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Just Your Average #3
Just Your Average Celebrity
Livvie Peterson thought taking Interpersonal Communications her junior year would be an easy A. But when the first assignment is given, her world flips upside down. Here’s the the class is assigned a six-week project and is split into three groups— Paparazzi, Tabloid, and Celebrities. The Paparazzi follow around the Celebrities taking pictures and grabbing any kind of quotes they can. The Celebrities try to navigate being tailed on a daily basis. And the Tabloid receives all the information collected by the Paparazzi and decides what makes the weekly summary report. Sounds harmless…and it’s all just pretend anyway, right? Livvie is assigned as Paparazzi and when she is matched up with the über -cute Chas Montgomery as her Tabloid boss she’s pretty sure things couldn’t get much better. Livvie’s uncanny ability to capture the Celebrities in compromising photos matched with Chas’s skill of exaggerating captions and editing the photos make them an unstoppable team. And the long hours working side by side with Chas aren’t a bad bonus. Livvie simultaneously launches an anonymous blog, leaking the class’ photos and stories on the Internet. Her rising follower number quickly becomes addicting and she possibly spills too much information online. Once she finds her own celebrity will she be able to give it back? And will Chas be gone before she ever has the chance to find out?
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2012
38 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
Kristina Springer
13 books198 followersKristina Springer is the author of Cici Reno #MiddleSchoolMatchmaker (Sterling Children's/April 19, 2016), My Fake Boyfriend Is Better Than Yours (Macmillan/FSG), a Scholastic Bestseller and 2012 YALSA Quick Pick book; The Espressologist (Macmillan,/FSG), a 2010 Society of School Librarians International Honor Book and 2014 Illinois Reads Book that has been purchased for film by Michael Eisner’s Vuguru; and Just Your Average Princess (Macmillan/FSG). She has a Masters in Writing from DePaul University and resides in a suburb of Chicago with her husband and children. Learn more about Kristina on her website: KristinaSpringer.com.
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March 10, 2013
*Published on Mundie Moms on 3/10/13*
I can't remember a time when I read a book that focused on a class assignment, and in the case of The Paparazzi Project this plot device was definitely an element that kept me reading. Interpersonal Communications -- what a a fascinating class. We are so very obsessed with celebrities these days that we even make celebrities out of people who really shouldn't be ones (i.e. celebutantes). But before this turns into a thesis on "Kardashians, Why Do We Care", let me just say that Kristina picked an excellent topic. My daughters and I spent a few days in Los Angeles this summer and our hotel had news crews and paparazzi camped out in front of it. It was a small boutique hotel in West Hollywood and they were very discreet. We had no idea who was staying there, but that didn't make us any less curious.
I liked Livvie from the start. She was very much an average student, not the usual kind of smartypants girl I'd expect in this type of plot. This made her more refreshing, especially in her perspective of wanting to try something new. I loved the way she noticed little things in people -- like the style of shoes Chas wore. It's what made her a good photographer. I also liked how she struggled with doing the right thing like when it came to continuing the blog. Boy, did that stir up a lot of controversy and once again, it reflected right back on our own celeb curious society.
My favorite part of the story was the unfolding romance between Chas and Livvie. Those moments of awkward firsts were captured beautifully as was the sting of betrayal when people began to suspect and uncover things. The story made me think back to high school and all the drama and gossip. What if it was documented and blown out of proportion? What if it was blogged about, and everyone in the world could see it? This story accurately reflects all those what ifs.
While the book looks like a fast, light, fun read, it has an unexpected depth in its comment on our culture. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely well paced and parts of it contained a sweetness that was fun to read. But, there was also more to it (which I loved). It played with the very question I asked my daughters as we walked past the paparazzi outside that hotel -- "Why do we care who they're waiting to photograph?"
I can't remember a time when I read a book that focused on a class assignment, and in the case of The Paparazzi Project this plot device was definitely an element that kept me reading. Interpersonal Communications -- what a a fascinating class. We are so very obsessed with celebrities these days that we even make celebrities out of people who really shouldn't be ones (i.e. celebutantes). But before this turns into a thesis on "Kardashians, Why Do We Care", let me just say that Kristina picked an excellent topic. My daughters and I spent a few days in Los Angeles this summer and our hotel had news crews and paparazzi camped out in front of it. It was a small boutique hotel in West Hollywood and they were very discreet. We had no idea who was staying there, but that didn't make us any less curious.
I liked Livvie from the start. She was very much an average student, not the usual kind of smartypants girl I'd expect in this type of plot. This made her more refreshing, especially in her perspective of wanting to try something new. I loved the way she noticed little things in people -- like the style of shoes Chas wore. It's what made her a good photographer. I also liked how she struggled with doing the right thing like when it came to continuing the blog. Boy, did that stir up a lot of controversy and once again, it reflected right back on our own celeb curious society.
My favorite part of the story was the unfolding romance between Chas and Livvie. Those moments of awkward firsts were captured beautifully as was the sting of betrayal when people began to suspect and uncover things. The story made me think back to high school and all the drama and gossip. What if it was documented and blown out of proportion? What if it was blogged about, and everyone in the world could see it? This story accurately reflects all those what ifs.
While the book looks like a fast, light, fun read, it has an unexpected depth in its comment on our culture. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely well paced and parts of it contained a sweetness that was fun to read. But, there was also more to it (which I loved). It played with the very question I asked my daughters as we walked past the paparazzi outside that hotel -- "Why do we care who they're waiting to photograph?"
March 20, 2014
Cute. Cute. Cute book!! I wasn't loving this book at the beginning but it redeemed its self towards the middle and end. I did go into the book reading it to see if my daughter would like it. Once I realized it probably wasn't for her I was able to enjoy it a little more. There were some pretty inappropriate things talked about in it.
August 17, 2015
Seemed like a fun project.
This book was.. okaaaaay.
I liked this basic moral:
"I think teens today put entirely too much information about themselves online. You’re Facebooking, you’re Tweeting, you’re telling people where you are and what you’re doing throughout the day. It’s just too much.”
