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Sudden Superstar

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What happens when one goes from obscurity to celebrity, overnight?

Thirty-year-old Arya Alvarez is a travel manager at Isle Z, a luxury travel company in Singapore where she creates bespoke trips for celebrities and influencers. Discretion is her specialty at work and personal life: few people know that she’s fled her home city, Manila, to get away from the scene of a devastating break-up.

When she travels to Svaneti, in the Republic of Georgia, Arya briefly encounters the mysterious Dave in a remote village high up the Caucasus mountains. Intrigued, she posts his photos on Instagram — which goes viral the very next day. Turns out, Dave is Davit Nadibaidze, a famous yet reclusive artist who’d retreated from the public five years ago and Arya is the first person to see him since he disappeared.

In less than 24 hours, Arya gains hundreds of thousands of followers. She’s deluged with invitations to talk shows, influencer parties, and celebrity junkets, all as her social media apps overflow with DMs, tags, and comments, both nice and nasty. Men are suddenly vying for her attention, including her ex, Jake.

Arya tries her best to step up, but she also struggles. What she really wants is to finally get over her painful break-up, find herself and a fresh start. But can she really, when she’s caught in this complex whirl of viral fame?

268 pages, Paperback

First published November 21, 2023

3 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Claire Betita de Guzman

9 books73 followers

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Diane RB (booksandthensome).
227 reviews9 followers
April 23, 2024
Loved this one so much! More thoughts to come ❤️ 4.5/5

Review:


Sudden Superstar is a contemporary women’s fiction that had my full attention from cover to cover. The plot was exciting! I loved how it kept on delightfully surprising me while keeping the flow logical and coherent. It stars Arya Alvarez, a manager for a Singapore-based boutique travel agency whose work allows her not only to interact but also to bond with celebrities and influencers amidst unique experiences and beautiful backdrops. Her life intertwines with a lot of interesting characters, until one day, her random post of an artist gained her accidental, worldwide fame.

I love starting over stories. I’ve always believed in the magic in new beginnings. But often, it can be preceded by failure, pain and a numbing heartbreak. And what may (partly or in major part) drive this effort to move forward- is desperation.

Early on in the book, I have already come to admire Arya - how outstanding she is at making things happen. She is highly accomplished in her work and surrounded by great people. She is in a desirable place from most people’s perspective. However, this was not exactly the case. Three years after fleeing Manila, she is yet to heal. Her grief still runs deep. And I felt that pain and longing but inability to move on. I rooted for her, big-time.

I basked in Arya’s every successful endeavor. I felt the bond she made with her clients and the people she met through her interesting work. I cheered for her together with Oliver and Nhi. I both laughed and cringed whenever she was in an awkward situation. And I feared the uncertainty when that one ghost from the past came back to haunt and somewhat destabilize her.

The whole journey of Arya- from her backstory to the end of the book- felt very realistic. The depictions were honest, raw and relatable. That Isle Z Travel Agency seemed like an actual thing. The different people introduced in every chapter have intrigued me- and their short but sweet appearances have enriched my perspective on how we all navigate this world of ours heavily influenced by social media. I gained a lot of insights about diskarte and independence- as well as about forging meaningful connections and relationships.

Sudden Superstar took me to unfamiliar destinations that awakened the wanderlust in me that I didn’t know existed. It had been the kind of escape I didn’t know I needed. Whether a sentence, a paragraph, a page or two, the vivid imagery won me over. Many of these places were new to me. And I welcomed the cool details included about places I already know. Another major takeaway is the book’s message about what traveling can mean- the life affirming and healing purpose it can serve.

I am 100 percent on board with the ending! It was a great way to cap the reading experience. And of course, I am in for more reads from the author and I scouted for her backlist titles right away ☺️

Do check out Sudden Superstar if you haven’t yet ❤️ It’s perfect to include in your summer read!




Profile Image for Nachiketh (thedocreadstoomuch).
147 reviews5 followers
January 15, 2024
Did I spend an awful amount of time on Google and YouTube looking up all the countries mentioned in this story? Did I end up getting a horrible case of wanderlust at the end of this book? Do I have an intense urge to hop on a plane and take a trip to Southeast Asia? Yes, yes and yes! I have always had a thing for books that take you on a trip around the world and if you are someone who has a penchant for travel, this book is right up your alley!

