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Living Blond #1
Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend
'Nessa Joanne Mulholland, aka Marilyn Monroe's No. 1 teenage fan, is used to moving house. This time, however, she's relocating in movie-star style - crossing the Atlantic on board the Majestic, headed for Paris from New York City. And it really would be in movie-star style if it wasn't for the fact that she's bringing her cringe-fest professor dad along for the ride. (Dad's specialisation: human mating rituals - need Nessa say more?) Oh yeah, and sharing a cabin that's five decks below sea level and next to the engine room. Still, at least Holly Isles is on board. Yes, really, that Holly Isles - star of stage, screen and – DVD. Suddenly, things are looking up. Looking a little Marilyn, in fact, because events are strangely mirroring Nessa's favourite movie of all time, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Watch!
As Holly Isles, world-famous actress, confides in Nessa over mocktails.
Listen!
As Nessa coaches Holly in the amazing 'Nessa's Lessons in Love' - the ultimate man-catching rules to finding true and lasting lurv.
See!
Nessa fall for Holly's too-cute nephew, Marc.
And – cover your eyes!
As it all goes terribly, horribly, embarrassingly wrong.
There's no doubting it. This is going to be one pitchy crossing
Watch!
As Holly Isles, world-famous actress, confides in Nessa over mocktails.
Listen!
As Nessa coaches Holly in the amazing 'Nessa's Lessons in Love' - the ultimate man-catching rules to finding true and lasting lurv.
See!
Nessa fall for Holly's too-cute nephew, Marc.
And – cover your eyes!
As it all goes terribly, horribly, embarrassingly wrong.
There's no doubting it. This is going to be one pitchy crossing
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2006
135 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Allison Rushby
44 books291 followersAllison Rushby adores cities with long, winding histories; wild, overgrown cemeteries; redbrick Victorian museums; foxes; tea; and ivy. She lives in Queensland, Australia.
http://www.allisonrushby.com.
http://www.allisonrushby.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 8, 2018
I picked this up because I wanted something light and fluffy but I’ve discovered that there’s such a thing as too light and fluffy. This book was just too sickly sweet for my tastes, I found myself constantly cringing. I don’t think it helped that the narrator was 13 going on 14 and tried to act like she was 18. Cue major eye roll!
July 15, 2016
Adorable.
So adorable.
This was cuteness incarnate in a novel.
So cute!!!
However, there were several qualms I had this book. Do not get discouraged by these problems because this book is adorable!!!
This is a perfect book for a light, short, fluffy read meant for just "aw" purposes. It's cute, and it has a little meaning behind it.
So adorable.
My single, most important qualm. Nessa. She was an adorable character, but sometimes she was really immature. That said, she is supposed to be immature, so I guess it's okay. She's only thirteen, y'all! So I understood that. But then again, even at thirteen, there is a limit to immaturity.
Thought this was a cute book, all the same.
And I love Marilyn Monroe.
So yay on that!
Cute!
So adorable.
This was cuteness incarnate in a novel.
So cute!!!
However, there were several qualms I had this book. Do not get discouraged by these problems because this book is adorable!!!
This is a perfect book for a light, short, fluffy read meant for just "aw" purposes. It's cute, and it has a little meaning behind it.
So adorable.
My single, most important qualm. Nessa. She was an adorable character, but sometimes she was really immature. That said, she is supposed to be immature, so I guess it's okay. She's only thirteen, y'all! So I understood that. But then again, even at thirteen, there is a limit to immaturity.
Thought this was a cute book, all the same.
And I love Marilyn Monroe.
So yay on that!
Cute!
June 28, 2011
I absolutely love Marilyn Monroe and this book is such a scream!
Nessa is totally obsessed with Marilyn and conjures up this whole plot in her head that her boat trip to France is exactly like the movie Gentlemen prefer blondes with Holly Isles resembling Dorothy and Nessa resembling Lorelei.
Mix in Holly's hot nephew and this is one cruise you wouldn't want to miss out on. If only dreams could come true :)
Nessa is totally obsessed with Marilyn and conjures up this whole plot in her head that her boat trip to France is exactly like the movie Gentlemen prefer blondes with Holly Isles resembling Dorothy and Nessa resembling Lorelei.
Mix in Holly's hot nephew and this is one cruise you wouldn't want to miss out on. If only dreams could come true :)
November 1, 2015
This is a cute, sweet romantic comedy with enough humor to delight thirteen-year-old readers. Although it isn’t nearly as good as Being Hartley, the first Allison Rushby novel I’ve read that inspired me to give this book a chance, it has enough of everything to keep its readers entertained from start to end.
November 18, 2013
Nessa Joanne Mulholland is just a teeny bit obsessed with Marilyn Monroe. But when she finds Marilynisms all the time in her daily life can she really be blamed? On a cruise ship with her dad, Nessa meets thirty-something Holly Isles, a world famous actress and someone Nessa feels like might be a kindred Marilyn fan. Holly has three broken engagements to her name and after bonding over mocktails and maraschino cherries, Nessa starts to believe that her real life is starting to feel a lot like her favourite movie, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Nessa takes it upon herself to be the Lorelei to Holly's Dorothy, the Marilyn to her Jane, and comes up with Nessa's Lessons in Love. She's going to find Holly's Perfect Man before the cruise is over!
This book is very cute. Nessa is an engaging main character with a lot of passion for her beloved Marilyn. At thirteen (almost fourteen!) years old, I thought there were times when he behaviour was a little unbelievable but lets face it - becoming BFFs with a movie star is a bit of a fantasy too and this isn't a book to take too seriously. I love the idea of this book - that even 60 years after Nessa's favourite film being released, it's still enjoyable and somewhat relevant to modern life. The parallels from the film to Nessa's life are beautifully done - you don't need to have seen the film to enjoy Nessa's antics but if you have seen it I think you'll like how Nessa relates them to her own situation.
I love a good love story but I didn't really connect with Marc - Nessa's sort of love interest. He felt old beyond his years organizing and looking out for his aunt - but this only made the gap between the almost fourteen year old Nessa and the seventeen year old going on forty Marc seem even larger. That said, as eye candy for the Marilyn obsessed, he was okay and kept Nessa busy thinking about. Holly is lovely if not a little odd. She's fun but I couldn't quite imagine the educated adult woman to be taking love and life advice from a teenager she just met. But like I said before - this isn't supposed to be real life. This is a sweet story where realism would get in the way of a great story.
Fun, cute, sweet and fairly short - I'd recommend this book for younger teens. It's clean and amusing with a quirky and entertaining main character who lets her imagination get away from her - and gets her into trouble! Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend is the first book in a trilogy and this is a series I definitely want to read more of - can't wait to see what Nessa gets up to next!
3.5 stars
This book is very cute. Nessa is an engaging main character with a lot of passion for her beloved Marilyn. At thirteen (almost fourteen!) years old, I thought there were times when he behaviour was a little unbelievable but lets face it - becoming BFFs with a movie star is a bit of a fantasy too and this isn't a book to take too seriously. I love the idea of this book - that even 60 years after Nessa's favourite film being released, it's still enjoyable and somewhat relevant to modern life. The parallels from the film to Nessa's life are beautifully done - you don't need to have seen the film to enjoy Nessa's antics but if you have seen it I think you'll like how Nessa relates them to her own situation.
I love a good love story but I didn't really connect with Marc - Nessa's sort of love interest. He felt old beyond his years organizing and looking out for his aunt - but this only made the gap between the almost fourteen year old Nessa and the seventeen year old going on forty Marc seem even larger. That said, as eye candy for the Marilyn obsessed, he was okay and kept Nessa busy thinking about. Holly is lovely if not a little odd. She's fun but I couldn't quite imagine the educated adult woman to be taking love and life advice from a teenager she just met. But like I said before - this isn't supposed to be real life. This is a sweet story where realism would get in the way of a great story.
Fun, cute, sweet and fairly short - I'd recommend this book for younger teens. It's clean and amusing with a quirky and entertaining main character who lets her imagination get away from her - and gets her into trouble! Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend is the first book in a trilogy and this is a series I definitely want to read more of - can't wait to see what Nessa gets up to next!
3.5 stars
February 18, 2017
This was such a super cute, fun read!! I read it in a matter of a few hours, give or take, since I had to stop yesterday and pick it back up today. It was a really quick read and the narration was so lovely. I adored Nessa's voice so much. It was so easy to read and I just flew through it. Allison Rushby has such a unique writing style, truly capturing the voice of a thirteen (almost-fourteen!) year old girl. Just to give you an example:
Someone whistles. And this time, I don't need to look around. This time, I know for sure it's not for me. (Laughing, sure. Whistling? I am sincerely doubting it...) And because I don't turn around, I don't move for the guy. The one who smacks into my shoulder and says, "Excuse me. I need to get to my aunt."
I follow his gaze directly up the escalator to Holly. His aunt? Holly is his aunt? Well, la de da. I go to give him my best "Get your filthy mitts off me, don't mess with the outfit and don't go anywhere near the hair, buster" look when my mouth drops even further. Hello, sailor! Cute boy ahoy! This guy is definitely related to Holly in a big way.
Nessa was an absolute riot. She lives for the movies, Marilyn Monroe's to be exact, and everything in her life is viewed through a lens, so to speak. And that movie really hits home when she boards a cruise ship and meets one of her all-time favorite actresses Holly Isles and spends pretty much all her time with her "new best friend." Holly is instantly drawn to Nessa's over-the-top movie self, her spunky attitude, and even her embarrassing, awkward, yet adorable personality that shines through in everything she does. You can't help but love her, even when things are going horribly wrong, and you'll laugh with her along the way. She makes it her mission to help Holly find her PM-Perfect Man-and ends up falling for her over-protective nephew Marc.
This book is definitely for the younger crowd, middle grade to the young young adult, but I loved it all the same, and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a light-hearted, laugh-inducing, fast-paced read. I can assure you, by the end you'll be wanting more of Nessa's Marilynisms.
Someone whistles. And this time, I don't need to look around. This time, I know for sure it's not for me. (Laughing, sure. Whistling? I am sincerely doubting it...) And because I don't turn around, I don't move for the guy. The one who smacks into my shoulder and says, "Excuse me. I need to get to my aunt."
I follow his gaze directly up the escalator to Holly. His aunt? Holly is his aunt? Well, la de da. I go to give him my best "Get your filthy mitts off me, don't mess with the outfit and don't go anywhere near the hair, buster" look when my mouth drops even further. Hello, sailor! Cute boy ahoy! This guy is definitely related to Holly in a big way.
Nessa was an absolute riot. She lives for the movies, Marilyn Monroe's to be exact, and everything in her life is viewed through a lens, so to speak. And that movie really hits home when she boards a cruise ship and meets one of her all-time favorite actresses Holly Isles and spends pretty much all her time with her "new best friend." Holly is instantly drawn to Nessa's over-the-top movie self, her spunky attitude, and even her embarrassing, awkward, yet adorable personality that shines through in everything she does. You can't help but love her, even when things are going horribly wrong, and you'll laugh with her along the way. She makes it her mission to help Holly find her PM-Perfect Man-and ends up falling for her over-protective nephew Marc.
This book is definitely for the younger crowd, middle grade to the young young adult, but I loved it all the same, and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a light-hearted, laugh-inducing, fast-paced read. I can assure you, by the end you'll be wanting more of Nessa's Marilynisms.
March 28, 2014
Read more reviews on my blog, Words and Tea Bottles.
Received as a free ARC from NetGalley.
Diamonds Are a Teen’s Best Friend is one of those books that seems like it should be for younger people (maybe classified as a middle-grade book instead of young adult) but it’s really not. I mean it could be, but it’s not dumbed-down like a lot of middle-grade books tend to be when dealing with some of the issues this one does.
There are a lot of clever things about this book. Of course there’s the whole thing with Nessa’s obsession with Marilyn Monroe, and the acknowledgement that it might be that she just wants a ‘friend’ who can stay with her while she and her father travel around the world so much. And Nessa’s point of view was, for the most part, pretty entertaining. She’s overly-naïve, though, and it becomes irritating when she misses obvious things that the reader got a long time ago.
There are also things here and there that the author seems to just skip over. For instance, when the book says Nessa and Marc had become friends, I’m just sitting here thinking “When?” It’s not even that anything was skipped over; because the cruise is several days, rather than the book taking place over the span of a few months for instance, the time skips aren’t that long. And it’s not even that Nessa just assumes they’re friends; Marc is really disappointed in her when he finds out about the whole Nessa’s Lessons in Love thing and says he thought she was better than that. It’s a weakness in the book that tugs it away from being as good as it might have been.
Despite that the book is pretty good, something I’d recommend to others without hesitation. So happy reading!
Received as a free ARC from NetGalley.
Diamonds Are a Teen’s Best Friend is one of those books that seems like it should be for younger people (maybe classified as a middle-grade book instead of young adult) but it’s really not. I mean it could be, but it’s not dumbed-down like a lot of middle-grade books tend to be when dealing with some of the issues this one does.
There are a lot of clever things about this book. Of course there’s the whole thing with Nessa’s obsession with Marilyn Monroe, and the acknowledgement that it might be that she just wants a ‘friend’ who can stay with her while she and her father travel around the world so much. And Nessa’s point of view was, for the most part, pretty entertaining. She’s overly-naïve, though, and it becomes irritating when she misses obvious things that the reader got a long time ago.
There are also things here and there that the author seems to just skip over. For instance, when the book says Nessa and Marc had become friends, I’m just sitting here thinking “When?” It’s not even that anything was skipped over; because the cruise is several days, rather than the book taking place over the span of a few months for instance, the time skips aren’t that long. And it’s not even that Nessa just assumes they’re friends; Marc is really disappointed in her when he finds out about the whole Nessa’s Lessons in Love thing and says he thought she was better than that. It’s a weakness in the book that tugs it away from being as good as it might have been.
