Standing up for what you believe in is hard for any teenager in the battleground known as high school. It's even harder in the world of Hollywood, which is where sixteen-year-old June Laurie dreams of being. Thanks to the constant training from her agent/grandmother and the support of her best friend Joseph, June is positive she's ready. But is an innocent little Mormon girl like June ever really ready to be cast as the love interest for the country's hottest star, Lukas Leighton? When June lands a role in Hollywood's most popular crime drama, Forensic Faculty, she finds herself caught off-guard by the fast-paced world of tabloids and paparazzi, and swept off her feet by her gorgeous co-star. Now June must decide what she's willing to give up to achieve the title of Hollywood starlet—or more importantly, what's too sacred to lose.
Shannen Crane Camp was born and raised in Southern California, where she developed a love of reading, writing, and anything having to do with film. After high school, she moved to Utah to attend Brigham Young University, where she received a degree in Media Arts and found herself a husband in fellow California native Josh Camp. The two now live in Utah with their miniature schnauzer Hemingway. Shannen's true love is Young Adult Fiction though she often dabbles in New Adult, Paranormal, and Mystery. She takes any opportunity to include her love of film and video games in her writing and you might just find a nerdy Easter Egg or two hidden in her works. Shannen loves to hear from readers, so feel free to contact her at Shannencbooks@hotmail.com or visit her website for more information: http://shannencbooks.blogspot.com
This was so cute! I love stories like this one. Finding June is teen LDS fiction that held plenty of adult crossover appeal. Those familiar with the LDS culture & terms could read this without complaint because it wasn't preachy. There was a nice mix of humor and romance and it's a really quick read. I recommend it to those who enjoy clean young adult romance.
Finding June is the first book in a series but it wrapped up without a cliffhanger. Yes I want to read the next one but I wasn't left with that dreaded I can't believe the author is going to end the book right there and make us wait forever to find out what happens next feeling.
Originally Read in January 2013 - Reread December 2014
Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book
Content: Clean
Source: Review copy from Author
Genre/Age Level - LDS Fiction appropriate for ages 14+
I have to admit, I had a hard time putting this book down. June is a cute character with a LOT of personality. She quirky, spunky, and definitely a little confused. Thrown into a world of make-believe, tabloids, and stardom, she quickly learns things aren't exactly all she's dreamed it would be. She has some tough decisions to make, and at times she finds she's made all the wrong ones. Filled with humor and clean romance, I'd recommend it for anyone looking for a fun, quick read.
Can we take a moment to discuss the cover? It’s beautiful! I love the vintage and Hollywood feel to it and it definitely goes hand in hand with the premise of Finding June. What I really like about it, are the clothes worn by the cover models because it is something June and her friend Joseph would wear.
Imagine for a moment having the opportunity of a lifetime: working alongside Hollywood’s heartthrob, Lukas Leighton. For sixteen-year-old June Laurie, her dream of being an actress is about to come true when she’s given the opportunity to audition for her favorite television series, Forensic Faculty. When she lands the job, she’s thrust into the Hollywood lifestyle and quickly learns the business. June believes everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt and soon finds out not everyone in the business, is who they appear to be. June is tested several times and she has to come to grips with her beliefs and the expectations of others.
It’s refreshing to read a book that goes behind the scenes of a television show, but isn’t too technical and you can tell Camp did her research. Although I have a slight theatre background, what goes on behind the camera in terms of filming or a table read (a little different from my own experience of a theatre table read) was pretty new to me. Camp takes us on June’s journey and every new experience she had, I felt it. I could feel her anxiousness while waiting see the casting director and when she first sees Lukas up close during her audition, I think I fainted alongside June! On her first day on the set, I could feel her butterflies and when she made friends among the cast, they became my friends too. It’s rare for author to evoke these feelings and I do believe readers will associate with June.
Finding June is Latter-Day Saint/Mormon centered with the mention of June and Joseph attending seminary. A good friend of mine explained seminary as a daily class you attend before regular school classes and it’s a way to study the scriptures in-depth. Camp doesn’t fully explain this, but you do get an idea of what it is as you read. Although the Mormon religion is at the center of the book, it is by no means preachy and I believe if you aren’t religious, you can still enjoy this book.
Character development is solid and I loved the fact June was strong and was able to stand up for herself on numerous occasions. For example, she’s uncomfortable with her clothes on set and asks the costume designer if it is possible to get something a little more modest. June daydreams of Lukas like any teen girl, but she isn’t your typical naive teenage heroine. Joseph points out that she’s too smart to go out with a man who is into bar hopping and has a different woman on his arm. June responds to him saying Lukas might be not be at the bar drinking and is there for the atmosphere. She’s careful to take in her settings and realizes her mistakes quickly. Furthermore, she doesn’t sit back waiting for things to happen, rather she makes them happen.
Overall Finding June is a charming read and you’ll thoroughly enjoy it.
June Laurie is a 16 year old high school student, and occasional actress. She is also a Mormon, getting up super early to take a seminary class before her before zero hour school class starts. When she lands a recurring guest role on a popular crime scene drama, her life changes quite a bit--but not necessarily for the better. Her morals and values are tested quite a lot, as are her relationships with friends and family.
June is compared to Lillian Gish (silent film star from the 20s), so of course I had to google her and I pictured her, but more modern, in my mind. I loved how June was herself. She embraced her vintage side; her feminine side; her innocent, naive side. She was placed in situations where it would be so easy to toss your values by the wayside.
Joseph, June's BFF, was pretty amazing. He's a wanna-be actor himself and for some reason, I pictured Joseph Gordon-Leavitt right away--especially that picture where he looks like he is a throw-back to the 20s. He put up with so much, yet he was a true and loyal friend. I love how he was everything to June--confidant, friend, brother, protector.
I loved Candice, the make-up artist. For her, I kept picturing someone like Wanda Sykes. And the two comedian partners really cracked me up. I kept picturing Sean and Gus from Psych. They seemed so much older than they really were. Lukas? Bleh! He had my skin crawling and made me think of a snake.
I also really enjoyed the ins and outs of filming a show. I'm sure the reader doesn't even get half of it, but it was so fascinating to me.
I thought this was a fun, entertaining story with a lot of great characters. There was a mention or two of immoral things that some actors do, but it wasn't descriptive and the content was clean!
I loved the cover and I liked this book. It has so few cookie-cutter stereotypes that are prolific in YA and even though Bliss and Joseph are LSD and very conservative, there are still a few hot kisses.
Bliss is an actor – exciting, huh? I got really caught up in her new job on a crime show. She also acts in school, and that was lots of fun too. Her best friend is Joseph. You gotta love a guy best friend, right? They do everything together and know everything about each other and its completely platonic – at least for Bliss it is. Their relationship dynamic starts to change as Joseph and Bliss find romantic themes in their acting. There's also the obvious fact that he's uber-jealous of her co-star.
Joseph is the bestest of best friends. He knows what ice cream Bliss likes to eat when she's sad, and which flavour she prefers when she's happy. He's a handsome dude and has an admirer, Xani, who freaks him out with all her arm rubs and batting eyelashes. Bliss loves to tease him about her.
”You little heartbreaker,” I whispered to him. “None of that is my fault! I just come to class to learn. Is that such a crime?” he whispered back dramatically.
Bliss develops a crush on her co-worker, Lukas Leighton, in a completely pathetic way. Lukas is one stereotype – ridiculously handsome and shallow. I cringed as she made excuses for him to justify her attraction. But she's a level-headed girl and it wasn't too bad. I enjoyed her relationship with the other cast and crew members who are much more down-to-earth and fun.
Overall, a sweet little read. I look forward to the sequel.
This is book could be described as your classic, "girl meets popular boy, ignores best guy friend, learns lesson, finds real love with best friend" book. And it really could, because this is the bottom-line premise for the book. But there was so much more to it than the romance that made me love it.
For starters, the cast of this book was phenomenal! June was a sweet, snarky and talented girl that fit the lead role of this book perfectly. I loved her narrative voice, witty dialogue interactions, and seeing her find herself amid the glam of Hollywood.Watching her fall for her co-star was kinda painful because he's a jerk, and she avoided all warnings about that. Obviously, though, she had to find out for herself. And she did. It cracked me up to watch her as she shoved what he deserved, back down his throat. But not only that, I loved her fashion sense! She's into vintage! It's completely awesome! I'm a vintage nerd and so I loved reading about all her outfit choices. Way cute!
Joseph will always have a soft spot in my heart. There's nothing overly un-normal about him, as the love interest and all, but...he is also into the more vintage look. WHICH IS LEGIT. [Yes I'm nerding out over vintage clothes. Don't judge me.]
But beyond that, he's so sweet and loyal that you just can't help but love him and all his adorable quirks! Not to mention he's got just as much wit and snark as June does. Their banterings were some of the highlights of this book. What more is there to love? He could be described as the cliched best friend love interest, but I still loved him anyway.
Ryan, Ben, Candice and Gran were the best supportive cast you could ask for . The bantering with Ryan and Ben was just so great. Candice has a snarky endearing appeal of her own. And she's got a depth that could put here in place as June's mentor. Not to mention she's a wiz at hair and makeup. Think I could steal her for myself? Gran was just the absurd factor. Absurd, and caring of June at the same time. She's a guardian who gets June and is always there for her, yet at the same time lets June learn and experience life for herself. She's just so...Eep!
Another thing I thought was cool about this book, was the take on Hollywood. We see June going from a mild acting career, to landing a big job on a TV show that she gets to juggle now, along with High School. I loved reading about the scenes on set and what that was like. I do wish we'd had a little more look at the rest of the TV show after the ending. [*fangirls*] But I'm not complaining. I thought it was a very neat aspect of the book, and one that set it apart of the millions of books like it.
Before I close this rant session, LOOK AT THE COVER. Take a good look at it. It's WAY CUTE. It's simple, yes, but I love the shades and colors and just gosh, the dress! And the car! [Back in NERDVILLE here!!] Could anyone ask for a prettier cover?
Seriously! This book was hilarious and endearing and just MADE OF ADORBS!!!!!!!!! There's no way you couldn't not love the combination of all the factors afore mentioned into a chick-flick like no other. So yes, this book is a fast read that I devoured in a day. I can't wait to see where June ends up next in CATCHING JUNE. If you're looking for a book about a girl finding herself along with some sweet romance and hilarious interactions, then this is the book for you. Now with that spamming of adorbs fest, I think I shall go take a nap....
I finished this book on Christmas and didn't take any notes because I was enjoying it too much! It was a fast and fun read. It's LDS fiction which is the same as Christian fiction but with some specific Latter-Day Saint/Mormon vocabulary, for example- seminary. Seminary is a morning class (normally around 6am) that high school age kids can attend that discusses the scriptures. These kind of possibly unfamiliar terms were explained well enough for those of you not familiar with the LDS faith.
I love stories where the every day character finds herself thrown into the hustle and bustle of Hollywood life. June had been an actress since she was very young but never for anything big then she landed a roll in the hottest crime show on tv. Oh the drama!
The romance and friendships in Finding June were so fun to watch grow. This was another great book by Shannen Crane Camp. If you love contemporary fiction with the flare of Hollywood then you'll love this book!
What if you got the opportunity to actually live out your dream and guest star on one of your favorite television shows? And, to make it even more crazy, the insanely good-looking star of the show seems to have the hots for you? This is basically what happens to June. Although her dream is to be an actor, she can't believe it when she actually gets the part. There are some hurdles she must cross - like, is the hot star really the best boyfriend material and, as a morman and a classy girl, can she really devalue her morals and wear the skimpy outfits they want her to wear on screen?
I loved June. I loved that she actually has morals she wants to stick to (we don't see that enought these days). I loved watching her go to the set and sort of getting a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes of a television show. Benjamin and Ryan were my favorite part (actually reminding me of Esposito and Ryan on Castle in a very good way). They had me laughing out loud - which is really quite awkward on the subway.
Basically, this book just made me feel good - I liked the characters and the storylime (as a wannabe actress, I kind of enjoyed living through June) and had a lot of fun. I really cannot wait for the next one. I already miss June.
{This review will go over the content, as in cussing, and explicit scenes. It will also contain minor spoilers.}
I'll go over the content first. There's no cussing at all. The most that happens romantically is kissing. I think if it were to be a movie it'd be PG-13, verging on PG. She is Mormon, but it's not preachy or pushy.
Now for my thoughts on it. I love June. I love her friendship with Joseph, it seems to real and sweet. I love that the author shows what it's like to be on the set of the show and what it's like for June to deal with fake celebrities. Overall I highly recommend this book
OK wow. Just wow. I am really blown away by Ms. Camp because Finding June was even better than The Breakup Artist, and that was a great read. I don't think clean, humorous YA romance gets much better than this. I adored practically all of the characters, with their different bits of personality. June left me speechless. It's not often you find a high school girl MC who is "normal" (as in not immune to being star struck) and yet is still able to maintain a sense of realism and not get carried away. Benjamin, Ryan, and Candice and all of their conversations and teasing provided for a wonderful lighthearted, humorous, and realistic tone and reminded me lots of my own conversations with friends -- I'm like pretty sure that Benjamin has a secret crush on Candice now, haha. =x The pacing of the story was decent, although for me the beginning was a bit slow. Rest assured though and beware because it'll speed up quick and draw you in until you finish~
Now that I finished this book, it's for so long one of my favorites ever, It was funny, romantic, innocent, and I love the last scene. I loved June find herself in her way and didn't "Go-all-for" Lukas, I'm in love with Joseph because even when he was the typical boy in love with his best friend, he was truly cool, and wasn't like "Why don't you love me?" he was more like "I understand and I'm letting you go" so... I loved this book and everyone who's looking for a cute and easy but amazing book should've read it =)
This was so cute and it was a short read. I love stories like this one. This was a nice blend of humour and romance. I recommend it to those who enjoy young adult romance. This story is a coming of age story. I really enjoyed it.
I thought the story was genuine and authentic. That's what I like about books. Finding June is the first book in a series, but it was a nice story. The characters were unique, yet different. I wanted a bit more from them, but it was comical. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. Overall, an enjoyable read.
Absolutely adorable. Not my typical genre when it comes to reading, but that didn't stop me from loving every single page of it. It was definitely a refreshing change from all the death in the dystopian genre which is where most of my reading background comes from. Loved the characters, loved the comic relief and can't wait for the next book in the series.
This was a cute story about an LDS girl who gets a role on a TV show and has to handle upholding some of her standards as well as dealing with a major Hollywood crush. (And she lives in Simi Valley -- fun!)
I loved this book! Such a sweet story, I didn't want to put the book down. The characters are so fun, I didn't want it to end! I would recommend it to anyone.
June Laurie is a typical teenager who has acting ambitions. She also has a Grandmother as her agent who has not so typical connections. June lands an audition for the popular crime drama Forensic Faculty (I pictured something like CSI). The more she gets involved with the show, and he co-star, Lukas Leighton, the more she has to ask herself what's really important in her life. The summary sounds a bit preachy, the book on the other hand, was not. June is Mormon, and she talks about her values as they effect her career (like no nudity, modest clothing) and her choices (not drinking coffee or having sex before marriage). I wouldn't say that Finding June is just for an LDS audience, because a lot of people would miss out on what a gem this book truly was. I loved a Finding June for it's humor. The interactions between June and her best friend, Joseph, particularly in their acting class, were hilarious. I also loved the characters that June worked with on Forensic Faculty. The witty exchanges had me laughing, smiling, and pulling my husband over so I could read him a scene. So, while it was a story about standing up for your beliefs, it was really a comedy, and a romantic comedy at that! I highly recommend it as a good light-hearted read. Content: clean For a non-LDS romantic comedy about acting, I'd also highly recommend Fame, Fortune, and Other Things on My To Do List by Janette Rallison.
I liked June. A little naive but weren't we all. I thought it was refreshing to see a young adult with moral standards that are not worldly standards. I enjoyed seeing a how a young person might explain the peculiars of the LDS lifestyle of young people to non-members....i.e. seminary, future missionary training, sabbath day, no coffee, etc. I never know how my own chidren should explain things to non-members. But Junes is super cute and I really like her choices in the end, personally and professionally. Oh wait, I only know the professional outcomes because I read the first chapter of the next book, Chasing June. But I do like her choices.
This up and coming author has imagination and truely captures the spirit of being a teen. The story is fun and will help teens face lifes challenges, pulling between dreams and morals.
I can't wait for Shannen Crane Camp to write the sequel novels so I can see what life has in store for June.
Finding June is a sweet, cute, and clean YA novel. It had adorable characters, a sweet plotline, and tons of depth.
This book features June, a 16 year-old girl, who is a Mormon. She goes to high school and applies to for an audition to one of her favorite TV shows. She lands the role, and everything changes for better and worse. June was a great narrator and heroine in the novel. I love how despite being 16 she doesn't act immature. She has high morals and maintains her standards. And, despite being fancied by a Hollywood Heart Throb, she stills sticks to her true friends and stays true to her self. She is a nice heroine, who isn't dumped down, to be "ordinary."
The secondary characters and friends in the novel were super nice and sweet. I loved how they aren't stereotypical. Ryan, Candice, and many others in the set are down to earth. I love how they don't appear as pompous arrogant actors; instead, they are amazing friends and extremely loyal. Also, there were some really nice antagonists in the book. I love how there is depth to each of the characters. Despite this book being pretty short, there is a lot of showing about the secondary character's true intentions.
Joseph is a favorite character of mine in the novel. I like how he a Mormon and has high standards. He is LSD, and does not fall into the overbearing category. And, he also stands up to himself. His friendship with June is something that added a lot to the novel. He is always there for his girl.
The romance in this novel was blended very nicely with the entire plot-line. I love how it is clean and light. There isn't tons of angst and there is tons of chemistry. However, I will admit that people might find the romance on the lighter side. But, it works extremely well with the book because the book is more than finding true love. It is about discovering yourself.
In conclusion, this is a great first installment to June's love story. Whoever she chooses, will be one lucky guy. I definitely recommend this YA contemporary romance series.
This book sounded interesting all the way around when I started it - one of the main drawing cards being that the book is written from the perspective of a Mormon and I wanted to find out more about their worldview.
Although I disagree with a fair amount of things in this book, it was really interesting and made me want to keep reading the series. There were a few things that keep me from recommending the book, but I still really liked it. (Enough that I bought the second book as soon as I finished this first one.)
Sixteen-year-old June Laurie looks like the reincarnation of 1920s silent-film star Lillian Gish, which has gotten her a few small acting gigs, mostly parts in "artsy commercials". But then her big break comes: a recurring role in the hot TV crime drama Forensic Faculty starring none other than heartthrob Lukas Leighton. And June's been cast as his love interest!
As June juggles normal high school classes, church activities, and teenage life with her newfound fame, her best friend Joseph helps keep her grounded. He shows up bright and early every morning, with hot chocolate in hand, to give her a ride to seminary. He encourages her before auditions, rehearsals, and filming. He's a steady rock for her to lean on, and a willing listener, though a little less enthusiastic when she goes on and on about her gorgeous co-star.
It was interesting to see how June navigates balancing her standards with her environment and her work. Fortunately, most of the people she's surrounded by are supportive of her choices. For example, she asks the costume designer to adjust her wardrobe after her initial scenes left her uncomfortably exposed, and apologizes for being difficult. His response is, "You're not being a pain if you're being true to yourself." June comes across as sincere without being stuffy or self-righteous. She knows who she is and what her standards are and sticks up for them when needed, but doesn't impose her standards on others or expect them to conform to her lifestyle. Consequently, she leaves a good impression on her co-workers, in contrast to the "overbearing Mormons" some of them have run into in the past, and soon makes fast friends.
Firstly, I've been in a book stupor. I've started like 4 Books and read them halfway through, then I get bored. So thank you june for helping me. Okay this book was good. A real quick read too. June was Too naive and when she was with lukas I was like no, I don't want to read this. Fuck Lukas, he was a creep. Wasn't he twenty? Cuz Ryan. I was in love with him from the beginning. I kinda thought he likee June too. I was right. Yay. But if he was twenty, the same age as lukas, how was he to old? Anyway, I thought it was really obvious that joseph was in love with her. And I loved ryan, I hope they get together in future books. Benjamin wae funny too, but what were they always doing on there phones. I liked Candice, she was so brusque. And Joseph. I didn't fall in love with him, but I liked him. June player him bad with that homecoming situation. But he forgave her.
Main character *Self absorbed *Whiny *Clueless *Believes that everyone loves her *Not to mention she in love with her co-star just because of his looks and because he said hi to her.
"What did he smell like?" "Heaven. I can't explain it." "Was he nice? I'd hate to think he was one of those celebrities who're big jerks to everyone who isn't famous." "He was so nice! Well... I mean I didn't get to talk to him much out of character," I admitted. "We only said a few words to each other before rehearsing the scene... but he seemed really nice for those few sentences!"