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Finding Forever: A Deadline Diaries Exclusive
In this YA series, Brooklyn Brant is a celebrity news blogger dying to have her big break. Her blog, Deadline Diaries, features the clickbait hook-ups, break-ups, and screw-ups of the Hollywood glitterati, but she has yet to nab the one juicy scoop that will establish her as the ultimate insider.
Actress Taylor Prince is America’s sweetheart—beautiful, talented, successful, and sober. With a Golden Globe win, Oscar nom, clothing and fragrance line, and too many magazine covers to count, Taylor is ready to celebrate her sixteenth birthday with a big poolside bash. However, she is not prepared for a police raid and blacking out in the arms of a dangerously handsome stranger.
Brooklyn is called by Taylor’s assistant to locate the missing starlet under the radar and on a very tight deadline. And she will need both her sleuthing and journalistic skills to solve the mystery and get the story of a lifetime.
In this suspenseful, dual narrative thriller alternating between the perspectives of Brooklyn and Taylor, author Ken Baker uses his in-depth experience with celebrity journalism and behind-the-scenes truths to explore the ugly underbelly of Hollywood’s obsession with finding the ever elusive fountain of youth.
[Excerpt:]
“Sources are to a news-breaking blogger what water is to a plant: Everything but the sun.”
- GenresYoung AdultFiction
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2015
6 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 20, 2015
I need to admit, that at first glance I wasn't sure I would love this (and I remember feeling the same about How I got Skinny) but knew that I had previously enjoyed Baker's writing so I wanted to give this a go. I am so glad that I did.
Immediately, I was hooked into the story and the characters, not to mention the format. I didn't feel an immediate tug for Taylor, but I did for Brooklyn. Her opening story just seemed to pull at me. Then, as I got further into the story and learned more about Taylor (and Brooklyn), I found myself rooting for both girls. The remaining cast of characters were also intriguing, especially Simone. I didn't find myself caring much about Brooklyn's just-friend Holden, but I did like how it added depth to her character and it gave her more footing for being relate-able to the teenage reader.
As the characters were quickly developing, so was a major mystery - what happened to Taylor? As Brooklyn, Simone, and Holden dive headfirst into uncovering the truth, the reader has the knowledge of what is the truth behind Taylor's rehab stint. It is nerve wracking (I was thinking often "c'mon guys, connect the dots"!) and terrifying (thinking "seriously, what is wrong with this rehab?!) at the same time. I felt compelled to reach out and give Brooklyn those tidbits she was missing. The book draws you in and keeps your heart racing as you guess at the next crazy turn in rehab and the next twist in the investigative reporting that Brooklyn is conducting.
As I sat on the edge of my seat and furiously turned the pages to find out what would happen next, I never realized, until reflecting on the book, how tongue in cheek this book was. It is a commentary on the reality of stardom, wrapped into a great mystery. I feel like sitting around in a book club with this book, we could discuss for hours the impact of social media on celebrity and society as a whole. As well as fear mongering and the health cult mentality- especially when it swirls out of control.
The book format lent itself to both plot and character development, as well as keeping the pace fast but not so much so that the reader gets lost in a mess of information. It is written in dual perspective- that of Taylor's and Brooklyn's. The girls both have voice and their own way of telling the story. Not only do they have distinctive voices, but the physical look helps too. The girl's voices are split with each coming in under a heading- much like you'd see in social media. It has a date, timestamp, and location. It makes it easy to follow and adds visual interest as well.
The books concludes well too- often times, a series will have poorly written endings for each book which can either intrigue the reader to read on or turn the reader off from exploring more of the series titles. Finding Forever balances a clean ending with just enough to make me want to read the next in the series. Baker gives enough of a hook in the ending to make me want to continue to follow Brooklyn to find out more about her and her backstory, as well as where she is going in the world of investigative journalism. I will absolutely be reading the next in the series, after experiencing how thrilling this title was.
Overall, a highly recommended book. I would definitely offer this up to those looking for a fast paced mystery in the teen market, and will absolutely be suggesting it to my teenage students to pick up. Not only do I think they will enjoy it, I think it could very well inspire readers to pick up journalism. It removes the stigma and adds excitement. This is a great book and I am so glad I got to read it! I'm not a big 5-star giver, but this one certainly earned it!!!
Immediately, I was hooked into the story and the characters, not to mention the format. I didn't feel an immediate tug for Taylor, but I did for Brooklyn. Her opening story just seemed to pull at me. Then, as I got further into the story and learned more about Taylor (and Brooklyn), I found myself rooting for both girls. The remaining cast of characters were also intriguing, especially Simone. I didn't find myself caring much about Brooklyn's just-friend Holden, but I did like how it added depth to her character and it gave her more footing for being relate-able to the teenage reader.
As the characters were quickly developing, so was a major mystery - what happened to Taylor? As Brooklyn, Simone, and Holden dive headfirst into uncovering the truth, the reader has the knowledge of what is the truth behind Taylor's rehab stint. It is nerve wracking (I was thinking often "c'mon guys, connect the dots"!) and terrifying (thinking "seriously, what is wrong with this rehab?!) at the same time. I felt compelled to reach out and give Brooklyn those tidbits she was missing. The book draws you in and keeps your heart racing as you guess at the next crazy turn in rehab and the next twist in the investigative reporting that Brooklyn is conducting.
As I sat on the edge of my seat and furiously turned the pages to find out what would happen next, I never realized, until reflecting on the book, how tongue in cheek this book was. It is a commentary on the reality of stardom, wrapped into a great mystery. I feel like sitting around in a book club with this book, we could discuss for hours the impact of social media on celebrity and society as a whole. As well as fear mongering and the health cult mentality- especially when it swirls out of control.
The book format lent itself to both plot and character development, as well as keeping the pace fast but not so much so that the reader gets lost in a mess of information. It is written in dual perspective- that of Taylor's and Brooklyn's. The girls both have voice and their own way of telling the story. Not only do they have distinctive voices, but the physical look helps too. The girl's voices are split with each coming in under a heading- much like you'd see in social media. It has a date, timestamp, and location. It makes it easy to follow and adds visual interest as well.
The books concludes well too- often times, a series will have poorly written endings for each book which can either intrigue the reader to read on or turn the reader off from exploring more of the series titles. Finding Forever balances a clean ending with just enough to make me want to read the next in the series. Baker gives enough of a hook in the ending to make me want to continue to follow Brooklyn to find out more about her and her backstory, as well as where she is going in the world of investigative journalism. I will absolutely be reading the next in the series, after experiencing how thrilling this title was.
Overall, a highly recommended book. I would definitely offer this up to those looking for a fast paced mystery in the teen market, and will absolutely be suggesting it to my teenage students to pick up. Not only do I think they will enjoy it, I think it could very well inspire readers to pick up journalism. It removes the stigma and adds excitement. This is a great book and I am so glad I got to read it! I'm not a big 5-star giver, but this one certainly earned it!!!
June 27, 2015
Imagine the most over-long and grandiose Villain Speech ever. Like, read through http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php... and pick the most tedious and pointless example on that list. Now imagine if fully 50% of a book were nothing but that speech. Do you still want to read Deadline Diaries?
This book alternates chapters between Brooklyn, the celebrity-blogger-turned-investigative-journalist, and Taylor, the kidnapped celebrity. Every single one of Taylor’s chapters consists of her listening to supervillain Peter spout nonsense, and worry that some of the stuff he’s saying is a bit whack. It’s not even a good villain speech: there are no clever nuggets of information, nor any legitimate points. Peter, aside from having a fetish for Peter Pan, is obsessed with youth. Taylor, who’s dumber than a sack of bricks, does nothing while Peter babbles on.
The other half of the book is actually marginally interesting. Brooklyn has really bad OCD, and it was well portrayed and consistently there, not just glossed over. You know what is glossed over? Everything except her investigation. Her fraught relationship with her mother? Let’s assume they worked it out. Her relationship with her best friend, whom she constantly uses due to his unrequited feelings? Eh, let’s keep that status quo. How about the actual climax of the book, where she will use her blog to expose the conspiracy and rescue Taylor? Quickly summarized in the ending chapter as “A happened, B happened, and it’s all okay now.”
Seriously, how does this qualify as a book? I recommend reading some actual celebrity gossip instead; it’s likely to be better written.
This book alternates chapters between Brooklyn, the celebrity-blogger-turned-investigative-journalist, and Taylor, the kidnapped celebrity. Every single one of Taylor’s chapters consists of her listening to supervillain Peter spout nonsense, and worry that some of the stuff he’s saying is a bit whack. It’s not even a good villain speech: there are no clever nuggets of information, nor any legitimate points. Peter, aside from having a fetish for Peter Pan, is obsessed with youth. Taylor, who’s dumber than a sack of bricks, does nothing while Peter babbles on.
The other half of the book is actually marginally interesting. Brooklyn has really bad OCD, and it was well portrayed and consistently there, not just glossed over. You know what is glossed over? Everything except her investigation. Her fraught relationship with her mother? Let’s assume they worked it out. Her relationship with her best friend, whom she constantly uses due to his unrequited feelings? Eh, let’s keep that status quo. How about the actual climax of the book, where she will use her blog to expose the conspiracy and rescue Taylor? Quickly summarized in the ending chapter as “A happened, B happened, and it’s all okay now.”
Seriously, how does this qualify as a book? I recommend reading some actual celebrity gossip instead; it’s likely to be better written.
August 7, 2015
I read the ARC edition from BEA and it was, to be sure, super entertaining - as well as smart and incredibly engaging prose (who knew someone who is on TV would be that thoughtful haha). I loved reading a work of detective/crime fiction about a journalist (Brooklyn Brant - really love her made-for-TV name, by the way!) and was glad she not just another cop or "secret agent" type. I have been looking for a new series to dig into and this one I will definitely commit to.
The book features a highly original story concept (I especially haven't seen a novel about teen blogger who covers Hollywood) and is fast paced (though I felt more drawn to chapters focused on Brooklyn, which I suppose is to be expected). More important, the book shines a light on that dark Hollywood reality: obsessing over the young and discarding the old and the impact it has on all of us who consume pop culture. I am 17 and I swear I have heard girls talk about getting botox and fillers! NOT OK. I have to say, it also made me think about Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan etc and wonder what the REAL story behind these troubled child stars might be...
The book features a highly original story concept (I especially haven't seen a novel about teen blogger who covers Hollywood) and is fast paced (though I felt more drawn to chapters focused on Brooklyn, which I suppose is to be expected). More important, the book shines a light on that dark Hollywood reality: obsessing over the young and discarding the old and the impact it has on all of us who consume pop culture. I am 17 and I swear I have heard girls talk about getting botox and fillers! NOT OK. I have to say, it also made me think about Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan etc and wonder what the REAL story behind these troubled child stars might be...
September 7, 2015
I have read a couple of books by Mr. Baker. I liked them and thus the reason why I wanted to read his latest book. I would say it is just alright. There is nothing too special about it including the storyline or the characters. Although I did not hate the characters in the book. They just did not really bring anything to the story to amp the story to the next level. In fact, I was thinking and expecting that Brooklyn would be like a modern day Nancy Drew. Brooklyn did not really show me the gumption as a journalist or at least a investigative journalist. Yet, Taylor was nice. This is a plus and appreciated. She was not a stuck up celebrity. While this book was not one of my favorites from Mr. Baker, I still like him as an author.