Despite that the book is pretty good, something I’d recommend to others without hesitation. So happy reading!
July 26, 2016
Prose style: 5
Plot: 4
Depth of characters: 4
Originality: 3
Entertaining: 5
Emotional Reaction: 5
Intellectual Stimulation: 3
Nessa Joanne Mulholland, Marilyn Monroe's number 1 fan, goes on a cruise to Paris and happens to meet Holy Isles, a movie star. They become friends and, as Holly confides in Nessa, they start doing all these crazy things to find Holly's PM (perfect man), just like Dorothy and Lorelei in Gentlemen Prefer Blonde. Of course, Holly has this wonderful, protective cousin... Whereas Nessa has this weird dad whose job is asking people about their sex lives.
This book was so great, it really should have more reviews. The main problem I had with this book is that the story line isn't very creative, but the writing style is so brilliant it kept me reading enthusiastically. I'm definitely going to read more of this author.
Plot: 4
Depth of characters: 4
Originality: 3
Entertaining: 5
Emotional Reaction: 5
Intellectual Stimulation: 3
Nessa Joanne Mulholland, Marilyn Monroe's number 1 fan, goes on a cruise to Paris and happens to meet Holy Isles, a movie star. They become friends and, as Holly confides in Nessa, they start doing all these crazy things to find Holly's PM (perfect man), just like Dorothy and Lorelei in Gentlemen Prefer Blonde. Of course, Holly has this wonderful, protective cousin... Whereas Nessa has this weird dad whose job is asking people about their sex lives.
This book was so great, it really should have more reviews. The main problem I had with this book is that the story line isn't very creative, but the writing style is so brilliant it kept me reading enthusiastically. I'm definitely going to read more of this author.
February 13, 2016
The book started of fun. I really liked Nessa, and also throughout the book I liked her (though I got slightly annoyed with how much she was butting into everything).
Also the ending, God I already predicted that the first time she and a certain somebody were sitting at Holly's table, and it took until the ending for it to be revealed. Lame!
Also Marc, oh Lord was he an annoying pest. Accusing people, saying rude things and not even try to listen to someone else? Seriously? And also sometimes switching from annoying to romantic? What? He was the only one in the book I wanted to throw off of the ship. :\
In overall, an interesting book, but not for me.
Recommended to those who: like fluff, annoying guy character, overactive imaginations, predicable endings.
Also the ending, God I already predicted that the first time she and a certain somebody were sitting at Holly's table, and it took until the ending for it to be revealed. Lame!
Also Marc, oh Lord was he an annoying pest. Accusing people, saying rude things and not even try to listen to someone else? Seriously? And also sometimes switching from annoying to romantic? What? He was the only one in the book I wanted to throw off of the ship. :\
In overall, an interesting book, but not for me.
Recommended to those who: like fluff, annoying guy character, overactive imaginations, predicable endings.
April 17, 2014
Wow I loved this book.....
Can't wait to read the rest....
I remember when reading this, I was shouting at Nessa to follow her gut....
She should've and I felt really sad for her in the end but I'm gkad things didnt get worse.
Can't wait to read the rest....
I remember when reading this, I was shouting at Nessa to follow her gut....
She should've and I felt really sad for her in the end but I'm gkad things didnt get worse.
December 14, 2017
Fun light reading to laugh along to between the more serious books.
A thirteen year old going on sixteen, a cruise ship trip with her Dad who is a socioligist. A movie star and a cute guy who thinks she could pass for 19. Fun, frowns and frivilous times make for a great plot.
A thirteen year old going on sixteen, a cruise ship trip with her Dad who is a socioligist. A movie star and a cute guy who thinks she could pass for 19. Fun, frowns and frivilous times make for a great plot.
February 4, 2019
If you love Marilyn Monroe, you'll enjoy this book more than me...
Can you imagine being a teenager and meeting a celebrity you adore on a cruise ship?
Can you imagine even better, the celebrity wants to be your friend?!
Nice story line, but it didn't click with me like I wanted it to click.
Can you imagine being a teenager and meeting a celebrity you adore on a cruise ship?
Can you imagine even better, the celebrity wants to be your friend?!
Nice story line, but it didn't click with me like I wanted it to click.
March 9, 2019
Vaguely enjoyable saccharine nonsense.
February 9, 2015
Chick lit for teens with a twist of Marilyn. Enjoyable guilty pleasure :)
January 30, 2018
Love the book hope she dates marc
Its fun but please let her date marc this book is fun I finished it in 2 days awsome book
Its fun but please let her date marc this book is fun I finished it in 2 days awsome book
April 9, 2020
best books
April 21, 2016
A free digital copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is marketed as a YA novel but I think that Diamonds are a Teen’s Best Friend would have been better off as Middlegrade since although the main character was aged 13, she acted more like a spoiled child than an adolescent.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did mainly because of the vexing characters. The main guy character, Marcus, was so rude and I couldn’t put up with his churlish behavior. The nephew of Holly Isles, a famous Hollywood actress, who had recently gotten off a bad relationship, Marcus was looking out for all the fame-seekers his aunt frequently attracted but his impolite behavior was uncalled for. I understand that you want what’s best for your aunt but there’s a huge difference between keeping her safe and being insulting.
Holly Isles was okay and not in a good okay but more of a bland okay. Her character wasn’t explored and she was the type of celebrity most books feature; one who was tired and exhausted of the fame and just wanted a good time. Had she been a spoiled Hollywood star who underwent change and development throughout the cruise, I would have enjoyed the book much more. But she wasn’t and I was slightly irritated at her one-dimensional character.
“Don’t get old and jaded, Nessa. Hold on to you if you can. Hold on to you and how you look at things. It’s important to remember who you are inside. Sometimes, as you get older, you forget…”
Nessa, our main character, is a 13-year-old avid fan of Marilyn Monroe who completely annoyed me all throughout the entire book. She wasn’t likeable and her meddlesome, nosy ways would have pissed off a lot of people but since she was the heroine, everyone let it slide. I thought that her father didn’t have a backbone since he was very lenient with her, acquiescing her every want and not disciplining her enough. That’s what Nessa lacked; discipline. She was rude to her dad and didn’t appreciate him, which was warranted since he was a single parent who raised Nessa on his own.
One other thing that I hated about this book was the character voice. Told from Nessa’s perspective, it was semi-annoying and semi-infuriating. She came across as dumb and ditzy who cared for nothing save her own image and her own happiness. Like Marcus, she was impolite and rude to her dad, taking everything she had on her plate for granted. Her antics were cringe-worthy and I wanted to smack some common sense into her. Just because your life is turning out to mirror some movie doesn’t mean you have to act like you’re in one!
