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Fancy
Maribel "Fancy" Alvarez is a trendy socialite who has it all: enviable looks, popularity and a closet full of designer threads. She lives an amazing life. At least that's what she's led everyone to believe. Fancy goes to great lengths to keep up a facade of perfection, but when a series of unfortunate events rattles her world, everything begins to fall apart.
She's always been taught to use what she's got to get what she wants but deep down inside Fancy knows there is truly more to her than just a beautiful face and perfect body. Will she abandon the superficial lifestyle she's come to know or succumb to the temptation of the almighty dollar?
Fancy chronicles the life of a woman torn between the person she is and the person she wants to be. This iconic story will resonate with readers who, like Fancy, have battled issues within, as well as outside influences, while struggling to find themselves amidst a world of chaos.
"This urban drama tells the all too familiar story of Fancy, a gorgeous tastemaker who has always used what she has to get what she wants. For today's women who struggle to keep up the illusion of their superficial lifestyles, Fancy hits home like no other." - Shabe Allah-Cleare, Source Magazine
"I recently read Fancy by Vanna B. If you have not copped a copy, WHY? I absolutely love this book! With my busy schedule, I usually take a week to read a book. I read this book in two days. I couldn't put it down for anything." - Daja Marie Greer, Hype Magazine
"The author did an excellent job the first go around with the potential to only climb in her career." - Readers With Attitude Book Club
"Everything and everyone are not what they appear...Fancy experiences a series of dramas that inspires great change for her life." - Vanessa Irvin Morris, StreetLiterature.com
"I loved that the main character was a Latina, however, every female can relate to this tale." - Bad Girl of Urban Lit
She's always been taught to use what she's got to get what she wants but deep down inside Fancy knows there is truly more to her than just a beautiful face and perfect body. Will she abandon the superficial lifestyle she's come to know or succumb to the temptation of the almighty dollar?
Fancy chronicles the life of a woman torn between the person she is and the person she wants to be. This iconic story will resonate with readers who, like Fancy, have battled issues within, as well as outside influences, while struggling to find themselves amidst a world of chaos.
"This urban drama tells the all too familiar story of Fancy, a gorgeous tastemaker who has always used what she has to get what she wants. For today's women who struggle to keep up the illusion of their superficial lifestyles, Fancy hits home like no other." - Shabe Allah-Cleare, Source Magazine
"I recently read Fancy by Vanna B. If you have not copped a copy, WHY? I absolutely love this book! With my busy schedule, I usually take a week to read a book. I read this book in two days. I couldn't put it down for anything." - Daja Marie Greer, Hype Magazine
"The author did an excellent job the first go around with the potential to only climb in her career." - Readers With Attitude Book Club
"Everything and everyone are not what they appear...Fancy experiences a series of dramas that inspires great change for her life." - Vanessa Irvin Morris, StreetLiterature.com
"I loved that the main character was a Latina, however, every female can relate to this tale." - Bad Girl of Urban Lit
- GenresYoung Adult
184 pages, Paperback
First published April 18, 2012
1 person is currently reading
442 people want to read
About the author
Vanna B.
10 books96 followers***THANK YOU FOR MAKING WAIST TRAINING 101 AN AMAZON BEST-SELLER!***
http://www.amazon.com/Vanna-B./e/B007...
Vanna B. is an author and publisher of fiction novels. The Hope Street Publishing CEO is a native of Philadelphia, PA and received her BA in journalism from Temple University. Writing has been a life-long passion of hers and she always planned on authoring books. Vanna's professional writing career began with newspapers and magazines, where she served as a restaurant reviewer, proofreader, advice columnist and staff writer covering a range of topics including current events, local politics and culture. After making the decision to leave the workforce and stay home to raise her son, she began penning her first novel, Fancy. Fancy went on to be a huge success, gracing the Amazon Kindle best-seller's list for multiple categories, being featured in the Source Magazine and earning Vanna an award for Best Author. Fancy's much-anticipated sequel, Fancy 2 is also now available!
Visit me on the web at: www.HopeStreetPublishing.com
http://www.amazon.com/Vanna-B./e/B007...
Vanna B. is an author and publisher of fiction novels. The Hope Street Publishing CEO is a native of Philadelphia, PA and received her BA in journalism from Temple University. Writing has been a life-long passion of hers and she always planned on authoring books. Vanna's professional writing career began with newspapers and magazines, where she served as a restaurant reviewer, proofreader, advice columnist and staff writer covering a range of topics including current events, local politics and culture. After making the decision to leave the workforce and stay home to raise her son, she began penning her first novel, Fancy. Fancy went on to be a huge success, gracing the Amazon Kindle best-seller's list for multiple categories, being featured in the Source Magazine and earning Vanna an award for Best Author. Fancy's much-anticipated sequel, Fancy 2 is also now available!
Visit me on the web at: www.HopeStreetPublishing.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 14, 2012
In the genre of Urban Fiction, it is not uncommon for some of the characters to be self-absorbed. It is also not uncommon for some of these same characters to be selfish, preoccupied with the material and often times confuse lust with love. I’ve read so many books with characters that are more concerned with Gucci bags and Jimmy Choo pumps than personal development, that initially, I was a little concerned when I first picked up Vanna B.’s, Fancy.
Fancy tells the story of a young woman who grows up to be someone of questionable content of character by living the life of partying, designer dresses and high heels. Vanna B.’s debut novel is a comfortable, quick paced read with the storyline at times reading like a narrative. It is somewhat predictable but has a redemptive quality that cannot be ignored.
Vanna B. weaves a tale of a girl that becomes so engrossed in seeking the “good” life that she doesn’t realize that the “good” life comes at a considerable price. She also doesn’t realize that the best thing in life doesn’t always have a high price tag or come out of the King of Prussia Mall.
The author has a flair for telling a good story. Personally, I would love for her to take a step back from telling the story to her readers and just allow her readership to become immersed in the story and let the characters do the telling.
I look forward to the completion of this story as well as any future works from this author. I strongly believe that Vanna B. has staying power and I hope to read more of her works in the future.
Fancy tells the story of a young woman who grows up to be someone of questionable content of character by living the life of partying, designer dresses and high heels. Vanna B.’s debut novel is a comfortable, quick paced read with the storyline at times reading like a narrative. It is somewhat predictable but has a redemptive quality that cannot be ignored.
Vanna B. weaves a tale of a girl that becomes so engrossed in seeking the “good” life that she doesn’t realize that the “good” life comes at a considerable price. She also doesn’t realize that the best thing in life doesn’t always have a high price tag or come out of the King of Prussia Mall.
The author has a flair for telling a good story. Personally, I would love for her to take a step back from telling the story to her readers and just allow her readership to become immersed in the story and let the characters do the telling.
I look forward to the completion of this story as well as any future works from this author. I strongly believe that Vanna B. has staying power and I hope to read more of her works in the future.
October 8, 2012
3.5 stars
Story: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Length: 184 pages
Even though I gave this story 3 stars, I was still enticed into the storyline and Fancy's life; in other words, I liked it. I think what I like more was the message behind the storyline. I felt following Fancy throughout her life from high school to twenty seven was like watching a train you know is going to crash but you can't do anything to stop it. Fancy was never the materialistic type, but once she discovers the magic of what others will do when they think your important was addictive to her. The characters that surrounds Fancy also gave an interesting read as so call friends come and goes and plots.
There was enough drama for me, but thought there would be more of a relationship of sex and lies. Either way, following Fancy's life and decisions throughout her life was was a downward spiral. The strip club scenes in the book reminds me of the movie, The Playas Club. Also the ending had more drama as the end was left with a cliff hanger. This is a nice story with a positive message to young girls, all that glitter isn't gold.
by
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com/So...
Story: GOOD
Enjoyment: GOOD
Length: 184 pages
Even though I gave this story 3 stars, I was still enticed into the storyline and Fancy's life; in other words, I liked it. I think what I like more was the message behind the storyline. I felt following Fancy throughout her life from high school to twenty seven was like watching a train you know is going to crash but you can't do anything to stop it. Fancy was never the materialistic type, but once she discovers the magic of what others will do when they think your important was addictive to her. The characters that surrounds Fancy also gave an interesting read as so call friends come and goes and plots.
There was enough drama for me, but thought there would be more of a relationship of sex and lies. Either way, following Fancy's life and decisions throughout her life was was a downward spiral. The strip club scenes in the book reminds me of the movie, The Playas Club. Also the ending had more drama as the end was left with a cliff hanger. This is a nice story with a positive message to young girls, all that glitter isn't gold.
by
http://www.romancenoveljunkies.com/So...