This book was.. okaaaaay.
I liked this basic moral:
"I think teens today put entirely too much information about themselves online. You’re Facebooking, you’re Tweeting, you’re telling people where you are and what you’re doing throughout the day. It’s just too much.”
January 24, 2013
View this review and more at my blog, Dizneeee's World of Books
Let me just start by saying that I found this book to be refreshing. The plot was 100% completely relative to our lives today. Whether it's a pre-teens, teenagers, young adults, or even older adults. The Paparazzi Project focuses on capturing certain people in situations and how pictures can be misconstrued and lies and rumors can spread. Quickly!
The class project itself was a great idea! You could kind of tell immediately that bad things would happen. I mean, c'mon! You're giving high school students permission to photograph other students and interpret those pictures and story-line into a class tabloid.
Through the project, we meet the "celebrity" students: one who has an eating disorder, people secretly dating so they don't hurt a best friend, a totally nice guy who does a reading program at the Library with little kids, a student's mother having an affair, a guy with a crush on Livvie's best friend, a klutzy boy who spills his lunch on him all of the time, and a girl being busted for creeping around with another girl's boyfriend. That's a whole lot going on! The emotions and feelings going on for the students who volunteered to be the "celebrities" were way out of control.
With all of this going on, Livvie does start the blog. She honestly began the blog without meaning to harm anyone. She was also fed more rumors from an anonymous source and didn't fact check. Therefore, making more rumors and causing more problems.
Blogging and Social Media are huge parts of peoples lives now. Some people, no matter the age, just can't handle the "power" they may feel they have over people. As a blogger and social networker, I know the consequences that can stem from things that are said or done. Heck! We all do, especially with the latest scandal going on. People seem to lose their conscience when it's time to type what you're thinking. It's easy to forget that you may be hurting someone in the process when you think you're just blabbing or doing something that you don't feel is wrong.
Some of my favorite quotes and situations in the book:
"Kids are checking in every day just to read the stuff I put up there. I’m kinda like the Perez Hilton of Thompson High. Though thankfully no one knows it’s me. I don’t need a Jennifer Aniston confrontation moment like Perez had. And I really don’t want Chas to find out either." 47%
"But there is a part of this job that I do wonder how the real paparazzi handle. And that’s conscience. Is there ever a time where the real paparazzi feel weird or invasive when they’re taking pictures of celebrities? Or is it all a game that everyone agrees to play?" 48%
“Let’s get some ground rules down here. Olivia must be home by ten o’clock. There is to be no drinking, smoking, or drugs of any kind. That includes cough syrup, glue, paint chips, or prescription medication." 52%
"Bad behavior is always rewarded these days." - 79%
"I ran the blog just for fun at first. But as I kept it up, more and more people came to read what I was posting. And I got caught up in it. I was exploiting people’s personal business to gain followers and get more hits. To get people to listen to me. To pay attention to what I had to say. It got away from me, and I wish I could take it all back. But I can’t. All I can do is tell you that I’m deeply sorry to those whom I've hurt and I hope you can one day forgive me." 98%
The Paparazzi Project is a completely relevant story in our day and age. The story fits so many situations with students and adults. If you love fun, quick, and relevant stories, this is really one to read!
Let me just start by saying that I found this book to be refreshing. The plot was 100% completely relative to our lives today. Whether it's a pre-teens, teenagers, young adults, or even older adults. The Paparazzi Project focuses on capturing certain people in situations and how pictures can be misconstrued and lies and rumors can spread. Quickly!
The class project itself was a great idea! You could kind of tell immediately that bad things would happen. I mean, c'mon! You're giving high school students permission to photograph other students and interpret those pictures and story-line into a class tabloid.
Through the project, we meet the "celebrity" students: one who has an eating disorder, people secretly dating so they don't hurt a best friend, a totally nice guy who does a reading program at the Library with little kids, a student's mother having an affair, a guy with a crush on Livvie's best friend, a klutzy boy who spills his lunch on him all of the time, and a girl being busted for creeping around with another girl's boyfriend. That's a whole lot going on! The emotions and feelings going on for the students who volunteered to be the "celebrities" were way out of control.
With all of this going on, Livvie does start the blog. She honestly began the blog without meaning to harm anyone. She was also fed more rumors from an anonymous source and didn't fact check. Therefore, making more rumors and causing more problems.
Blogging and Social Media are huge parts of peoples lives now. Some people, no matter the age, just can't handle the "power" they may feel they have over people. As a blogger and social networker, I know the consequences that can stem from things that are said or done. Heck! We all do, especially with the latest scandal going on. People seem to lose their conscience when it's time to type what you're thinking. It's easy to forget that you may be hurting someone in the process when you think you're just blabbing or doing something that you don't feel is wrong.
Some of my favorite quotes and situations in the book:
"Kids are checking in every day just to read the stuff I put up there. I’m kinda like the Perez Hilton of Thompson High. Though thankfully no one knows it’s me. I don’t need a Jennifer Aniston confrontation moment like Perez had. And I really don’t want Chas to find out either." 47%
"But there is a part of this job that I do wonder how the real paparazzi handle. And that’s conscience. Is there ever a time where the real paparazzi feel weird or invasive when they’re taking pictures of celebrities? Or is it all a game that everyone agrees to play?" 48%
“Let’s get some ground rules down here. Olivia must be home by ten o’clock. There is to be no drinking, smoking, or drugs of any kind. That includes cough syrup, glue, paint chips, or prescription medication." 52%
"Bad behavior is always rewarded these days." - 79%
"I ran the blog just for fun at first. But as I kept it up, more and more people came to read what I was posting. And I got caught up in it. I was exploiting people’s personal business to gain followers and get more hits. To get people to listen to me. To pay attention to what I had to say. It got away from me, and I wish I could take it all back. But I can’t. All I can do is tell you that I’m deeply sorry to those whom I've hurt and I hope you can one day forgive me." 98%
The Paparazzi Project is a completely relevant story in our day and age. The story fits so many situations with students and adults. If you love fun, quick, and relevant stories, this is really one to read!
July 25, 2013
This is a fun book to read. Definitely a summer beach-y read (although there was nothing in it to do with beaches at all). It's the drama you would usually find in a high school...only done a little more Hollywood style. Or paparazzi style haha. I liked Livvie, she was a great main character...a little quiet in her bestie's shadow but underneath is really funny and sarcastic. Chas, her tabloid partner and growing crush is really sweet too. I liked him okay. The others didn't really stand out to me though. I was interesting in a couple but it wasn't like I really liked them. There's some mystery surrounding the "celebrities" as you and Livvie try to figure out what they're up to and as Livvie tries to catch them in embarrassing photos :) If you're looking for a bit of Hollywood drama in a high school setting that comes out with a good message in the end then pick up this fun read and enjoy it!
There were however, a couple of annoying characters, I didn't like Livvie's best friend all that much (maybe you don't know as much as you think you do huh??? * smack down face *) and the affair and cheating (see content section below) is a bit sad and taking away from the fun attitude of the book. But it does help you consider things in real life. Do the paparazzi ever have second thoughts about those they're capturing? Embarrassing photos that are TOO embarrassing? Underneath the lighthearted fun there is a little bit of a question and deeper meaning.
Content:Language wise there was a slight bit of minor cussing (suck/crap) throughout the book and a few other "bigger words". An affair mentioned and seen (the mom making out with a teacher, rather gross), cheating seen briefly as well, gossip, "paparazzi" and "celebrity" drama.
While I did enjoy this book I'd only give it about 2.5 stars as the plot was slow sometimes and it just didn't make me love it all that much. Still, it was a nice, one time read though :)
I was given a copy to review :) Thanks Montana!
There were however, a couple of annoying characters, I didn't like Livvie's best friend all that much (maybe you don't know as much as you think you do huh??? * smack down face *) and the affair and cheating (see content section below) is a bit sad and taking away from the fun attitude of the book. But it does help you consider things in real life. Do the paparazzi ever have second thoughts about those they're capturing? Embarrassing photos that are TOO embarrassing? Underneath the lighthearted fun there is a little bit of a question and deeper meaning.
Content:Language wise there was a slight bit of minor cussing (suck/crap) throughout the book and a few other "bigger words". An affair mentioned and seen (the mom making out with a teacher, rather gross), cheating seen briefly as well, gossip, "paparazzi" and "celebrity" drama.
While I did enjoy this book I'd only give it about 2.5 stars as the plot was slow sometimes and it just didn't make me love it all that much. Still, it was a nice, one time read though :)
I was given a copy to review :) Thanks Montana!
February 28, 2013
Delightful, YA, chick lit
High school junior, Livvie Peterson, is shocked, then intrigued, when Interpersonal Communications, a class she assumed would bring her an "A" grade with no effort at all, actually has a major first assignment, a social experiment called the Paparazzi Project. Everyone in the class volunteers to play a particular role: 1/3 of the class pretends to be a Celebrity, 1/3 a Paparazzi photographing them, and 1/3 a Tabloid editor creating sensational stories based on the photos. The students initially approach the project as merely an amusing game, but everyone rapidly finds themselves immersed in their roles to a degree that no one, not even their teacher, anticipated. In particular, Livvie and her Tabloid boss, handsome Chas Montgomery, unite as a highly competitive team, continually out-scooping the rest of the class. But the price paid by the unfortunate Celebrities in public embarrassment soon becomes far greater than Livvie and her classmates ever imagined was possible.
This YA, chick lit novel is a fast, fun read, with loads of humor, but some important insights, as well, about privacy and integrity in our fast-paced, media-driven, high-tech society.
I read the Kindle edition of this book. It is well-designed and well-edited, making it a pleasure to read.
I had previously read and very much enjoyed another YA chick lit novel by this author, The Espressologist, and I strongly recommend it to fans of this book.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5
Subcharacters: 5
Writing: 5
Chick-Lit Plot: 5
Romantic Subplot: 4
Overall: 5
Reviewer disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book directly from the author, who contacted me through my profile page on Amazon.
High school junior, Livvie Peterson, is shocked, then intrigued, when Interpersonal Communications, a class she assumed would bring her an "A" grade with no effort at all, actually has a major first assignment, a social experiment called the Paparazzi Project. Everyone in the class volunteers to play a particular role: 1/3 of the class pretends to be a Celebrity, 1/3 a Paparazzi photographing them, and 1/3 a Tabloid editor creating sensational stories based on the photos. The students initially approach the project as merely an amusing game, but everyone rapidly finds themselves immersed in their roles to a degree that no one, not even their teacher, anticipated. In particular, Livvie and her Tabloid boss, handsome Chas Montgomery, unite as a highly competitive team, continually out-scooping the rest of the class. But the price paid by the unfortunate Celebrities in public embarrassment soon becomes far greater than Livvie and her classmates ever imagined was possible.
This YA, chick lit novel is a fast, fun read, with loads of humor, but some important insights, as well, about privacy and integrity in our fast-paced, media-driven, high-tech society.
I read the Kindle edition of this book. It is well-designed and well-edited, making it a pleasure to read.
I had previously read and very much enjoyed another YA chick lit novel by this author, The Espressologist, and I strongly recommend it to fans of this book.
I rate this book as follows:
Heroine: 5
Subcharacters: 5
Writing: 5
Chick-Lit Plot: 5
Romantic Subplot: 4
Overall: 5
Reviewer disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book directly from the author, who contacted me through my profile page on Amazon.
May 4, 2013
3.5 Stars!
Every once in a while I really like reading something that I know will just be a fun read. Nothing hard core with too much going on or hard issues and drama.
I got that in The Paparazzi Project but I also got an unexpected look into gossip and the cause and affect on not only the ones being talked about, but the ones that helped fuel the rumors.