As for the plot, it’s straightforward and enjoyable but not exactly captivating. The twists aren’t hard to guess and the conclusion wasn’t unexpected. With the type of characters and the writing style Diamonds are a Teen’s Best Friend presents, it’s not hard to guess what the ending would be.
This love thing – it’s not easy. And it seems to get even less easy the older people get. It’s like they grow blinkers as they age and can only see straight ahead. They have this defined image of what someone they might be interested in will be like and if anyone’s slightly different, they don’t see them at all.
Diamonds are a Teen’s Best Friend was for a lack of a better word, efnjoyable. It’s not engrossing nor is it captivating but the story is fluffy and likeable although the latter cannot be said for the main character. I would recommend it to people looking for a light read but otherwise, I probably won’t be back for the next books in the series.
This is marketed as a YA novel but I think that Diamonds are a Teen’s Best Friend would have been better off as Middlegrade since although the main character was aged 13, she acted more like a spoiled child than an adolescent.
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I did mainly because of the vexing characters. The main guy character, Marcus, was so rude and I couldn’t put up with his churlish behavior. The nephew of Holly Isles, a famous Hollywood actress, who had recently gotten off a bad relationship, Marcus was looking out for all the fame-seekers his aunt frequently attracted but his impolite behavior was uncalled for. I understand that you want what’s best for your aunt but there’s a huge difference between keeping her safe and being insulting.
Holly Isles was okay and not in a good okay but more of a bland okay. Her character wasn’t explored and she was the type of celebrity most books feature; one who was tired and exhausted of the fame and just wanted a good time. Had she been a spoiled Hollywood star who underwent change and development throughout the cruise, I would have enjoyed the book much more. But she wasn’t and I was slightly irritated at her one-dimensional character.
“Don’t get old and jaded, Nessa. Hold on to you if you can. Hold on to you and how you look at things. It’s important to remember who you are inside. Sometimes, as you get older, you forget…”
Nessa, our main character, is a 13-year-old avid fan of Marilyn Monroe who completely annoyed me all throughout the entire book. She wasn’t likeable and her meddlesome, nosy ways would have pissed off a lot of people but since she was the heroine, everyone let it slide. I thought that her father didn’t have a backbone since he was very lenient with her, acquiescing her every want and not disciplining her enough. That’s what Nessa lacked; discipline. She was rude to her dad and didn’t appreciate him, which was warranted since he was a single parent who raised Nessa on his own.
One other thing that I hated about this book was the character voice. Told from Nessa’s perspective, it was semi-annoying and semi-infuriating. She came across as dumb and ditzy who cared for nothing save her own image and her own happiness. Like Marcus, she was impolite and rude to her dad, taking everything she had on her plate for granted. Her antics were cringe-worthy and I wanted to smack some common sense into her. Just because your life is turning out to mirror some movie doesn’t mean you have to act like you’re in one!
As for the plot, it’s straightforward and enjoyable but not exactly captivating. The twists aren’t hard to guess and the conclusion wasn’t unexpected. With the type of characters and the writing style Diamonds are a Teen’s Best Friend presents, it’s not hard to guess what the ending would be.
This love thing – it’s not easy. And it seems to get even less easy the older people get. It’s like they grow blinkers as they age and can only see straight ahead. They have this defined image of what someone they might be interested in will be like and if anyone’s slightly different, they don’t see them at all.
Diamonds are a Teen’s Best Friend was for a lack of a better word, efnjoyable. It’s not engrossing nor is it captivating but the story is fluffy and likeable although the latter cannot be said for the main character. I would recommend it to people looking for a light read but otherwise, I probably won’t be back for the next books in the series.
May 15, 2014
"Diamonds" tells the story of Nessa Mulholland, Marilyn Monroe's biggest (13 years-old) fan. She boards a boat with her father bound for Paris. Her father is a sociologist who specializes in human sexuality and is using the cruise for research purposes. But Nessa has found something to be excited about--the one and only Holly Isles is on the cruise! Holly befriends Nessa, who believes that she is living the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Knowing Holly has come off a devastating break up, Nessa conspires to help her idol find PM--the Perfect Man. Will this result in a happy ending or a disaster movie?
For a young adult novel, this is pretty good. It's not as good as "The Heiresses" in my opinion--as on my own blog, I rated it Five Moons which translates to "I love this book so much I want to marry it." While I have issues with it, it's not with Nessa. I think Nessa is very realistic teenager. She thinks she knows best but doesn't. She just doesn't realize how wrong some of her advice really is. She has good intentions, though. But a savvy reader can see the embarrassing fallout coming a mile away. And all you can do is cringe when it hits.
(Though it's not as bad as I thought it'd be).
My main problem lies with Holly Isles. She's just...not believable. At least as an adult. It dawned on me toward the end of the book that Holly would've worked better if she was the same age as Nessa. It felt weird to have a woman in her 30s taking advice from a person she thought was 16. Advice from movies that were from another time and belief system about women. Advice that is acknowledged to be a set back for women, but it is also insulting to men. Nessa's advice assumes that men can't stand women who are smarter and better than them. And if they do, are they really who Holly wants to attract--even for "fun"? I feel another teen would be more likely to fall for such bad advice and learn that it was bad advice.
It would also make how much time Holly and Nessa spend together make more sense. I haven't been on a cruise (yet) but from what I've heard from those who have, the age groups are pretty segregated. It didn't appear that there were many teens on the cruise, so I'd imagine all the crew members assigned to the teen passengers would be overattentive to her. Or that she wouldn't be allowed to constantly do the adult activities.
But when Holly is allowed to be an adult, she's pretty cool. I did see the romance coming a mile away, though.
Compared to Rushby's "The Heiresses," description is sorely lacking here. There were times I forgot they were even on a ship.
But it's good for the age group and good on a rainy day.
For a young adult novel, this is pretty good. It's not as good as "The Heiresses" in my opinion--as on my own blog, I rated it Five Moons which translates to "I love this book so much I want to marry it." While I have issues with it, it's not with Nessa. I think Nessa is very realistic teenager. She thinks she knows best but doesn't. She just doesn't realize how wrong some of her advice really is. She has good intentions, though. But a savvy reader can see the embarrassing fallout coming a mile away. And all you can do is cringe when it hits.
(Though it's not as bad as I thought it'd be).
My main problem lies with Holly Isles. She's just...not believable. At least as an adult. It dawned on me toward the end of the book that Holly would've worked better if she was the same age as Nessa. It felt weird to have a woman in her 30s taking advice from a person she thought was 16. Advice from movies that were from another time and belief system about women. Advice that is acknowledged to be a set back for women, but it is also insulting to men. Nessa's advice assumes that men can't stand women who are smarter and better than them. And if they do, are they really who Holly wants to attract--even for "fun"? I feel another teen would be more likely to fall for such bad advice and learn that it was bad advice.
It would also make how much time Holly and Nessa spend together make more sense. I haven't been on a cruise (yet) but from what I've heard from those who have, the age groups are pretty segregated. It didn't appear that there were many teens on the cruise, so I'd imagine all the crew members assigned to the teen passengers would be overattentive to her. Or that she wouldn't be allowed to constantly do the adult activities.
But when Holly is allowed to be an adult, she's pretty cool. I did see the romance coming a mile away, though.
Compared to Rushby's "The Heiresses," description is sorely lacking here. There were times I forgot they were even on a ship.
But it's good for the age group and good on a rainy day.
January 12, 2014
From page one, I could tell that DIAMONDS ARE A TEEN'S BEST FRIEND would be an adorably fun read, and my expectations were definitely met right up until the very last page. As soon as I met Nessa, a spunky thirteen year old dreamer with her head stuck in the clouds --- and in her favorite Marilyn Monroe movies (which have become a bit of an obsession in her young life, to the point that she seems to integrate her favorite scenes into her everyday life quite frequently -- with disastrous endings!), I knew that this would be a fun start to an unexpected series!
Nessa's father, a sexual sociologist (which causes unending embarrassment for his young daughter), has found inspiration in France, which will begin with observation on a cruise ship (which happens to be the current vacation spot for super hot Oscar-winning actress Holly Isles!), so Nessa has no choice but to accompany her father into another unknown land. Little did she know, though, that she would have a weird random encounter with Holly, involving her recent, painfully broken engagement, which would result in Holly naming Nessa as her new BFF (at least for her time on the cruise.)
Except, oh yeah, Holly thinks Nessa is 16 -- and so does her sexy nephew Marc, who may or may not be interested in Nessa (or at least he may be interested in the fictional, Marilyn Monroe-sque version she's presenting to him right now!)
Nessa wants to help her new friend Holly get over her broken heart, so what better plan could she find than a reenactment of her favorite Marilyn Monroe film?! Holly needs a new man -- and the cruise ship is absolutely FILLED with potential bachelors, so can Nessa stay in role without Holly, Marc, and her father thinking she's a total psycho?!
DIAMONDS ARE A TEEN'S BEST FRIEND was *adorable*! Really, I can't think of a better word to describe the little experience I had reading this novel (which I understand is the start of a series -- after finding the preview of book two at the end of this one! Yay!) This series is probably perfect for a younger teen girl, around Nessa's age, but I think it's cute enough to entertain an older teen or adult as well as long as the reader can suspend reality for a little while and embrace the adorableness for a few hours!
Thank you to the publisher for letting me read and review this book -- I definitely plan on reading book two (and however many others may be in the series, eventually!)
Nessa's father, a sexual sociologist (which causes unending embarrassment for his young daughter), has found inspiration in France, which will begin with observation on a cruise ship (which happens to be the current vacation spot for super hot Oscar-winning actress Holly Isles!), so Nessa has no choice but to accompany her father into another unknown land. Little did she know, though, that she would have a weird random encounter with Holly, involving her recent, painfully broken engagement, which would result in Holly naming Nessa as her new BFF (at least for her time on the cruise.)
Except, oh yeah, Holly thinks Nessa is 16 -- and so does her sexy nephew Marc, who may or may not be interested in Nessa (or at least he may be interested in the fictional, Marilyn Monroe-sque version she's presenting to him right now!)
Nessa wants to help her new friend Holly get over her broken heart, so what better plan could she find than a reenactment of her favorite Marilyn Monroe film?! Holly needs a new man -- and the cruise ship is absolutely FILLED with potential bachelors, so can Nessa stay in role without Holly, Marc, and her father thinking she's a total psycho?!
DIAMONDS ARE A TEEN'S BEST FRIEND was *adorable*! Really, I can't think of a better word to describe the little experience I had reading this novel (which I understand is the start of a series -- after finding the preview of book two at the end of this one! Yay!) This series is probably perfect for a younger teen girl, around Nessa's age, but I think it's cute enough to entertain an older teen or adult as well as long as the reader can suspend reality for a little while and embrace the adorableness for a few hours!
Thank you to the publisher for letting me read and review this book -- I definitely plan on reading book two (and however many others may be in the series, eventually!)
November 6, 2013
NOTE: This is an edited review. I had a different review, one that I didn't feel good about. I felt like I was too harsh and cruel and that is not what I started this blog for. I want to be honest, but I don't want to do it in any way that can be construed as mean. After I wrote the review I felt bad about it and it kept nagging at me for days and I had considered changing it. I even talked it over with some people I trust. Today I read this article and that made it final for me- I was changing it and I was going to make it more positive. I hadn't called the author any names, nor did I personally attack her in the review, it was just mean and ugly and not my style and something that Taylor Swift would sing about. I was not going lie and say that I loved the book (I didn't) but I don't have to point out every single negative thing about it, picking at all of the seams until no one in the universe wanted to read it, and completely ignore the positive either. Rushby is a great author and has great potential and deserves a chance and does not deserve a hateful review. From now on my reviews will continue to be honest, but they will also be kind. I apologize to anyone I may have offended with my first draft of the review.
Diamonds Are A Teen's Best Friend is the first book in an e-series revolving around thirteen year old Nessa Mullholland. The book is incredibly short (the nook version I read was only 107 pages) which would make it a good match for reluctant young girl readers. In fact, I read on Rushby's blog that she aimed this book at younger teens.
The story started out fun and I was really enjoying the main character. It was beginning to shape up like a nice, cute story changing the pace of the recent dystopian and fantasy books I had been reading. I even LOL'ed at one point in the first chapter! The story was not for me, though. I do believe that Rushby could possibly write some books that would hook me in the future. This story has a lot of potential to reach younger girls and pull them into reading; I would recommend it to some of my middle-school girls who are just getting into fashion and who may be reluctant to read a lengthy and intimidating-in-size book.
Like I said, this is only book one in a trilogy, but I don't think that I will read the other two. It was just not my style.
Diamonds Are A Teen's Best Friend is the first book in an e-series revolving around thirteen year old Nessa Mullholland. The book is incredibly short (the nook version I read was only 107 pages) which would make it a good match for reluctant young girl readers. In fact, I read on Rushby's blog that she aimed this book at younger teens.
The story started out fun and I was really enjoying the main character. It was beginning to shape up like a nice, cute story changing the pace of the recent dystopian and fantasy books I had been reading. I even LOL'ed at one point in the first chapter! The story was not for me, though. I do believe that Rushby could possibly write some books that would hook me in the future. This story has a lot of potential to reach younger girls and pull them into reading; I would recommend it to some of my middle-school girls who are just getting into fashion and who may be reluctant to read a lengthy and intimidating-in-size book.
Like I said, this is only book one in a trilogy, but I don't think that I will read the other two. It was just not my style.
November 8, 2013
Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend is a book I never knew existed until only a few weeks ago. Written by Australian author Allison Rushby, it's a fun read for tweens and teens and is a feel-good caper well worth reading.
As may be apparent from the title, Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend features an almost fourteen-year-old main character who might just be Marilyn Monroe's biggest fan. Nessa Joanna Mulholland has seen Marilyn's movies hundreds of times, can quote all her lines and has no problem believing her life mirrors the plot of one of Marilyn's screenplays. Nessa is a fun person to get to know throughout the book, even though she can be rash, impulsive and a tad eccentric. She means well, though, even when she's almost destroying a would-be relationship!
This first book in the Living Blond trilogy takes place on a cruise ship as Nessa and her dad are relocating to France. It's an unusual setting for a teen book but one that works well nonetheless; it allows characters to be confined with each other for extended periods of time, leading Nessa to concoct many a questionable plan in the meantime. When Nessa meets Holly Isles, thirty-something TV and film star, her life takes a turn for the dramatic and what follows is a mad few weeks!
Allison Rushby writes with a very conversational style, making the book easy to read and enjoy. I think teens will appreciate everything Nessa's going through as she grows up right before her cringeworthy dad's eyes, fielding embarrassing moment left right and centre. There's even a little bit of romance in Nessa's life, though she soon learns that love isn't all plain sailing. Existing fans of Cathy Hopkins and Cathy Cassidy will appreciate Nessa's story and I'm sure it would do well here in the UK. A great addition to fiction for tween girls!
3.5/5
As may be apparent from the title, Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend features an almost fourteen-year-old main character who might just be Marilyn Monroe's biggest fan. Nessa Joanna Mulholland has seen Marilyn's movies hundreds of times, can quote all her lines and has no problem believing her life mirrors the plot of one of Marilyn's screenplays. Nessa is a fun person to get to know throughout the book, even though she can be rash, impulsive and a tad eccentric. She means well, though, even when she's almost destroying a would-be relationship!
This first book in the Living Blond trilogy takes place on a cruise ship as Nessa and her dad are relocating to France. It's an unusual setting for a teen book but one that works well nonetheless; it allows characters to be confined with each other for extended periods of time, leading Nessa to concoct many a questionable plan in the meantime. When Nessa meets Holly Isles, thirty-something TV and film star, her life takes a turn for the dramatic and what follows is a mad few weeks!
Allison Rushby writes with a very conversational style, making the book easy to read and enjoy. I think teens will appreciate everything Nessa's going through as she grows up right before her cringeworthy dad's eyes, fielding embarrassing moment left right and centre. There's even a little bit of romance in Nessa's life, though she soon learns that love isn't all plain sailing. Existing fans of Cathy Hopkins and Cathy Cassidy will appreciate Nessa's story and I'm sure it would do well here in the UK. A great addition to fiction for tween girls!
3.5/5
November 2, 2013
I received this galley in exchange for an honest review.
Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend is a sweet, cute, middle grade read about a 13 year old girl named Nessa. Nessa is completely obsessed with Marilyn Monroe, and her father even made her go see a therapist because of her obsession! On a cruise to France, Nessa starts to notice certain parallels to her favorite Marilyn movie, Gentleman Prefer Blonds. I loved the Marilyn Monroe references! I still have yet to see one of her movies, but she is definitely an icon and I can see why young girls would become obsessed with her.
Nessa's life is about to change when she meets famous actress Holly Isles. Holly keeps having bad luck with men, so Nessa makes it her life mission to bring out her inner Marilyn and help Holly meet the man of her dreams. While some of the things that Nessa choose to do might not have been the smartest, you have to remember she is only 13, something I kept forgetting throughout the story because she said she was 16 and kept acting like a 16 year old.
Marc, the love interest fell a little flat to me. For one, he was a jerk. One minute he would be sweet and romantic and the next he was angry and acting dramatic. I lost all respect for him after he yelled at his aunt (Holly) for acting silly and having a good time. What 17 year old feels he has the right to yell at the person taking care of him? I also didn't like that he kissed Nessa. He might not have known she was 13 , but I did, and the adult/teacher in me definitely felt sickened at that part.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. At only 138 pages, it a very quick read, and I think young girls would enjoy it very much!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Diamonds are a Teen's Best Friend is a sweet, cute, middle grade read about a 13 year old girl named Nessa. Nessa is completely obsessed with Marilyn Monroe, and her father even made her go see a therapist because of her obsession! On a cruise to France, Nessa starts to notice certain parallels to her favorite Marilyn movie, Gentleman Prefer Blonds. I loved the Marilyn Monroe references! I still have yet to see one of her movies, but she is definitely an icon and I can see why young girls would become obsessed with her.
Nessa's life is about to change when she meets famous actress Holly Isles. Holly keeps having bad luck with men, so Nessa makes it her life mission to bring out her inner Marilyn and help Holly meet the man of her dreams. While some of the things that Nessa choose to do might not have been the smartest, you have to remember she is only 13, something I kept forgetting throughout the story because she said she was 16 and kept acting like a 16 year old.
Marc, the love interest fell a little flat to me. For one, he was a jerk. One minute he would be sweet and romantic and the next he was angry and acting dramatic. I lost all respect for him after he yelled at his aunt (Holly) for acting silly and having a good time. What 17 year old feels he has the right to yell at the person taking care of him? I also didn't like that he kissed Nessa. He might not have known she was 13 , but I did, and the adult/teacher in me definitely felt sickened at that part.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. At only 138 pages, it a very quick read, and I think young girls would enjoy it very much!
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
November 25, 2013
This tale follows the matchmaking misadventures of Nessa--an (almost) 14 y/o Marilyn Monroe fanatic on a transatlantic cruise. Aboard ship she's befriended by Holly Isles, movie star and jilted bride. Marc, Holly's teenaged nephew, is part swoony boy, part guard dog.
The fun begins when Nessa becomes determined to help Holly find the "Perfect Man" Marilyn-style. She comes up with a bunch of behavior guidelines for Holly to adopt--like act silly, giggle all the time, act helpless and needy--all the pre-sexual revolution standbys for attracting a mate.
It actually works, to a degree. Holly has dozens of potential suitors who can't wait for Holly to fawn all over them. But Holly's not convinced it's a great idea and Nessa is forced to agree when she witnesses the simpering in action. In fact, it's a culture shock seeing the bombshell tossing badminton games and acting subservient--so much so that Nessa tries to pull it all back.
Meanwhile, Holly seems enamored with Nessa's father, an awkward, widowed sociologist who studies human dating/mate-seeking behaviors. This cruise is actually a field study in relationships, for him. Nessa's interfering sets Marc on edge, and earns her a first kiss. There are many missteps along the way--pretty much all due to Nessa's matchmaking efforts. Much like the plot of most Marilyn Monroe's movies.
The Marilyn Monroe fanaticism is endearing, but I wonder how teens/pre-teens today will take it. Twenty-five years ago I had a girlfriend who was enamored by the Marilyn-mystique, but I wonder that she's somewhat less legendary in these times. Still, the book's a fun, innocent romp, one I think well suited to upper-MG readers, more so than YA.
