangkap adalah seberapa keras kau mencoba sesuatu, jika memang kau tak mencintainya, kau pun akan terperosok. Jadi kalau ada yang bosan dengan yang namanya zona nyaman, yah itu masalah kalian dengan kenyamanan. Bukan dengan zona itu sendiri.
Ada salah satu temanku yang bijaaaak banget berkata kira-kira begini: *kalo salah jangan dijitak ya, teman* :P
Semua orang bisa melakukan hal baru, siapa pun, dan menang karena berhasil melakukannya. Tapi yang terpenting adalah apakah mereka bisa melakukan rutinitas yang sama setiap harinya dan merasa menang akan hal itu?
Yah begitulah...
3.5 bintang buat buku ini.
Yang aku ga suka cuma kebanyakan typo dan ketidakseragaman pemakaian kata.
Seperti kata kamu dan kau. Aku perhatiin kalau kata 'kamu' digunakan untuk sepantaran. Tapi kadang si 'kau' ini nyempil-nyempil juga ya ^^
Lalu typo-nya lumayan labil juga, karena di suatu bab menggunakan 'antrian' dan 'mengantri', tapi di bab lain menggunakan 'antrean' dan 'mengantre'.
Ada juga kata 'sekedar' yang kayaknya luput dari mata proofreader. Serta 'menghempaskan' yang seharusnya 'mengempaskan', 'Canada' yang seharusnya 'Kanada', serta beberapa penggunaan tanda titik.
Apa lagi ya? lupa hehe. ga dicatat sih, cuma diinget-inget.
Makanya pas Simon yang mengaku pencari model mendatanginya alih-alih, Ava, kakaknya, Ted kalang kabut. Dia menduga kalau Simon sedang mabuk, atau penipu yang sedang mencari mangsa.
Ted dan Ava hidup pas-pasan. Orangtua mereka menyetop uang saku mereka karena Dad di-PHK, dan Mum-lah yang menafkahi mereka. Mereka sedang dalam tahap beradaptasi dengan keadaan baru mereka sampai Ava didiagnosa kanker. Dia harus mengikuti pengobatan dan kemotrapi. Satu-satunya yang membuat Ava bahagia (selain pacarnya, Jesse) adalah mendapati bahwa Simon itu sungguhan, bukan penipu.
Dengan bekal keyakinan dan dukungan dari kakaknya, Ted akhirnya mencoba memasuki dunia modeling. Bertemu dengan fotografer, agen majalah, dan juga si tampan Nick, putra si pemilik agensi :D
Namun apa yang mesti dilakukan Ted ternyata tak semudah yang dia pikirkan, terutama karena dia merasa tak punya 'bekal' untuk menjadi model. Setiap go-see dan casting yang dia datangi tak membuahkan hasil. Satu-satunya pekerjaan sungguhannya adalah ketika menjadi model salah satu majalah remaja.
Dan ketika hari-harinya menjadi model perlahan-lahan menguap, Ted bertemu dengan perempuan tersohor di bidang modeling yang mengatakan kepadanya bahwa dia unik. Namanya Tina. Dan dari Tina-lah Ted meroket. Hanya saja semua terasa tidak benar. Ketika Ted terbang ke New York untuk menjalani nasibnya, Ava terbaring di rumah dan sedang sakit. Walau Ava-lah alasan Ted berada di dunia modeling, Ted merasa tanpa Ava di sisinya, semua tidaklah sama.
Namun untuk membahagiakan Ava, tentu Ted harus menjadi model. Menghasilkan uang banyak. Berpose untuk desainer-desainer terkenal. Dan membelikan banyak barang bagus untuk Ava. Tapi cukupkah semua yang Ted lakukan buat Ava? Alih-alih berada di sisinya?
hiks... sukaaa... :')
Pertama baca ini yang tebersit di ingatanku adalah acara scouted. reality show di E! yang isinya tentang model scout mencari model di mana-mana. Dan yang paling kuingat adalah tentang Amber dan Nicole. Amber gadis enam belas tahun yang ditemukan di mal ketika sedang berbelanja dengan ibunya. Sedangkan Nicole cewek dua puluh dua tahun yang percaya diri dan mengerti dunia model.
Di episode itu, Amber sama sekali ga ngerti dunia model, dan mau belajar tentang dunia model. Tapi dia cantik banget. Dan kecantikannya tuh justru dari ekspresi ga tahu apa-apanya itu. Kayak Ted di sini, justru karena dia masih ga ngerti apa-apa, makanya dia unik ^^
Tapi yang kutangkap dari Amber dan Nicole adalah, rezeki ya di tangan Tuhan hehehe.
Sedangkan dari buku ini, yang kutangkap adalah seberapa keras kau mencoba sesuatu, jika memang kau tak mencintainya, kau pun akan terperosok. Jadi kalau ada yang bosan dengan yang namanya zona nyaman, yah itu masalah kalian dengan kenyamanan. Bukan dengan zona itu sendiri.
Ada salah satu temanku yang bijaaaak banget berkata kira-kira begini: *kalo salah jangan dijitak ya, teman* :P
Semua orang bisa melakukan hal baru, siapa pun, dan menang karena berhasil melakukannya. Tapi yang terpenting adalah apakah mereka bisa melakukan rutinitas yang sama setiap harinya dan merasa menang akan hal itu?
Yah begitulah...
3.5 bintang buat buku ini.
Yang aku ga suka cuma kebanyakan typo dan ketidakseragaman pemakaian kata.
Seperti kata kamu dan kau. Aku perhatiin kalau kata 'kamu' digunakan untuk sepantaran. Tapi kadang si 'kau' ini nyempil-nyempil juga ya ^^
Lalu typo-nya lumayan labil juga, karena di suatu bab menggunakan 'antrian' dan 'mengantri', tapi di bab lain menggunakan 'antrean' dan 'mengantre'.
Ada juga kata 'sekedar' yang kayaknya luput dari mata proofreader. Serta 'menghempaskan' yang seharusnya 'mengempaskan', 'Canada' yang seharusnya 'Kanada', serta beberapa penggunaan tanda titik.
Apa lagi ya? lupa hehe. ga dicatat sih, cuma diinget-inget.
October 24, 2015
The synopsis and cover are misleading. I was expecting this sugar-sweet story with a little drama and a happy yet predictable ending. That’s not at all what I got. Instead we have a very well thought out story focusing on Ted and her family with the modelling being about half of the overall package.
At times I found Ted’s continued insistence that she was ugly grating, particularly after the modelling took off but I did warm to her in the end. Ava is wonderful, I really worried about her as the cancer took hold. I also thought that her friend Louise was brilliant. The relationship between the two sisters is touching and my favourite scene is when they went to the hairdresser.
The modelling part of the story was educational. I started out rather like Ted, with having very little idea of what was involved or knowing designer names, to understanding that there is a lot more work to all of this.
My only complaint is that I found Nick surplus to requirements. The story doesn’t need a love interest it’s good enough without it. Also as a character I didn’t like him much either, so that didn’t help.
At times I found Ted’s continued insistence that she was ugly grating, particularly after the modelling took off but I did warm to her in the end. Ava is wonderful, I really worried about her as the cancer took hold. I also thought that her friend Louise was brilliant. The relationship between the two sisters is touching and my favourite scene is when they went to the hairdresser.
The modelling part of the story was educational. I started out rather like Ted, with having very little idea of what was involved or knowing designer names, to understanding that there is a lot more work to all of this.
My only complaint is that I found Nick surplus to requirements. The story doesn’t need a love interest it’s good enough without it. Also as a character I didn’t like him much either, so that didn’t help.