I really wasn't expecting this one to have life lessons that we could all probably benefit from and I really liked that about this read. It was subtle about the massages that it was trying to convey without being so subtle that the message wasn't clear.
Livvie was a good girl that made some bad choices but thankfully she had some very understanding friends and a teacher that helped her see the wrongs she had committed and help set them right.
I loved Lizzie's personality. She was a funny character with a slightly less than normal sense of humor. She was a little sarcastic and a whole lot quirky and I really enjoyed the way her mind worked. She really wasn't a confrontational person and didn't like the idea of the whole project to begin with. She really didn't start out wanting to hurt anyone but of course things happen and people get hurt along the way.
I really enjoyed the slight romance in this and the way the author handled everything. This really was a fun read that really does have some great life lessons in it that I think anyone can appreciate.
Every once in a while I really like reading something that I know will just be a fun read. Nothing hard core with too much going on or hard issues and drama.
I got that in The Paparazzi Project but I also got an unexpected look into gossip and the cause and affect on not only the ones being talked about, but the ones that helped fuel the rumors.
I really wasn't expecting this one to have life lessons that we could all probably benefit from and I really liked that about this read. It was subtle about the massages that it was trying to convey without being so subtle that the message wasn't clear.
Livvie was a good girl that made some bad choices but thankfully she had some very understanding friends and a teacher that helped her see the wrongs she had committed and help set them right.
I loved Lizzie's personality. She was a funny character with a slightly less than normal sense of humor. She was a little sarcastic and a whole lot quirky and I really enjoyed the way her mind worked. She really wasn't a confrontational person and didn't like the idea of the whole project to begin with. She really didn't start out wanting to hurt anyone but of course things happen and people get hurt along the way.
I really enjoyed the slight romance in this and the way the author handled everything. This really was a fun read that really does have some great life lessons in it that I think anyone can appreciate.
January 16, 2014
Oh god, this book was awful! It had the cheesiest lines and a ton of grammar issues! There wasn't a lot to the plot of the story and it was boring at parts. Although I had an issue with most of the story, she did make me laugh and acted like a real teenager would act, not fictional. I definitely do not recommend this book.
January 5, 2013
Fun book!
February 10, 2013
Closer to 3 stars, but definitely falls within the "it was okay" rating. I loved the idea of the book, and the little bit of romance was cute, but everything felt a bit simplistic.
February 2, 2018
I was actually pretty excited to start reading Paparazzi Project by author Kristina Springer when I first decided on it. I hadn't read a chick-flick YA romance in some time, and I was ready for an easy read to connect to my younger days. Unfortunately, though, I found Paparazzi Project to be incredibly disappointing.
See the full review here: http://bittybooknook.blogspot.com/201...
All in all, I'd say if you're a teenager looking for a fun read, go for it! I'm sure you'll thoroughly enjoy Kristina Springer's Paparazzi Project. However, I do not recommend it to older teens or adults, as I feel that they would either get bored with the story or share my concerns about the novel.
See the full review here: http://bittybooknook.blogspot.com/201...
All in all, I'd say if you're a teenager looking for a fun read, go for it! I'm sure you'll thoroughly enjoy Kristina Springer's Paparazzi Project. However, I do not recommend it to older teens or adults, as I feel that they would either get bored with the story or share my concerns about the novel.
January 7, 2018
Sometimes I wonder why I keep reading these free kindle downloads, so books like this one are the reward. It was well written, enjoyable to read, and clean too. I also found it to be a thoughtful topic.
October 8, 2017
Some good messages in this book for the middle schooler in my life.
October 15, 2019
I think this one was my favorite story of the trio.
March 17, 2017
Cute
I got this book as a free download. I thought it was cute and prefect for young adults or high school aged people. Definitely took me back to my high school days.
I got this book as a free download. I thought it was cute and prefect for young adults or high school aged people. Definitely took me back to my high school days.
January 20, 2014
Looking at the gorgeous cover of The Paparazzi Project, I could just tell this was going to be an excellent read. And yes, it certainly was! Not only is this a fun read, but it also uses the lives of celebrities as an analogy to show how easily lives can be ruined by the misuse of social media, and how we utilize these mediums in our quest for validation. Sounds like heavy reading material, right? Nope, not at all. This is actually just one of those books where you’ll discover layer after layer of truths which will make you think: “ah, yes, I never thought about it that way”.
The Paparazzi Project starts off with MC, Livvie, having to do an assignment for her Interpersonal Communications class as part of her final grade. This project involves extensive role-playing where students are divided into three groups; one group being the paparazzi, another group the tabloid, and the last group the celebrities. Livvie chooses to be in the paparazzi group. Although she dreads it at first, stalking her fellow students who were selected as the group of celebrities turns out to be a lot of fun and she gets so caught up in all of it she decides to start a gossip blog titled the Thompson Tattler in which she posts pictures and stories from her class project for all the world to see. The gossip blog she intended for her own entertainment exploiting her classmates personal lives rapidly gains hits and followers, and before she realizes it, quickly becomes a medium through which she’ll learn first-hand how stressful and exhausting it can be to follow people and track their every move, not to mention how her thoughtless acts would affect their lives and those of their families.
“When did we become so obsessed with what other people were doing instead of just being happy doing our own thing?”
Unbeknownst to Livvie, an anonymous source was doing a little social experiment on her in an attempt to teach her not to regurgitate gossip without factual proof or mercy. When all's said and done, by the end of this book Livvie was schooled in many of life’s hardest lessons, and we readers walk away with lots to ponder, rethinking our status updates on various social platforms and understanding the importance of weighing information first and getting proof than just blindly trusting whatever information we’re fed.
The dynamics of Livvie and her best friend’s relationship are a little odd, but not unpleasantly so. I didn’t feel fully invested in the characters, but the whole idea behind this story fascinated me, and though I found the characters to be wholly likeable, it was essentially the narrative that held my interest. There’s a little romance thrown in for good measure, but not what I’d regard as the main focus of this story. Even so, the romance is sweet and charming, and is a welcome addition to this novel.
