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Diary of a Teenage Girl #14
A Not-So-Simple Life
Fifteen-year-old Maya Stark seems to have it all–fame, fortune, a Beverly Hills lifestyle, and an eighties pop star dad who’s making a comeback. But looks can be deceiving, and on the inside, Maya is miserable. Her parents are divorced, her dad is away on tour, and being biracial, she struggles with her identity. Then, to make matters worse, her mother has returned to using drugs and is quickly depleting their finances. In a plan to become emancipated from her messed-up mom, Maya takes a job on Rodeo Drive. Selling designer clothes compromises Maya’s earth-friendly “green girl” values, but she is desperate.
Just when Maya thinks she’s got it all worked out, her life caves in. Her mom “embezzles” Maya’s savings and is later arrested on DUI and cocaine possession charges and is facing jail time. With nowhere to live, Maya is sent to spend the summer with her relatives. In the collision of two very different worlds, Maya must figure out where she fits in–or does she fit in at all?
Just when Maya thinks she’s got it all worked out, her life caves in. Her mom “embezzles” Maya’s savings and is later arrested on DUI and cocaine possession charges and is facing jail time. With nowhere to live, Maya is sent to spend the summer with her relatives. In the collision of two very different worlds, Maya must figure out where she fits in–or does she fit in at all?
248 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2008
10 people are currently reading
661 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
418 books3,238 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 30, 2009
I was very pleased with this book until the last few chapters. The
book is written in a diary format, which adds to the interest for young people. The character of Maya is very interesting - mature for her age and very idealistic. She has a boatload of troubles, but handles herself with aplomb.
The book bites the dust in the last few chapters because it suddenly becomes "Christian fiction". While the bulk of the story demonstrates Maya's fierce independence, suddenly her problems all wrap-up fairly neatly when she finds God. I'm not opposed to Christian fiction, but in this particular book, it comes way out of left field. As I read the blurbs about her other books, it became clear that she typically writes Christian fiction, but nothing in this books blurbs would indicate that. It almost seems as if the author was almost finished with the book and suddenly remembered she was supposed to include a religious storyline. It seems tacked on and improbable.
book is written in a diary format, which adds to the interest for young people. The character of Maya is very interesting - mature for her age and very idealistic. She has a boatload of troubles, but handles herself with aplomb.
The book bites the dust in the last few chapters because it suddenly becomes "Christian fiction". While the bulk of the story demonstrates Maya's fierce independence, suddenly her problems all wrap-up fairly neatly when she finds God. I'm not opposed to Christian fiction, but in this particular book, it comes way out of left field. As I read the blurbs about her other books, it became clear that she typically writes Christian fiction, but nothing in this books blurbs would indicate that. It almost seems as if the author was almost finished with the book and suddenly remembered she was supposed to include a religious storyline. It seems tacked on and improbable.
March 17, 2019
The start of this book is rough. Maya's life is one I wouldn't wish on anybody. Despite her dire circumstances, she proves to be a likable heroine...and, by the last page, the story becomes more uplifting. Can't wait to read the sequels!
December 1, 2012
This story was incredibly edgy, but that's what made it real. And the cool thing is that I read the second book first so I got to see her after she became a Christian. She is still learning what that means all through the next book. She struggles with things like real people do even after they find faith. Anyway, back to this book, which is the first in the series... Maya's feelings are so real. She sounds so much like a teenager even down to the honest thoughts and feelings about her parents.
There is no attempt by the author to be politically correct. I appreciated that a lot. I also liked that she was trying to find who she was and become independent, but at the same time she just wanted to be loved and live a normal life in a regular family. Given her background, I could see the appeal of having a simple life.
I loved the fight scene with her mom where her dad came and rescued her before they killed each other. I sensed the real emotion in that one. And even the desire to commit suicide made sense. Very realistic reactions and emotions in this book. Maya sounded just like a hurt, confused, depressed and hopeless-feeling teen would think and feel. Yet she doesn't follow through for good reasons. She knew she was missing something...peace...and where to find it. Well done!
There is no attempt by the author to be politically correct. I appreciated that a lot. I also liked that she was trying to find who she was and become independent, but at the same time she just wanted to be loved and live a normal life in a regular family. Given her background, I could see the appeal of having a simple life.
I loved the fight scene with her mom where her dad came and rescued her before they killed each other. I sensed the real emotion in that one. And even the desire to commit suicide made sense. Very realistic reactions and emotions in this book. Maya sounded just like a hurt, confused, depressed and hopeless-feeling teen would think and feel. Yet she doesn't follow through for good reasons. She knew she was missing something...peace...and where to find it. Well done!
March 14, 2009
Maya Stark is the daughter of famous Nick Stark and former actress Shannon. She has a not-so-simple life due to the drugs/alcohol her mother constantly consumes. Maya is a very resilient person and shows intelligence in times of trouble (for a teen). I don't like the ending much because Melody Carlson injects religion into it and wraps up the book with a pink fat bow.
April 8, 2020
I really like how Maya writes and her sassiness
November 25, 2008
"These two things I know for sure: (1) nothing about life is fair, and (2) it is not going to get better."
Not a great outlook for a fifteen-year-old girl, is it? But Maya Stark, the biracial heroine of Melody Carlson's latest book, A Not-So-Simple-Life is completely justified in her pessimistic opinion. On the outside, Maya's life is enviable. She lives in a Hollywood mansion, her mother is a beautiful former starlet, and her father is a rock star. Really, a rock star! But behind the facade Maya's life is an ongoing nightmare. Her dad is on the road, and therefore nonexistent. Her drug addict mother is unpredictable and unreliable. Maya is on her own in a scary, sometimes abusive world that is totally alien to most of us, and yet hauntingly familiar at the same time.
That sounds really dark, doesn't it? But the book isn't dark. It's gritty, but Maya's personality rescues the stark surroundings, and her determination to succeed won me over from the very beginning. I loved her "Green Tips," such simple wisdom as not letting the water run while you brush your teeth. And I loved Maya. She's a unique, unforgettable personality.
I was honored to have the opportunity to endorse this book. I'll let my endorsement speak for itself:
"As Maya Stark pours her heart out in her journal, readers are treated to an inside view of a life that is at times exotic and unfamiliar, and at other times hauntingly similar to our own. Maya’s struggles become our struggles, her pain our pain, which makes her successes even sweeter. A Not-So-Simple Life is another triumph for Melody Carlson."
Not a great outlook for a fifteen-year-old girl, is it? But Maya Stark, the biracial heroine of Melody Carlson's latest book, A Not-So-Simple-Life is completely justified in her pessimistic opinion. On the outside, Maya's life is enviable. She lives in a Hollywood mansion, her mother is a beautiful former starlet, and her father is a rock star. Really, a rock star! But behind the facade Maya's life is an ongoing nightmare. Her dad is on the road, and therefore nonexistent. Her drug addict mother is unpredictable and unreliable. Maya is on her own in a scary, sometimes abusive world that is totally alien to most of us, and yet hauntingly familiar at the same time.
That sounds really dark, doesn't it? But the book isn't dark. It's gritty, but Maya's personality rescues the stark surroundings, and her determination to succeed won me over from the very beginning. I loved her "Green Tips," such simple wisdom as not letting the water run while you brush your teeth. And I loved Maya. She's a unique, unforgettable personality.
I was honored to have the opportunity to endorse this book. I'll let my endorsement speak for itself:
"As Maya Stark pours her heart out in her journal, readers are treated to an inside view of a life that is at times exotic and unfamiliar, and at other times hauntingly similar to our own. Maya’s struggles become our struggles, her pain our pain, which makes her successes even sweeter. A Not-So-Simple Life is another triumph for Melody Carlson."
January 29, 2015
The third book I've read of the amazing author, Melody Carlson.
"A Not-So-Simple Life" is the first Diary of a Teenage Girl starring Maya. Maya is a really believable girl and as I was reading I actually read how I imagined Maya to talk - it was surprising and so I really connected with her diary at a more personal level.
The Basic Story-line:
Maya, is struggling with her drug/alcohol-abusive mother. She fights to keep her annoyance and anger at her mother's childish behaviour down, and begins her diary depressed. Maya finds she is wanted as a model after working at her first ever job in a boutique, and begins the modelling experience for money, as her mother is no help and wastes all the family's cash on feeding her alcohol addictions. Maya's father is a kind of 'star' in the music industry at this time, by the way. I'll not reveal any more.
It was easy to love Maya and encouraging to hear her feelings on paper change from negative to positive. Maya's diary entries keep you attached to the story - you just HAVE to come back for another entry. Maya can be related to because of her human feelings and defined personality. Whether you share her green approaches or not (I actually do like her 'green' attitude), Maya is an easily liked character.
The end of this book leaves you excited about what will happen next in Maya's life and eager to read her next diary. (Or to read another Diary of a Teenage Girl book).
"A Not-So-Simple Life" is the first Diary of a Teenage Girl starring Maya. Maya is a really believable girl and as I was reading I actually read how I imagined Maya to talk - it was surprising and so I really connected with her diary at a more personal level.
The Basic Story-line:
Maya, is struggling with her drug/alcohol-abusive mother. She fights to keep her annoyance and anger at her mother's childish behaviour down, and begins her diary depressed. Maya finds she is wanted as a model after working at her first ever job in a boutique, and begins the modelling experience for money, as her mother is no help and wastes all the family's cash on feeding her alcohol addictions. Maya's father is a kind of 'star' in the music industry at this time, by the way. I'll not reveal any more.
It was easy to love Maya and encouraging to hear her feelings on paper change from negative to positive. Maya's diary entries keep you attached to the story - you just HAVE to come back for another entry. Maya can be related to because of her human feelings and defined personality. Whether you share her green approaches or not (I actually do like her 'green' attitude), Maya is an easily liked character.
The end of this book leaves you excited about what will happen next in Maya's life and eager to read her next diary. (Or to read another Diary of a Teenage Girl book).
October 14, 2009
Maya Stark might have a celebrity dad and live in Beverly Hills, but that doesn’t mean her life is easy. Her parents are divorced, her dad is touring, and her mom is on and off the drug and alcohol wagon so often Maya never knows who to expect. The problems with her mom force Maya to be the adult in the family. She cooks and cleans and hides what money she can from her mom. It’s not enough. Despite Maya’s earth-friendly values, she gets a job at an upscale clothing boutique in Beverly Hills. Her plan: save up enough money to get legally emancipated from her parents so she can take charge of her life.
But just when Maya thinks it’s all going to work out, life falls apart. She has no choice but to spend the rest of the summer with her cousin. Will Maya ever find home sweet home?
A Not So Simple Life was a great read. Maya drew me into her world. I loved seeing her fight for her freedom and stand up to her parents. Despite her attempts, she’s proof that we cannot control what happens in our life. That only God is in control. It was a relief to see Maya figure that out. I hope more of us do. Melody Carlson is off to another great series with Maya. Highly recommended.
But just when Maya thinks it’s all going to work out, life falls apart. She has no choice but to spend the rest of the summer with her cousin. Will Maya ever find home sweet home?
A Not So Simple Life was a great read. Maya drew me into her world. I loved seeing her fight for her freedom and stand up to her parents. Despite her attempts, she’s proof that we cannot control what happens in our life. That only God is in control. It was a relief to see Maya figure that out. I hope more of us do. Melody Carlson is off to another great series with Maya. Highly recommended.
January 6, 2010
A Not-So-Simple Life is about a girl named Maya Stark and her parents are divorced. Maya lives with her Mom who will not stop going to insane drug party`s and is usually gone for a week leaving Maya home alone. Maya`s Dad is Nick Stark a famous singer and Maya will do anything to live with her amazing Dad... the only problem is that Maya`s Dad is always on tour and he would have no time to take care of Maya so that leaves Maya with her crazy Mom. To get all this stress off Maya`s back, Maya decides to go get a job at a clothing store. Every time Maya gets back home from her job her Mom is either out doing drugs or her Mom is home but demands Maya`s money that Maya got from her job. One night her Mom goes insane with the drinking problem and Maya decides that that is too much for her to handle! Will Maya ever really live with one of her busy parents? Or will she stay with her crazy Mom for the rest of her life?
June 10, 2009
This is the first book in the Diary of a Teenage Girl series I've read, and also the first book by this author.
I was so anxious to see what would happen next that I read the book extremely quickly. I can't imagine growing up in a home like Maya, but I am amazed at how she pulled through and now has a chance for a more normal, stable life.
I am ready to read the next in the series! Also - the green tips were fun. Obvious, but fun. I am kind of over the green thing, though. I mean, I want to save the planet, too, but there comes a point when I wonder about the motivation of others. Do you really care, or do you just want to be hip?
I was so anxious to see what would happen next that I read the book extremely quickly. I can't imagine growing up in a home like Maya, but I am amazed at how she pulled through and now has a chance for a more normal, stable life.
I am ready to read the next in the series! Also - the green tips were fun. Obvious, but fun. I am kind of over the green thing, though. I mean, I want to save the planet, too, but there comes a point when I wonder about the motivation of others. Do you really care, or do you just want to be hip?
June 16, 2009
This Diary of a Teenage Girl was different from the Kim or the Chloe series (haven't read the Caitlin series yet).
It was still good, but pretty edgy.
Sure, lots of girls have Maya's problem (in fact I know one), but I hear about it so much that I don't like to keep reading stuff about it.
Anyways, Maya's mother is an drug addict,her father's away on tour, and Maya wants to live on her own. But in doing so, she gotta learn the art of being humble.
It was a bit slow at times, but finishable (can I make-up that word?). Hopefully the second one, It's a Green Thing will be better.
REVIEW BY MORGAN
It was still good, but pretty edgy.
Sure, lots of girls have Maya's problem (in fact I know one), but I hear about it so much that I don't like to keep reading stuff about it.
Anyways, Maya's mother is an drug addict,her father's away on tour, and Maya wants to live on her own. But in doing so, she gotta learn the art of being humble.
It was a bit slow at times, but finishable (can I make-up that word?). Hopefully the second one, It's a Green Thing will be better.
REVIEW BY MORGAN
August 30, 2025
A Not-So-Simple Life (Diary of a Teenage Girl) is a really good book with a really long title.
I love the Christain theme is has throughout the book (was NOT quite found in the last book I read) and Melody is a good writer. I did find a few major mistakes (not major major, things like a 1 instead of an I.)
Overall it was a good book and one I think my friends would love, so look into it!
Note: this book does have some mature topics (abuse (not Maya), drugs, jail etc.) Definitely, check into that or ask me more if you are under 14ish. (really depends on what you usually read and your maturity level, plus your parents)
I love the Christain theme is has throughout the book (was NOT quite found in the last book I read) and Melody is a good writer. I did find a few major mistakes (not major major, things like a 1 instead of an I.)
Overall it was a good book and one I think my friends would love, so look into it!
Note: this book does have some mature topics (abuse (not Maya), drugs, jail etc.) Definitely, check into that or ask me more if you are under 14ish. (really depends on what you usually read and your maturity level, plus your parents)
May 25, 2011
Another great book from Melody Carlson. The main character Maya is a mess. Her mother is a drug addict and goes on 3 to 5 day binges leaving Maya home to handle everything. Her father lives far away and is too busy with his music career to be around. Maya ends up trying to work and get emanicipation from her parents. She stays with her dad for a few months then goes back to her moms until her mom gets arrested for drugs. She goes to stay with her cousin and uncle until she can decided what to do next. It was a great story and reminds us that without God our lives are mess.
October 28, 2012
Wow. This book touches your heart. The main character, Maya, is going through a really rough time. Her dad never has any time for her and her mom does drugs and depends on Maya for everything. Maya is someone you can really connect with, even when your life does not match her own. Very sweet book and I loved it.
March 24, 2017
The was such a great book! It is very heartwarming. When I was at the library I was happy to see another Diary of a Teenage Girl character. I love reading them. The girls seem so real and they go through real life problems they have to face. I love Maya, she is such a great character. To see her overcome all of the challenges she faced in life was great.
April 11, 2013
This book to me was very enlightening. I've read twice already and each time I enjoyed every bit. I believe I liked it so much because I could relate to how she felt. I loved the story line about her parents. This book is a great book to read.
August 9, 2008
I loved this. Quite different from the others in the series but still so amazing. If you haven't yet, I recommend reading these books whole-heartedly!
March 26, 2009
I am Maya! For the most part...
April 24, 2009
The diary series are starting to fall a little flat. Nonetheless, Maya's first diary was much better than all 3 of Kim's.
May 1, 2009
This book was so good. It gelped me to realize that we never really know what someone is going through until you know them.
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March 22, 2010F CAR doatg maya bk.1
October 28, 2011
All of Melody's books that I've read have been great, and this one was no different. :)
January 4, 2012
This book was an enjoyable read and I liked Maya as a character and understood her struggles however, it seemed liked religion was thrown in at the end in a way that threw me off.
September 4, 2015
Ehhh it was okay. Not my type of book but still pretty good. No desire to read the next one if there's a sequel though.
February 13, 2013
Pretty pessimistic beginning, but its a novel about hope.
I hate the title and the cover.
I hate the title and the cover.
September 26, 2013
one of carlsons bet I think. Your heart bleeds for maya and yet you cheer her on!
October 5, 2014
I liked this book, but i think I preferred the caitlin series. They'll probs get better though.
July 13, 2011
I like maya's new job and her hippy ways!
July 3, 2013
Very interesting I like how aware she is about how she effects the environment.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews