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Disenchanted Princess
I may be in the middle of nowhere,
but I still have standards!
Like it's not bad enough Daddy's in jail for embezzlement (he's a super-successful Hollywood agent, btw, and totally innocent), but since my fashion-model mom died when I was a baby (I'm sure you've seen the E! True Hollywood Story) I've been shipped off to Possum Grape, Arkansas, to live with relatives I've never even met. You read that Possum. Grape. Not only is there no Starbucks in this town, but I'm sharing a room with a six-year-old and I'm about to miss the biggest social event of the year back in L.A.
I'm not sure how yet, but I will get back to civilization. Until then, I may be stuck on a farm, but no one's gonna keep me from ruling the roost!
but I still have standards!
Like it's not bad enough Daddy's in jail for embezzlement (he's a super-successful Hollywood agent, btw, and totally innocent), but since my fashion-model mom died when I was a baby (I'm sure you've seen the E! True Hollywood Story) I've been shipped off to Possum Grape, Arkansas, to live with relatives I've never even met. You read that Possum. Grape. Not only is there no Starbucks in this town, but I'm sharing a room with a six-year-old and I'm about to miss the biggest social event of the year back in L.A.
I'm not sure how yet, but I will get back to civilization. Until then, I may be stuck on a farm, but no one's gonna keep me from ruling the roost!
224 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2007
5 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Julie Linker
3 books10 followersWhen Julie was little she had two dreams: to become a librarian and to own a pink canopy bed like the one in the JC Penney catalog. Apparently getting her “L” words confused, Julie became a lawyer instead of a librarian, at which time she promptly forgot all about the pink canopy bed and start lusting after a Coach briefcase.
She started writing when her daughter was a toddler, thinking it would be a good way to stave off stay-at-home mom craziness. Her daughter is in school now, but being a lawyer isn’t nearly as exciting as it looks on T.V., so she’s sticking with the writing thing.
She lives in the South with her husband, daughter, four cats, two Border collies, one English boxer, one rabbit, two hermit crabs, two hamsters, a handful of roosters, and many, many, MANY chickens. Julie would like to note that only the cats were her idea.
UPDATE: The boxer, hermit crabs, and hamsters sort of, um, died. They have been replaced by a chihuahua.
She started writing when her daughter was a toddler, thinking it would be a good way to stave off stay-at-home mom craziness. Her daughter is in school now, but being a lawyer isn’t nearly as exciting as it looks on T.V., so she’s sticking with the writing thing.
She lives in the South with her husband, daughter, four cats, two Border collies, one English boxer, one rabbit, two hermit crabs, two hamsters, a handful of roosters, and many, many, MANY chickens. Julie would like to note that only the cats were her idea.
UPDATE: The boxer, hermit crabs, and hamsters sort of, um, died. They have been replaced by a chihuahua.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 21, 2022
This book was published in 2007 and is indeed the most 2007 book I’ve ever read. Mostly a lot of nostalgic fun, but the ending left a bunch of things hanging.
November 9, 2017
Disenchanted Princess is so different from most everything I’ve ever read. The book does some things very well that I don’t normally see.
Most of what I write and read is action based. The physical actions of the story far outweigh the talk and musings of the characters. Disenchanted Princess however, is more a story of who West Deschanel is, and so a lot of the story is transacted through her thoughts. Her thoughts transition you from one event to another. And the events are much smaller and less significant than the events of a Sanderson novel.
There are no monsters slain. No magic used. No one gets killed. No world are destroyed. It's mostly pretty low key high school stuff
But despite that, it’s been a very interesting read. And I’ve really enjoyed it. I very rarely read books by female authors actually. I mostly read books written by White American Men – though that just sorta happened, it was never a conscious choice. So it’s interesting to see a female character written by a female author. And a feminine, girly sort of female character at that. In fantasy, pretty much all the females are manly. They kill things and do magic and wield swords and go on adventures. They don’t brush their hair or think about fashion.
So Disenchanted Princess feels much more genuine and real than a fantasy novel.
This is also the first book I’ve read that talks much about fashion at all. As a dude, I’ve spent relatively little time thinking about fashion – I didn’t even truly realize that there’s more to clothes than comfort and covering until I watched a video of Sanderson teaching his writing class where he talks about how he has specific fashion guidelines that he follows that his sister wrote out for him.
But whereas fashion is unfamiliar and delightfully new to me, the descriptions of Arkansas are delightfully familiar. Possum Grape Arkansas. Though it sounds like it could be the name of a place in Arkanas, I was not familiar with it, so I figured it must be made up – but then I looked it up.
Here’s the entire Wikipedia page on Possum Grape:
“Possum Grape is an unincorporated community in Jackson County, Arkansas, United States. The town was named in 1954. For nearly two decades, residents were split on whether the name should be "Possum" or "Grape". Eventually, after much conflict and turmoil, a compromise was reached and the town name officially became Possum Grape.”
