unscripted

Drama Diaries #1

by Betsy Howie

used book, young adult novel

Unknown Binding

First published December 31, 2012

About the author

After graduating from high school, Betsy moved to New York City where she attended New York University and studied acting at the renowned Stella Adler Studio. She wrote the book for Cowgirls, a musical that she also performed in, which was staged across the country. In 1987, Betsy produced and performed in Caryl Churchill's Top Girls with fellow staff members from Phebe's bar on the Bowery, at the nearby New Theater.

Betsy was a prolific writer. During her life, she wrote numerous books, including a humorous memoir, Callie's Tally: An Accounting of Baby's First Year (Or, What My Daughter Owes Me), and the novel Snow. She also wrote many children's books under the pen name Howie Dewin.

Reviews

[Stephanie Kapsalis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lainey McBride turned from happy in the beginning of the book to disappointed at the end of the book. Lainey knew that she would nail that audition of "The Diary of Anne Frank." She was always excited to rehearse her monologue for the audition. At some points, things started to become bumpy along the way but Lainey bared through it. Once she had that audition, she was in that moment. The moment where you feel that you're the perfect one for that part. She was so into that moment that she forgot parts of her monologue. Things were becoming sour when Lainey didn't get the part. She was so disappointed that she would only cry in her room and never come out. The thing that she didn't realize about herself was that she was special and shouldn't care what others think. "Lainey, there's only space for one screw up in this family, and since I'm so good at that job that they won't even let me back in school for a week, you better pull yourself together and get back to being the amazing one!" (173). There's more opportunities for auditions than just one that she didn't get in. The best part is that Lainey knows that there's more to come ahead than just one audition.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book to make it 4 stars. What I really didn't like was how the main character's (Lainey) best friend (Tammy) didn't stand up for Lainey. Tammy was so used to being somebody else's friend instead of Lainey's friend. She was so used to being quiet and getting along with everyone. Well she didn't get along with Lainey. She didn't want to get on the school bully's bad side and that was her friend that she didn't want to say "No!" to.
I liked it anyways-they made up at the end and Lainey learned a big lesson. I rate it 4 stars!!!!

[Emma Xoxo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book was predictable but unpredictable. You could predict that she was going to be lured by Libby, that she would disobey her family just because she wanted the part of Anne Frank so badly. The unpredictable parts were very stunning. Like when Lainey learned all about the Lenore (I don't want to say anything so I don't spoil it!). I wasn't even suspecting anything wrong about Lenore at all! Overall, I think the book was very good.

[Lizzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it was about a topic i like. Acting. It showed a story of how some people have two sides to them. Even though this was a lever 4.5 book. it was still really good. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in drama.