August 4, 2015
This book was so refreshing and unique. Brooklyn is so real and honest and driven. I loved her and wanted to root for her. Made me want to be one of those Hollywood gossip reporters! I also appreciated the deep connection to the story of Peter Pan...and I don't want to give away anything but there are subtle Peter Pan references throughout - the chillingly misguided Dr Kensington as in "Kensington Gardens" and all the "rehab" worker characters are taken from names of Peter Pan characters. I thought this was a very creative touch by the author and give him credit for "going there" with Hollywood's youth obsession! So relevant for young and old.
August 4, 2015
Finding Forever is a quick, fun summer read about a young, celebrity blogger who exposes the dark side of Hollywood. I had never heard of a book with a heroine like this and decided to give it a shot!
It drew me right in... I finished in a day and a half. Good insight from the author, who works for E!. I think I'm a little older than the demo he's aiming for -- but like I said, it's FUN. Bonus: lots of good insider tips if you're into journalism.
Overall, thumbs up!
It drew me right in... I finished in a day and a half. Good insight from the author, who works for E!. I think I'm a little older than the demo he's aiming for -- but like I said, it's FUN. Bonus: lots of good insider tips if you're into journalism.
Overall, thumbs up!
August 10, 2015
What I like most about Finding forever is that it is so easy to read and made me want to know what was going to happen to Taylor Prince (who by the way reminded me of Jennifer Lawrence or a Selena Gomez type.) I really like the way it alternates between Brooklyn (the blogger) and Taylor (the "missing" actress) and keeps you wondering until the end how it will all turn out
August 5, 2015
Now THIS is what I was looking for in a fun summer read. A nice and unusual blend of Hollywood entertainment insider perspective with the twists and turns of a mystery thriller. Good characters and well written. A friend recommended this to me and I'm glad they did.
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June 15, 2015That's right, zero stars.
August 4, 2015
Easy read, love the book. Ken Baker did it again.
August 4, 2015
Another amazing book by author Ken Baker. This book really shines the light on celebrity lifestyles that only someone who works in this field would understand. Would highly recommend this book!
December 6, 2021
..great book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2015
Hey, Good Reads'ers. I am so happy that, through all the reading options out there these days, you have found Finding Forever ... or at least have looked into reading it!
Like all my books, I set out to write a story that feels real, honest, candid and relevant. I aimed to make you feel hard -- and think harder. I endeavored to make it a fun experience. As such, I hope you find the book as fun to read as it was for me to write it.
The inspiration for the main storyline in the book comes from my nearly 20 years in Hollywood as a journalist, writing and reporting for People, Us Weekly and currently E! I have seen so many young stars rise and fall (often through the cycle of rehab). The pattern is so similar, the circumstances often so parallel, that it moved me to ask the question: What if all these crash-and-burn young stars, and their subsequent rehabilitation, were actually all related?
It's a question explored in my work of fiction, but I am telling you that, after "seeing it all" in Hollywood, it's an entirely plausible story.
Give it a read. Let me know what you think. Enjoy Finding Forever.
Like all my books, I set out to write a story that feels real, honest, candid and relevant. I aimed to make you feel hard -- and think harder. I endeavored to make it a fun experience. As such, I hope you find the book as fun to read as it was for me to write it.
The inspiration for the main storyline in the book comes from my nearly 20 years in Hollywood as a journalist, writing and reporting for People, Us Weekly and currently E! I have seen so many young stars rise and fall (often through the cycle of rehab). The pattern is so similar, the circumstances often so parallel, that it moved me to ask the question: What if all these crash-and-burn young stars, and their subsequent rehabilitation, were actually all related?
It's a question explored in my work of fiction, but I am telling you that, after "seeing it all" in Hollywood, it's an entirely plausible story.
Give it a read. Let me know what you think. Enjoy Finding Forever.
October 22, 2015
I just finished this book and it was amazing. There were so many plot twists and the ending was really good. I wish there was another book in the series because I would totally want to read it. This is murder/mystery book.
March 5, 2016
I loved this book because it was different to all the other books I read. There was lots of twists that I did not expect and I liked how it changed between two different girls. I would highly recommend this book!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews