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Mashad Family #1
Finding Famous: A Mashad Family Novel
The Princess Diaries meets reality television in a story about fame (the kind you definitely didn’t ask for), first love (the kind you didn’t even know you wanted), and most importantly, family (the kind you can’t live without).
Ever since her mom died, Josie Lawrence has been content with her safe, predictable life. She hangs out with exactly two people: her best (and only) friend, Louise, and her stepdad, Matt. She has exactly one (unrequited) crush on resident high school himbo, Isaac. And she’s fully prepared to spend the end senior year preparing for Stanford and actively avoiding anything that reminds her of her mother.
But when Josie discovers that her biological father is the recently deceased Ali Mashad—patriarch of America’s original reality TV family, dripping with wealth, fame, and Vogue magazine covers—Josie’s “predictable” life is gone quicker than you can say “you’re doing amazing, sweetie.”
Being a Mashad means that the entire world is now at Josie’s feet—desperate to dress her, to photograph her, to know her—opening a door to a world that Josie never expected to find: one with a cute guy who just might be her soulmate, three ridiculous but wonderful sisters, and answers to all the questions she wishes she could ask her mom. But the biggest question of all is: If being a Mashad is the chance of a lifetime, will Josie be brave enough to take it?
Ever since her mom died, Josie Lawrence has been content with her safe, predictable life. She hangs out with exactly two people: her best (and only) friend, Louise, and her stepdad, Matt. She has exactly one (unrequited) crush on resident high school himbo, Isaac. And she’s fully prepared to spend the end senior year preparing for Stanford and actively avoiding anything that reminds her of her mother.
But when Josie discovers that her biological father is the recently deceased Ali Mashad—patriarch of America’s original reality TV family, dripping with wealth, fame, and Vogue magazine covers—Josie’s “predictable” life is gone quicker than you can say “you’re doing amazing, sweetie.”
Being a Mashad means that the entire world is now at Josie’s feet—desperate to dress her, to photograph her, to know her—opening a door to a world that Josie never expected to find: one with a cute guy who just might be her soulmate, three ridiculous but wonderful sisters, and answers to all the questions she wishes she could ask her mom. But the biggest question of all is: If being a Mashad is the chance of a lifetime, will Josie be brave enough to take it?
416 pages, Hardcover
First published July 30, 2024
9 people are currently reading
8619 people want to read
About the author
Candice Jalili
4 books60 followersCandice Jalili is an Iranian American writer whose work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, The Cut, Rolling Stone, Elite Daily, and more. Candice lives in New York City with her husband, where she is a convenient walk away from her cousins and childhood best friend. She grew up in the Bay Area and spends hours of her days FaceTiming her parents there.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
July 11, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by Kaleidoscopic book tours.
Finding Famous is a beautiful, heartwarming, and heartfelt YA fiction book about family, friendship, and so much more.
Josie lives with her step-father Matt after losing her mother several years ago and has one friend- Louise. Josie is contented with her life, but on her 18th birthday, she receives a letter from her birth father, which turns her life upside down in the scariest but most fun and interesting way. She is now not an only child - she has 3 gorgeous half-sisters who are well known across America - the Mashads and their beautiful mother Mary. As Josie meets them for the first time and taken into the fold, she learns much about life, friendships, boys, family, secrets, power, and love.
I don't watch reality TV but if this was a show I would definitely watch it! I loved every single character and found the book warm, funny, and completely captivating. I do love a good rags to riches story, and I'd love if this had a sequel or was turned into a series as I loved it so much! If you love the Princess Diaries, coming of age stories or found family, you definitely need to pick this book up. You can thank me later.
Finding Famous is a beautiful, heartwarming, and heartfelt YA fiction book about family, friendship, and so much more.
Josie lives with her step-father Matt after losing her mother several years ago and has one friend- Louise. Josie is contented with her life, but on her 18th birthday, she receives a letter from her birth father, which turns her life upside down in the scariest but most fun and interesting way. She is now not an only child - she has 3 gorgeous half-sisters who are well known across America - the Mashads and their beautiful mother Mary. As Josie meets them for the first time and taken into the fold, she learns much about life, friendships, boys, family, secrets, power, and love.
I don't watch reality TV but if this was a show I would definitely watch it! I loved every single character and found the book warm, funny, and completely captivating. I do love a good rags to riches story, and I'd love if this had a sequel or was turned into a series as I loved it so much! If you love the Princess Diaries, coming of age stories or found family, you definitely need to pick this book up. You can thank me later.
February 23, 2025
ehhh i liked the concept of this book but there was a few main issues lol. first, why was Lou always yelling in all caps? cmon girl its giving pick atpppp....second, i feel like the author kinda took a few popular tropes and smooshed them into one book. so i liked it but it wasn't superrr unique sadly. it was giving the Kardashains with another name lol. and idk how to nicely put this buttt i wasn't obsessed with the Lgbtq+ obsessiveness in this book, hookup culture for dang high schoolers, and underage drinking...that might just be me tho. not hating this is just my opinion!! i don't feel like Lou and Josie had a realistic relationship either. there's no way a gorgeous girl is absolute die hard besties with the school loser! I'm sorry it just doesn't happen, even if i want it to lol. what i did love was the drama hahhaha!! i love books like this every once in a while bc you get family drama, romance, and found family! super fun and soapy! even tho its a longer book its a super quick read-so i'd recommend for that!!
Want to read
September 30, 2022"pitched as Keeping Up with the Kardashians meets The Princess Diaries, about a down-to-earth Iranian American teen whose world is turned upside down when her mother's death brings to light a family she never knew existed—who also just happen to be the most famous reality television family in the world.
I will never get sick of reading books about people spontaneously thrown into the spotlight, I'm sorry
I will never get sick of reading books about people spontaneously thrown into the spotlight, I'm sorry
August 10, 2024
LOVED this YA book!! Can’t wait for a sequel!!
July 4, 2024
I loved the princess diaries so when I saw this was described as the meets reality TV equivalent I just knew I had to read!
This is such a fun read following Josie as her life gets turned upside down and she gets put into the spotlight while also trying ti wrap her head around her new long lost family and deceased father. Packed with drama, friendship and there new sisters this is a read that will have you laughing out loud.
I loved the whole premise of this plot and Candice does an amazing job of executing it. You feel transported into this novel while reading and at times I forgot I was in fact reading a book. There's also some great character development from Josie and we get to see her grow as a person from the start to end of this book. A great YA that I would recommend to anyone who likes reality TV or coming of age novels.
This is such a fun read following Josie as her life gets turned upside down and she gets put into the spotlight while also trying ti wrap her head around her new long lost family and deceased father. Packed with drama, friendship and there new sisters this is a read that will have you laughing out loud.
I loved the whole premise of this plot and Candice does an amazing job of executing it. You feel transported into this novel while reading and at times I forgot I was in fact reading a book. There's also some great character development from Josie and we get to see her grow as a person from the start to end of this book. A great YA that I would recommend to anyone who likes reality TV or coming of age novels.
August 4, 2024
What a fun book! Read from front to back in one weekend.
Amazing character development and a fun plot. I’m already looking forward to a hopeful prequel and the tv or movie series thereafter.
Amazing character development and a fun plot. I’m already looking forward to a hopeful prequel and the tv or movie series thereafter.
July 25, 2024
THIS IS SO GOOD!!! I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!
The plot is amazing and I love the character development in Josie. She becomes so much independent and I really like that she becomes self -aware about things around her life. Melody, Meesha, and Mona become such good sisters to Josie and I love their bond throughout the book even though it starts off of rocky. Josie and Timmy are so cute together!! This book is awesome!
The plot is amazing and I love the character development in Josie. She becomes so much independent and I really like that she becomes self -aware about things around her life. Melody, Meesha, and Mona become such good sisters to Josie and I love their bond throughout the book even though it starts off of rocky. Josie and Timmy are so cute together!! This book is awesome!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2024
I found this book so randomly, I only picked it cuz of the cover. As I was reading this book suddenly I noticed the FMCis Persian I got so excited because I’m Persian myself I got so invested in it and didn’t feel fake to me, I just loved how our community was being represented the food, culture and music. I really really hope we get more books from this author 💕
February 5, 2025
I expected this to be a cute, fluffy read, and was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to not only be that, but also a touching story about found family and what it means to keep the memory of our loved ones with us.
April 24, 2024
Reality TV novel meets YA. Read this and fall into beloved Josie's life grappling grief, high school, and a dash of drama. Jalili built six intricate characters for us to explore. I need a book two! Thanks to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for an early read in exchange for my honest review.
July 24, 2024
I’m a big fan of the Kardashian’s so this amazing debut novel, Finding Famous was just so right for me, I knew I was going to enjoy it all. All though this novels is for young adults, it is so on trend, all women will love the glamour, fashion, of the super, wealthy family of the characters.
Let’s meet the Mashad, family, who are like the Kardashian’s, Mel, Mashad, and her sisters Meesh, and Mo, they are all famous celebrities. I just loved their life, in a beautiful mansion, and their lifestyle, with a pool, tennis courts, horse stable, cars, and a full security team. Now let’s meet, Josie Lawrence’s whose mom, died, but she still listens to a saved voicemail from her mom.
Things are looking up for Josie, with signings up to be on a longest running reality show in television history, that will earn her a staggering three million dollars. They always say you can’t choose your family, Josie finds out that her biological wealthy, famous father, is the recently deceased Ali Mashad. This could be Josie’s chance to change her lifestyle for ever, with being rich, and famous, and part of the Mashad family, with having three sisters.
Finding Famous is a splendid story from beginning to the final end, that is a well written for all readers to lavish. I hope Candice Jalili writes another fiction book soon because I am sure going to read it!
I have just ordered from Amazon Uk, a self help book titled Just Send The Text. Look out for my review, on that one!
Let’s meet the Mashad, family, who are like the Kardashian’s, Mel, Mashad, and her sisters Meesh, and Mo, they are all famous celebrities. I just loved their life, in a beautiful mansion, and their lifestyle, with a pool, tennis courts, horse stable, cars, and a full security team. Now let’s meet, Josie Lawrence’s whose mom, died, but she still listens to a saved voicemail from her mom.
Things are looking up for Josie, with signings up to be on a longest running reality show in television history, that will earn her a staggering three million dollars. They always say you can’t choose your family, Josie finds out that her biological wealthy, famous father, is the recently deceased Ali Mashad. This could be Josie’s chance to change her lifestyle for ever, with being rich, and famous, and part of the Mashad family, with having three sisters.
Finding Famous is a splendid story from beginning to the final end, that is a well written for all readers to lavish. I hope Candice Jalili writes another fiction book soon because I am sure going to read it!
I have just ordered from Amazon Uk, a self help book titled Just Send The Text. Look out for my review, on that one!
August 20, 2024
I could not put this book down! Josie is such a relatable character and the author did an amazing job with character development and highlighting the importance of female friendships! I would recommend to all my friends!
July 12, 2024
I was sent a copy of this book for review.
Josie Lawrence lives a safe, contained, and small life after her mother's tragic death in a car crash. Her only close relationships are with her best friend Louise (Lou) and her loving stepdad Matt. She harbours unrequited feelings for Issac, a jock who is dating her ex-friend and current bully. Her focus is getting into Stanford and avoiding reminders of her mother. But everything changes when she turns 18 and discovers that her biological father is Ali Mashad, the head of a beloved American TV family, who has left her millions in a trust. The catch is that she must meet her 3 famous sisters and take part in 1 season of their reality TV show to collect the money.
With a potential fortune and a new family, Josie struggles to balance the secrecy and fame of the Mashad family with her old life with Lou and Matt. She yearns for her mother's support, fixates on Issac, and questions her budding connection and attraction to Timmy, whom she meets on set. Josie must contend with her new sisters’ love lives, disparate personalities, and the overwhelming influence of their mother Mary. Will Josie lose herself in the world of the Mashads, or will she find a way to incorporate her old life with the new?
This story is like a mix of "The Princess Diaries" meets the Kardashians and it had me hooked on the drama of the Mashad family and the unfolding revelations about Josie’s father, mother, and other family members. I felt stressed for Josie, an introverted, social media-shy teenager forced into the spotlight, surrounded by cameras, and pressured into uncomfortable situations to secure her college future and support her stepdad. I didn't like Mary for most of the book for treating her daughters as commodities and for how she dealt with or spoke to Josie. The story also dealt with the important topic of losing a parent which hit close to home. Timmy is a great character, a wonderful guy, and I was rooting for him and Josie to get together from the start. Overall, it's a fun, entertaining, and emotional story about loss, grief, love, and family.
Josie Lawrence lives a safe, contained, and small life after her mother's tragic death in a car crash. Her only close relationships are with her best friend Louise (Lou) and her loving stepdad Matt. She harbours unrequited feelings for Issac, a jock who is dating her ex-friend and current bully. Her focus is getting into Stanford and avoiding reminders of her mother. But everything changes when she turns 18 and discovers that her biological father is Ali Mashad, the head of a beloved American TV family, who has left her millions in a trust. The catch is that she must meet her 3 famous sisters and take part in 1 season of their reality TV show to collect the money.
With a potential fortune and a new family, Josie struggles to balance the secrecy and fame of the Mashad family with her old life with Lou and Matt. She yearns for her mother's support, fixates on Issac, and questions her budding connection and attraction to Timmy, whom she meets on set. Josie must contend with her new sisters’ love lives, disparate personalities, and the overwhelming influence of their mother Mary. Will Josie lose herself in the world of the Mashads, or will she find a way to incorporate her old life with the new?
This story is like a mix of "The Princess Diaries" meets the Kardashians and it had me hooked on the drama of the Mashad family and the unfolding revelations about Josie’s father, mother, and other family members. I felt stressed for Josie, an introverted, social media-shy teenager forced into the spotlight, surrounded by cameras, and pressured into uncomfortable situations to secure her college future and support her stepdad. I didn't like Mary for most of the book for treating her daughters as commodities and for how she dealt with or spoke to Josie. The story also dealt with the important topic of losing a parent which hit close to home. Timmy is a great character, a wonderful guy, and I was rooting for him and Josie to get together from the start. Overall, it's a fun, entertaining, and emotional story about loss, grief, love, and family.
June 4, 2024
The Princess Diaries meets The Kardashians. What an incredibly fun YA novel that transplants an ordinary girl into reality TV with an ultra-wealthy family. She is awkward, but wears that with a badge of pride and doesn't let anyone change her. Will she fit in with her new family? Will her relationships change? All of these things are tackled.
Josie Lawrence is a high school senior getting ready to go to Stanford. While she has book smarts, she is a little behind in social/emotional intelligence. Her life is simple. She has 1 true friend, hangs out with her father (her mother died a few years earlier), and has a massive crush on a boy. Cue her 18th birthday when she finds out that her biological father is none other than Ali Mashad who has risen to fame as "the" reality TV family. He has set aside money for her (important with tuition costs) that she can only get if she spends 1 season on the TV show. But when news leaks of who she is, her life turns upside down.
I honestly don't pay attention to the Kardashians, so I don't know of all of the parallels, other than wealth, the TV show, and all of the branding that has come out of it. That is an important part of the story, but it isn't where the emotional depth is. The Mashad family is of Persian decent and the matriarch, Mary, has faced a lot of her own challenges and is trying to do the best to provide everything for her 3 daughters. All of the cultural references and choices in the book are wonderful. Josie has to navigate different personality styles, learning along the way that how people act is not straightforward and that love can be expressed in many ways. She also learns that motherhood is hard and that sometimes decisions that we think are the right way to go can hurt someone else.
This is a great book for the YA audience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for a digital review copy in return for an honest review.
Josie Lawrence is a high school senior getting ready to go to Stanford. While she has book smarts, she is a little behind in social/emotional intelligence. Her life is simple. She has 1 true friend, hangs out with her father (her mother died a few years earlier), and has a massive crush on a boy. Cue her 18th birthday when she finds out that her biological father is none other than Ali Mashad who has risen to fame as "the" reality TV family. He has set aside money for her (important with tuition costs) that she can only get if she spends 1 season on the TV show. But when news leaks of who she is, her life turns upside down.
I honestly don't pay attention to the Kardashians, so I don't know of all of the parallels, other than wealth, the TV show, and all of the branding that has come out of it. That is an important part of the story, but it isn't where the emotional depth is. The Mashad family is of Persian decent and the matriarch, Mary, has faced a lot of her own challenges and is trying to do the best to provide everything for her 3 daughters. All of the cultural references and choices in the book are wonderful. Josie has to navigate different personality styles, learning along the way that how people act is not straightforward and that love can be expressed in many ways. She also learns that motherhood is hard and that sometimes decisions that we think are the right way to go can hurt someone else.
This is a great book for the YA audience.
Thank you to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for a digital review copy in return for an honest review.
August 1, 2024
We follow Josie an eighteen year old Iranian American teen whose world is turned upside down when her mother's death brings to light a family secret she never knew existed— she’s the secret daughter of the famous Ali Mashad. The Mashad’s? Well they also just happen to be the most famous reality television family in the world. Suddenly, Josie’s living the Mashad lifestyle. She joins the reality show ‘Making Mashad’, while juggling her friendship with her friend Lou, going through the throes of young love, and building a bond with her new sisters.
I want to preface this by saying the author pulls inspiration from Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Shahs of Sunset but throw in the Princess Diaries. Josie has a makeover scene in the book that felt really early 2000’s!
Finding Famous is such a lovely coming of age story while also providing interesting commentary on reality television. The Mashad family mirrors the Kardashian family but also they are unapologetic of what they’ve accomplished. I love how we get to step into this new world with Josie and follow her journey. She’s on a path of growth and sisterhood.
I loved the matriarch Mary Mashad, comparable to the manager and entertainment industry curator Kris Jenner. She’s looking out for business interests all while protecting her family’s image, success, and finances. I also need to give a special shoutout because the inclusion of Persian food and Nowruz made me smile. Taking the time to discuss the food and painful memories of the past played such a beautiful part in this novel. Every immigrant has a story, and Mary Mashad’s story was impactful.
My favourite quote: “Trust in love. Let it fill the spaces between you and soften the inevitable blows. Because, at the end of the day, no human is ever going to love you perfectly. All you can really hope is that they care enough to try their best”.
Thank you NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for the ARC!
I want to preface this by saying the author pulls inspiration from Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Shahs of Sunset but throw in the Princess Diaries. Josie has a makeover scene in the book that felt really early 2000’s!
Finding Famous is such a lovely coming of age story while also providing interesting commentary on reality television. The Mashad family mirrors the Kardashian family but also they are unapologetic of what they’ve accomplished. I love how we get to step into this new world with Josie and follow her journey. She’s on a path of growth and sisterhood.
I loved the matriarch Mary Mashad, comparable to the manager and entertainment industry curator Kris Jenner. She’s looking out for business interests all while protecting her family’s image, success, and finances. I also need to give a special shoutout because the inclusion of Persian food and Nowruz made me smile. Taking the time to discuss the food and painful memories of the past played such a beautiful part in this novel. Every immigrant has a story, and Mary Mashad’s story was impactful.
My favourite quote: “Trust in love. Let it fill the spaces between you and soften the inevitable blows. Because, at the end of the day, no human is ever going to love you perfectly. All you can really hope is that they care enough to try their best”.
Thank you NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for the ARC!
September 1, 2024
finished this entire hulking thing in one sitting lol
AMAZING worldbuilding, context, characters!! utterly immersive and although its totally unreal, the way it's written conveys stuff in a realistic way. everything was natural asf and i loved how shit played out. no lame cliches (except miscommunication at the vv end, that was annoying, idk how mc can make meta commentary on other things like kissing -- that was funny n rlly good -- but not on her miscomm) or wtv, funny ironic humour but not the kind of privileged humour that wld turn ppl off. i feel this was also a little niche from the cultural standpoint, but it was still lovingly written and very much a slay
slay characters, their backstories r rlly good too. love how genuine the mahshad sisters are, each of them were so captivating in their own right. wished they cldve said sth abt the actual negative effect emotionally tho abt filming reality tv with yo family
really good escapism lmao, but the contrast of mc's old life and new life/blend was rlly good and interesting, didn't make it too overwhelming, slay.. idk what's up w me continuously choosing to read escapism
idk how to feel about the mc actually? sometimes u do want to root for her but sometimes shes just kinda silly and frankly unreasonable. ig she has some sort of anxiety, which wld make sense if it was stated, but if not she comes off as too antsy
i wld totally read volumes worth of just the mahshad family living lmao. they're all so unique and lovable and interesting and special and written with depth in their own right, which made the whole book work. the wedding scene was goated. anyway i love the ending & especially the little snippet at the vv end detailing mary's backstory!! so sweet!!!!!
AMAZING worldbuilding, context, characters!! utterly immersive and although its totally unreal, the way it's written conveys stuff in a realistic way. everything was natural asf and i loved how shit played out. no lame cliches (except miscommunication at the vv end, that was annoying, idk how mc can make meta commentary on other things like kissing -- that was funny n rlly good -- but not on her miscomm) or wtv, funny ironic humour but not the kind of privileged humour that wld turn ppl off. i feel this was also a little niche from the cultural standpoint, but it was still lovingly written and very much a slay
slay characters, their backstories r rlly good too. love how genuine the mahshad sisters are, each of them were so captivating in their own right. wished they cldve said sth abt the actual negative effect emotionally tho abt filming reality tv with yo family
really good escapism lmao, but the contrast of mc's old life and new life/blend was rlly good and interesting, didn't make it too overwhelming, slay.. idk what's up w me continuously choosing to read escapism
idk how to feel about the mc actually? sometimes u do want to root for her but sometimes shes just kinda silly and frankly unreasonable. ig she has some sort of anxiety, which wld make sense if it was stated, but if not she comes off as too antsy
i wld totally read volumes worth of just the mahshad family living lmao. they're all so unique and lovable and interesting and special and written with depth in their own right, which made the whole book work. the wedding scene was goated. anyway i love the ending & especially the little snippet at the vv end detailing mary's backstory!! so sweet!!!!!
November 5, 2025
Incredible book! Finished it in one sitting. This is such a fun read where I laughed out loud multiple times and teared up in the emotional moments. The author is so refreshing with her pop culture references she completely nailed it. I could rave on about how amazing this book is and how you HAVE TO READ THIS (its added to my shrine of book rereads) but I will mention my only itty bitty complaints. I felt as though * SPOILERS * …… Meesha cheating on her girlfriend was used so lightly? Especially because shes queer and she cheated on a girl with a MAN? And no one batted an eyes? Josie was so nonchallant about this when she was literally upset over her mom cheating with Ali. I did not get this. And no offense to the author, it came off a teeny bit homophobic to have a lesbian character be cheating with a MAN and then dump her girlfriend to be with him? Why add this storyline at all? Why not make it another girl? Why not just say she’s bi if you’re not going to explore the consequence of her cheating and betraying her lesbian girlfriend with her best friend? That rubbed me the wrong way. I know its not intentional to come off homophobic but it felt underhanded to make Meesha represent a lesbian turned straight like JoJo Siwa but worse because shes a cheater. Bunny was never mentioned again and then Meesha just magically made up with Josie? Mary trying to make Josie throw Meesha under the bus was bizzare I didnt get that. The only other qualm I had with this book was the dialogue sometimes was really long and felt like an interview more than an actual exhange between two people. but other than that, I LOVE THIS SERIES 💖💗💞 I will stay tuned for whatever the author writes next I hope this series gets a lot more books it has so much potentional to be an iconic staple!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
Realistic? Oh no, but I don't think most readers expect it to be. Fun? Very much.
I love the attention to family and Iranian heritage, and I adore Josie's rock solid sense of self and her determination to be just who she is, as she is. What I don't love is her absurd delusions about a nonexistent relationship when she is otherwise very smart and practical.
I love reading about an anxious character surrounded by people who treasure her and stick up for her no matter what. I wish there had been more evidence of how the new sisters are so sweet and lovely beyond the author telling me so repeatedly.
I love that even though this story is fluffy and has an easy HEA where everything wraps up perfectly, it doesn't shy away from exploring grief and loss and the complicated relationship dynamics of families.
I've never watched the Kardashians so I can't tell you how much of this book pulls from the show for material. I can tell you the story works perfectly well without prior knowledge of their lives.
One little niggle is how easily Josie accepts the lives of her trillionaire family and their extravagant wealth (built from nothing in one generation, allegedly). The author mentions Josie's activism several times, but doesn't describe her having any qualms about the ethics of her new life. Naturally that would be a bit of a downer for a fun story about living like the rich and famous, but then why make a point of Josie's activism to begin with?
I immediately went looking for a sequel because the book's subtitle makes it look like a series, and I'll happily read more.
I love the attention to family and Iranian heritage, and I adore Josie's rock solid sense of self and her determination to be just who she is, as she is. What I don't love is her absurd delusions about a nonexistent relationship when she is otherwise very smart and practical.
I love reading about an anxious character surrounded by people who treasure her and stick up for her no matter what. I wish there had been more evidence of how the new sisters are so sweet and lovely beyond the author telling me so repeatedly.
I love that even though this story is fluffy and has an easy HEA where everything wraps up perfectly, it doesn't shy away from exploring grief and loss and the complicated relationship dynamics of families.
I've never watched the Kardashians so I can't tell you how much of this book pulls from the show for material. I can tell you the story works perfectly well without prior knowledge of their lives.
One little niggle is how easily Josie accepts the lives of her trillionaire family and their extravagant wealth (built from nothing in one generation, allegedly). The author mentions Josie's activism several times, but doesn't describe her having any qualms about the ethics of her new life. Naturally that would be a bit of a downer for a fun story about living like the rich and famous, but then why make a point of Josie's activism to begin with?
I immediately went looking for a sequel because the book's subtitle makes it look like a series, and I'll happily read more.
May 15, 2025
*This book was received for free as a part of a Goodread’s Giveaway*
This book’s description compares itself to ‘The Princess Diaries’ paired with reality tv, but unfortunately the story is far more underwhelming.
The story juggles a lot of different aspects at once, and in many ways it feels as though nothing gets a proper conclusion.
Josie is thrust into the spotlight unwillingly, and only agrees to do so to get money to pay for college and help her father’s failing business, and she quickly realizes she kind of hates how the Mashad show runs.
I was assuming that either Josie was going to realize she doesn’t want to be a celebrity and somehow drop out of it, or that her presence will completely shift how the show runs and how the family dynamics worked. Instead, Josie is just pushed along a series events where people discuss family drama and bizarre love affairs to her, and it ends with Josie not really changing anything as a person or the show itself.
I see that this book is only the first in a series, but Josie’s only major arc is rejecting an objectively awful guy for an objectively way nicer guy. I was really hoping her being on the show would be more of the focus instead of her being a listener to everybody’s problems and dramas.
This would’ve been way more my style if I read this as a teen, but it’s not my taste as an older adult. If you have an older high schooler, this might be fun for them.
This book’s description compares itself to ‘The Princess Diaries’ paired with reality tv, but unfortunately the story is far more underwhelming.
The story juggles a lot of different aspects at once, and in many ways it feels as though nothing gets a proper conclusion.
Josie is thrust into the spotlight unwillingly, and only agrees to do so to get money to pay for college and help her father’s failing business, and she quickly realizes she kind of hates how the Mashad show runs.
I was assuming that either Josie was going to realize she doesn’t want to be a celebrity and somehow drop out of it, or that her presence will completely shift how the show runs and how the family dynamics worked. Instead, Josie is just pushed along a series events where people discuss family drama and bizarre love affairs to her, and it ends with Josie not really changing anything as a person or the show itself.