August 28, 2017
Fijn boek ❤ Niet heel erg bijzonder, maar wel een mooi, sfeervol verhaal dat lekker leest en over goeie thema's gaat. Beetje een mix tussen My Sister's Keeper en America's Next Top Model. Uitgebreide recensie: http://thebookreview.nl/recensies/con...
June 8, 2022
Leest lekker weg.
March 23, 2012
Original review: http://www.booksbiscuitsandtea.com/2012/03/review-look-sophia-bennett.html
The Look is without a doubt one of those books that will make you roar with laughter one minute, shed a few tears the next but most importantly, it will make you think and re-evaluate your life. I loved everything about it, from the characters and the plot to Bennett's writing style - just brilliant.
Writing from a 15-year old girl's point of view is quite risky and and it can go horribly wrong since many times these teenagers sound a bit too mature, too adult-ish and I can't seem get over the fact that I didn't talk or think like that when I was their age, but Sophia Bennett pulls it off perfectly. Her ironic/sarcastic sense of humour definitely fits Ted's personality and it's one of the things that make this book as good as it is.
What I loved about this story, however, is the message that it's trying to convey to its readers. I liked how different Ava becomes after she learns about her illness. She transforms from this stunning and popular older sister into someone brave and more mature. It's interesting how different people think when they know they might lose the battle against the illness. I loved how she was behind Ted the whole time and encouraged her to go for it and give modelling a shot. It's as if she said we only live once and we shouldn't be afraid of taking chances...because what's the worst that can happen? In the end we only regret the chances that we didn't take and the decisions that we waited too long to take. The Look is an incredibly motivating and optimistic novel which will no doubt give hope to teenagers all around the world.
At the same time, it's not a depressing and heart-wrenching novel which tells the story of a girl who's trying to survive cancer, quite the opposite. Don't be afraid to pick it up if you don't like highly emotional stories because it's not like that. If you like contemporary / chick lit novels then I can guarantee that you'll love this one. The characters will really grow on you along the way and you'll be amazed how much they change by the end of the story and how much the two sisters' relationship itself changes.
The modelling world itself was very well researched and written - I've always had a soft spot for fashion so I was really excited about reading this book and it didn't disappoint me one bit. If I had to make comparisons, I'd say it's like America's Next Top Model and The Devil Wears Prada rolled into one, sprinkled with a pinch of humour and topped off with a great sisterly bond, witty and amiable characters, and gripping storyline. What's not to love?
The Look is without a doubt one of those books that will make you roar with laughter one minute, shed a few tears the next but most importantly, it will make you think and re-evaluate your life. I loved everything about it, from the characters and the plot to Bennett's writing style - just brilliant.
Writing from a 15-year old girl's point of view is quite risky and and it can go horribly wrong since many times these teenagers sound a bit too mature, too adult-ish and I can't seem get over the fact that I didn't talk or think like that when I was their age, but Sophia Bennett pulls it off perfectly. Her ironic/sarcastic sense of humour definitely fits Ted's personality and it's one of the things that make this book as good as it is.
What I loved about this story, however, is the message that it's trying to convey to its readers. I liked how different Ava becomes after she learns about her illness. She transforms from this stunning and popular older sister into someone brave and more mature. It's interesting how different people think when they know they might lose the battle against the illness. I loved how she was behind Ted the whole time and encouraged her to go for it and give modelling a shot. It's as if she said we only live once and we shouldn't be afraid of taking chances...because what's the worst that can happen? In the end we only regret the chances that we didn't take and the decisions that we waited too long to take. The Look is an incredibly motivating and optimistic novel which will no doubt give hope to teenagers all around the world.
At the same time, it's not a depressing and heart-wrenching novel which tells the story of a girl who's trying to survive cancer, quite the opposite. Don't be afraid to pick it up if you don't like highly emotional stories because it's not like that. If you like contemporary / chick lit novels then I can guarantee that you'll love this one. The characters will really grow on you along the way and you'll be amazed how much they change by the end of the story and how much the two sisters' relationship itself changes.
The modelling world itself was very well researched and written - I've always had a soft spot for fashion so I was really excited about reading this book and it didn't disappoint me one bit. If I had to make comparisons, I'd say it's like America's Next Top Model and The Devil Wears Prada rolled into one, sprinkled with a pinch of humour and topped off with a great sisterly bond, witty and amiable characters, and gripping storyline. What's not to love?
November 8, 2017
Bellissimo.
"The look" è un contemporary che vuole affiancare la vita problematica di un'adolescente agli imprevisti della vita. Gli imprevisti possono essere belli o brutti, ma comunque ti sconvolgono l'esistenza.
Ted ha sempre pensato di non essere un granché, eppure all'improvviso ecco che spunta qualcuno che crede che lei possa essere una modella. E mentre questa notizia la sconvolge, arriva anche una delle notizie più brutte: sua sorella Ava ha il cancro.
Mi è piaciuto moltissimo leggere delle avventure di Ted nel mondo della moda. Penso che dia un bellissimo messaggio: non mettere mai il lavoro davanti alla tua famiglia. Inoltre il libro vuole anche farci riflettere sulla volubilità dei ragazzi adolescenti, sulla forza con la quale si può affrontare una malattia e sulla facilità con cui si può cadere nella trappola di qualcuno che vuole prenderci per il naso.
Se dovessi scegliere un libro da consigliare ad un'adolescente che sogna ad occhi aperti e che crede che nella vita per raggiungere gli obiettivi si debba fare tutto - e intendo proprio tutto - probabilmente sceglierei "The look".
Aprite gli occhi (e, come Ted, gli obiettivi delle vostre macchine fotografiche) e forse il mondo vi sembrerà diverso.
"The look" è un contemporary che vuole affiancare la vita problematica di un'adolescente agli imprevisti della vita. Gli imprevisti possono essere belli o brutti, ma comunque ti sconvolgono l'esistenza.
Ted ha sempre pensato di non essere un granché, eppure all'improvviso ecco che spunta qualcuno che crede che lei possa essere una modella. E mentre questa notizia la sconvolge, arriva anche una delle notizie più brutte: sua sorella Ava ha il cancro.
Mi è piaciuto moltissimo leggere delle avventure di Ted nel mondo della moda. Penso che dia un bellissimo messaggio: non mettere mai il lavoro davanti alla tua famiglia. Inoltre il libro vuole anche farci riflettere sulla volubilità dei ragazzi adolescenti, sulla forza con la quale si può affrontare una malattia e sulla facilità con cui si può cadere nella trappola di qualcuno che vuole prenderci per il naso.
Se dovessi scegliere un libro da consigliare ad un'adolescente che sogna ad occhi aperti e che crede che nella vita per raggiungere gli obiettivi si debba fare tutto - e intendo proprio tutto - probabilmente sceglierei "The look".
Aprite gli occhi (e, come Ted, gli obiettivi delle vostre macchine fotografiche) e forse il mondo vi sembrerà diverso.
August 21, 2017
Pleasantly surprised by this one. I went in expecting the crazy drama of Meg Cabot but it was more like Sarah Dessen's YA characters meet a Jodi Picoult plot.
This book is less about the razzle-dazzle of the modeling industry and more about the close relationship between two sisters. From the synopsis I was ready for snooty, jealousy inspired conflict between Ted and Ava, but luckily we got nothing like that. The girls support each other the whole way through, and while Ted's modeling does cause a few issues in the family, there's never a petty blowup over it.