August 9, 2012
This book is so well written that I got completely lost in the stories and characters. It is unlike any other urban fiction novel I have read. I wish I could give it more stars. Well done!!!
September 23, 2012
can't wait to see what happens with Fancy/Maribel and her baby...can't believe Aaron and the stuff he is doing...can't wait to see how it all plays out
September 22, 2012
Vanna B is a new author who writes a tale about Maribel "Fancy" Alvarez. Fancy is given her name for that specific reason everything about her is just that... fancy, from her shoes to her purses she is definitly addicted to the labels. Her once love of learning and books quickly turned to the fast paced life with included partying and catching men with money to help her keep up her lifestyle, because she was told by her own mother to use what she had to get what she wanted. Looking at Fancy one may assume that this woman is the picture of perfection, long hair beauty always dressed in designer clothes carrying herself like a lady, but the outside isnt always what it seems and it takes a lot to keep up with the facade Fancy is holding onto. Her friends and the men attracted to her thinks she is living a high class uppty life style, but everything that glitters isnt gold.
While I did feel the story was fast paced and I did enjoy the whole story line, I felt it was well written and you can tell the author took her time writing it. There were a few minor errors none I think that really took away too much from the story, but there were some tense issues always. The way the story was written like it was being told now, like the characters were doing things now was different for me in reading something so that was just a little pet peeve of mine while reading this.
The author does tell a good story, the story has a great moral in it and I think a lot of young girls/ women should read this to see that everything that glitters isnt gold and trying to be out in the world and make yourself something your not doesnt do anything for you, after a while your just doing it to keep up with other people and you are really not happy. Fancy was wearing fancy clothes, and so concerned with looking good for her so called friends that she didnt take the time to do the things she needed for herself. She let herself become influenced into becoming Fancy that she forgot all about Maribel. Will it be too late for Fancy to change her ways or will she continue to stay on the path to chasing labels. The story also let us know people arent always who they show you.
Read the story in less than a day and I did enjoy I would give it a 3.5 and I would read part 2 to find out whats going to happen with Fancy. Overall i think the author did a good job on her first book!
While I did feel the story was fast paced and I did enjoy the whole story line, I felt it was well written and you can tell the author took her time writing it. There were a few minor errors none I think that really took away too much from the story, but there were some tense issues always. The way the story was written like it was being told now, like the characters were doing things now was different for me in reading something so that was just a little pet peeve of mine while reading this.
The author does tell a good story, the story has a great moral in it and I think a lot of young girls/ women should read this to see that everything that glitters isnt gold and trying to be out in the world and make yourself something your not doesnt do anything for you, after a while your just doing it to keep up with other people and you are really not happy. Fancy was wearing fancy clothes, and so concerned with looking good for her so called friends that she didnt take the time to do the things she needed for herself. She let herself become influenced into becoming Fancy that she forgot all about Maribel. Will it be too late for Fancy to change her ways or will she continue to stay on the path to chasing labels. The story also let us know people arent always who they show you.
Read the story in less than a day and I did enjoy I would give it a 3.5 and I would read part 2 to find out whats going to happen with Fancy. Overall i think the author did a good job on her first book!
September 30, 2012
fan·cy/ˈfansē/: elaborate in structure or decoration.
Synopsis: (from Goodreads.com)
Maribel “Fancy” Alvarez is a trendy socialite who has it all: enviable looks, popularity and a closet full of designer threads. She lives an amazing life. At least that’s what she’s led everyone to believe. Fancy goes to great lengths to keep up a façade of perfection, but when a series of unfortunate events rattles her world, everything begins to fall apart.
She’s always been taught to use what she’s got to get what she wants but deep down inside Fancy knows there is truly more to her than just a beautiful face and perfect body. Will she abandon the superficial lifestyle she’s come to know or succumb to the temptation of the almighty dollar?
Fancy chronicles the life of a woman torn between the person she is and the person she wants to be. This iconic story will resonate with readers who, like Fancy, have battled issues within, as well as outside influences, while struggling to find themselves amidst a world of chaos.
Prosecution:
As with many debut novels, NO CONTRACTIONS. The character was immature and really seemed to take after her mother. I didn't like how she just completely dropped out of college once she found out she was pregnant, that was kind of random.
Defense:
I LOVEDDD the story line! We watch as Fancy flounders through life. Then, suddenly, she's thrust into a situation where it's not just her anymore. The ending was amazing! I can't wait for the next book! The wake up call she receives is a well needed one and although I'd have loved to see more of a growth in the character, her mindset will hopefully evolve sooner rather than later.
To read my verdict, be a doll and go to From Bows to Books..♥
Synopsis: (from Goodreads.com)
Maribel “Fancy” Alvarez is a trendy socialite who has it all: enviable looks, popularity and a closet full of designer threads. She lives an amazing life. At least that’s what she’s led everyone to believe. Fancy goes to great lengths to keep up a façade of perfection, but when a series of unfortunate events rattles her world, everything begins to fall apart.
She’s always been taught to use what she’s got to get what she wants but deep down inside Fancy knows there is truly more to her than just a beautiful face and perfect body. Will she abandon the superficial lifestyle she’s come to know or succumb to the temptation of the almighty dollar?
Fancy chronicles the life of a woman torn between the person she is and the person she wants to be. This iconic story will resonate with readers who, like Fancy, have battled issues within, as well as outside influences, while struggling to find themselves amidst a world of chaos.
Prosecution:
As with many debut novels, NO CONTRACTIONS. The character was immature and really seemed to take after her mother. I didn't like how she just completely dropped out of college once she found out she was pregnant, that was kind of random.
Defense:
I LOVEDDD the story line! We watch as Fancy flounders through life. Then, suddenly, she's thrust into a situation where it's not just her anymore. The ending was amazing! I can't wait for the next book! The wake up call she receives is a well needed one and although I'd have loved to see more of a growth in the character, her mindset will hopefully evolve sooner rather than later.
To read my verdict, be a doll and go to From Bows to Books..♥
November 4, 2012
Poverty to Poverty
‘Fancy’ by Vanna B. is about a teen wanting to be someone other than herself. The main character Maribel, better known as Fancy, wants desperately to fit in. She doesn’t get much attention from her mother who’s single and busy with the men in her life; and the attention Maribel receives at school is engulfed with constant bullying.
Maribel is beautiful, intelligent, smart, and fed up. She’s at a delicate age and easily vulnerable. She runs into Shawn, someone who lives a different lifestyle than what she’s use to. Shawn enables her to become the stunning beauty she is - Fancy. Once Maribel is transformed into Fancy, she is taken on paths of ups and downs, constant chaos, and lessons learned. Will Maribel ever straighten her life around?
I thought ‘Fancy’ was a pretty good read. The author kept the storyline moving at a steady pace. Purchasing more books by this author is definitely a possibility.
Reviewed by: Sabrina
‘Fancy’ by Vanna B. is about a teen wanting to be someone other than herself. The main character Maribel, better known as Fancy, wants desperately to fit in. She doesn’t get much attention from her mother who’s single and busy with the men in her life; and the attention Maribel receives at school is engulfed with constant bullying.
Maribel is beautiful, intelligent, smart, and fed up. She’s at a delicate age and easily vulnerable. She runs into Shawn, someone who lives a different lifestyle than what she’s use to. Shawn enables her to become the stunning beauty she is - Fancy. Once Maribel is transformed into Fancy, she is taken on paths of ups and downs, constant chaos, and lessons learned. Will Maribel ever straighten her life around?
I thought ‘Fancy’ was a pretty good read. The author kept the storyline moving at a steady pace. Purchasing more books by this author is definitely a possibility.
Reviewed by: Sabrina
August 27, 2012
I have to admit, I have never been into fiction or urban literature. I am more into history, memoirs or self-help/inspirational works. However, reading Fancy has definitely opened my mind to a new realm of the written word. Author Vanna B. does an excellent job of capturing a real life situation surrounding her main character "Fancy". Her writing style is very creative and descriptive which makes the reader really envision the words on the page. I read the book in two sittings (would have been one but I have a 2 year old). Worth your time and you will definitely be entertained and anticipating Part II ;-)
October 28, 2012
I really enjoyed reading Fancy's story, following along as she tries to find herself and stay true to who she really is. Ultimately she has a good heart and head but seems to get carried away with the wrong crowd. I'm looking forward to the sequel to see what challenges and battles she has to face after the delivery. Her past seems destined to follow her and stop her in her tracks. Hopefully she can stay focused. Great writing, I'd definitely recommend it!