I was satisfied with how the book ended on a positive note, and how Livvie took responsibility for the mistakes she made. This is an extremely fun, clean read with a refreshingly unique storyline, and easy to finish in a matter of hours. The pacing is really great and in every chapter there’s a ton of things going on. To conclude, The Paparazzi Project is a novel with substance and heart, and thus I recommend it to anyone in the mood for a feel-good weekend read!
The Paparazzi Project starts off with MC, Livvie, having to do an assignment for her Interpersonal Communications class as part of her final grade. This project involves extensive role-playing where students are divided into three groups; one group being the paparazzi, another group the tabloid, and the last group the celebrities. Livvie chooses to be in the paparazzi group. Although she dreads it at first, stalking her fellow students who were selected as the group of celebrities turns out to be a lot of fun and she gets so caught up in all of it she decides to start a gossip blog titled the Thompson Tattler in which she posts pictures and stories from her class project for all the world to see. The gossip blog she intended for her own entertainment exploiting her classmates personal lives rapidly gains hits and followers, and before she realizes it, quickly becomes a medium through which she’ll learn first-hand how stressful and exhausting it can be to follow people and track their every move, not to mention how her thoughtless acts would affect their lives and those of their families.
“When did we become so obsessed with what other people were doing instead of just being happy doing our own thing?”
Unbeknownst to Livvie, an anonymous source was doing a little social experiment on her in an attempt to teach her not to regurgitate gossip without factual proof or mercy. When all's said and done, by the end of this book Livvie was schooled in many of life’s hardest lessons, and we readers walk away with lots to ponder, rethinking our status updates on various social platforms and understanding the importance of weighing information first and getting proof than just blindly trusting whatever information we’re fed.
The dynamics of Livvie and her best friend’s relationship are a little odd, but not unpleasantly so. I didn’t feel fully invested in the characters, but the whole idea behind this story fascinated me, and though I found the characters to be wholly likeable, it was essentially the narrative that held my interest. There’s a little romance thrown in for good measure, but not what I’d regard as the main focus of this story. Even so, the romance is sweet and charming, and is a welcome addition to this novel.
I was satisfied with how the book ended on a positive note, and how Livvie took responsibility for the mistakes she made. This is an extremely fun, clean read with a refreshingly unique storyline, and easy to finish in a matter of hours. The pacing is really great and in every chapter there’s a ton of things going on. To conclude, The Paparazzi Project is a novel with substance and heart, and thus I recommend it to anyone in the mood for a feel-good weekend read!
March 15, 2013
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This was such a fun read! It is really hard to come up with something new in a genre like YA, where it seems like everything is pretty much already out there. So, I don't know how the author manages it, but this sure wasn't something I've read before.
The Paparazzi Project is the kind of book I wish I could have written. Mostly because it reminds me why I like to read in the first place: because it is fun! While reading this book I forgot to check for grammar mistakes (not that this book has a lot or any from what I know) or little holes in the plot because I was really captivated by the idea behind the whole story.
How awesome would have been if I had a class like Interpersonal Communications and a teacher like Mrs. B back in high school? It would have been amazing! Seriously I don't think there is anything more interesting than human behavior out there. And being able to do a whole project based on tabloids, celebrities and the media in general and getting a grade for it sounds pretty cool to me. Don't take me wrong, I'm not that much into magazines and I don't keep tabs on celebrities, but I do have my celebrity crush just like the next person and I really don't mind taking a look on his whereabouts from time to time.
Our protagonist and from whom point of view the story is narrated, is Livvie, a sixteen-year-old girl in her junior year at high school. She's funny and creative but insecure and with a huge tendency to rambling. She has lived in the shadows of Emma -her little sister and piano prodigy- for too long to think she's anything more than average. Her parents make that clear anyway. So, she's more than fine with watching from the sidelines and tries to stay off the high school radar. Unless until this awesome project come her way. The class is separated in three groups: Celebrities, kids who had to allow others following them and taking pictures of their every move. Paparazzi, the ones that had to follow the celebrities around and try to get the best shot of them. An finally, the Tabloids, the ones that have to take everything the paps manages to get from the celebrities and edit the info in a sort of newspaper for the whole class to enjoy.
Things like that, Livvie ends up being a Paparazzi and the boy who she's starting swooning over, Chas, gets to be her Tabloid and so they start working together, and a sweet relationship begins. You can tell they like each other, but it's not insta-love-forever-and-ever, just that realistic crush type of thing you have in high school.
Through this whole project Livvie has to learn to set her boundaries and would make more than a few mistake in the way, some of them pretty avoidable, but well, teenagers, we all have been one... Could this innocent school project turn into a massive high school chaos? Give it a try if you want to find out :)
This was such a fun read! It is really hard to come up with something new in a genre like YA, where it seems like everything is pretty much already out there. So, I don't know how the author manages it, but this sure wasn't something I've read before.
The Paparazzi Project is the kind of book I wish I could have written. Mostly because it reminds me why I like to read in the first place: because it is fun! While reading this book I forgot to check for grammar mistakes (not that this book has a lot or any from what I know) or little holes in the plot because I was really captivated by the idea behind the whole story.
How awesome would have been if I had a class like Interpersonal Communications and a teacher like Mrs. B back in high school? It would have been amazing! Seriously I don't think there is anything more interesting than human behavior out there. And being able to do a whole project based on tabloids, celebrities and the media in general and getting a grade for it sounds pretty cool to me. Don't take me wrong, I'm not that much into magazines and I don't keep tabs on celebrities, but I do have my celebrity crush just like the next person and I really don't mind taking a look on his whereabouts from time to time.
Our protagonist and from whom point of view the story is narrated, is Livvie, a sixteen-year-old girl in her junior year at high school. She's funny and creative but insecure and with a huge tendency to rambling. She has lived in the shadows of Emma -her little sister and piano prodigy- for too long to think she's anything more than average. Her parents make that clear anyway. So, she's more than fine with watching from the sidelines and tries to stay off the high school radar. Unless until this awesome project come her way. The class is separated in three groups: Celebrities, kids who had to allow others following them and taking pictures of their every move. Paparazzi, the ones that had to follow the celebrities around and try to get the best shot of them. An finally, the Tabloids, the ones that have to take everything the paps manages to get from the celebrities and edit the info in a sort of newspaper for the whole class to enjoy.
Things like that, Livvie ends up being a Paparazzi and the boy who she's starting swooning over, Chas, gets to be her Tabloid and so they start working together, and a sweet relationship begins. You can tell they like each other, but it's not insta-love-forever-and-ever, just that realistic crush type of thing you have in high school.
Through this whole project Livvie has to learn to set her boundaries and would make more than a few mistake in the way, some of them pretty avoidable, but well, teenagers, we all have been one... Could this innocent school project turn into a massive high school chaos? Give it a try if you want to find out :)
January 9, 2014
This was definitely one refreshing book. Not only in he fact that I haven't read anything quite like this before but also because I'm seeing things differently. I mean who doesn't like learning a life lesson while doing something you love? Like reading!
The first thing I want to tell you I loved was the characters and how real they were. Livvie is a girl I can identify in some ways and in some ways not. She has the real world feel to her, like you can find a girl like her somewhere making it a lot easier for me to connect with her (that and the fact that I've got a bit of her inside me). She's a normal girl with normal problems shoved into a situation that isn't exactly run of the mill but run of the mill doesn't usually stem the fun, excitement and drama going on in this kick butt book.
The plot was definitely something new. I don't think I have ever read a book with a plot anywhere close to this, and I am also sure I wouldn't had thought of it anytime soon. Probably ever. I loved the originality of it. The humor, the drama, the romance. All of tied seamless tied together onto the pages creating an unforgettable story that will definitely be on my list of favorites for many years to come, probably forever.
Now about that life lesson I was talking about earlier, I don't usually learn these kind of things from books. Well, except how to be witty and kick ass :3 What I learned from this book however is that silence really is golden. Not having people all up in your business really is a great way to live, because one small thing can ruin your life, or even worse someone else's. I've learned that some things just aren't worth sharing for the price of fame. Like your soul (okay I know she's doesn't sell her soul in here but the best way to get my point across is to be wonderfully dramatic!)
I loved this book. A great original plot coupled with romance, humor & wit, drama and scandals at the end of every row of lockers and I was sold. If you're looking for a great read like the one I described and some more then you've come to the right review, because you have found your next read!
The first thing I want to tell you I loved was the characters and how real they were. Livvie is a girl I can identify in some ways and in some ways not. She has the real world feel to her, like you can find a girl like her somewhere making it a lot easier for me to connect with her (that and the fact that I've got a bit of her inside me). She's a normal girl with normal problems shoved into a situation that isn't exactly run of the mill but run of the mill doesn't usually stem the fun, excitement and drama going on in this kick butt book.
The plot was definitely something new. I don't think I have ever read a book with a plot anywhere close to this, and I am also sure I wouldn't had thought of it anytime soon. Probably ever. I loved the originality of it. The humor, the drama, the romance. All of tied seamless tied together onto the pages creating an unforgettable story that will definitely be on my list of favorites for many years to come, probably forever.
Now about that life lesson I was talking about earlier, I don't usually learn these kind of things from books. Well, except how to be witty and kick ass :3 What I learned from this book however is that silence really is golden. Not having people all up in your business really is a great way to live, because one small thing can ruin your life, or even worse someone else's. I've learned that some things just aren't worth sharing for the price of fame. Like your soul (okay I know she's doesn't sell her soul in here but the best way to get my point across is to be wonderfully dramatic!)
I loved this book. A great original plot coupled with romance, humor & wit, drama and scandals at the end of every row of lockers and I was sold. If you're looking for a great read like the one I described and some more then you've come to the right review, because you have found your next read!
March 5, 2013
I have never heard of the author before, but when she approached me for a review, I accepted. Since the plot is really promising even though the cover is not exactly flattering. I loved many aspects of this book and it will not be my last from the author, for sure...
Livvie is just your average teenage girl. The one who avoids attention and prefers to stay off the high school radar. But when, in one of her classes, an intriguing assignment comes up. Livvie is thrilled to be part of the paparazzi group. The class is divided into three parts: The Celebrities (the ones who should get used to being followed), The Tabloids (the ones whom the paparazzi bring photos to), and The Paparazzi (the ones who stalk the celebrities).
Having to work with the cute, charming Chas as a tabloid is definitely fun. But when reality and acts mix and a simple project turns into chaos what should you do? Find out more in this awesome high school tale, The Paparazzi Project...
The first thing that captured me in this book was the idea of the assignment. Because, in my school, we are only 8 students in class. The SAME 8 students share the same classes, and our number is too small to
do these kinds of assignments so it was intriguing to read about it. The characters were nothing special but that did not bother me.
The little romance between Livvie and Chas was cute, teenage crushes and I liked that. I am kinda tired of the I-would-die-without-you, deep-within-the-heart romances in other books. What I didn't like though, was Livvie's choices. They were stupid and I cannot give much away without giving spoilers so you gotta read it for yourself.
This book was enjoyable and realistic. But it had its bad moments, which fortunately, were not many. You gotta read this book for yourself to find out if it is indeed, your cup of dark chocolate (or coffee, or tee, whatever you fancy)
Livvie is just your average teenage girl. The one who avoids attention and prefers to stay off the high school radar. But when, in one of her classes, an intriguing assignment comes up. Livvie is thrilled to be part of the paparazzi group. The class is divided into three parts: The Celebrities (the ones who should get used to being followed), The Tabloids (the ones whom the paparazzi bring photos to), and The Paparazzi (the ones who stalk the celebrities).