I also appreciated that the modeling industry seemed less like an Ugly Betty cartoon and instead showed the realities/boring minutiae of trying to land a job, and that there are nice people in the fashion world. There are over-the-top characters, sure (just like in the real world), but I think a model or a fashion lover could read this book and wouldn't be insulted by its depiction.
The romance was the worst bit - I kinda hated the love interest and his constant negging. But thankfully that element was such a small part of the book that it didn't ruin the enjoyment for me.
I will definitely check out Sophia Bennett's other works!
This book is less about the razzle-dazzle of the modeling industry and more about the close relationship between two sisters. From the synopsis I was ready for snooty, jealousy inspired conflict between Ted and Ava, but luckily we got nothing like that. The girls support each other the whole way through, and while Ted's modeling does cause a few issues in the family, there's never a petty blowup over it.
I also appreciated that the modeling industry seemed less like an Ugly Betty cartoon and instead showed the realities/boring minutiae of trying to land a job, and that there are nice people in the fashion world. There are over-the-top characters, sure (just like in the real world), but I think a model or a fashion lover could read this book and wouldn't be insulted by its depiction.
The romance was the worst bit - I kinda hated the love interest and his constant negging. But thankfully that element was such a small part of the book that it didn't ruin the enjoyment for me.
I will definitely check out Sophia Bennett's other works!
November 7, 2017
Het boek gaat over 2 zussen die op een doodnormale dag in hun leven geconfronteerd worden met moeilijke keuzes die ze moeten maken. Terwijl de 2 zussen straatmuziek aan het maken werd Ted (de lelijkere zus) gescout door Carnaby street. Ava ontvangt op een dag erg slecht nieuws. Ze krijgt namelijk te horen dat ze Lymfoon heeft waardoor Ted haar modellencarriere geen kans wilt geven, maar dit moet ze toch doen van haar zus. Ted voelt haar namelijk erg schuldig dat Ava ziek is en zij niet, en ze heeft namelijk ook geen toestemming gekregen van haar ouders om dit alles te doen. Ze besluit dan toch alles te doen maar dan zonder toestemming van haar ouders. Vanaf haar eerste test begon haar mogelijke modellencarriere die ze al dan niet zal kunnen volbrengen. Het is een erg mooi boek en het leert je meer over de modellenwereld en hoe te leven met een zus met kanker. Je moet er wel erg goed bij nadenken want ze springen van het ene naar het andere gedurende het hele boek. Het is wel een hele grote aanrader omdat je er wel veel levenslessen kunt uithalen en het ook gewoon super mooi geschreven is en vermeld wordt.
April 18, 2021
I bought this book as a random purchase from Poundland (UK store), and didn’t expect much. But I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. It was such an easy read, but kept you wanting to read on. The story was heartbreaking, funny and lovely all at the same time, and had such an amazing sense of self discovery.
March 11, 2025
I enjoyed this one but was not blown away. Def one I can pass to my 13 year old daughter's
June 25, 2015
I LOVED The Look and I would encourage all teenage girls to get it when it comes out. I think it is perfect for Sophia’s older teenage fans (like me!) and is a wonderful step-up from the Threads books. Sophia Bennett has once again conjured up a beautifully glamorous masterpiece, full of dreams, hopes and heartbreak. And yes, it does live up to the bright pink page edges!
To see the full review follow this link:
http://a-reading-daydreamer.blogspot....
To see the full review follow this link:
http://a-reading-daydreamer.blogspot....
November 6, 2017
This book is a twisting thrill through the life of a hectic family. One who is barely paid, one who was just laid off, one who is a soon to be covergirl, and one with lymphoma cancer. They all sacrifice for each other, but none of them can see what they really need to do for each other. When a medical crisis happens, they all realize that they shouldn't be mourning the loss, but spending the time together that they have left.
August 7, 2015
2.75 stars
Cool, fun, light summer read.
Cool, fun, light summer read.
March 8, 2018
I read the book flap and understood it would be a sole-perspective story from the non-cancerous sister's point of view. I frowned, but thought the ideas of sisterhood, closeness, and worry about illness would be recurring themes. I wanted medical emergencies, hard decisions (work or family?), heartwarming sister moments, and tearjerkers.
I got none of these.
Five pages into the story, I knew how it would end and rolled my eyes. When a statistic was quoted the first time, I groaned out loud and knew exactly how the book would end. I was right. There is absolutely no tension, worry, or drama around the cancer and how everyone thinks of it. This is a book about teenage modeling, from start to finish.
This book makes me think that the author clearly just wanted to write about a teen model and that this is partially wish fulfillment. Cancer is mentioned in less than one percent of the book. The book is so jammed with wish fulfillment cliches that this review would be novel-length if I were to list them all. The cancer was to make the non-cancer sister look better. I was appalled. She was jealous of her sister until her sister got sick, tried to convince everyone they were close, and--rrgh. The narrator is a whiny, entitled, ego-driven brat who doesn't understand that consequences exist. And why should she? There -were- no consequences for anything. I will point out that her entitlement and ego don't rear their ugly heads until she stops waffling about everything and actually does something. It's like a switch was flipped, and she becomes an airhead not too long after. Boring and grating. Then again, the character was only marginally interesting before all this. "Waaah, I have a unibrow and am tall." Um, razors exist if you don't like tweezing. Waxing. Sugaring. You have options, dude, and a sister who would love to help. Tall--I am five foot two, so grrr.
The cancer microscopic-subplot could have been cut entirely and the book wouldn't have changed at all. The cancer itself was a road to nowhere plotwise. Frustrating! I would read a fiction book about teen modeling, sure--if it had actual tension in it and if the characters had any realistic motivations that are mentioned for longer than a paragraph. But this book -tried- to have a cancer sister in it, too, and that threw me off.
(grumble) At least I read it cover to cover so I could figure out exactly how correct I was.
I got none of these.
Five pages into the story, I knew how it would end and rolled my eyes. When a statistic was quoted the first time, I groaned out loud and knew exactly how the book would end. I was right. There is absolutely no tension, worry, or drama around the cancer and how everyone thinks of it. This is a book about teenage modeling, from start to finish.
This book makes me think that the author clearly just wanted to write about a teen model and that this is partially wish fulfillment. Cancer is mentioned in less than one percent of the book. The book is so jammed with wish fulfillment cliches that this review would be novel-length if I were to list them all. The cancer was to make the non-cancer sister look better. I was appalled. She was jealous of her sister until her sister got sick, tried to convince everyone they were close, and--rrgh. The narrator is a whiny, entitled, ego-driven brat who doesn't understand that consequences exist. And why should she? There -were- no consequences for anything. I will point out that her entitlement and ego don't rear their ugly heads until she stops waffling about everything and actually does something. It's like a switch was flipped, and she becomes an airhead not too long after. Boring and grating. Then again, the character was only marginally interesting before all this. "Waaah, I have a unibrow and am tall." Um, razors exist if you don't like tweezing. Waxing. Sugaring. You have options, dude, and a sister who would love to help. Tall--I am five foot two, so grrr.
The cancer microscopic-subplot could have been cut entirely and the book wouldn't have changed at all. The cancer itself was a road to nowhere plotwise. Frustrating! I would read a fiction book about teen modeling, sure--if it had actual tension in it and if the characters had any realistic motivations that are mentioned for longer than a paragraph. But this book -tried- to have a cancer sister in it, too, and that threw me off.
(grumble) At least I read it cover to cover so I could figure out exactly how correct I was.
May 7, 2021
This book wasn’t my usual style - I actually picked it up in a Poundland and was going to give it to my sister, but I decided to read it first. I read this book in about 5 hours, maybe less. I couldn’t put it down.