I see that this book is only the first in a series, but Josie’s only major arc is rejecting an objectively awful guy for an objectively way nicer guy. I was really hoping her being on the show would be more of the focus instead of her being a listener to everybody’s problems and dramas.
This would’ve been way more my style if I read this as a teen, but it’s not my taste as an older adult. If you have an older high schooler, this might be fun for them.
June 25, 2024
Thanks to netgalley for the ARC! This is probably 3.5 stars, but I can see my students giving it more stars. For any fans of shows like the Kardashians, this book will really appeal to them. You have the awkward, average girl who is struggling after the death of her mom and having a stepdad barely making ends meet who finds out she’s actually a half sibling to this rich and famous reality star family. She strikes a deal and becomes part of the show as she gets to know her new siblings. There’s some surprises for her along the way as she gets to see the connections and history of her past. It was a neat premise, and I enjoyed the connection to reality shows as those are pretty popular these days. It was also fairly clean (some profanity and descriptions of catching people in the act but nothing too graphic). I was annoyed by the main character as I struggle with females who aren’t very strong and bold (and can’t seem to just talk without blurting out goofy stuff or realize when someone is or isn’t into you), but she finds herself and her poise and strength as she goes along, so it had redeeming qualities. Some of the friends are great, though, and I liked the peek into a different culture. The ending was cute. Overall, I can’t say I loved it for myself, but I think teens will really enjoy it, and I’ll be recommending it to my students.
July 17, 2024
I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it!
Josie has a decent life. She's going to Stanford in the fall, has one best friend, Lou, a crush on her math partner, Isaac, and a great stepdad, Matt, who picked up the pieces with her after her mother's death. And also an arch-enemy, who dates Isaac...but a girl can't have it all.
That all changes when she turns 18 and finds out that her long unknown father was Ali Mashad. And that she stands to inherit a pretty large fortune..but that there's a catch, Her newly found stepmother wants her to join the family reality show for a year, get to know her three sisters, and become part of the family in order to inherit. That money would pay for college, get Matt his comedy club back and....well, it's got to be hard to turn down millions of dollars.
This is a fun book. Imagine the Princess Diaries, but with a Persian version of the Kardashians. It's kinder and gentler than a lot of YA. There is some drinking and sexual references, but nothing explict. There are many cultural references, which I quite enjoyed, which add extra flavor.
All the beats are expected, but yet they don't feel stale.
All told, I kind of think this one should be in the queue to become a DCOM or Disney movie. And I think it will be a well loved book for teen girls...and women who enjoy light, happy, romance.
Josie has a decent life. She's going to Stanford in the fall, has one best friend, Lou, a crush on her math partner, Isaac, and a great stepdad, Matt, who picked up the pieces with her after her mother's death. And also an arch-enemy, who dates Isaac...but a girl can't have it all.
That all changes when she turns 18 and finds out that her long unknown father was Ali Mashad. And that she stands to inherit a pretty large fortune..but that there's a catch, Her newly found stepmother wants her to join the family reality show for a year, get to know her three sisters, and become part of the family in order to inherit. That money would pay for college, get Matt his comedy club back and....well, it's got to be hard to turn down millions of dollars.
This is a fun book. Imagine the Princess Diaries, but with a Persian version of the Kardashians. It's kinder and gentler than a lot of YA. There is some drinking and sexual references, but nothing explict. There are many cultural references, which I quite enjoyed, which add extra flavor.
All the beats are expected, but yet they don't feel stale.
All told, I kind of think this one should be in the queue to become a DCOM or Disney movie. And I think it will be a well loved book for teen girls...and women who enjoy light, happy, romance.
Read
April 6, 20254.6.25. 8+. Lang. Pot & drinking. Sx witnessed & discussed but in humorous way.
West Coast (CA?) present day
On her 18th birthday, anxious, ordinary, bookish Josie gets a letter handed to her from her loving, supportive step-father. It's from her birth father, which is pretty shocking considering Josie's deceased mother refused to ever talk about him. Josie's shocked to discover that her father is the late patriarch of the Mashad family, reality tv stars who have been on the hit show Making Mashad for the past 15 years. Apparently, he had an affair w/ Josie's mom. Suddenly, Josie has 3 sisters (Mel positive & getting married, Meesha cold & stand-offish, Mona loving defensive) and a...sorta powerful step mom in the center: Mary. And in order to end her step-father's debts and get enough money to attend Stanford, she agrees to be on the show. Now they're filming in secret hoping no one uncovers the truth before season 16 debuts. But all the positives of money, supportive siblings, a potential love interest (Timmy), and reconnection w/ her Iranian culture also come with NDAs, big secrets, manipulation, and fake social climbers. This whole thing might not be worth it.
Kardashians + Princess Diaries. Tries to deal w/ big issues of LGBTQ+, Iranian Culture, family betrayal. But novel at its best when focusing on sugary pop.
West Coast (CA?) present day
On her 18th birthday, anxious, ordinary, bookish Josie gets a letter handed to her from her loving, supportive step-father. It's from her birth father, which is pretty shocking considering Josie's deceased mother refused to ever talk about him. Josie's shocked to discover that her father is the late patriarch of the Mashad family, reality tv stars who have been on the hit show Making Mashad for the past 15 years. Apparently, he had an affair w/ Josie's mom. Suddenly, Josie has 3 sisters (Mel positive & getting married, Meesha cold & stand-offish, Mona loving defensive) and a...sorta powerful step mom in the center: Mary. And in order to end her step-father's debts and get enough money to attend Stanford, she agrees to be on the show. Now they're filming in secret hoping no one uncovers the truth before season 16 debuts. But all the positives of money, supportive siblings, a potential love interest (Timmy), and reconnection w/ her Iranian culture also come with NDAs, big secrets, manipulation, and fake social climbers. This whole thing might not be worth it.
Kardashians + Princess Diaries. Tries to deal w/ big issues of LGBTQ+, Iranian Culture, family betrayal. But novel at its best when focusing on sugary pop.
July 12, 2024
I got a hold of this book at The North Texas Teen Book Festival in April 2024. (That's why this review is before the publishing date lol.) This book was very intriguing in the beginning, but I got kind of... bored towards the end.😅 I don't know if it's just me, but I found myself putting the book down everyday after only reading a chapter each. I sometimes put the book down for a couple days before I started again... (Sorry😬)
I did like that I was educated on Iranian culture and history, mainly because I wasn't taught about it in school. I also liked that we could see Mary's background and that she's not as perfect as everyone thinks she is. I DO feel like the main character, Josie, being introduced to fame could've been executed differently though. 🤗 The way it was executed was a little unsatisfying to me. But every book is not going to go your way lol. I loved the family dynamic about the Mashad's always having each others backs, it was very heartwarming. The romance was cute as well.
If you're reading this Candice, I hope this doesn't sound TOO harsh. I'm new to GoodReads and books in general so I'm still getting the hang of it lol. Overall, even though this took me a while to finish, I liked it. Three stars⭐️⭐️⭐️
I did like that I was educated on Iranian culture and history, mainly because I wasn't taught about it in school. I also liked that we could see Mary's background and that she's not as perfect as everyone thinks she is. I DO feel like the main character, Josie, being introduced to fame could've been executed differently though. 🤗 The way it was executed was a little unsatisfying to me. But every book is not going to go your way lol. I loved the family dynamic about the Mashad's always having each others backs, it was very heartwarming. The romance was cute as well.
If you're reading this Candice, I hope this doesn't sound TOO harsh. I'm new to GoodReads and books in general so I'm still getting the hang of it lol. Overall, even though this took me a while to finish, I liked it. Three stars⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2024
I can already think of at least a dozen of my students who will want to read this the moment it comes out. Finding Famous is the story of a girl (Josie) who finds out that she is the love child of America's favorite dad, Ali Mashad who was the patriarch of the country's most famous reality-TV family: The Mashads.
Josie had been living a relatively calm life with her stepdad, Matt, who were both just trying to hang on after a car accident claimed the life of her mother. The truth doesn't come out until Josie's 18th birthday when she receives a posthumous letter from her birth dad. All of a sudden, Josie finds out that she has three half-sisters as well as a potential fortune if she agrees to be on the family's reality TV show for one season.
During the filming of the series, Josie learns the meaning of family and navigates the life she knew versus the life she has now.
There are some clear parallels between the Mashads and Kardashians, which pulled me out of the story a tad. That being said, those same parallels will make the book even more appealing to some readers.
I wouldn't hesitate to purchase for a high school collection.
Josie had been living a relatively calm life with her stepdad, Matt, who were both just trying to hang on after a car accident claimed the life of her mother. The truth doesn't come out until Josie's 18th birthday when she receives a posthumous letter from her birth dad. All of a sudden, Josie finds out that she has three half-sisters as well as a potential fortune if she agrees to be on the family's reality TV show for one season.
During the filming of the series, Josie learns the meaning of family and navigates the life she knew versus the life she has now.
There are some clear parallels between the Mashads and Kardashians, which pulled me out of the story a tad. That being said, those same parallels will make the book even more appealing to some readers.
I wouldn't hesitate to purchase for a high school collection.
July 17, 2024
OMG!!! This book was everything I didn't know I wanted and needed in a book! I picked up an ARC at ALA because it was free and after reading the cover copy decided it might be a fun read while on my cruise ship vacation. And...I was NOT disappointed....and...it was MUCH MORE than just a light-hearted beach/pool side read. It made me LOL, SMH and even cry a little. The story of Josie and her sisters is so tender and sweet and real. Perhaps because I too struggle with my relationship with my sister but know I would do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING to protect her this book deeply resonated with me. Also as a fan of a real and VERY popular reality tv family that starts with a K....I absolutely LOVED that essential part of the storyline and how Jalili really humanizes them and shows them not just as one dimensional characters. There were so many layers to this story and I was hooked from page one. I spent a whole day doing nothing but reading while on my cruise cause I didn't want to put the book down. Definitely recommend!
July 26, 2024
If you loved Princess Diaries and possibly the Kardashians or even reality television in general then you'll love Candice Jalili's 'Finding Famous'.
Josie lives with her step dad and has just one friend, but she's quite happy with her life that is until her 18th birthday when her normal lifestyle gets flipped upside down, due to a letter she receives from her birth father.
All of a sudden she has gained 3 gorgeous half sisters known across America as the Mashads and a beautiful step mother called Mary. Josie struggles with the fame, power and secrecy within her new family and struggles to keep her step father and friend from her "normal " lifestyle within the mix as it all becomes overwhelming for her. As she was once shy and a complete introvert and now she's been thrusted into the centre of the spotlight.
I did feel sorry for Josie at times and didn't like the way Mary treated her. I really enjoyed this book and think it's a fantastic young adult story. Can see this story as a film 🎥 🎞
Josie lives with her step dad and has just one friend, but she's quite happy with her life that is until her 18th birthday when her normal lifestyle gets flipped upside down, due to a letter she receives from her birth father.
All of a sudden she has gained 3 gorgeous half sisters known across America as the Mashads and a beautiful step mother called Mary. Josie struggles with the fame, power and secrecy within her new family and struggles to keep her step father and friend from her "normal " lifestyle within the mix as it all becomes overwhelming for her. As she was once shy and a complete introvert and now she's been thrusted into the centre of the spotlight.
I did feel sorry for Josie at times and didn't like the way Mary treated her. I really enjoyed this book and think it's a fantastic young adult story. Can see this story as a film 🎥 🎞
February 4, 2025
I am obsessed with this book!
It what everything I needed from a YA novel, honestly. The drama, the friendships, relationships and everything in between.
Think of the Mashads as the Iranian Kardashians, I was hooked.
Finding Famous is a well written fast paced book with multiple sub plots so there was never a dull moment.
I've been reading so many books recently with really heavy political topics that it's been so good to enjoy something lighter. It honestly had me hooked from the very first chapter.
I am so here for the Iranian representation especially as the author is Iranian American.
I honestly low key wish I could be thrust in at the deep end into a dramatic sisterhood.
Overall this was just such a fun book, I loved every single page and I absolutely need more of the Mashads!
And just a quick side note, the descriptions of the food has me starving! It all sounds so good. I absolutely need to check out Persian food!
It what everything I needed from a YA novel, honestly. The drama, the friendships, relationships and everything in between.
Think of the Mashads as the Iranian Kardashians, I was hooked.
Finding Famous is a well written fast paced book with multiple sub plots so there was never a dull moment.
I've been reading so many books recently with really heavy political topics that it's been so good to enjoy something lighter. It honestly had me hooked from the very first chapter.
I am so here for the Iranian representation especially as the author is Iranian American.
I honestly low key wish I could be thrust in at the deep end into a dramatic sisterhood.
Overall this was just such a fun book, I loved every single page and I absolutely need more of the Mashads!
And just a quick side note, the descriptions of the food has me starving! It all sounds so good. I absolutely need to check out Persian food!
July 2, 2024
What a wonderful, quirky and fun coming of age book. Without throwing things in your face, this book touches on so many teen anxieties and issues, from bullying, lost friends, family losses, money worries, changes in friend groups, make up and trends and the inevitable - being scorned by someone you like, a lot. Plus, it really shows you the issues with kids having so much access to social media, to post videos of each other, at our low st moments.
But...in the same breath, this book is also light-hearted, shares fun and love and adoption success and so many b dutifully wonderful things. When Josie's life changes, we get to go along for the ride and it is such a an interesting and sometimes funny experience. It was wonderful to see how it affected and changed her and what that meant for her life. I really loved this book so much.
But...in the same breath, this book is also light-hearted, shares fun and love and adoption success and so many b dutifully wonderful things. When Josie's life changes, we get to go along for the ride and it is such a an interesting and sometimes funny experience. It was wonderful to see how it affected and changed her and what that meant for her life. I really loved this book so much.
July 9, 2024
Thanks to Kalediscopetours and Candice Jalili for my copy of Finding Famous, a Mashad Family Novel.
I have to say, this is one of my top reads so far this year. I have absolutely loved every moment of this book, following Josie on her journey from being a shy teen to becoming a member of one of the most famous families in the world. She discovers her biological dad was a Mashad on her 18th birthday after her mom had already passed and her stepdad, Matt, is looking after her.
I love seeing the dynamics of how the families are interacting with each other and how being a Mashad and famous is making Josie feel. I love the relationships she gains with her sister and Mary. My favourite has to be Timmy, but you'll have to read to find out why.
#FindingFamous #Kalediscopetours #CandiceJalili #FamilyNovel #IdentityJourney #FameAndFamily #CharacterDevelopment #EmotionalDepth #PageTurner
I have to say, this is one of my top reads so far this year. I have absolutely loved every moment of this book, following Josie on her journey from being a shy teen to becoming a member of one of the most famous families in the world. She discovers her biological dad was a Mashad on her 18th birthday after her mom had already passed and her stepdad, Matt, is looking after her.
I love seeing the dynamics of how the families are interacting with each other and how being a Mashad and famous is making Josie feel. I love the relationships she gains with her sister and Mary. My favourite has to be Timmy, but you'll have to read to find out why.
#FindingFamous #Kalediscopetours #CandiceJalili #FamilyNovel #IdentityJourney #FameAndFamily #CharacterDevelopment #EmotionalDepth #PageTurner
January 3, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Disney Audiobooks Hyperion for an early audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
Absolutely delightful audiobook. I think that this is one of the books that is even better to listen too. I could listen to Awni Abdi-Bahri all day.
Josie is a high school senior who lives with her stepdad after the death of her mother several years ago. She never knew who her birth father was but finds out on her 18th birthday it was the patriarch of this Kardashian type reality tv family who also died a few years ago. Josie is encouraged to meet her sisters and join the latest season of their show. Josie is wonderfully genuine and slightly awkward and I loved her. I also loved how the sisters all were very warm in welcoming her. I can't wait to read Candice Jalili's books in the future.
4.5 stars
Absolutely delightful audiobook. I think that this is one of the books that is even better to listen too. I could listen to Awni Abdi-Bahri all day.
Josie is a high school senior who lives with her stepdad after the death of her mother several years ago. She never knew who her birth father was but finds out on her 18th birthday it was the patriarch of this Kardashian type reality tv family who also died a few years ago. Josie is encouraged to meet her sisters and join the latest season of their show. Josie is wonderfully genuine and slightly awkward and I loved her. I also loved how the sisters all were very warm in welcoming her. I can't wait to read Candice Jalili's books in the future.
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