You could say that they have a rich cultural history.
Arkansas as presented in the book felt pretty genuine to me. From the people to the milieu. The dogs. The chickens. The Walmarts. Cars on cinder blocks. Falling down houses in the middle of nowhere. Although, the physically run down school might be a thing of the past with all the school consolidation stuff that happened back before my time. My school was pretty small, but it was in pretty good condition – except for when students would flood the bathrooms or smear poop on the bathroom walls.
High School from a girl perspective looks very different. In the beginning of the book when West is harassed by the man on the airplane looking at her breasts, I was like, “huh. Well, I have literally never had that problem before.”
In fact, all the candid talk about being ogled and looked at and whatnot was new to me, both to read and to even think about. Very rarely do dudes ogle me. But when they do, it always makes me uncomfortable, so I guess I can sorta relate?
But the talk about “Versace” whatever that is, “wash and wearing” your hair (what does that mean???) makeup, and the various fashion stuff? It was like reading technobabble – or maybe a hardcore science fiction novel. Apparently there is more to makeup and fashion than I ever knew. I mean, it’s clothes, how hard is it to just put something on? It’s like this whole alien world that I only vaguely knew existed. I’m starting to think that maybe it just isn’t possible for men to understand women.
My little sister tells me that I just wouldn’t be able to handle life as a girl. I have absolutely no doubt that she’s correct.
The revival at the church was utterly hilarious – and I hear stuff like that happens down at the Methodist and Pentecostal churches: speaking in tongues, being touched by the Holy Spirit, stuff like that. I’ve never been to those churches though, so I don’t know for sure.
“This isn’t a reality show; its totally real. I’m standing in front of an entire church while a sweaty minister gives me forehead zits while praying about leading me to Holy Salvation”
“You can’t just bail when somebody’s saving your soul; that would be totally rude, right?”
Although I have to say that West’s helpless city girl thing started to irritate me a little bit by the end of the novel. It was too real. I have known too many people exactly like her. I was basically raised on a hobby farm, and people consistently disappoint me. There was a little boy who came to our house once and he stood by the fire we had going in our back yard and he asked in utter wonder, “is that a real fire?”
Stick your hand in and find out!
There were a couple moments that felt a little rushed to me. Like, all of the relationship with Steven. That moved WAY fast. But maybe that’s just how the Los Angeles girls do things? I wouldn’t know.
Or when Sophie went from being West’s friend to suddenly hating her just because she agreed to design a dress for Sophie’s enemy Jaci? Lol, what?! Is this a real thing for girls? Once again, I have literally no idea. I would like to say that there’s no drama like this with guys… but it’s absolutely not true. Guy drama is a little different though.
There were some pretty classic quotes in there – West’s voice is very strong, distinct, and funny.
Of the lawyer:
“He should be back from murdering innocent turkeys.”
Lol.
Later, talking with Steven, West tells him all her woes and plans. Steven:
“So let me get this straight,” he says, furrowing his brow. “You’re trying to get some guy to sleep with you by making him a bunch of clothes?”
I roll my eyes. I KNEW he wouldn’t understand. I mean, I’m not saying that he’s dense or anything. It’s just that feminine wiles are way beyond the comprehension of most guys.
“I’m trying to get him to give me a job by making a bunch of clothes. If I did happen to sleep with him, that’s just extra.”
I am also confused. More confused than Steven actually. Why would you tell a guy this? Especially one you are interested in romantically? That seems really weird and not cool.
And then later, West comments, “In addition to being an addict, Rachel is also a total slut.”
Waaaaaiit a minute here. You literally talked to Steven once when he was bare butt naked, then you smoked a joint with him and almost slept with him, then you were trying to sleep with Zane, crossing the country and going through all sorts of stuff for basically that express purpose…
And last was my favorite: “I’m throwing high end footwear at a moving vehicle.”
That’s how you know you’ve gone off the deep end alright.
I had a specific complaint with the ending though. West ends up with Steven? I hated him! And in what way was he a good prospect? He tried to sleep with you first chance he got and you hardly knew him at all! That’s creepy and weird! He’s poor and has no family – which doesn’t matter so much – but he's a complete jerk!
I was just not seeing it.
Most of what I write and read is action based. The physical actions of the story far outweigh the talk and musings of the characters. Disenchanted Princess however, is more a story of who West Deschanel is, and so a lot of the story is transacted through her thoughts. Her thoughts transition you from one event to another. And the events are much smaller and less significant than the events of a Sanderson novel.
There are no monsters slain. No magic used. No one gets killed. No world are destroyed. It's mostly pretty low key high school stuff
But despite that, it’s been a very interesting read. And I’ve really enjoyed it. I very rarely read books by female authors actually. I mostly read books written by White American Men – though that just sorta happened, it was never a conscious choice. So it’s interesting to see a female character written by a female author. And a feminine, girly sort of female character at that. In fantasy, pretty much all the females are manly. They kill things and do magic and wield swords and go on adventures. They don’t brush their hair or think about fashion.
So Disenchanted Princess feels much more genuine and real than a fantasy novel.
This is also the first book I’ve read that talks much about fashion at all. As a dude, I’ve spent relatively little time thinking about fashion – I didn’t even truly realize that there’s more to clothes than comfort and covering until I watched a video of Sanderson teaching his writing class where he talks about how he has specific fashion guidelines that he follows that his sister wrote out for him.
But whereas fashion is unfamiliar and delightfully new to me, the descriptions of Arkansas are delightfully familiar. Possum Grape Arkansas. Though it sounds like it could be the name of a place in Arkanas, I was not familiar with it, so I figured it must be made up – but then I looked it up.
Here’s the entire Wikipedia page on Possum Grape:
“Possum Grape is an unincorporated community in Jackson County, Arkansas, United States. The town was named in 1954. For nearly two decades, residents were split on whether the name should be "Possum" or "Grape". Eventually, after much conflict and turmoil, a compromise was reached and the town name officially became Possum Grape.”
You could say that they have a rich cultural history.
Arkansas as presented in the book felt pretty genuine to me. From the people to the milieu. The dogs. The chickens. The Walmarts. Cars on cinder blocks. Falling down houses in the middle of nowhere. Although, the physically run down school might be a thing of the past with all the school consolidation stuff that happened back before my time. My school was pretty small, but it was in pretty good condition – except for when students would flood the bathrooms or smear poop on the bathroom walls.
High School from a girl perspective looks very different. In the beginning of the book when West is harassed by the man on the airplane looking at her breasts, I was like, “huh. Well, I have literally never had that problem before.”
In fact, all the candid talk about being ogled and looked at and whatnot was new to me, both to read and to even think about. Very rarely do dudes ogle me. But when they do, it always makes me uncomfortable, so I guess I can sorta relate?
But the talk about “Versace” whatever that is, “wash and wearing” your hair (what does that mean???) makeup, and the various fashion stuff? It was like reading technobabble – or maybe a hardcore science fiction novel. Apparently there is more to makeup and fashion than I ever knew. I mean, it’s clothes, how hard is it to just put something on? It’s like this whole alien world that I only vaguely knew existed. I’m starting to think that maybe it just isn’t possible for men to understand women.
My little sister tells me that I just wouldn’t be able to handle life as a girl. I have absolutely no doubt that she’s correct.
The revival at the church was utterly hilarious – and I hear stuff like that happens down at the Methodist and Pentecostal churches: speaking in tongues, being touched by the Holy Spirit, stuff like that. I’ve never been to those churches though, so I don’t know for sure.
“This isn’t a reality show; its totally real. I’m standing in front of an entire church while a sweaty minister gives me forehead zits while praying about leading me to Holy Salvation”
“You can’t just bail when somebody’s saving your soul; that would be totally rude, right?”
Although I have to say that West’s helpless city girl thing started to irritate me a little bit by the end of the novel. It was too real. I have known too many people exactly like her. I was basically raised on a hobby farm, and people consistently disappoint me. There was a little boy who came to our house once and he stood by the fire we had going in our back yard and he asked in utter wonder, “is that a real fire?”
Stick your hand in and find out!
There were a couple moments that felt a little rushed to me. Like, all of the relationship with Steven. That moved WAY fast. But maybe that’s just how the Los Angeles girls do things? I wouldn’t know.
Or when Sophie went from being West’s friend to suddenly hating her just because she agreed to design a dress for Sophie’s enemy Jaci? Lol, what?! Is this a real thing for girls? Once again, I have literally no idea. I would like to say that there’s no drama like this with guys… but it’s absolutely not true. Guy drama is a little different though.
There were some pretty classic quotes in there – West’s voice is very strong, distinct, and funny.
Of the lawyer:
“He should be back from murdering innocent turkeys.”
Lol.
Later, talking with Steven, West tells him all her woes and plans. Steven:
“So let me get this straight,” he says, furrowing his brow. “You’re trying to get some guy to sleep with you by making him a bunch of clothes?”
I roll my eyes. I KNEW he wouldn’t understand. I mean, I’m not saying that he’s dense or anything. It’s just that feminine wiles are way beyond the comprehension of most guys.
“I’m trying to get him to give me a job by making a bunch of clothes. If I did happen to sleep with him, that’s just extra.”
I am also confused. More confused than Steven actually. Why would you tell a guy this? Especially one you are interested in romantically? That seems really weird and not cool.
And then later, West comments, “In addition to being an addict, Rachel is also a total slut.”
Waaaaaiit a minute here. You literally talked to Steven once when he was bare butt naked, then you smoked a joint with him and almost slept with him, then you were trying to sleep with Zane, crossing the country and going through all sorts of stuff for basically that express purpose…
And last was my favorite: “I’m throwing high end footwear at a moving vehicle.”
That’s how you know you’ve gone off the deep end alright.
I had a specific complaint with the ending though. West ends up with Steven? I hated him! And in what way was he a good prospect? He tried to sleep with you first chance he got and you hardly knew him at all! That’s creepy and weird! He’s poor and has no family – which doesn’t matter so much – but he's a complete jerk!
I was just not seeing it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2023
The plot-rich spoiled girl hauled off to live with poor relatives in the middle of nowhere, isn't new, but this is a fresh and smart depiction of what happens in such a situation. West's mom died when she was very young and now that her father is in jail, facing embezzlement charges, she's about to be shipped off to the custody of an aunt she never knew in the great village of Possum Grape, Arkansas. Talk about culture shock. She has gone from parties to picking eggs and from glam nights to Sunday church services. Follow her as she slowly comes to the realization that her new reality isn't that bad, especially when it comes with a hot new boyfriend and a chance to act on her secret dream of fashion design.
August 12, 2020
The disenchanted princess was way different that I thought it would be about. I didn't quite understand at first but then I started to realize the meaning of the book.
It's not my favourite book I've ever read but it sure it on the list.
The meaning of the book has so much meaning and is what I love about the book. A girl from LA who was raised spoiled has to go to live with her aunt living a whole different way of life. I loved that there was a little bit of romance but not at the same time. In some of the books I read the romance gets caught up in the book with so much happening then I don't know what I'm reading but even though there is still stuff going on the romance doesn't get caught up within the book. I definitely recommend this book.
It's not my favourite book I've ever read but it sure it on the list.
The meaning of the book has so much meaning and is what I love about the book. A girl from LA who was raised spoiled has to go to live with her aunt living a whole different way of life. I loved that there was a little bit of romance but not at the same time. In some of the books I read the romance gets caught up in the book with so much happening then I don't know what I'm reading but even though there is still stuff going on the romance doesn't get caught up within the book. I definitely recommend this book.
September 13, 2024
2.5* rounded down for the use of a slur against the roma. Boho wasn’t a thing in 2007 apparently 🙄
This book started strong then turned into a chaotic mess. Her family is a racist fundamentalist nightmare but they don’t change and that’s fine? She’s an LA girl and she’s sure she is but she’s in Arkansas and that’s fine?
I think part of the problem is that the book is paced slowly in the start and then rushes the end to the point that’s it’s laughable. The strong characters deserved a better plot than the one they were given
This book started strong then turned into a chaotic mess. Her family is a racist fundamentalist nightmare but they don’t change and that’s fine? She’s an LA girl and she’s sure she is but she’s in Arkansas and that’s fine?
I think part of the problem is that the book is paced slowly in the start and then rushes the end to the point that’s it’s laughable. The strong characters deserved a better plot than the one they were given
September 4, 2023
If I could stars for ideas, this would get a 4. However, nothing is fleshed out or developed. The book is unbalanced and jumps around with a lot of telling and not showing. I liked the characters, the author just needs to write the rest of the book. This is only about half the story and then it just stops after a page and half wrap up. Not worth it as is.
April 14, 2021
An unexpected joy to read. The moment I started with West’s story, I was hooked. I thought she was going to be a boring spoiled brat but in the end, she actually taught me a thing or two about manners and etiquette.
October 25, 2011
Disenchanted Princess
Julie Linker
2007
Fiction
West Deschanel is a spoiled, rich L.A chick. Her mom died when she was young and her dad was just sentenced 5 years in prison. Now she is forced to go live in Possum Grape, Arkansas with her moms sister (West’s aunt) whom she never met. Everyone at Possum Grape high school treats her like royalty because of her famous dad. But at home her relatives treat her like one of them. She is not used to having to clean the chicken coops and getting attacked by dogs, but West finds her way to fit in. She is planning an escape to get back to L.A in time for her party. When she gets back to Arkansas she realizes that this is home.
The theme of the story is that home is wherever your family is. It doesn’t matter if your real home is more than 100,000 miles away in L.A or on a farm in Possum Grape. Where your family is, is where you should want to be. Not in a big empty house by yourself. It in a small farm house filled with 6 people and one bathroom is where you should want to be.
West is 16, and cares a lot about her shape. She has a least 3 fitness trainers. She wants to be a fashion designer when she grows up. She already has her own line of cloths and makes dresses for people. She is love with a guy named Zane (who lives in L.A) who is too old for her. He 21! She only wants to impress him because he is a designer too. Also she likes a guy named Steven (lives in Possum Grape) he is a foster kid of Sherri. It is awkward because he lives in the house too, so she never wants to look bad in front of him.
“You have to drive a stake through their heart or shoot them with a silver bullet to get rid of them”. Page 165
I am related to this book because sometimes I have to go places I don’t want to go too. Also I try to find an excuse to not go like West does with her lawyer. It has affected me because now I will wear water proof mascara when I read because. A lot of times when I was reading this I laughed so hard that I cried and then my mascara would smear. I enjoyed this book because it was really funny. I liked when she found out that she had to share a bunk bed with a 7 year old. The funniest part when she thought she was getting attacked by wolves it was just two of their dogs. It was a good book.
Julie Linker
2007
Fiction
West Deschanel is a spoiled, rich L.A chick. Her mom died when she was young and her dad was just sentenced 5 years in prison. Now she is forced to go live in Possum Grape, Arkansas with her moms sister (West’s aunt) whom she never met. Everyone at Possum Grape high school treats her like royalty because of her famous dad. But at home her relatives treat her like one of them. She is not used to having to clean the chicken coops and getting attacked by dogs, but West finds her way to fit in. She is planning an escape to get back to L.A in time for her party. When she gets back to Arkansas she realizes that this is home.
The theme of the story is that home is wherever your family is. It doesn’t matter if your real home is more than 100,000 miles away in L.A or on a farm in Possum Grape. Where your family is, is where you should want to be. Not in a big empty house by yourself. It in a small farm house filled with 6 people and one bathroom is where you should want to be.
West is 16, and cares a lot about her shape. She has a least 3 fitness trainers. She wants to be a fashion designer when she grows up. She already has her own line of cloths and makes dresses for people. She is love with a guy named Zane (who lives in L.A) who is too old for her. He 21! She only wants to impress him because he is a designer too. Also she likes a guy named Steven (lives in Possum Grape) he is a foster kid of Sherri. It is awkward because he lives in the house too, so she never wants to look bad in front of him.
“You have to drive a stake through their heart or shoot them with a silver bullet to get rid of them”. Page 165
I am related to this book because sometimes I have to go places I don’t want to go too. Also I try to find an excuse to not go like West does with her lawyer. It has affected me because now I will wear water proof mascara when I read because. A lot of times when I was reading this I laughed so hard that I cried and then my mascara would smear. I enjoyed this book because it was really funny. I liked when she found out that she had to share a bunk bed with a 7 year old. The funniest part when she thought she was getting attacked by wolves it was just two of their dogs. It was a good book.
November 15, 2012
Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo.com
Julie Linker's debut novel, DISENCHANTED PRINCESS, is sure to be a success. A combination of high fashion and down-home charm will make it a fun read for teen girls.
West Deschanel's life is turned upside-down when her father is sentenced to five years in prison. Since her mother's death years ago, she has lived with her father and her caretaker, Maria. Now her mother's estranged sister has surfaced and wants to take her to some out-of-the-way farm in Arkansas.
Living in L.A., West was accustomed to lavish surroundings. She attended a posh high school, drove a cool car, and was designing her own line of clothes about to be revealed at her very own fashion show.
Now she's in Possum Grape, Arkansas. She's gathering eggs, pulling weeds, battling chiggers, and riding the school bus. Dear Aunt Sherrie is all excited about taking her school shopping at WalMart, feeding her good home cooking, and dragging her to church every Sunday.
The only saving graces are meeting Sophie, who loves to design and sew as much as West, and having an amazingly cute foster brother named Steve living right under the same roof. Can Sophie and Steve offer enough to make West feel at home, or will West be driven totally crazy by the country life?
Linker's quirky characters and great humor had me giggling in every chapter. The lighthearted tone and easy style made this a pleasant and relaxing read. Girls are going to enjoy it and will probably hope that West's adventures continue in a sequel some day.
Julie Linker's debut novel, DISENCHANTED PRINCESS, is sure to be a success. A combination of high fashion and down-home charm will make it a fun read for teen girls.
West Deschanel's life is turned upside-down when her father is sentenced to five years in prison. Since her mother's death years ago, she has lived with her father and her caretaker, Maria. Now her mother's estranged sister has surfaced and wants to take her to some out-of-the-way farm in Arkansas.
Living in L.A., West was accustomed to lavish surroundings. She attended a posh high school, drove a cool car, and was designing her own line of clothes about to be revealed at her very own fashion show.
Now she's in Possum Grape, Arkansas. She's gathering eggs, pulling weeds, battling chiggers, and riding the school bus. Dear Aunt Sherrie is all excited about taking her school shopping at WalMart, feeding her good home cooking, and dragging her to church every Sunday.
The only saving graces are meeting Sophie, who loves to design and sew as much as West, and having an amazingly cute foster brother named Steve living right under the same roof. Can Sophie and Steve offer enough to make West feel at home, or will West be driven totally crazy by the country life?
Linker's quirky characters and great humor had me giggling in every chapter. The lighthearted tone and easy style made this a pleasant and relaxing read. Girls are going to enjoy it and will probably hope that West's adventures continue in a sequel some day.
Read
June 11, 2009Her dad sentenced to prison for five whole years. Her mom has been dead ever since she was really young. And now this L.A. city girl is being sent to live in Possum Grape, Arkansas with the aunt she never even knew existed till just now! And this is just the beginning of the story of West Caroline Deschanel in Disenchanted Princess by Julie Linker.
Back in L.A., West had her own room with a laptop, designer cloths and everything else she could ever want. She attended a posh high school, drive and owned 3 cars, and basically had the perfect life. Now she's in Possum Grape and she has to share a room with her six year old cousin who wakes her up at 6am every single morning! And as if that wasn’t challenging enough she's gathering eggs, pulling weeds, battling vicious roosters, and riding the school bus. Oh and Aunt Sherrie apparently doesn’t even own a computer. How will West ever survive?
This was a very interesting book. It really made me laugh-a lot! Normally when I’m reading a book I’ll occasionally giggle a little, but this book just made me laugh non-stop! Especially Linker’s character Aunt Sherrie! It makes me wonder weather or not there really are people out there who are like her, and if so, I would definitely want to meet someone like that. But this book wasn’t all full of fun and humor, there were definitely moments where things became more serious, like with Clint and his hatred against West or Kate and her dark past.
This book was such an enjoyable read that I really wish they had a sequel! The only moment that it will disappoint you is when the book ends and there’s no more. But don’t worry you won’t regret buying this book at all!
Back in L.A., West had her own room with a laptop, designer cloths and everything else she could ever want. She attended a posh high school, drive and owned 3 cars, and basically had the perfect life. Now she's in Possum Grape and she has to share a room with her six year old cousin who wakes her up at 6am every single morning! And as if that wasn’t challenging enough she's gathering eggs, pulling weeds, battling vicious roosters, and riding the school bus. Oh and Aunt Sherrie apparently doesn’t even own a computer. How will West ever survive?
This was a very interesting book. It really made me laugh-a lot! Normally when I’m reading a book I’ll occasionally giggle a little, but this book just made me laugh non-stop! Especially Linker’s character Aunt Sherrie! It makes me wonder weather or not there really are people out there who are like her, and if so, I would definitely want to meet someone like that. But this book wasn’t all full of fun and humor, there were definitely moments where things became more serious, like with Clint and his hatred against West or Kate and her dark past.
This book was such an enjoyable read that I really wish they had a sequel! The only moment that it will disappoint you is when the book ends and there’s no more. But don’t worry you won’t regret buying this book at all!
June 11, 2010
This book is about a girl named west. She lives in LA. she is very very rich. Her dad was put in jail for embezzlement so she had to go live in possum grape, Arkansas with her aunt who she has never met. She goes crazy. There are no shops, no internet, and no way to get back to LA she goes on cray adventures to try to get back to the most elite party she is hosting. Will she be back in LA on time?
This book reminds me of the private series. Except its the opposite. Reed I in the private series, livd in the c country, didn't have much money. Then she got accepted to the most amazing rich school. This is like Disenchanted princess except their role is switched. West goes I the middle of no where and Reed goes Somewhere! Its like they switched places
I would rate this book 5 stars. It was a fun and easy read. It had a good balance of humor, love, and drama in it. It was really funny and I love funny books ☺ I would recommend this book to any girl who likes funny, romantic, easy reads. I hope to read more book by this author
This book reminds me of the private series. Except its the opposite. Reed I in the private series, livd in the c country, didn't have much money. Then she got accepted to the most amazing rich school. This is like Disenchanted princess except their role is switched. West goes I the middle of no where and Reed goes Somewhere! Its like they switched places
I would rate this book 5 stars. It was a fun and easy read. It had a good balance of humor, love, and drama in it. It was really funny and I love funny books ☺ I would recommend this book to any girl who likes funny, romantic, easy reads. I hope to read more book by this author
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September 10, 2012 Disenchanted princess was a great book, about a girl that was used to getting pampered in Beverly Hills, but then gets sent to live with her terrible aunt in the little town of possum grape. She plans a getaway and on the way she makes interesting friends, takes care of her little cousin, and helps a friend redo her look. Just when she thinks she's never going to get back to her old life and idea comes out of nowhere. She decides to run away, get on a plane and fly back to L.A. This plan works, but when she gets back into her perfect life. Everything goes into turmoil. The whole reason that she came back was ruined. Her dreams to be a famous fashion designer were destroyed, and she realizes that Possum Grape was better after all. She returns and starts her fashion career in a little boutique. With her friends, and her little cousin she becomes the disenchanted princess of Possum Grape. This book reminds me of another book I read that had a girl that had everything and then lost it all. In both of these books they realize that the place they thought was the worst became the best.
January 5, 2014
3.5/5 stars
"Disenchanted Princess" is sort of a reverse The Princess Diaries, with a rich, beautiful girl sent to live with her hick relatives in a small Arkansas town. The protagonist, West, aspires to be a fashion designer and is accustomed to a life of incredible luxury. She is, of course, thoroughly disgusted by her small town family members.
The book reminded me far too much of my own high school days in a small town, to be honest. The cliques, who was "cool" and who wasn't ... the whole shebang.
Of course, it all works out just perfectly for West in the end, all the way around ... because that's how these sorts of YA books tend to go. Honestly, I doubt I would have picked this book up if it hadn't turned up on the swap shelf at work. It was reasonably entertaining and well-written, but not really my cup of tea in terms of plot, etc.
"Disenchanted Princess" is sort of a reverse The Princess Diaries, with a rich, beautiful girl sent to live with her hick relatives in a small Arkansas town. The protagonist, West, aspires to be a fashion designer and is accustomed to a life of incredible luxury. She is, of course, thoroughly disgusted by her small town family members.
The book reminded me far too much of my own high school days in a small town, to be honest. The cliques, who was "cool" and who wasn't ... the whole shebang.
Of course, it all works out just perfectly for West in the end, all the way around ... because that's how these sorts of YA books tend to go. Honestly, I doubt I would have picked this book up if it hadn't turned up on the swap shelf at work. It was reasonably entertaining and well-written, but not really my cup of tea in terms of plot, etc.
February 8, 2008
West is a Hollywood kind of girl. Born into a rich family, designer clothes and having multiple therapists is her thing. But when her father gets thrown in jail for embezzlement, she’s taken custody by her aunt Sherri, who not only lives on a farm but is set on making West become the best Catholic there is. To repent her sins and all that.
It’s a cute book with cute characters and a cute storyline. That kind of stuff—you know, not very deep, but still kind of entertaining. I don’t often read stories about rich girls—okay, so maybe there’s Gossip Girls and The A-List—but at least they’re those beach types of reading. I just wouldn’t want to flip through an entire book of constant bitchiness and whining not getting their way because they’re beautiful and rich, la-di-la-la.
It’s a funny book. Especially the main character. So, for those who enjoy a fluffy read about a determined girl set on getting back to her L.A. life, mixed with lots of humorous activities, this is for you.
It’s a cute book with cute characters and a cute storyline. That kind of stuff—you know, not very deep, but still kind of entertaining. I don’t often read stories about rich girls—okay, so maybe there’s Gossip Girls and The A-List—but at least they’re those beach types of reading. I just wouldn’t want to flip through an entire book of constant bitchiness and whining not getting their way because they’re beautiful and rich, la-di-la-la.
It’s a funny book. Especially the main character. So, for those who enjoy a fluffy read about a determined girl set on getting back to her L.A. life, mixed with lots of humorous activities, this is for you.
September 27, 2010
Ages 13+ (language, casual pot-smoking) After her father is sentenced to jail time for fraud, L.A. girl West DesChanel becomes an effective orphan (her model mom died when she was a baby) and is sent to Possum Grape, Alabama - er, Arkansas - to live with her conservative maternal aunt and family, who she has never met. At first all West can think about is whether she can get back to L.A. for her fashion show and planned devirginization in two weeks (she designs, and has a mad crush on a young up and coming designer. They TEXT.) But West soon learns that living in the country isn't so bad - and there are men there too! Ending wraps up FAR FAR too quickly, and the lack of connect between mysterious foster hottie and the rest of West's adoptive family grates, but most of the book is fluffy fun (the cover is a fair reflection, n'est-ce pas?) Good for a one-read and never again think about it. The Simple Life, twisted and novelized.
January 25, 2010
West's dad was sentenced to prison for five whole years. Her mom passed away when she was litte. So now there's no one who can take care of her other than her aunt that she doesn't know that lives in Possum Grap, Arkansas.Back in L.A., West had her own room with a laptop, designer clothes and everything else she could ever want. She attended a posh high school, drove and owned 3 cars, and basically had the perfect life. Now she's in Possum Grape and she has to share a room with her six year old cousin who wakes her up at 6am every single morning! And she has to take a school bus to school, and her aunt does not own a computer! Who can live without that?
This book is very fun to read. I think people who reads this book will enjoy it as much as I did. It's mostly for girls to read from my point of view. I usually like to read these kind of books too, it's pretty entertaining.
This book is very fun to read. I think people who reads this book will enjoy it as much as I did. It's mostly for girls to read from my point of view. I usually like to read these kind of books too, it's pretty entertaining.
June 10, 2010
The main character, west(her nick name, can't remember her real name)is a wealthy girl live in california. Her mother was a famous model that died when she was young, left her with an unknow aunt live in arkensa. Her father later got accuse being cheated on his client. Sherry her mystery aunt trying everything to take west with her. when she arrive there everything doesn't go according to her imagination. he almost loss her virginity to a guy that live she call Mr Hot Naked Guy.i think the book is really good,the main character always talk to her self in the book. She compain alot in the book but always end up doing it.
March 5, 2015
My daughter made me read this. Really, she forced me because it's about a chicken who becomes a princess.[return][return]No, it's not. West is a L.A. socialite who is forced to move to Possum Grape, Arkansas, when her dad is imprisoned for embezzlement. This is the typical chick lit book (heehee). She's horrified about living on a farm and riding in a minivan, but later realizes that family and good friends are worth having. There's a little bit of romance and a lot of fashion design, since West wants to be a designer. Not much substance to this one though.
April 7, 2010
I really recommend this book, because it shows that with one mistake that you or your parent makes. It can really affect/ change your life. Especially in West's life she has to move from a very rich/ spoiled life to a new life in the country. As we all should know these are very two different scenarios and it was very hard for her to adapt to her new way of life. From this I learned that you shouldn't get used to getting everything that you want without working to receive it. and that you should also see how other people in other states, or countries live and their daily life.
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March 25, 2012This story is about West. Everything has nearly gone wrong with her life. Her mom was killed when she was a baby and her dad has now been sentenced to prison for 5 years for something he did not do. Then, her Aunt Sherri gains custody of her and decides that she is going to be called Caroline. West objects nearly everthing. She is forced to buy clothes from Walmart and her aunt wants them to go to church nearly everyday. Read the book to know more:). The entire book was hilarious and keeps you constantly laughing the entire time.
November 23, 2013
I loved this book! Filled with hilarious quips and scenarios (especially the church incident), as well as great well-drawn characters, this is one book you do not want to miss. What really kept me going in this novel was not only the smooth prose, but also the frankness and honesty that Linker shows when talking about controversial topics like religion and sex rarely seen in YA chicklit. Linker also does a fantastic job in putting a twist on the classic fish-out-of-water story, and she is one author you definitely need to keep your eye on.
May 15, 2010
this is about a snobby girl from LA sent to live with her aunt somewhere in the middle of nowhere cuz her dad is sentenced to jail for 5 years. she tries many ways to get out of there since her aunt is so religous and does not know what a coffee maker is. after trying many things like bribary she runs away to LA to make it to her annual party where she was going to show off some of her clothing designs but does not succeed and figures out life in the old town is better than LA
September 13, 2010
I picked this book up at the dollar store and thought I would give it a try... it was worth the buck.. Very cute story about a girl who has to go to hickville when her rich father is thrown in prison.. Adventures await and there were times I was giggling at the things that would happen. It is definitely written in a teenager perspective so at times there was some language but overall I did enjoy this book.
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February 23, 2012I absolutely loved this book! It's about a big city girl who has to go live with her Aunt in Possum Grape, Arkansas, which is a really small town. She is spoiled, but when she is in Possum Grape, she has no butlers. It was a very funny book, although I didn't like that there was a lot of bad language. I would recommend this to anybody who likes a little comedy with a little romance in it. I think that many boys would not want to read this because it is sort of girly.
May 11, 2012
This book was AMAZING!! It was for sure one of the best books I've ver read. It's so funny and really keeps the readers interest.I especially like the authors books because last year I read the book, Crowned which is also by Julie Linker. Too bad she has only written two books. Anyway this book is so relatable and incredibly hilarious. I love all the characters in the book, and just loved reading it and now I'm sad it's over. I would suggest this book because I loved it!!!!
March 17, 2008
REALLY, NOT A BAD BOOK. TEACHES US ALL ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT FAMILY IS TO US AND ALL OTHER THINGS THAT GET IN THE WAY CAN NEVER MEASURE UP TO THE FOND MOMENTS WITH PEOPLE YOU LOVE. IT IS NOT ONE OF THOSE FATHER-TIME BOOKS BECAUSE IT HAS A HARD EDGE TO IT AND I LIKE THESE TYPE OF BOOKS THAT CHANGE THE WAY WE THINK. IT GIVES A WHOLE NEW PERSPECTIVE, DON'T YOU THINK?
April 7, 2008
West gets sent to the middle of nowhere to live with her aunt. This is a disaster to West, because the is the kind of girls who's very materialistic. This happened because her father was arrested and put into jail for embazzlement. While living with her aunt, she was still very determined to go back home. I love this book, its interesting and i recommend it to teen girls
November 1, 2009
A truly fun read with enough romance to satisfy a teen girl like me. I esp love stories of modern girls who were forced to live life out of their normal league. It's cool when they learn how to adapt to the new environment & learn to love it. Howeever, one thing that thing bk can't quite hit the 5stars is the ending; it's to aburpt.
June 24, 2007
A trendy novel of a rich LA girl sent to the rural South to live with relatives she's never met. Talk about a culture clash. Thankfully the author doesn't stereotype to a fault, and includes romance, mystery and a few surprises along the way. A light read -- great for a day at the beach.
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July 26, 2009this book is about a girl and her dad is in prison and her supermodel mom died when she was born these are one of the books you don't wanna put down for anything in the world there are alot of romance problems, a lot of friendship problems she gets sent to peope shes never even met
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