I completely fell in love with the Trout sisters and their bond. It reminded me of my relationship with my own sister, who happens to be my best friend too. They had me smiling throughout the whole book, as did Frankie - she’s such a lovely, underrated character!
I loved how delicately Sophia Bennett handled the difficult, but very very real issue of teenage cancer. She made it dark and scary and realistic, but also showed us how this awful illness made Ava and Ted’s bond closer.
Ted’s confidence growth was the best part about the book for me, and I wish I’d read this when I was younger!
This book was definitely a little bit too young adult for me (but then again, I am definitely on the wrong side of 20), but it warmed my heart nevertheless. I’ve only knocked a star off as it all ended a little too ‘happily ever after’.
I completely fell in love with the Trout sisters and their bond. It reminded me of my relationship with my own sister, who happens to be my best friend too. They had me smiling throughout the whole book, as did Frankie - she’s such a lovely, underrated character!
I loved how delicately Sophia Bennett handled the difficult, but very very real issue of teenage cancer. She made it dark and scary and realistic, but also showed us how this awful illness made Ava and Ted’s bond closer.
Ted’s confidence growth was the best part about the book for me, and I wish I’d read this when I was younger!
This book was definitely a little bit too young adult for me (but then again, I am definitely on the wrong side of 20), but it warmed my heart nevertheless. I’ve only knocked a star off as it all ended a little too ‘happily ever after’.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2013
Do not be fooled by the Synopsis folks. There are many layers to this book that the small plot summary doesn’t cover. Naturally I don’t expect the synopsis to give it all away, but I do want it to convey accurately a glimpse of what the reader is about to get herself into. This was not the case with this book.
Like many, I read the brief summary of the story, saw the gorgeous cover, and very greedily requested it. It looks and feels like chick lit and I love chick lit…so what could wrong? I imagined a really fun, light, and quick read.
That is not what happened. I had a tough time getting into the book to start with (I’m actually surprised that I finished). The premise was intriguing but predictable. The characters remained static throughout the book, which was annoying given the life-altering circumstances they were going through. The writing was probably the only reason that I even made it to the finish but even then it wasn’t anything extraordinary.
Let me elaborate my main issues with this novel:
1. The Cliché Premise
Okay guys…I’ll admit I had high hopes for this one. I mean, how can you not? It’s about a teenager given the opportunity of a lifetime to become a Supermodel (basically every little girl’s dream … or at least those who watch ANTM). I wanted a story that exposed the seedy underbelly of the fashion industry with a chick lit feel. Something where the MC is so different from the rest of the crowd because of her rooted ideals; eventually these ideals help her form a path to career success and stardom. Not too much to ask for, right?
Unfortunately that’s not what this book is about. There aren’t any real twists in the story or plotline. Everything that happens is very predictable…I fell asleep on it more times than I care to admit. If you have ever watched a Disney Channel show focusing on a girl (there are so many…Lizzie McGuire, That So Raven, etc) who gets a once in a lifetime opportunity…you basically have this book. Honestly, just from reading the synopsis and this review…you could accurately predict the story.
“It seems Stage 2 is worse than Stage 1, but a lot better than Stage 3 and 4. The B means Ava gets night sweats. They have a letter for it and we have a washing machine for it. Whatever.” – Sophia Bennett
2. The Static Characters
The MC seems to very easily fit into almost all circumstances and doesn’t have any reservations or adjustment crises. Ted (the MC) does have to make choices between modeling and other life circumstances but these choices are so simple that the reader will wonder if Bennett is being serious. While this character is commendable for what she did in the end (I’m going to be spoiler free so don’t panic), I feel as though it is very unrealistic. Normal girls in Ted’s position will kill for an opportunity at the fashion industry and won’t so easily toss it regardless of whether it’s up their alley or not. Ted’s isn’t the only one I had a problem with.
Ava is Ted’s immature and gorgeous sister who is diagnosed with cancer in the very beginning of the book (tragic I know). My problem with Ava is that she never grew through the novel despite facing the very real possibility of death. She remained immature and petty all throughout the book. If something like cancer doesn’t change you … what will? I was left feeling confused at the characters for the most part.
“I think of Kristen Stewart – she was a great vampire. Maybe I could look like her: pale and sulky.” – Sophia Bennett
3. The Writing
I did the writing in this book. It wasn’t anything mind blowing (like
The Fault in our Stars or The Rook) but it did stay true to the chick lit nature of this novel. Honestly, I think Bennett deserves a pat on the back for the chick lit writing despite all the very real issues (cancer, fashion industry, money problems) discussed in the book. It is very difficult to add in the fluffy to something like chemotherapy…but Bennett managed it!
However part of me wonders if this book could have been much better and thought provoking if it hadn’t been a chick lit novel. If Bennett had had the freedom to construct the plot and characters away from the chick lit structure of being light and fluffy…we could have had something amazing.
“He turns to look at me with the same lovesick-puppy expression Dad
has when he thinks about Claudia Schiffer.” – Sophia Bennett
While I only highlighted the glaring issues I had with this book, I also forgot to mention how hilarious the book was. Some of the quotes as you can tell are downright laughable (in a LOL way, not in a Neener Neener way). So, if you are in the mood for a fast and hilarious read…I recommend this one. This book is suitable for readers of all ages and especially for younger female audiences. It is a very easy read, and doesn’t consume much of your time.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC to review.
Happy Fashion!!!
Check this review and many others at Rainbows and Books
Like many, I read the brief summary of the story, saw the gorgeous cover, and very greedily requested it. It looks and feels like chick lit and I love chick lit…so what could wrong? I imagined a really fun, light, and quick read.
That is not what happened. I had a tough time getting into the book to start with (I’m actually surprised that I finished). The premise was intriguing but predictable. The characters remained static throughout the book, which was annoying given the life-altering circumstances they were going through. The writing was probably the only reason that I even made it to the finish but even then it wasn’t anything extraordinary.
Let me elaborate my main issues with this novel:
1. The Cliché Premise
Okay guys…I’ll admit I had high hopes for this one. I mean, how can you not? It’s about a teenager given the opportunity of a lifetime to become a Supermodel (basically every little girl’s dream … or at least those who watch ANTM). I wanted a story that exposed the seedy underbelly of the fashion industry with a chick lit feel. Something where the MC is so different from the rest of the crowd because of her rooted ideals; eventually these ideals help her form a path to career success and stardom. Not too much to ask for, right?
Unfortunately that’s not what this book is about. There aren’t any real twists in the story or plotline. Everything that happens is very predictable…I fell asleep on it more times than I care to admit. If you have ever watched a Disney Channel show focusing on a girl (there are so many…Lizzie McGuire, That So Raven, etc) who gets a once in a lifetime opportunity…you basically have this book. Honestly, just from reading the synopsis and this review…you could accurately predict the story.
“It seems Stage 2 is worse than Stage 1, but a lot better than Stage 3 and 4. The B means Ava gets night sweats. They have a letter for it and we have a washing machine for it. Whatever.” – Sophia Bennett
2. The Static Characters
The MC seems to very easily fit into almost all circumstances and doesn’t have any reservations or adjustment crises. Ted (the MC) does have to make choices between modeling and other life circumstances but these choices are so simple that the reader will wonder if Bennett is being serious. While this character is commendable for what she did in the end (I’m going to be spoiler free so don’t panic), I feel as though it is very unrealistic. Normal girls in Ted’s position will kill for an opportunity at the fashion industry and won’t so easily toss it regardless of whether it’s up their alley or not. Ted’s isn’t the only one I had a problem with.
Ava is Ted’s immature and gorgeous sister who is diagnosed with cancer in the very beginning of the book (tragic I know). My problem with Ava is that she never grew through the novel despite facing the very real possibility of death. She remained immature and petty all throughout the book. If something like cancer doesn’t change you … what will? I was left feeling confused at the characters for the most part.
“I think of Kristen Stewart – she was a great vampire. Maybe I could look like her: pale and sulky.” – Sophia Bennett
3. The Writing
I did the writing in this book. It wasn’t anything mind blowing (like
The Fault in our Stars or The Rook) but it did stay true to the chick lit nature of this novel. Honestly, I think Bennett deserves a pat on the back for the chick lit writing despite all the very real issues (cancer, fashion industry, money problems) discussed in the book. It is very difficult to add in the fluffy to something like chemotherapy…but Bennett managed it!
However part of me wonders if this book could have been much better and thought provoking if it hadn’t been a chick lit novel. If Bennett had had the freedom to construct the plot and characters away from the chick lit structure of being light and fluffy…we could have had something amazing.
“He turns to look at me with the same lovesick-puppy expression Dad
has when he thinks about Claudia Schiffer.” – Sophia Bennett
While I only highlighted the glaring issues I had with this book, I also forgot to mention how hilarious the book was. Some of the quotes as you can tell are downright laughable (in a LOL way, not in a Neener Neener way). So, if you are in the mood for a fast and hilarious read…I recommend this one. This book is suitable for readers of all ages and especially for younger female audiences. It is a very easy read, and doesn’t consume much of your time.
I would like to thank the publisher, author, and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC to review.
Happy Fashion!!!
Check this review and many others at Rainbows and Books
October 27, 2018
Quirky looking girl used to being ignored when with her beautiful sister is rather shocked when a scout for a model agency hands her a card.
Convinced it’s a scam she does nothing. Then her sister is revealed to have cancer-and Ted is convinced to give it a shot.
Some interesting info about the fashion world, though it all seemed too good to be true. I was, secretly, pleased when Ted stick with her sense of self and looked like she’d end up much much happier.
Convinced it’s a scam she does nothing. Then her sister is revealed to have cancer-and Ted is convinced to give it a shot.
Some interesting info about the fashion world, though it all seemed too good to be true. I was, secretly, pleased when Ted stick with her sense of self and looked like she’d end up much much happier.
November 12, 2023
Tja, ik ben redelijk emotieloos over dit boek. Ted (hoofdpersoon) heeft veel aandacht nodig en is saai. De familie doet ook zeer emotieloos over dat haar zus ziek is. Door dit boek ben ik nog meer in een slump geraakt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
a really easy and fun read that used to be a fave of mine in the early teen years and you know what it holds up. i will say nick is a lot less likeable to the adult reader than he is to the romanticising teen.
September 20, 2023
Obsessed
October 21, 2019
I loved reading this book, and the strength that a person puts into his/her life when facing life’s challenges, it shows you that no matter what your family will always be there when you need them
July 26, 2013
Prolog: Gue sudah lama tertarik ingin membaca novel ini. Simply because the main idea: model. Apalagi setelah membaca sinopsisnya membuat gue semakin penasaran. Akhirnya ketemu novel ini di sale Mizan di Gramedia GI. 20 ribu saja hehe.
The Look bercerita tentang Edwina ‘Ted’ Trout, remaja 15 tahun yang mendadak hidup pas-pasan karena ayahnya dipecat jadi dosen dan suatu hari mengamen bersama kakaknya, Ava, si cantik yang mirip Elizabeth Taylor. Saat mengamen itu Ted disamperin oleh Simon yang mengaku berasal dari agensi model bernama Model City dan tertarik menjadikan Ted sebagai model. Ted yang bertubuh tinggi kurus dengan alis lebat menyatu di pangkal hidung dan nggak cantik sama sekali jelas aja bingung,
Why her? Why Simon didn’t choose Ava?
Lalu Ava divonis kena kanker sehingga seluruh perhatian keluarga tertuju padanya. Namun, Ava malah mendukung Ted menjadi model. Hasilnya? She is a model.
Satu kata untuk novel ini: NANGGUNG! Semua aspek di dalamnya serba nanggung.
Begitu membaca sinopsisnya, gue membayangkan cerita yang sangat glamour. Look at this synopsis:
Semua gadis pasti iri setengah mati dengan apa yang akan didapatkan Ted. Jimmy Choo, Vera Wang, Prada, Zac Posen, mobil mewah, apartemen berkelas, dan kepopuleran akan mengelilinginya begitu ia jadi model papan atas.Mimpi ini berawal di Jalan Carnaby, London, saat ia mengamen bersama Ava, kakaknya. Seorang agen pencari bakat, Simon, mendatangi Ted yang jangkung, kurus, dan jauh dari kata fashionable. Tentu saja ini membingungkan. Kenapa bukan Ava si gadis cantik pemilik senyum ala bintang film, yang dilirik Simon melainkan Ted si cupu?Ted diam-diam penasaran dengan Simon dan agensi modelnya. Di saat yang sama, Ava divonis kanker limfoma oleh dokter. Semua perhatian keluarga dicurahkan kepada Ava dan penyakitnya. Ini membuat Ted harus memilih, akan meraih kesempatan untuk menjadi supermodel atau tetap bersama Ava, menjadi supersister.
Wajar jika gue berekspektasi tinggi. Terlebih saat tahu Ted belum berusia 16 tahun alias masih terlalu kecil untuk jadi model profesional. Tentu akan banyak intrik di sini. Namun hasilnya?
First: Ted as a model. Nggak ada glamour-nya sama sekali. Perjalanan Ted sebagai model malah bisa dibilang lama dan bertele-tele. Memang sih keriuhan tes pemotretan, go-see, casting dll ditampilin apa adanya tapi nggak merasa tertarik sama sekali. Lama banget. Tensi baru naik setelah Ted ketemu Tina di Gaggia yang membuka jalannya menjadi seorang model ternama. Gue agak sedikit penasaran. Ketika Ted ke New York untuk jadi campaign face Constantine & Reed, gue membayangkan intrik yang seru. Apalagi sebelumnya Ted bukan pilihan utama. Dan bisa dibilang dia beruntung nggak sengaja ketemu Tina. Akan seru nih karena ada konflik antarmodel. Tapi? Nanggung. Datar. Nggak ada konflik berarti.
Second: Di sinopsis dibilang Ted mau jadi model karena bête semua perhatian keluarga tertuju untuk Ava. Dia ke New York karena ingin ngebuktiin diri. Nyatanya? Gue pikir ada konflik berarti kayak hubungan Ted-Ava yang nggak harmonis atau Ted yang egois, atau Ava yang si cantik egois dan bikin Ted merasa terpinggirkan. Nyatanya? Nggak ada sama sekali. No drama.
Meminjam kata Sherlock: BORING! *semburin api kayak Smaug*
Third: Tina di Gaggia. Gila, ini potensi besar malah disia-siain. Coba ya Tina dan Rudolf jadi menuntut yang nantinya Ted akan dibelain Cassandra. Ini pasti akan keren banget.
Fourth: Ted-Nick. Hubungan mereka nggak ada chemistry sama sekali. Ketemu aja jarang. Lalu blahhhh mereka ciuman aja di menjelang akhir.
Overall, gue nggak puas. Entah karena sejak awal gue udah dibutakan oleh sinopsis yang wah sehingga berekspektasi tinggi atau simply karena gue nggak terlalu suka dengan cara menulis Sophia Bennett. Padahal ada banyak potensi konflik dan drama di sini.
Oh, atau mungkin gue memang pecinta drama jadi drama serba nanggung gini bikin gue depresi.
Oh, at least ada satu yang gue suka dari novel ini, ketika Ted nemenin Ava mencukur rambutnya yang rontok karena kemoterapi. Ini bikin gue jadi tambah pengin ngeskin rambut atau minimal potong cepak banget *keinginan yang nggak pernah kesampaian*
The Look bercerita tentang Edwina ‘Ted’ Trout, remaja 15 tahun yang mendadak hidup pas-pasan karena ayahnya dipecat jadi dosen dan suatu hari mengamen bersama kakaknya, Ava, si cantik yang mirip Elizabeth Taylor. Saat mengamen itu Ted disamperin oleh Simon yang mengaku berasal dari agensi model bernama Model City dan tertarik menjadikan Ted sebagai model. Ted yang bertubuh tinggi kurus dengan alis lebat menyatu di pangkal hidung dan nggak cantik sama sekali jelas aja bingung,
Why her? Why Simon didn’t choose Ava?
Lalu Ava divonis kena kanker sehingga seluruh perhatian keluarga tertuju padanya. Namun, Ava malah mendukung Ted menjadi model. Hasilnya? She is a model.
Satu kata untuk novel ini: NANGGUNG! Semua aspek di dalamnya serba nanggung.
Begitu membaca sinopsisnya, gue membayangkan cerita yang sangat glamour. Look at this synopsis:
Semua gadis pasti iri setengah mati dengan apa yang akan didapatkan Ted. Jimmy Choo, Vera Wang, Prada, Zac Posen, mobil mewah, apartemen berkelas, dan kepopuleran akan mengelilinginya begitu ia jadi model papan atas.Mimpi ini berawal di Jalan Carnaby, London, saat ia mengamen bersama Ava, kakaknya. Seorang agen pencari bakat, Simon, mendatangi Ted yang jangkung, kurus, dan jauh dari kata fashionable. Tentu saja ini membingungkan. Kenapa bukan Ava si gadis cantik pemilik senyum ala bintang film, yang dilirik Simon melainkan Ted si cupu?Ted diam-diam penasaran dengan Simon dan agensi modelnya. Di saat yang sama, Ava divonis kanker limfoma oleh dokter. Semua perhatian keluarga dicurahkan kepada Ava dan penyakitnya. Ini membuat Ted harus memilih, akan meraih kesempatan untuk menjadi supermodel atau tetap bersama Ava, menjadi supersister.
Wajar jika gue berekspektasi tinggi. Terlebih saat tahu Ted belum berusia 16 tahun alias masih terlalu kecil untuk jadi model profesional. Tentu akan banyak intrik di sini. Namun hasilnya?
First: Ted as a model. Nggak ada glamour-nya sama sekali. Perjalanan Ted sebagai model malah bisa dibilang lama dan bertele-tele. Memang sih keriuhan tes pemotretan, go-see, casting dll ditampilin apa adanya tapi nggak merasa tertarik sama sekali. Lama banget. Tensi baru naik setelah Ted ketemu Tina di Gaggia yang membuka jalannya menjadi seorang model ternama. Gue agak sedikit penasaran. Ketika Ted ke New York untuk jadi campaign face Constantine & Reed, gue membayangkan intrik yang seru. Apalagi sebelumnya Ted bukan pilihan utama. Dan bisa dibilang dia beruntung nggak sengaja ketemu Tina. Akan seru nih karena ada konflik antarmodel. Tapi? Nanggung. Datar. Nggak ada konflik berarti.
Second: Di sinopsis dibilang Ted mau jadi model karena bête semua perhatian keluarga tertuju untuk Ava. Dia ke New York karena ingin ngebuktiin diri. Nyatanya? Gue pikir ada konflik berarti kayak hubungan Ted-Ava yang nggak harmonis atau Ted yang egois, atau Ava yang si cantik egois dan bikin Ted merasa terpinggirkan. Nyatanya? Nggak ada sama sekali. No drama.
Meminjam kata Sherlock: BORING! *semburin api kayak Smaug*
Third: Tina di Gaggia. Gila, ini potensi besar malah disia-siain. Coba ya Tina dan Rudolf jadi menuntut yang nantinya Ted akan dibelain Cassandra. Ini pasti akan keren banget.
Fourth: Ted-Nick. Hubungan mereka nggak ada chemistry sama sekali. Ketemu aja jarang. Lalu blahhhh mereka ciuman aja di menjelang akhir.
Overall, gue nggak puas. Entah karena sejak awal gue udah dibutakan oleh sinopsis yang wah sehingga berekspektasi tinggi atau simply karena gue nggak terlalu suka dengan cara menulis Sophia Bennett. Padahal ada banyak potensi konflik dan drama di sini.
Oh, atau mungkin gue memang pecinta drama jadi drama serba nanggung gini bikin gue depresi.
Oh, at least ada satu yang gue suka dari novel ini, ketika Ted nemenin Ava mencukur rambutnya yang rontok karena kemoterapi. Ini bikin gue jadi tambah pengin ngeskin rambut atau minimal potong cepak banget *keinginan yang nggak pernah kesampaian*
April 15, 2013
The Look was one book I didn't plan on reading, despite the fact that it was getting quite a few great reviews from readers. At first glance, The Look gives the illusion of a short, sweet and fun read - nothing out of the ordinary. However, I found out soon enough that Sophia Bennett is no ordinary writer. Reading this will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love completely with the entire cast of characters.
Edwina "Ted" Trout isn't made of model material. Too tall, too skinny, and without much of a body, she pales in comparison to her older sister Ava, who has all the looks and a perfect boyfriend. Everything changes when a scout for a modelling agency picks her out, standing next to her beautiful sister, no less, and tells her that she has what it takes to become a model. Then Ava is diagnosed with cancer, and Ted is forced to choose: the life of a model or family?
What impressed me the most about The Look was Bennett's ability to weave emotion and understanding into such serious topics such as cancer. I haven't read many YA books that featured cancer, so this was something new for me, and I felt that the author handled it extremely well. Ava's diagnoses was, in this case, lymphoma - a very common illness among teens, out of which there is a 90% survival rate. Throughout the entire book, though, Bennett kept me on the edge of my seat, hoping along with Ted and her family, that Ava would be among the 90%.
I also loved how I learned more about modeling - not that I have dreams of ever becoming a model! - and how detailed the author was when it came to this aspect. It clearly showed that she'd done a lot of research beforehand; everything was explained and was realistic enough to make me pine for Ted and her modelling career.
The characters themselves were amazing. I felt as though I could fully relate to Ted, even though her complains and constant moaning about her less-than-desirable body got on my nerves occasionally. I did find myself supporting her fully, though, during her short modelling stint, and hoping that someone would appreciate her for who she was! Bennett portrayed her relationship with Ava perfectly as well. You could see just how much their relationship grows and develops as the story progresses, in a way that's completely natural. Most of the time, family in YA is non-existent, so it was refreshing to see a full and loving family in The Look.
While there isn't much romance here - something that is quite often a must-need in contemporary novels - it hardly bothered me at all, though the insta-love did. A little. Then again, it was hard to hold that against the book, because the beautiful story made up for it completely!
abbreviated.
PROS: Not your ordinary contemporary; lovable characters; showed great deal of time and research; hooking; emotional
CONS: Insta-love; Ted was little annoying at times
OVERALL: If you're looking for a book that you'll both enjoy and feel for at the same time, then The Look is for you. Full of charming characters, a stunning portrayal of how important family really is, Sophia Bennett crafts an impressive book that I'm sure all contemporary lovers will like!
This review also appears on my YA book blog, Ink Skies!
Edwina "Ted" Trout isn't made of model material. Too tall, too skinny, and without much of a body, she pales in comparison to her older sister Ava, who has all the looks and a perfect boyfriend. Everything changes when a scout for a modelling agency picks her out, standing next to her beautiful sister, no less, and tells her that she has what it takes to become a model. Then Ava is diagnosed with cancer, and Ted is forced to choose: the life of a model or family?
What impressed me the most about The Look was Bennett's ability to weave emotion and understanding into such serious topics such as cancer. I haven't read many YA books that featured cancer, so this was something new for me, and I felt that the author handled it extremely well. Ava's diagnoses was, in this case, lymphoma - a very common illness among teens, out of which there is a 90% survival rate. Throughout the entire book, though, Bennett kept me on the edge of my seat, hoping along with Ted and her family, that Ava would be among the 90%.
I also loved how I learned more about modeling - not that I have dreams of ever becoming a model! - and how detailed the author was when it came to this aspect. It clearly showed that she'd done a lot of research beforehand; everything was explained and was realistic enough to make me pine for Ted and her modelling career.
The characters themselves were amazing. I felt as though I could fully relate to Ted, even though her complains and constant moaning about her less-than-desirable body got on my nerves occasionally. I did find myself supporting her fully, though, during her short modelling stint, and hoping that someone would appreciate her for who she was! Bennett portrayed her relationship with Ava perfectly as well. You could see just how much their relationship grows and develops as the story progresses, in a way that's completely natural. Most of the time, family in YA is non-existent, so it was refreshing to see a full and loving family in The Look.
While there isn't much romance here - something that is quite often a must-need in contemporary novels - it hardly bothered me at all, though the insta-love did. A little. Then again, it was hard to hold that against the book, because the beautiful story made up for it completely!
abbreviated.
PROS: Not your ordinary contemporary; lovable characters; showed great deal of time and research; hooking; emotional
CONS: Insta-love; Ted was little annoying at times
OVERALL: If you're looking for a book that you'll both enjoy and feel for at the same time, then The Look is for you. Full of charming characters, a stunning portrayal of how important family really is, Sophia Bennett crafts an impressive book that I'm sure all contemporary lovers will like!
This review also appears on my YA book blog, Ink Skies!
March 4, 2013
Review originally posted on Rather Be Reading Blog
As the younger sister, Ted has a tendency to follow Ava’s lead — no matter how crazy her ideas are. Even in the midst of the changes their family has overcome (their dad losing their job and them moving into a new, smaller home), Ava can still convince Ted to jingle a tambourine on the street in hopes of scoring some cash.
Instead, they get a melted piece of Starburst and a business card from a modeling scout… interested in Ted.
Now, when I first started The Look, I thought I would jump right into Ted’s successful modeling career, the younger sister finally stepping out of the shadows of her beautiful older sister who loves to surf and fawns over her boyfriend, Jesse. But instead Sophia Bennett intricately sets the foundation of a close-knit family going through many catastrophic changes, including the moment that Ava is diagnosed with cancer. There’s actually quite a lull between the opening scene and Ted actually figuring out the modeling agency was legit and heading in for her first meeting. She decides to go through with the adventure as a way to entertain Ava while she is going through the worst of her treatments.
Ted doesn’t think of herself as worth looking at at all; she doesn’t like her hair, she thinks she is too tall, and there’s that guy in her class who is always making fun of her. She thinks it’s practically a joke that an agency would pick her among the beautiful people; therefore, she has this sort of self-deprecating sense of humor that I really enjoyed. I know it was part defense mechanism but she so owned it. As she goes from audition to audition, and learns more about the actual craft of photography, you can see the character truly growing and coming into her own.
In life, I think we can all remember an instance when one part of your life was going terribly and the other was so exciting. It’s hard to choose. It’s hard to feel like you can truly be happy when something so bleak is happening on the other side, especially when this horrible thing is happening to someone you love. Bennett manages to draw this parallel without being overly dramatic or cheesy at all. All the actions and feelings from the characters were so utterly authentic that I was just drawn in more and more to the story as it went on.
All I can tell you right now is that there are some beautiful scenes in this book, scenes of endearing amounts of pain and sisterhood and what it means to be close to someone and be there for them, even if the path doesn’t seem to make sense. Ted’s determination to work hard in order to support her family is so admirable, while her parents’ faith in her, though new, is refreshing and uplifting. There’s also a boy, and deceit, and the evil truths that Ted must face about an industry that she begins to fall in love with. Bennett has concocted such a dimensional story with a backbone that begins and ends with the importance of family and knowing yourself… even if it takes awhile to get there.
As an added bonus, I loved that The Look was set in London!
As the younger sister, Ted has a tendency to follow Ava’s lead — no matter how crazy her ideas are. Even in the midst of the changes their family has overcome (their dad losing their job and them moving into a new, smaller home), Ava can still convince Ted to jingle a tambourine on the street in hopes of scoring some cash.
Instead, they get a melted piece of Starburst and a business card from a modeling scout… interested in Ted.
Now, when I first started The Look, I thought I would jump right into Ted’s successful modeling career, the younger sister finally stepping out of the shadows of her beautiful older sister who loves to surf and fawns over her boyfriend, Jesse. But instead Sophia Bennett intricately sets the foundation of a close-knit family going through many catastrophic changes, including the moment that Ava is diagnosed with cancer. There’s actually quite a lull between the opening scene and Ted actually figuring out the modeling agency was legit and heading in for her first meeting. She decides to go through with the adventure as a way to entertain Ava while she is going through the worst of her treatments.
Ted doesn’t think of herself as worth looking at at all; she doesn’t like her hair, she thinks she is too tall, and there’s that guy in her class who is always making fun of her. She thinks it’s practically a joke that an agency would pick her among the beautiful people; therefore, she has this sort of self-deprecating sense of humor that I really enjoyed. I know it was part defense mechanism but she so owned it. As she goes from audition to audition, and learns more about the actual craft of photography, you can see the character truly growing and coming into her own.
In life, I think we can all remember an instance when one part of your life was going terribly and the other was so exciting. It’s hard to choose. It’s hard to feel like you can truly be happy when something so bleak is happening on the other side, especially when this horrible thing is happening to someone you love. Bennett manages to draw this parallel without being overly dramatic or cheesy at all. All the actions and feelings from the characters were so utterly authentic that I was just drawn in more and more to the story as it went on.
All I can tell you right now is that there are some beautiful scenes in this book, scenes of endearing amounts of pain and sisterhood and what it means to be close to someone and be there for them, even if the path doesn’t seem to make sense. Ted’s determination to work hard in order to support her family is so admirable, while her parents’ faith in her, though new, is refreshing and uplifting. There’s also a boy, and deceit, and the evil truths that Ted must face about an industry that she begins to fall in love with. Bennett has concocted such a dimensional story with a backbone that begins and ends with the importance of family and knowing yourself… even if it takes awhile to get there.
As an added bonus, I loved that The Look was set in London!
March 15, 2012
This review was originally posted at link: ChooseYA
The Look is one of those books that will either work well, or not work at all. Combining something many teenage girls dream about like modelling with a nightmare of cancer is a risk. So full credit to Sophia Bennett for pulling it off.