Arya Alvarez has been working for a luxury travel agency, Isle Z in Singapore for over two years after fleeing her hometown of Manila to escape the aftermath of a devastating breakup. She gets to make fancy itineraries for their influencer clients and travel the world with them! (What I wouldn’t give to live this life, haha.) On one such trip to Svaneti, Georgia (Yes, this is on my bucket list now as well) she posts a picture of a local artist at work without realising he’s one of the biggest names out there! What follows is instant fame and a roller coaster of emotions and influencer parties and being ripped apart on social media platforms, the likes of which you can’t imagine! Will Arya crumble under all that pressure, or will she manage to wriggle herself out of this mess? And what will she do when her ex suddenly makes an entry into her life again? Read the books to find out!

If you’re looking for a realistic and refreshing, fast-paced read without a boring moment, replete with sojourns in Greece, South Africa, Japan and a lot more, you’re in the right spot! You can’t help but want to go on a back-packing trip with Arya!

I am a sucker for books with great character arcs and Arya’s growth over the course of the story is commendable! Her character goes on to show the one main aspect of relationships we tend to forget: you solve problems by addressing them and NOT running away at the first chance you get; and how letting it fester can be detrimental in the long run. Kudos to the author on this realistic portrayal of relationships.

In the current era where social media is the “it” thing, with most of us living our lives online way more than we wish to, we tend to forget its not-so-great side as well. Viral social media fame can be a double-edged sword and the author hasn’t shied away from discussing the brutality of it.

However, I do wish the romance between Arya and Jake had been explored more. While the book addresses the consequences of a disastrous breakup, it would have been great to get more than just a glimpse into the relationship as well.

I am all for women friendships in books and the friendship between Arya and her flatmate-turned-bestie Nhi was definitely one to cherish! Yay for the casual queer rep as well!

Well, if I’ve convinced you enough to pick this book up, go grab a copy for yourself right away! In the meantime, I shall Google more about Palawan, Philippines and Da Nang, Vietnam!
736 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2024
Can you be a celebrity overnight? That’s what happened to Arya Alvarez when she posted in her Instagram photos of a mysterious artist she chance upon in a remote village in Caucasus mountains in Svaneti, Georgia. It goes viral and she finds out it is a famous artist who exiled himself from the world five years ago. She gains hundreds of thousand of followers and becomes instant celebrity with all invitations for interviews and events left and right. She gains the attention of everybody including her ex, Jake. The fact that Arya works in a luxury travel company based on Singapore where she moves from Manila mainly to get away from the city and a devastating break-up. She tries to forget everything and move on but with Jake’s presence, everything she works for almost three years are put to test.


I love all the travel references here in the book. Some are familiar places, some in my bucket lists and some are places I’ve only seen in travel magazines. The boutique travel agency where Arya works seems like a dream job. But of course not everything about travel is all glamour.

While the title and summary talks about Arya’s sudden fame, which I think is pretty cool, this doesn’t happen until the second half of the book. I love the concept of being a nobody to somebody in an instant because of something you did on social media. I know it can happen in real life. I just feels surreal. And while reading it, I was thinking to myself that I don’t want that to happen to me, lol!

What I am not expecting is, this book talks about a painful break-up, moving on and getting a fresh start, which is basically the entirety of the book. I understand and empathize with Arya. I can feel her grief, her betrayal, her wanting to move on but keep on falling back again. Some might think it’s too much or repetitive wherein fact it becomes a kind of process that is needed in order to get our self back, to discover ourself again and come out new and ready to face the world. While we all get hurt, get over and move on differently and at different pace, it is a phase we are all familiar with. It’s freeing once you get pass it, and it’s something you don’t want to go through again. When Arya falls back, you want to lift her up and cheer her. And when she goes through all of these and gets herself back, you want to hug her and give her a pat on the back as she deserves all the happiness.
Profile Image for Arystine.
237 reviews6 followers
March 18, 2024
Arya Alvarez is a Filipina travel manager based in Singapore. Her job is not-so-typical. She travels all over the world with celebrities and influencers based from an itinerary she customized for their clients. Arya is always ready to go the extra mile for their clients, which made her in-demand in their luxury travel agency. One day, she innocently posted in her Instagram account a photo of a long-lost artist during her trip to Georgia. In less than a day, her followers multiplied and Arya became as popular as her influencer clients. She was suddenly on the spotlight, as she gained the attention of well, almost everyone—including her ex-boyfriend who she tried to very much bury in the past.

The book is a quick read—just a little more than 200 pages—but packed with travel snippets, personal growth journey, relationship grief, and the challenges of what Arya encapsulated as to “thrive in another city other than my own”.

The book is familiar. It touches anyone who has had their hearts broken by someone they thought would be the one. I felt for Arya; how hard it is to wait for that day when you wake up and finally say that you have moved on. Was I annoyed whenever I read that Arya is still affected by her ex? No. Because I was that person. And I also remember not being able to recall when was the day that I was freed from the hearbreak. It took awhile, but the wait is so worth it.

This is an ode to women who are not afraid to keep finding themselves, to evolve and pursue happiness. Perfect for Women’s Month.💜
Profile Image for Joyce AP.
191 reviews8 followers
April 4, 2024
Sudden Superstar is a novel that caused me to remember some of the lessons I've learned in this so-called life. It employs Arya's narrative, providing insights into her journey to overcoming her painful past, current status and career, and sudden fame.

Three elements drew me to this book: it's about travel, a Filipino female MC, and the digital world.

Traveling is one thing I love and with this novel, I was transported to a bunch of marvelous places in the world. The detailed descriptions of every location left me in wonderment. It's great to imagine basking in the Mediterranean sun and being mesmerized by the Caucasus mountains. And of course, admiring the beautiful and largest island in the Philippines, Palawan. These are just a few things to mention coz this book is extensively loaded with travel adventures.

Arya’s character developed. I liked her determination to move on and do something for herself. The personal growth is well depicted. How I also like the incorporation of social media. Readers will have a peek at the world of influencers. Sharing online has become a norm nowadays. And this book reveals that technology has its downsides, but it's also not bad at all.

Overall, Sudden Superstar delivers a great story of self-discovery within the context of an adult coming-of-age fiction. I connected with Arya’s character, traveled with her, and was satisfied with the ending. A lovely reading experience!
Profile Image for Peyton715.
1 review2 followers
December 4, 2023
A book written by a chic and travel savvy author like Claire Betita de Guzman about viral social media stardom is a juicy read that I want to indulge in during the holidays. Can't wait to step into Arya's world and imagine I'm the superstar myself, because, why not?
Profile Image for Eugene  Miguel.
190 reviews4 followers
August 29, 2024
This is one of my anticipated reads for this year from Penguin Random House SEA since the plot was very interesting and this was from a Filipina Author.


This story follows Arya Alvarez, a travel manager at Isle Z, a company that arranges dream vacations for celebrities and influencers. Few people know that she's fled her home city, Manila, to get away from the scene of a devastating break-up.

During one of her trips, she has a brief encounter with a mysterious man named Dave. Intrigued by him, Arya posts his photos on Instagram, which go viral the next day. It turns out that Dave is a famous artist who had retreated from the public eye, and Arya unknowingly became the first person to see him after he disappeared.


I love the way how the author describes the settings since it was very detailed, mapapatanong ka nalang talaga na napuntahan na nya kaya to? Kaya alam nya? Or baka di totoo yung mga lugar na to.

One of the things I enjoyed about this book is also the grabeng break up na naexperience ni Arya, di mo sya masisi sa life choices na magpatuloy kase human din sya at victim din sya ng manipulative ex boyfriend nyang si Jake.
I just wish na mas matagal yung exposure nung part na yon at saka nung first interaction ni Arya at Davit. I wish there is more to it din.

I really enjoyed din how Arya went viral and how she navigated thru the “ influencer” life. The interview, the party.


There are just parts of the book where I felt ang daming unnecessary characters na di naman relevant sa plot example: yung guy na nag save sa kanya, and the guy she talked about sea urchins.

I also really didnt enjoy how it ends. It felt mid. It felt unfinished. I kinda have a glimpse of Arya’s life after what happened to her pero parang it doesnt gave me a satisfaction to the point na I will be happy for her. In my own opinion, it felt rushed.

Will i read this again? Maybe? Did i enjoy it? Somehow yes, hence, three stars.
Profile Image for bookiishreads.
147 reviews10 followers
June 10, 2024
Sudden Superstar by Claire Betita De Guzman — ★ ★ ★ ★

Tropes 🌷
- sudden fame
- social media
- travel

“Travel wasn’t the answer to your problems, nor was it a real escape. It was a way to pull back and gain a new perspective. It was a way to look at your problems from a healthy distance — and be all the better for it.” — Arya

I love how this book delves into self-discovery, moving on, and becoming the best version of oneself while dealing with a broken heart. 💗✨

As I read, I couldn’t help but think of the song “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart” by Taylor Swift. Arya is literally mending her broken heart, yet she remains productive and grateful for everything she has. 🫶🏻

The detailed travel descriptions were also a highlight. Though I’m not a traveler myself, the vivid imagery allowed me to picture all the beautiful places Arya visited. It felt so enchanting. 🌇✨

And lastly, I liked how social media was portrayed in this story. It highlights that not everything you see on social media is true, and not everyone who suddenly becomes famous wants to be in the limelight. The fresh perspective was truly enlightening. ✨

If you’re looking for a fast-paced book about rediscovering oneself and embracing self-love, this one is for you! 🫶🏻
1 review
July 29, 2024
I really love the story! Brilliant! "Sudden Superstar" by Claire Betita de Guzman is a brilliant and inspiring novel that shines a light on the transformative power of unexpected success. The story follows Arya, an ordinary woman whose life changes dramatically overnight, thrusting her into the spotlight. Through Arya’s journey, Claire beautifully explores the complexities of fame, self-discovery, and personal resilience.

What makes this book truly inspiring is its portrayal of Arya’s courage as she navigates the challenges of her newfound fame while staying true to herself. Claire’s narrative is both heartfelt and uplifting, showcasing how personal growth and authenticity can triumph over the pressures of the limelight. The novel not only provides a captivating romance but also delivers a powerful message about the strength needed to embrace change and find one's own path amidst external chaos.

"Sudden Superstar" is a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt and thrive, making it a must-read for anyone seeking motivation and a deeper understanding of self-discovery.
1 review
July 29, 2024
"Sudden Superstar" by Claire Betita de Guzman is a captivating and insightful read that masterfully blends romance and self-discovery. The novel centers on Arya, an ordinary woman whose life is upended by a sudden rise to fame. Claire’s writing is both engaging and introspective, skillfully capturing Arya's journey through the complexities of newfound celebrity.

The characters are richly developed, and the story provides a nuanced exploration of the impact of fame on personal relationships and self-identity. Claire’s attention to emotional detail and her ability to convey the pressures of stardom make for a compelling narrative. The romance element is well-crafted, adding depth to Arya’s personal growth and the overall storyline.

Sudden Superstar offers a thoughtful and entertaining look at the highs and lows of fame, making it a memorable and rewarding read for fans of contemporary romance and character-driven fiction.
Profile Image for readwithinsoul.
143 reviews10 followers
December 6, 2024
Sudden Superstar is a rollercoaster of emotions, fame, and finding yourself when everything you thought you knew is turned upside down. The story of Arya Alvarez is a wild ride from start to finish. One minute she’s minding her own business, and the next, she’s famous on Instagram because of one random photo. It’s a fascinating dive into the chaos of instant fame and how it messes with your head.