The fun begins when Nessa becomes determined to help Holly find the "Perfect Man" Marilyn-style. She comes up with a bunch of behavior guidelines for Holly to adopt--like act silly, giggle all the time, act helpless and needy--all the pre-sexual revolution standbys for attracting a mate.
It actually works, to a degree. Holly has dozens of potential suitors who can't wait for Holly to fawn all over them. But Holly's not convinced it's a great idea and Nessa is forced to agree when she witnesses the simpering in action. In fact, it's a culture shock seeing the bombshell tossing badminton games and acting subservient--so much so that Nessa tries to pull it all back.
Meanwhile, Holly seems enamored with Nessa's father, an awkward, widowed sociologist who studies human dating/mate-seeking behaviors. This cruise is actually a field study in relationships, for him. Nessa's interfering sets Marc on edge, and earns her a first kiss. There are many missteps along the way--pretty much all due to Nessa's matchmaking efforts. Much like the plot of most Marilyn Monroe's movies.
The Marilyn Monroe fanaticism is endearing, but I wonder how teens/pre-teens today will take it. Twenty-five years ago I had a girlfriend who was enamored by the Marilyn-mystique, but I wonder that she's somewhat less legendary in these times. Still, the book's a fun, innocent romp, one I think well suited to upper-MG readers, more so than YA.
November 20, 2013
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT
Nessa Joanne Mulholland has a slight Marilyn Monroe addiction and she tries to channel her no matter what in a sort of "What Would Marilyn Do"system. She is thirteen and soon to be fourteen, has just shipped out to a new location with her professor father as he travels to his new job in France as well as conducting a study about vacation romances. Her whole life is turned upside down when she spots Holly Isle on the boat and Holly actually speaks to her and OMG! she befriends Nessa. Holly even has a high school aged nephew named Marc travelling with her.
In homage to Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Nessa dreams up a system to help save Holly's love life since she has just dumped fiancee number three. I know, this is a bit of an extreme fantasy that a thirteen year old girl can be BFF with a movie star but the story makes you believe it can happen and Nessa has such a good heart and brain that the whole thing seems really plausible. There is such chemistry between her and Marc and when they kissed, it was just so sweet. What wasn't sweet was when she got caught up in her lies after trying to fix Holly up with her personal paparazzi, Ted.
The ending, while a bit predictable to my grown up eyes, is just what a younger teen would demand. This is an easy to read and fun story which is perfect for reluctant readers. It is a pretty clean read with just a few kisses worked in and some mentions of adults using alcohol. Do yourself a favor and stock up on some maraschino cherries before you start this one since you will be craving them as you get into the story.
LOVED IT
Nessa Joanne Mulholland has a slight Marilyn Monroe addiction and she tries to channel her no matter what in a sort of "What Would Marilyn Do"system. She is thirteen and soon to be fourteen, has just shipped out to a new location with her professor father as he travels to his new job in France as well as conducting a study about vacation romances. Her whole life is turned upside down when she spots Holly Isle on the boat and Holly actually speaks to her and OMG! she befriends Nessa. Holly even has a high school aged nephew named Marc travelling with her.
In homage to Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Nessa dreams up a system to help save Holly's love life since she has just dumped fiancee number three. I know, this is a bit of an extreme fantasy that a thirteen year old girl can be BFF with a movie star but the story makes you believe it can happen and Nessa has such a good heart and brain that the whole thing seems really plausible. There is such chemistry between her and Marc and when they kissed, it was just so sweet. What wasn't sweet was when she got caught up in her lies after trying to fix Holly up with her personal paparazzi, Ted.
The ending, while a bit predictable to my grown up eyes, is just what a younger teen would demand. This is an easy to read and fun story which is perfect for reluctant readers. It is a pretty clean read with just a few kisses worked in and some mentions of adults using alcohol. Do yourself a favor and stock up on some maraschino cherries before you start this one since you will be craving them as you get into the story.
November 25, 2013
3.5 stars, rounding up
First, a confession. I really don't know much about Marilyn Monroe. I'm not even sure that I've seen one of her movies all the way through. I know, I know. It's a shame. (hanging my head here)
Okay, now that confession time is over, I can say that even though I don't know Marilyn Monroe quite as well as Nessa, I really didn't feel like I was clueless throughout the book. The author does a good job of explaining the Marilyn-isms. But, I would say that if you've seen any Marilyn Monroe movies, you would probably be much more in tune with Nessa.
Nessa is a quirky thirteen year old girl who is just mad for Marilyn Monroe. (did I surprise you with that sentence? ha) I love when characters have some kind of quirk that endear them to you. Nessa is smart and perhaps has a bit too much time on her hands. Her dad is sort of a fade to the background guy. Really involved in his work and maybe not so much with his daughter's coming and goings. Nessa, in typical teenage fashion, wishes she were older and gets herself into a few mishaps trying to act that way.
This book is definitely geared to a much younger crowd- early teenager- which is nice because it seems there aren't a lot of books out there geared to the younger teenage crowd (under 15-JF). This book is full of mishaps and moments that made me smile. It took me a little bit to get into the book but I found the characters to be amusing and there were several very memorable, stand out moments.
First, a confession. I really don't know much about Marilyn Monroe. I'm not even sure that I've seen one of her movies all the way through. I know, I know. It's a shame. (hanging my head here)
Okay, now that confession time is over, I can say that even though I don't know Marilyn Monroe quite as well as Nessa, I really didn't feel like I was clueless throughout the book. The author does a good job of explaining the Marilyn-isms. But, I would say that if you've seen any Marilyn Monroe movies, you would probably be much more in tune with Nessa.
Nessa is a quirky thirteen year old girl who is just mad for Marilyn Monroe. (did I surprise you with that sentence? ha) I love when characters have some kind of quirk that endear them to you. Nessa is smart and perhaps has a bit too much time on her hands. Her dad is sort of a fade to the background guy. Really involved in his work and maybe not so much with his daughter's coming and goings. Nessa, in typical teenage fashion, wishes she were older and gets herself into a few mishaps trying to act that way.
This book is definitely geared to a much younger crowd- early teenager- which is nice because it seems there aren't a lot of books out there geared to the younger teenage crowd (under 15-JF). This book is full of mishaps and moments that made me smile. It took me a little bit to get into the book but I found the characters to be amusing and there were several very memorable, stand out moments.
January 7, 2014
Nessa Joanne Mulholland has a slight Marilyn Monroe addiction and she tries to channel her no matter what in a sort of "What Would Marilyn Do"system. She is thirteen and soon to be fourteen, has just shipped out to a new location with her professor father as he travels to his new job in France as well as conducting a study about vacation romances. Her whole life is turned upside down when she spots Holly Isle on the boat and Holly actually speaks to her and OMG! she befriends Nessa. Holly even has a high school aged nephew named Marc traveling with her.
In homage to Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Nessa dreams up a system to help save Holly's love life since she has just dumped fiancee number three. I know, this is a bit of an extreme fantasy that a thirteen year old girl can be BFF with a movie star but the story makes you believe it can happen and Nessa has such a good heart and brain that the whole thing seems really plausible. There is such chemistry between her and Marc and when they kissed, it was just so sweet. What wasn't sweet was when she got caught up in her lies after trying to fix Holly up with her personal paparazzi, Ted.
The ending, while a bit predictable to my grown up eyes, is just what a younger teen would demand. This is an easy to read and fun story which is perfect for reluctant readers. It is a pretty clean read with just a few kisses worked in and some mentions of adults using alcohol. Do yourself a favor and stock up on some maraschino cherries before you start this one since you will be craving them as you get into the story
In homage to Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Nessa dreams up a system to help save Holly's love life since she has just dumped fiancee number three. I know, this is a bit of an extreme fantasy that a thirteen year old girl can be BFF with a movie star but the story makes you believe it can happen and Nessa has such a good heart and brain that the whole thing seems really plausible. There is such chemistry between her and Marc and when they kissed, it was just so sweet. What wasn't sweet was when she got caught up in her lies after trying to fix Holly up with her personal paparazzi, Ted.
The ending, while a bit predictable to my grown up eyes, is just what a younger teen would demand. This is an easy to read and fun story which is perfect for reluctant readers. It is a pretty clean read with just a few kisses worked in and some mentions of adults using alcohol. Do yourself a favor and stock up on some maraschino cherries before you start this one since you will be craving them as you get into the story
November 15, 2013
So, first off, I have to admit that I've never watched any Marilyn Monroe movies. It's probably considered blasphemy in Nessa's eyes, but, alas, the review must go on.
I didn't have a hard time understanding the plot of the story, even though I was unfamiliar with Monroe's works. It's all kind of a cute, fun read. There's some dancing and awkward situations and just a lot of smiling potential in general.
I loved how absorbed Nessa was by Monroe's legacy. It was quirky, and yet sophisticated at the same time, that a thirteen-year-old girl could be so into something that happened years before she was even born. What I didn't like about all of this though, is that at times Nessa's thoughts seemed beyond her age level. And Holly, the mega star Nessa befriends, seems like a teenager when she's most definitely not. (We never learn her or Marc's real age.) And Marc, Holly's nephew, is a little too protective of a grown woman, it was kind of strange. Also, I didn't understand how Marc and Nessa could be friends so quickly when they barely spoke to each other during the cruise.
However, all minor issues aside, this book was entertaining. I read it in less than four hours and I officially feel like a member of Marilyn Monroe's fanclub after hearing Nessa's story.
3/5 stars
*Note: I received a copy of this book to review from Netgalley. This in no way altered my opinion/review.
I didn't have a hard time understanding the plot of the story, even though I was unfamiliar with Monroe's works. It's all kind of a cute, fun read. There's some dancing and awkward situations and just a lot of smiling potential in general.
I loved how absorbed Nessa was by Monroe's legacy. It was quirky, and yet sophisticated at the same time, that a thirteen-year-old girl could be so into something that happened years before she was even born. What I didn't like about all of this though, is that at times Nessa's thoughts seemed beyond her age level. And Holly, the mega star Nessa befriends, seems like a teenager when she's most definitely not. (We never learn her or Marc's real age.) And Marc, Holly's nephew, is a little too protective of a grown woman, it was kind of strange. Also, I didn't understand how Marc and Nessa could be friends so quickly when they barely spoke to each other during the cruise.
However, all minor issues aside, this book was entertaining. I read it in less than four hours and I officially feel like a member of Marilyn Monroe's fanclub after hearing Nessa's story.
3/5 stars
*Note: I received a copy of this book to review from Netgalley. This in no way altered my opinion/review.
March 7, 2014
The thing that turned me off of the book was the format the author used everytime Nessa emailed Alexa. The email would be one long sentence down the center of the page it was quite frustrating to read so I would skip all the emails. The emails should have been in same format as the rest of the book and to make it stand out the author could have used icons and different color font. Example
a heart in front of any of Nessa emails along with pink font and a smiley face in front of Alexas email along with yellow font.
I like that the story took place on a cruise ship there are not enough stories that take place on cruise ships.
Another plus was that this story was quite humorous there were a few events that almost made me wet myself.
This story was just one big understanding.
This book revolved around Marilyn Monroe.
Even though I found this book entertaining I won't be reading the last two books in this trilogy.
I don't know how this book ended since the last chapter was done in email.
a heart in front of any of Nessa emails along with pink font and a smiley face in front of Alexas email along with yellow font.
I like that the story took place on a cruise ship there are not enough stories that take place on cruise ships.
Another plus was that this story was quite humorous there were a few events that almost made me wet myself.
This story was just one big understanding.
This book revolved around Marilyn Monroe.
Even though I found this book entertaining I won't be reading the last two books in this trilogy.
I don't know how this book ended since the last chapter was done in email.
September 13, 2016
Nessa Joanne Mulholland, Marilyn Monroe's number 1 fan, goes on a cruise to Paris and happens to meet Holy Isles, a movie star. They become friends and, as Holly confides in Nessa, they start doing all these crazy things to find Holly's PM (perfect man), just like Dorothy and Lorelei in Gentlemen Prefer Blonde. Of course, Holly has this wonderful, protective cousin... Whereas Nessa has this weird dad whose job is asking people about their sex lives.
This book was so great, it really should have more reviews. The main problem I had with this book is that the story line isn't very creative, but the writing style is so brilliant it kept me reading enthusiastically. I'm definitely going to read more of this author.
This book was so great, it really should have more reviews. The main problem I had with this book is that the story line isn't very creative, but the writing style is so brilliant it kept me reading enthusiastically. I'm definitely going to read more of this author.
February 22, 2014
Cute.
I mean it was so cute. The whole Marilyn Monroe was unique and added just that little bit more to the story. Plus the whole thing with the celebrity was super cool.
That being said, it was super predictable and that made me get frustrated with the characters. Particularly with Nessa. The way that she missed all the obvious clues towards the revealing of a particular relationship was annoying and every time you think she'll get it - she doesn't.
It was a good story, entertaining and definitely made for an easy read. I did like Nessa's character most of the time because she was fun to read about.
All in all, this was a fun read. Probably better for a middle grade reader.
3/5 comets
I mean it was so cute. The whole Marilyn Monroe was unique and added just that little bit more to the story. Plus the whole thing with the celebrity was super cool.
That being said, it was super predictable and that made me get frustrated with the characters. Particularly with Nessa. The way that she missed all the obvious clues towards the revealing of a particular relationship was annoying and every time you think she'll get it - she doesn't.
It was a good story, entertaining and definitely made for an easy read. I did like Nessa's character most of the time because she was fun to read about.
All in all, this was a fun read. Probably better for a middle grade reader.
3/5 comets
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