When Ted (Edwina) Trout is spotted by a modelling agency, she is certain it is a joke. Her sister, Ava, is the beautiful one after all. However, after her sister's shock diagnosis of cancer and with Ava's encouragement (and at time's orders) she decides to try modelling to bring in a little extra money and also relate more to her sister, who has always been the fashion aficionado of the two. When,
This book was not what I expected at all. I loved the relationship between Ava and Ted the most; they really had this wonderful closeness and rivalry and felt like real siblings. Both of them are created so naturally and well-written that the scenario of becoming a model felt more grounded than mere wish-fulfilment. In both instances, Bennett steers her novel clear of saccharine and unrealistic feelings, but doesn't avoid the more unsettling aspects either. It is not an 'edgy' or 'gritty' read though, but neither it is 100% froth.
The Look, for me, was not so much about dealing with a sibling's cancer, or becoming a model, but about sisters and their unconditional love for one another. That said, obviously both of the above are significant themes and focuses of the novel.
The modelling world was well-written and really interested me- both in terms of its extravagant aspects and the the pressure and problems Ted was presented with. I adored that even with these difficulties, Ted was able to assert herself as a character and became more and more confident throughout the novel.
I loved the subtle romances in the Look too; they never took away from the main focus of the book and they also felt very real and teenage. Ava's boyfriend in particular was a character I really warmed to, as was Ted's quasi-romantic interest.
Overall, I would recommend this book to fans of British YA, contemporary YA and novels about sisterly bonds, as well as those interested in modelling. Also although you should never judge a book by it's cover, I have to mention how lovely the cover is. The edges of the pages are pink and it's just a really cute looking novel.
I received this book for free from Chicken House UK and am very grateful for the opportunity to read and review it. As always my review has not been affected by how I received the book!
The Look is one of those books that will either work well, or not work at all. Combining something many teenage girls dream about like modelling with a nightmare of cancer is a risk. So full credit to Sophia Bennett for pulling it off.
When Ted (Edwina) Trout is spotted by a modelling agency, she is certain it is a joke. Her sister, Ava, is the beautiful one after all. However, after her sister's shock diagnosis of cancer and with Ava's encouragement (and at time's orders) she decides to try modelling to bring in a little extra money and also relate more to her sister, who has always been the fashion aficionado of the two. When,
This book was not what I expected at all. I loved the relationship between Ava and Ted the most; they really had this wonderful closeness and rivalry and felt like real siblings. Both of them are created so naturally and well-written that the scenario of becoming a model felt more grounded than mere wish-fulfilment. In both instances, Bennett steers her novel clear of saccharine and unrealistic feelings, but doesn't avoid the more unsettling aspects either. It is not an 'edgy' or 'gritty' read though, but neither it is 100% froth.
The Look, for me, was not so much about dealing with a sibling's cancer, or becoming a model, but about sisters and their unconditional love for one another. That said, obviously both of the above are significant themes and focuses of the novel.
The modelling world was well-written and really interested me- both in terms of its extravagant aspects and the the pressure and problems Ted was presented with. I adored that even with these difficulties, Ted was able to assert herself as a character and became more and more confident throughout the novel.
I loved the subtle romances in the Look too; they never took away from the main focus of the book and they also felt very real and teenage. Ava's boyfriend in particular was a character I really warmed to, as was Ted's quasi-romantic interest.
Overall, I would recommend this book to fans of British YA, contemporary YA and novels about sisterly bonds, as well as those interested in modelling. Also although you should never judge a book by it's cover, I have to mention how lovely the cover is. The edges of the pages are pink and it's just a really cute looking novel.
I received this book for free from Chicken House UK and am very grateful for the opportunity to read and review it. As always my review has not been affected by how I received the book!
July 5, 2013
Inizialmente questo libro mi sembrava una specie di copia e incolla. Qualcosa di già visto, la solita storia di ragazze che vogliono diventare modelle e si tormentano fra diete e vestitini succinti. Fortunatamente, anche se dopo parecchi capitoli di attesa, sono riuscita a riscoprire il vero spirito della storia, il messaggio celato dietro i lustrini e le grandi marche della moda, dietro i soldi e dietro la carriera.
Questa è principalmente la classica storia di due sorelle. Una bella, l’altra passa inosservata. Una estroversa, l’altra celata dietro tutto e tutti. Come ogni inizio classico, poi c’è un cambiamento più o meno drastico.
In questo caso, le sorelle, riscoprono la loro complicità, si confidano, e in qualche modo domano quel mostro che è la malattia. Ho trovato semplicemente speciale l’ironia con cui il tema del “tumore”, viene spolpato e annientato. Mi sono innamorata dell’ironia di Stephen, il padre delle ragazze, della sua capacità di rompere gli elettrodomestici o di rimpicciolire il bucato.
Ava è coraggiosa, ma inevitabilmente crolla. Ma non crolla sola. Sebbene Ted tenta la carriera di modella, il romanzo, la proietta sempre con la mente alla famiglia, e al bisogno che ha di lei sua sorella. Eppure Ted non abbandona i sogni. Finché un giorno si trova di fronte ad un bivio che solo una persona nuova e speciale le può far riconoscere. Quel capolinea che deve affrontare per crescere, sapendo che c’è sempre una giusta scelta e una sbagliata, o forse semplicemente una scelta che può attendere.
Mi sono divertita in compagnia di queste due adolescenti o poco più. Mi sono divertita a seguire le peripezie di un mondo che non conoscevo rendendomi conto che fare la modella è quasi e dico quasi, un mestieraccio. Se non fosse per i soldi che prendono e la passione che sicuramente ci mettono, non so cosa spinga certe ragazze a fare questo lavoro.
Vorrei sottolineare, che ho amato il momento il cui l’agente di Ted le dice di scartare i carboidrati e mangiare quello che avanza, cioè niente, e Ted risponde che lei deve crescere e ha bisogno di quei carboidrati! Credo che se tutte le modelle potessero far capire questo ai loro agenti, l’anoressia verrebbe meno.
Questa è principalmente la classica storia di due sorelle. Una bella, l’altra passa inosservata. Una estroversa, l’altra celata dietro tutto e tutti. Come ogni inizio classico, poi c’è un cambiamento più o meno drastico.
In questo caso, le sorelle, riscoprono la loro complicità, si confidano, e in qualche modo domano quel mostro che è la malattia. Ho trovato semplicemente speciale l’ironia con cui il tema del “tumore”, viene spolpato e annientato. Mi sono innamorata dell’ironia di Stephen, il padre delle ragazze, della sua capacità di rompere gli elettrodomestici o di rimpicciolire il bucato.
Ava è coraggiosa, ma inevitabilmente crolla. Ma non crolla sola. Sebbene Ted tenta la carriera di modella, il romanzo, la proietta sempre con la mente alla famiglia, e al bisogno che ha di lei sua sorella. Eppure Ted non abbandona i sogni. Finché un giorno si trova di fronte ad un bivio che solo una persona nuova e speciale le può far riconoscere. Quel capolinea che deve affrontare per crescere, sapendo che c’è sempre una giusta scelta e una sbagliata, o forse semplicemente una scelta che può attendere.
Mi sono divertita in compagnia di queste due adolescenti o poco più. Mi sono divertita a seguire le peripezie di un mondo che non conoscevo rendendomi conto che fare la modella è quasi e dico quasi, un mestieraccio. Se non fosse per i soldi che prendono e la passione che sicuramente ci mettono, non so cosa spinga certe ragazze a fare questo lavoro.
Vorrei sottolineare, che ho amato il momento il cui l’agente di Ted le dice di scartare i carboidrati e mangiare quello che avanza, cioè niente, e Ted risponde che lei deve crescere e ha bisogno di quei carboidrati! Credo che se tutte le modelle potessero far capire questo ai loro agenti, l’anoressia verrebbe meno.
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