Having to work with the cute, charming Chas as a tabloid is definitely fun. But when reality and acts mix and a simple project turns into chaos what should you do? Find out more in this awesome high school tale, The Paparazzi Project...
The first thing that captured me in this book was the idea of the assignment. Because, in my school, we are only 8 students in class. The SAME 8 students share the same classes, and our number is too small to
do these kinds of assignments so it was intriguing to read about it. The characters were nothing special but that did not bother me.
The little romance between Livvie and Chas was cute, teenage crushes and I liked that. I am kinda tired of the I-would-die-without-you, deep-within-the-heart romances in other books. What I didn't like though, was Livvie's choices. They were stupid and I cannot give much away without giving spoilers so you gotta read it for yourself.
This book was enjoyable and realistic. But it had its bad moments, which fortunately, were not many. You gotta read this book for yourself to find out if it is indeed, your cup of dark chocolate (or coffee, or tee, whatever you fancy)
January 10, 2014
Somehow I missed that this was a YA novel (didn't scroll down that far into the amazon summary - it's at the very bottom), and I had assumed that this "class project" was for a college class (I've never heard of IPC as a high school elective - and what junior or senior has time for it in their schedules packed with AP classes?).
So when I started reading the first paragraph, I could not believe it was so juvenile and realized that I was definitely in the wrong place. But...I was stuck at the doctor's office without anything else new downloaded on my Kindle and kept at it.
And I was pleasantly surprised. It's a quick, light read. I would give this a "2-stars" for myself, or had I not gone back and seen that the summary DID say "YA", but I don't want to ding a book because I misunderstood.
Because it's a pretty good book and "I liked it" (Amazon 4-star, Goodreads 3-star). Reminded me of middle school and high school and all the drama. I even had a roommate in college that was too much like Tessa - all caught up in acting a certain way to impress a guy instead of just being herself. And having dating rules, like kissing on the second date and all that. Ridiculous to me, but I know there are middle-schoolers who buy into all that.
I thought the way the whole thing played out was pretty realistic - although I agree with one reviewer that a good teacher would have interfered much sooner. Role-playing experiments can be dangerous.
Some great lessons learned, but I doubt the folks who could use the lesson would read it. I just wish they would.
So when I started reading the first paragraph, I could not believe it was so juvenile and realized that I was definitely in the wrong place. But...I was stuck at the doctor's office without anything else new downloaded on my Kindle and kept at it.
And I was pleasantly surprised. It's a quick, light read. I would give this a "2-stars" for myself, or had I not gone back and seen that the summary DID say "YA", but I don't want to ding a book because I misunderstood.
Because it's a pretty good book and "I liked it" (Amazon 4-star, Goodreads 3-star). Reminded me of middle school and high school and all the drama. I even had a roommate in college that was too much like Tessa - all caught up in acting a certain way to impress a guy instead of just being herself. And having dating rules, like kissing on the second date and all that. Ridiculous to me, but I know there are middle-schoolers who buy into all that.
I thought the way the whole thing played out was pretty realistic - although I agree with one reviewer that a good teacher would have interfered much sooner. Role-playing experiments can be dangerous.
Some great lessons learned, but I doubt the folks who could use the lesson would read it. I just wish they would.
December 16, 2013
Livvie Thompson is addicted to photography and her Interpersonal Communications class has come up with an idea to split the class into three categories and discover what it's like to be in the tabloids and the art of perception and how tabloids can be made up of true and false information as well as the repercussions of what is published. There will be three groups - The Celebrities who will be the ones followed , the Paparazzi who will be the ones capturing the photos of the celebrities and the Tabloid crew who will be the ones writing up the stories to go with the pictures. What will be captured though will be taken out of context in some parts and Livvie decides to take her project to the next level by starting up an anonymous blog called The Thompson Tattler where she will post her pictures and tidbits of gossip. What will happen though when via her blog she discovers news and photos that could harm not only her classmates , her best friends but also have the power to break up not just one family, but two . Will she share the knowledge and have to live the consequences of what occurs or will she keep quiet and keep a lid on the news ?
Find out in this fun teen read "The Paparazzi Project".
Find out in this fun teen read "The Paparazzi Project".
February 1, 2015
The reason I started reading "The Paparazzi Project" was because this book is by the same author as "The Espressologist", which is a book I really enjoyed. "The Paparazzi Project" follows the story of a girl name Livvie whom is just a regular high school girl. However, her life completely changes when her Interpersonal Communications teacher decides to assign them a project called "paparazzi project", the class was to be split into 3 groups, the celebrities, the paparazzi and the tabloids. With the paparazzi following the celebrities to snap photos of their daily life and the tabloids making up gossips about the celebrities. This project sounds fun... right? At least until it becomes too out of hand...
I enjoyed this book pretty much but not as much as "The Espressologist", I feel that Kristina Springer creates super fascinating characters as well as unique plots that are quite different and stand out from other books. "The Paparazzi Project" was almost like a metaphor for the daily life of a celebrity, with complicated relationships and messed up media reports. I feel that you could definitely give this book a try especially after reading a complicated storyline and need to give your brain a rest.
I enjoyed this book pretty much but not as much as "The Espressologist", I feel that Kristina Springer creates super fascinating characters as well as unique plots that are quite different and stand out from other books. "The Paparazzi Project" was almost like a metaphor for the daily life of a celebrity, with complicated relationships and messed up media reports. I feel that you could definitely give this book a try especially after reading a complicated storyline and need to give your brain a rest.
December 6, 2014
Review originally posted at www.fictitiousdelicious on 04/15/13:
The Paparazzi Project is a super cute story that delivers an important message. It was well written and is the perfect book to pick up on a Saturday afternoon when you have a few hours to spare.
I had to remind myself that the characters in this story were students in high school. They acted more along the lines of students in middle school. The message of the book fits into that middle school age, too. That being said, I think readers of all ages will be able to identify with at least some of the behaviors in this story. It's easy for all of us to get sucked into gossip, isn't it?
And that's what I really liked about The Paparazzi Project. It serves as a nice reminder that sure, it's kind of fun to see what's going on in the life of a "celebrity" it's important to understand that a fleeting curiosity can easily turn into an unhealthy obsession pretty quickly. Not that I'd know anything about THAT. *closes 12 browser tabs full of Matt Bellamy*
I'm picking this one up for the girls this summer. AND I'm bumping up THE ESPRESSOLOGIST on my TBR pile. I really enjoy Kristina's writing style!
The Paparazzi Project is a super cute story that delivers an important message. It was well written and is the perfect book to pick up on a Saturday afternoon when you have a few hours to spare.
I had to remind myself that the characters in this story were students in high school. They acted more along the lines of students in middle school. The message of the book fits into that middle school age, too. That being said, I think readers of all ages will be able to identify with at least some of the behaviors in this story. It's easy for all of us to get sucked into gossip, isn't it?
And that's what I really liked about The Paparazzi Project. It serves as a nice reminder that sure, it's kind of fun to see what's going on in the life of a "celebrity" it's important to understand that a fleeting curiosity can easily turn into an unhealthy obsession pretty quickly. Not that I'd know anything about THAT. *closes 12 browser tabs full of Matt Bellamy*
I'm picking this one up for the girls this summer. AND I'm bumping up THE ESPRESSOLOGIST on my TBR pile. I really enjoy Kristina's writing style!
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April 6, 2013This story reminds me a lot about what you'd see on an episode of 7th Heaven. Even though certain things come up in the story, it's all very PG.
Livvie has never had a boyfriend. So when she's paired up with the hottie, Chas, she's thrilled. She's the paparazza while Chas comes up with the stories to post in their fake tabloid. The power goes to Livvie's head and she starts a blog where she posts all the scandalous pictures and captions for the world to see, instead of it being kept in the classroom like it should. Oh course, we all know, once you post something on the internet, you can never take it back.
This is a great lesson learning story pertaining to "all actions have consequences". There's nothing wrong with the writing but I did feel like the story was way beneath my age group (being a 26 yr old). Like I said, the story was just very wholesome. Of course in the end, Livvie learns that everything she posted impacted the people in the picture and that her actions were wrong and she has to face the music. It's a great story for someone in their teens but it just wasn't necessarily for me.
Livvie has never had a boyfriend. So when she's paired up with the hottie, Chas, she's thrilled. She's the paparazza while Chas comes up with the stories to post in their fake tabloid. The power goes to Livvie's head and she starts a blog where she posts all the scandalous pictures and captions for the world to see, instead of it being kept in the classroom like it should. Oh course, we all know, once you post something on the internet, you can never take it back.
This is a great lesson learning story pertaining to "all actions have consequences". There's nothing wrong with the writing but I did feel like the story was way beneath my age group (being a 26 yr old). Like I said, the story was just very wholesome. Of course in the end, Livvie learns that everything she posted impacted the people in the picture and that her actions were wrong and she has to face the music. It's a great story for someone in their teens but it just wasn't necessarily for me.
August 7, 2014
I absolutely adored this book, from beginning to end, left to right, up from down, that way to the other... Seriously, perfect all around.
-It was a light read and appropriate for all ages.
-I found it to be a refreshing plot with your all-average HS characters but with an interesting plot twist that brings something new to the concept.
-It's got the humor, a little romance, some teamwork, challenges, "the feels", decision-making and repercussions for aforementioned decisions, and those small little stories that you just know you can relate to.
*Also, surprisingly? It shows a different side to that "Hollywood" bullshit we hear/read/see about every other day or so. But that's just my guess.
-It was a light read and appropriate for all ages.
-I found it to be a refreshing plot with your all-average HS characters but with an interesting plot twist that brings something new to the concept.
-It's got the humor, a little romance, some teamwork, challenges, "the feels", decision-making and repercussions for aforementioned decisions, and those small little stories that you just know you can relate to.
*Also, surprisingly? It shows a different side to that "Hollywood" bullshit we hear/read/see about every other day or so. But that's just my guess.
May 9, 2013
The writing flowed, the characters were all fleshed out and it had a real ending. It was cute and sweet with a bit of real life lessons thrown in for good measure. I picked this up when it was free on Amazon and I wasn't disappointed at all with the book!
I was raised with the idea that I was allowed to make my own choices, but I better be ready for the consequences. That's pretty much what this book is about. Some of the actions may be a bit extreme, but I think it was necessary to get the point across. I would love to see what some of my teacher friends think about this story!
I was raised with the idea that I was allowed to make my own choices, but I better be ready for the consequences. That's pretty much what this book is about. Some of the actions may be a bit extreme, but I think it was necessary to get the point across. I would love to see what some of my teacher friends think about this story!
July 5, 2014
As a teacher and a mom, I have advised many young people not to play out their private lives on FB or Twitter. I suspect my comments went in one ear and, well, you know. This YA book clearly addresses the issues of privacy for both the famous and not-so-famous. Is it right to post something that will hurt someone else? Many people find this a difficult question to answer. This book is fun to read, Livvie's character and voice are charming, and the story is interesting. I may just hand young people a copy of this book instead of delivering "the online safety speech" one more time. I suspect it would be much more effective. I rate this YA 5 stars.
February 25, 2014
I loved just about everything about this story. It was an incredibly refreshing piece of work. It wasn't something that's been overdone, I loved the message behind the story, and there was a bit of love in there. Livvie was such a great character, and I enjoyed watching her grow throughout the story. After just thinking that this day in age every book seems to be a part of a series, I actually find myself wishing this one was because I loved the characters that much. Thanks for the good read!
January 27, 2013
This was okay. It was about doing the right thing even when it's very tempting. kinda. this girl takes a class where they get divided up into three groups: stars, paparazzi, and tabloids. the paparazzi and tabloids work together to create a mini pamphlet each week of scandalous photos. Now, enter in some too good juicy gossip, an anonymous blog with untrue stories, and a hot tabloid boss, this girl is in over her head.
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