September 12, 2014
Fancy is a story that could describe any young woman that only sees the value in designer labels, partying, hooking up and living the good life. But what you see on the outside of Fancy is not who she really is. Fancy has become a character and it takes the death of her only friend to realize that she is not Fancy, but she is Maribel.
I enjoyed this story, and I hope that the sequel will be just as good,
I enjoyed this story, and I hope that the sequel will be just as good,
September 24, 2012
Fancy is the story of a Latina girl who long ago ditched books for labels. Fancy's life is full of superficial friends, labels, and partying. I completed this book in one sitting and could never have suspected the twists and turns. I definitely recommend reading this book, you won't be disappointed. Can't wait to see how everything turns out for her.
October 3, 2012
I wasn't sure what to expect but it was actually a really quick read. I only read in my spare time after work and was done in 2 days. The characters are interesting, although Fancy is a bit too gullible and trusting, even for a party girl, but I enjoyed the book. The twists and turns are crazy and I didn't predict most of them. Clearly there will be a sequel. Nice work.
October 18, 2012
This was a great read and it was different from other books that I have read. It has a great message about trying to portray something that you aren't and loosing focus on who your are and what you stand for. Great read....
November 1, 2015
This is my first time to reading from Vanna B. Fancy by Vanna B is a good read but it was slow in the beginning this book. Fancy was a confused and lost person. I felt bad what's happen to Shawn. Aaron is a asshole.
It's a five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I'm looking forward to read part 2 of this book.
It's a five ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. I'm looking forward to read part 2 of this book.
December 26, 2022
This was one of those books that once I started, I literally couldn't put it down! Vanna's first book was a smashing success in my eyes! Great job girl! Anxiously awaiting book 2!!
Want to read
September 19, 2012I'm looking 4ward 2 reading this story.....Big up's 2 Vanna B, stay BLESSED!
October 28, 2012
Good read! The ending was so crazy and I cant wait to find out what happens in the next book. Moral of the story be careful what you wish for!
November 20, 2023
Pretty interesting book, I have part two at home. Unfortunately I didn’t think I would finish the book in one day. Actually excited to read part two and hoping it starts off where it finished. Poor Maribel is going through it
October 16, 2012
NOTHING FANCY ABOUT FANCY
Fancy, by Vanna B. speaks to the multitude of young women who liken themselves to the main character, Fancy. She is a pleasure-seeking, materialistic and living for today woman who gives no thought to her future. Initially an intelligent girl, a shy and self-described high school nobody, Fancy morphs overnight into an attractive and desirable young lady. Her instant popularity validates her existence and propels her to want more materialistically. Her rich friends know only the glamorous, fun-loving Fancy. But when the parties end, Fancy returns to the perils of her impoverished neighborhood. Perpetuating the woman she's become consumes Fancy, but also launches her quest to be true to the person she lost before her transformation.
Vanna B. crafts an interesting main character, but fails to fully develop Fancy or properly develop subsequent characters. Numerous facts are quickly tossed about with little depth. There is no true sense of character identity. Likewise, there is equally little plot development. Again, many facts are given, but not adequately linked to form a comprehensive vision. Fancy is an easy read with simple writing, but the book lacks cohesion. To the author's credit, she has created characters and scenarios that have the ingredients for what could become good fictional material, but not in its present form.
Warren Storrs, Reviewer
Fancy, by Vanna B. speaks to the multitude of young women who liken themselves to the main character, Fancy. She is a pleasure-seeking, materialistic and living for today woman who gives no thought to her future. Initially an intelligent girl, a shy and self-described high school nobody, Fancy morphs overnight into an attractive and desirable young lady. Her instant popularity validates her existence and propels her to want more materialistically. Her rich friends know only the glamorous, fun-loving Fancy. But when the parties end, Fancy returns to the perils of her impoverished neighborhood. Perpetuating the woman she's become consumes Fancy, but also launches her quest to be true to the person she lost before her transformation.
Vanna B. crafts an interesting main character, but fails to fully develop Fancy or properly develop subsequent characters. Numerous facts are quickly tossed about with little depth. There is no true sense of character identity. Likewise, there is equally little plot development. Again, many facts are given, but not adequately linked to form a comprehensive vision. Fancy is an easy read with simple writing, but the book lacks cohesion. To the author's credit, she has created characters and scenarios that have the ingredients for what could become good fictional material, but not in its present form.
Warren Storrs, Reviewer
December 7, 2012
How far will you go to have champagne wishes and caviar dreams? Does it mean selling your soul to the devil or just forgetting who you are as a person and stepping on everyone that you know and love in order to get there?
Maribel Alvarez is a very smart, nerdy girl. A beautiful girl who feels like she doesn't fit in with anyone and the one person who she fits in with is her total opposite. Shawna dressed like and could pass for a boy on first glance and even called herself "Shawn", but was the best friend that a person could ever have. Through this friendship Shawn helped Maribel realize that she was somebody, that she was Fancy! Life goes on for Fancy and as she lives and learns through the years she is wondering who and what she really is. How did she get to this point and where does she go from here? Through a series of events Fancy will learn some lessons about life that she might not have wanted to learn but will forever be grateful for them. But will she learn from the ultimate lesson that is given?
Fancy is a very well written and put together story. I enjoyed the flow of the story and the storyline kept you engrossed. Vanna B has something going with this story and I can't wait to see how it ends.
Maribel Alvarez is a very smart, nerdy girl. A beautiful girl who feels like she doesn't fit in with anyone and the one person who she fits in with is her total opposite. Shawna dressed like and could pass for a boy on first glance and even called herself "Shawn", but was the best friend that a person could ever have. Through this friendship Shawn helped Maribel realize that she was somebody, that she was Fancy! Life goes on for Fancy and as she lives and learns through the years she is wondering who and what she really is. How did she get to this point and where does she go from here? Through a series of events Fancy will learn some lessons about life that she might not have wanted to learn but will forever be grateful for them. But will she learn from the ultimate lesson that is given?
Fancy is a very well written and put together story. I enjoyed the flow of the story and the storyline kept you engrossed. Vanna B has something going with this story and I can't wait to see how it ends.
August 10, 2012
Meet Maribel,BKA, Fancy- a girl who was on the outside looking in. She wanted to change who she was so she could fit in. Fancy got a taste of what the in- crowd had, and she quickly realized that she couldn't handle the lifestyle. Fancy made some bad decisions along the way, which caused her to be irresponsible. She couldn't handle her new lifestyle because she wasn't being true to Maribel.
This book had a great story line! The theme of always be true to who you are, was also enjoyable!I would have liked to see a little bit more character development and details written about some of the situations that occurred in the book.Had she done this, I think the book would have been a full length novel. But aside from the lack of detail, the characters, and situations were very realistic!
The books ending was a little bit of a disappointment. It left me hanging, and confused. However, there is clearly a sequel to this story, and I look forward to reading it. I'm curious to know the outcome of Fancy's situation.
I think that this book should be read by all young adults who may not be staying true to themselves. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
This book had a great story line! The theme of always be true to who you are, was also enjoyable!I would have liked to see a little bit more character development and details written about some of the situations that occurred in the book.Had she done this, I think the book would have been a full length novel. But aside from the lack of detail, the characters, and situations were very realistic!
The books ending was a little bit of a disappointment. It left me hanging, and confused. However, there is clearly a sequel to this story, and I look forward to reading it. I'm curious to know the outcome of Fancy's situation.
I think that this book should be read by all young adults who may not be staying true to themselves. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
October 5, 2012
I was actually pleasantly surprised by this book. The story line was very unexpected in that it was completely different from what I perceived the book to be about. "Fancy" not only had a good plot but it sent a powerful message, one that I truly believe young girls these days need to hear. I liked many of the characters and identified with them in a certain way. "Fancy" played a role that is way too common, a young girl that was not happy with herself so she felt that she had to be someone else. Unfortunately, she didn't have the guidance that she needed to think differently and that resulted in her making some wrong decisions and associating with the wrong people. The author did a good job of keeping me engaged and interested in the story but I wish that certain situations and characters were detailed more. I also didn't enjoy how the story was written in present tense throughout certain parts as that throws the flow of the writing off. Overall, I really enjoyed "Fancy", it ended with a huge question mark and I'm looking forward to what happens next.
November 3, 2012
Fancy is a coming of age story about a young Latina girl who gets caught up in a superficial world that confronts her with choices of being true to herself, or continue the facade she has created for others that can ultimately cost Fancy her life.
I do believe this book should be classified in the YA category and can actually assist with teens faced with self esteem issues, as well as a cautionary tale for those traveling down the wrong paths. While the novel itself is fiction the events that unfold on these pages happen to girls/women everyday.
Lyrics from Kanye West also sum this up nicely ----" And she be dealin' with some issues that you can't believe Single black female addicted to retail, The prettiest people do the ugliest things
For the road to riches and diamond rings" If there was ever a soundtrack to a book "All Fall Downs" fits this perfectly.
I recommend this book to all YA readers and others who are looking for a drama filled quick read.
I do believe this book should be classified in the YA category and can actually assist with teens faced with self esteem issues, as well as a cautionary tale for those traveling down the wrong paths. While the novel itself is fiction the events that unfold on these pages happen to girls/women everyday.
Lyrics from Kanye West also sum this up nicely ----" And she be dealin' with some issues that you can't believe Single black female addicted to retail, The prettiest people do the ugliest things
For the road to riches and diamond rings" If there was ever a soundtrack to a book "All Fall Downs" fits this perfectly.
I recommend this book to all YA readers and others who are looking for a drama filled quick read.
April 7, 2013
Maribel Alvarez AKA Fancy is a girl who claims to have it all. She has the looks, is well known in all the major circles, and has a closet full of designer clothes. However, this is all for show. The real Fancy lives in the hood in her mother's house. Can Fancy ever show who she truly is or will she always be this superficial girl?
This was a good debut novel by Vanna B. The story she told was very good and it kept me entertained. With that being said, I am not a fan of books written in present tense. It really interrupts the flow of the story and makes it an awkward read. I will be completing this series. My hope is that part 2 has more WOW factors than part 1.
3.5/4
This was a good debut novel by Vanna B. The story she told was very good and it kept me entertained. With that being said, I am not a fan of books written in present tense. It really interrupts the flow of the story and makes it an awkward read. I will be completing this series. My hope is that part 2 has more WOW factors than part 1.
3.5/4
November 30, 2013
Fancy starts when the character, Maribel, is in high school. Maribel is poor, insecure, book smart and longs to fit in with the popular crowd. When she makes her first real friend, Maribel is nicknamed Fancy. Then it skips until Fancy is 27- years-old, still poor and living beyond her means by partying every night. The entire story she is struggling with who she is, what she wants and what the future has for her.
Writing is sub par, editing is sub par, story is good, and Fancy is a character that could use a lot more detail. Skipping from a teen to age 27 with nothing in between? Awful! Having a 27-year-old woman acting like she's barely 21? Uh, no thank you. Don't care.
Writing is sub par, editing is sub par, story is good, and Fancy is a character that could use a lot more detail. Skipping from a teen to age 27 with nothing in between? Awful! Having a 27-year-old woman acting like she's barely 21? Uh, no thank you. Don't care.
May 18, 2012
I appreciate all the great feedback and positive reviews! I'm so happy Fancy is being so well-received and that readers are enjoying it as much as they are. I worked hard to make sure it was an unforgettable read, and I'm also working very hard on the sequel to ensure readers will love it just as much as the first. Stay tuned and thanks for reading! -Vanna B.
October 30, 2012
this book is a great change for me. It wasn't no street lit about drugs dealers or kingpin, or gold diggers. Fancy i would have to say, it is a book that needed to be read by all, especially young women. Don't get me wrong, the book was not a page turner or even grips you from the first page, but i can honestly say that Fancy represents us all at one time or another. If you can read this book and say that this was not you at any point of your life, then you really didn't live.
March 9, 2013
I thoroughly enjoy this book and that's good for me because I'm usually not much into urban fiction. I found Fancy's character to be something, I'm fairly certain, women of today's society can relate to. I was touched by her growth as a young woman and a mother. It shows people that no matter what comes into your life, there's always room for growth.
I'm currently reading the sequel!
I'm currently reading the sequel!
August 21, 2013
This book was great! I can't believe for her first book she knocked it out the park. I enjoy this book from begining to end and it kept me interested. The story line and plot was realistic and you can imagine yourself being in the main character shoes. The editing was great which made reading easy and quick. I can't wait to read more from this author.
January 17, 2013
This was a good book...was a life lesson book. There were times in the book I wanted to pop Fancy upside her head for her dumb choices. Would like to read the next one. Would recommend this book to young women who think the world revolves around them and wants the fast life.
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