Sudden Superstar is a perfect mix of romance, self discovery, and the mess of viral fame. If you love stories about fame, self discovery, and romance then you need to pick this one up. Trust me, you won’t be able to put it down 🤌🏻🫶🏻
Profile Image for Kat Elle.
376 reviews
September 4, 2024
This book has everything I would love in a book: a female protagonist dealing with grief and healing from heartbreak, elements of reality TV and social media, and most importantly, the stunning locations she visits. But sadly, the lack of execution in the plot structure and depth bothered me throughout, including how misleading the blurb was. However, I understand why it would work for some readers and I truly wish that I was one of them. Nevertheless, I'm still very much looking forward to check the author's other books.
Profile Image for Helen Mary.
186 reviews15 followers
September 8, 2024
I enjoyed this a lot! This book was a gentle read that got me out of a reading slump. I met Ms Claire Betita at a Fully Booked panel in BGC and was drawn to her beautiful energy. I enjoyed the travel-savvy narrative which made me want to check out onsen baths and sunset views in other parts of the world. I slightly got frustrated with the male character but loved the healing journey of the protagonist.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
Author 43 books303 followers
March 20, 2024
In spite of the narrator's heartbreak, this was a lively and fun book. As a reader, I was happy to be whisked away to various elite and little-known vacation spots, along with travel manager turned reluctant influencer Arya (Svaneti, anyone?). I realized that there is a whole 'nother virtual world out there of the insta-famous that I know nothing about. Maybe that's all for the best.
Profile Image for Sulagna.
606 reviews
December 31, 2024
The book is basically what the blurb is. I expected more, about the main Lead's growth but there was none. It was a good book but there was no substance in it. I liked the author's other book Hue City much much more.
1 review
December 11, 2023
I was glued to the book, turning pages with awe as the story developed and I couldn't stop myself from getting excited. 🤩
Profile Image for Sarah W.
1,031 reviews33 followers
January 15, 2024
I enjoyed this one. Arya was already comfortable working with famous people as she is a travel agent and offered to travel with them if needed. I liked how when she became famous because of her post she didn’t let it change her. I was surprised with how much the story focused on her heartbreak but it was really relatable for me. Wanting to completely start over in a new place was not only brave but it showed her vulnerability as well. It was well written and I loved following Arya on her travels.

Thank you @penguinbookssea for the gifted copy.
Profile Image for bookishmek.
46 reviews3 followers
January 1, 2025
Sudden Superstar is a comfy book with a unique way of expressing today’s social media environment. The main character goes through a breakup while working hard to overcome her mental struggles and manage her work life.

One of the things I loved about this book is how she moves on and embraces her healing journey. The way she carries herself in the end—after becoming a sudden superstar and navigating her messy, dramatic life changes—is truly inspiring.

This book is worth reading if you enjoy stories that are unique, messy, and still give you that comforting feeling.
Profile Image for Jenelyn Leyble.
1 review1 follower
January 17, 2024
Excited to start reading this🤩Having the glimpse of synopsis its giving me the thrill to read more and know about Sudden Superstar.As a frustrated Superstar itself i want to discover how to be one.I love the cover very attractive and colorful🤩😍

Sudden Superstar goes to Melaka🇱🇷

*Sudden Superstar
Half way Book Review🤣*

Hiyahh!!!!🥳 this book is reccomended when you are travelling its good at killing time and "bagot" while sitting in the car for 4 hours going to Malaysia.As the characters inside are travelers and adventurous its really suitable when you are traveling.Reading this book I felt I traveled different parts of the world Arya brought me in Iceland,Copenhagen and back to Philippines and of course the hustling city of Singapore as well😍 Imagining eating that tapsilog I feel Im home🤣 Looking forward to explore more country as I continue reading.As a girl working under pressure I can relate to the character.
The review is to be continued after I finish reading hahaha. Only chapter 2 of the book and the exciting part has just begun 🤣
#suddensupertar
#bookworm
#bookrecommendations
#booklover
Profile Image for Jia Lee.
2 reviews
December 4, 2023
Loved it! What a relevant story... made even more relatable by the portrayal of its main character, Arya Alvarez who's suffering from a break-up and then Instagram HAPPENS!!! Viral fame is something else, and yet here we are. Arya struggles and we, willingly, struggle with her — that's despite so much travel (the gorgeous places mentioned here were outstanding and created so MUCH wanderlust in me) and a new fabulous job as a travel agent in Singapore. I love Arya's vulnerability when it came to getting over her heartbreak, and I'm quite smitten with Oliver too! Could totally relate with Arya and her fears, but also really enjoyed the viral aspect and the influencer stories that came with the plot. Felt this was a novel written from the heart, with a consciousness about the times we live in today, like social media and Instagram that we're all part of. The writing was flawless and well-paced for me. Arya's voice came through loud and clear. No one is perfect, we are all flawed, and how really do we deal with romance, heartbreak, fame and what-not in these digital times? Read this book...
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