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Crowned
Smile. Wave. Dominate.
Presley loves the pageant world. She knows how to work the crowd and looks gorgeous in an evening gown. But really, she needs the pageant world -- for its scholarships and opportunities. The only thing standing in her way? Her archrival, Megan, who was practically born wearing a crown and sash. Megan may be the nastiest girl on the circuit, but she has one thing that Presley doesn' connections. And she won't hesitate to use them.
What happens when two girls will stop at nothing -- including scandalous Internet pictures, vicious message board rumors, or "accidentally" ruined hair -- to be crowned the winner? Strap on your stilettos and tuck in those shoulder pads...it's going to be a bumpy ride.
Presley loves the pageant world. She knows how to work the crowd and looks gorgeous in an evening gown. But really, she needs the pageant world -- for its scholarships and opportunities. The only thing standing in her way? Her archrival, Megan, who was practically born wearing a crown and sash. Megan may be the nastiest girl on the circuit, but she has one thing that Presley doesn' connections. And she won't hesitate to use them.
What happens when two girls will stop at nothing -- including scandalous Internet pictures, vicious message board rumors, or "accidentally" ruined hair -- to be crowned the winner? Strap on your stilettos and tuck in those shoulder pads...it's going to be a bumpy ride.
290 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2008
6 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Julie Linker
3 books10 followersWhen Julie was little she had two dreams: to become a librarian and to own a pink canopy bed like the one in the JC Penney catalog. Apparently getting her “L” words confused, Julie became a lawyer instead of a librarian, at which time she promptly forgot all about the pink canopy bed and start lusting after a Coach briefcase.
She started writing when her daughter was a toddler, thinking it would be a good way to stave off stay-at-home mom craziness. Her daughter is in school now, but being a lawyer isn’t nearly as exciting as it looks on T.V., so she’s sticking with the writing thing.
She lives in the South with her husband, daughter, four cats, two Border collies, one English boxer, one rabbit, two hermit crabs, two hamsters, a handful of roosters, and many, many, MANY chickens. Julie would like to note that only the cats were her idea.
UPDATE: The boxer, hermit crabs, and hamsters sort of, um, died. They have been replaced by a chihuahua.
She started writing when her daughter was a toddler, thinking it would be a good way to stave off stay-at-home mom craziness. Her daughter is in school now, but being a lawyer isn’t nearly as exciting as it looks on T.V., so she’s sticking with the writing thing.
She lives in the South with her husband, daughter, four cats, two Border collies, one English boxer, one rabbit, two hermit crabs, two hamsters, a handful of roosters, and many, many, MANY chickens. Julie would like to note that only the cats were her idea.
UPDATE: The boxer, hermit crabs, and hamsters sort of, um, died. They have been replaced by a chihuahua.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 1, 2009
This book is about a high school beauty queen whose biggest goal right now is to rob the bank in order to buy a brand new evening gown...for the Miss Teen State pageant. Oh, and stay out of her archenemy, Megan, way, because last year, she tried to kill her. Oh, and win her boyfriend back from the same murderer or convince Robbie Sweet to fall for her to make Megan insanely jealous. Oh, and find out who she'll be rooming with for 4 days during state, make sure her best friend doesn't get kicked off the cheer squad, study for finals and redeem her reputation after a photo of her doing "stuff" is leaked onto the web. Hm...not so hard. Now, all she has to do is win Miss Teen State. Sounds easy...
March 12, 2013
This is a story about high school girls who hate each other. They both compete in pageants and would probably have the same chances of winning if it weren't for the fact Megan is super rich and has connections while Parsley comes from a poor family. Throughout the book these girls (mainly Megan)are doing anything to irk each other and try to win the pageant. Megan even dies Parsley's hair!
In the end the girl that doesn't win the crown may have one a whole lot more then the one who does. This book proves that cheating may help you get the gold, but are you really winning?
Even though I loved the story in this book and I loved Parsley's personality the author needed more details when it came to Parsley's day to day life and her feelings. How does she feel about her mom? Her dad? Is it hard for her to love them? What about Justine, if it were me it would be hard not to be jealous of her. How does she earn the money to pay for her dresses and shoes? She seriously can't earn all of it from baby-sitting!
Overall though this is a good side read of you just want a laugh. Maybe it doesn't have a really obvious moral, but everything you read is not going to be a real serious, deep, classic book. Everyone picks up something for fun!
In the end the girl that doesn't win the crown may have one a whole lot more then the one who does. This book proves that cheating may help you get the gold, but are you really winning?
Even though I loved the story in this book and I loved Parsley's personality the author needed more details when it came to Parsley's day to day life and her feelings. How does she feel about her mom? Her dad? Is it hard for her to love them? What about Justine, if it were me it would be hard not to be jealous of her. How does she earn the money to pay for her dresses and shoes? She seriously can't earn all of it from baby-sitting!
Overall though this is a good side read of you just want a laugh. Maybe it doesn't have a really obvious moral, but everything you read is not going to be a real serious, deep, classic book. Everyone picks up something for fun!
May 28, 2018
Do you ever just want to read an easy cheesy romantic teen book? Even when you are 35! This is a perfect one! Lots of funny sarcastic lines and a cute romance! Finished in a little over a hour! :)
February 10, 2021
I was definitely too young to read this when I did....that being said it's fantastic
November 5, 2024
I read this back in middle school and enjoyed it. Reread it occasionally thru the years and loved it even more. It's a cliche teenage highschool novel. But the romance isn't the highlight. The heroine, Presley is. I think we need more books like this for young girls to enjoy and read.
It had the sparkle and pretty things, showed the main character's ambition and hardwork, had a healthy dose of reality in it with all the things going wrong and how she coped with them.
As a kid, the cover model with brown hair used to upset me bc it wasn't until the end she had it dyed. I scrutinized the cover then and I admire it now. So many things I learned/picked up while rereading it again as an adult.
It had the sparkle and pretty things, showed the main character's ambition and hardwork, had a healthy dose of reality in it with all the things going wrong and how she coped with them.
As a kid, the cover model with brown hair used to upset me bc it wasn't until the end she had it dyed. I scrutinized the cover then and I admire it now. So many things I learned/picked up while rereading it again as an adult.
March 22, 2017
The main character came off as a racist homophobe who can't handle much of anything. She complained a lot and though she had enthusiasm, was utter trash. Her best friend was the best character in the book, but she was present for a total of 10 pages maximum.
Presley's relationship with Robbie was excruciatingly slow in the beginning when compared to how quickly they had their happily ever after in the last couple of pages in the book. That's correct: the last couple of pages was what sealed their relationship.
This book had no real substance, but it was still entertaining. It was fun to hate it, hence the 2 stars.
Presley's relationship with Robbie was excruciatingly slow in the beginning when compared to how quickly they had their happily ever after in the last couple of pages in the book. That's correct: the last couple of pages was what sealed their relationship.
This book had no real substance, but it was still entertaining. It was fun to hate it, hence the 2 stars.
August 16, 2017
I do not recommend this book.
July 24, 2023
This was an excellent read. I really enjoyed it. I thought the author made Presley a little less smart than she would have had to be, but overall I'd highly recommend.
July 1, 2009
Crowned
By Julie Linker
296pp. 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. $8.99
ISBN-13: 978-1-4169-6052-2
ISBN-10: 1-4169-6052-X
Presley Ashbury is a regular high school girl who's generally pleased with her life. She's a cheerleader at school, she has great best friends, she's a contender in several pageants and she has a gorgeous boyfriend, Gabe. Well, if there was one thing that Presley could delete from her life, it would be her enemy and long-time adversary, Megan Leighton. As if Megan was born to make Presley's life a living hell, Presely catches her so-called boyfriend, Gabe in full-out make-out mode with Megan. In the middle of the hallway. For the WHOLE school to see.
But after things between she and Gabe (obviously) end, Presely has more important things to worry about. Like beating Megan in the Miss Teen State Pageant and maybe even potentially forming a relationship with Robbie Sweet, AKA the hottest guy in school.
I was a bit hesitant to actually read this book at first; I wasn't too interested in anything having to do with Beauty Pageants. I'm glad that I decided to give the book a chance.
Crowned, written by Julie Linker, is written prom Presley's point of view. I liked the fact that it was written from first person because Presley had some humorous thoughts and opinions about thing. She made references to real-life modern day people and things such as the Jonas Brothers (which made me like the book even more).
Julie Linker did a great job in writing this novel. It was interesting , humorous and the characters were very realistic. I would recommend this story to anyone, but mostly girls ages 12+. I think they'd enjoy it if they're really into realistic fiction.
By Julie Linker
296pp. 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. $8.99
ISBN-13: 978-1-4169-6052-2
ISBN-10: 1-4169-6052-X
Presley Ashbury is a regular high school girl who's generally pleased with her life. She's a cheerleader at school, she has great best friends, she's a contender in several pageants and she has a gorgeous boyfriend, Gabe. Well, if there was one thing that Presley could delete from her life, it would be her enemy and long-time adversary, Megan Leighton. As if Megan was born to make Presley's life a living hell, Presely catches her so-called boyfriend, Gabe in full-out make-out mode with Megan. In the middle of the hallway. For the WHOLE school to see.
But after things between she and Gabe (obviously) end, Presely has more important things to worry about. Like beating Megan in the Miss Teen State Pageant and maybe even potentially forming a relationship with Robbie Sweet, AKA the hottest guy in school.
I was a bit hesitant to actually read this book at first; I wasn't too interested in anything having to do with Beauty Pageants. I'm glad that I decided to give the book a chance.
Crowned, written by Julie Linker, is written prom Presley's point of view. I liked the fact that it was written from first person because Presley had some humorous thoughts and opinions about thing. She made references to real-life modern day people and things such as the Jonas Brothers (which made me like the book even more).
Julie Linker did a great job in writing this novel. It was interesting , humorous and the characters were very realistic. I would recommend this story to anyone, but mostly girls ages 12+. I think they'd enjoy it if they're really into realistic fiction.
April 19, 2011
Crowned by Julie Linker
Simon Pulse, 2008
290 pages
YA; Contemporary
4/5 stars
Source: Library
Read for YA Overlooked Book Battle.
I really enjoyed the conversational tone of this book as Presley directs her narration toward the narrator with frequent asides. I also enjoyed the setting, which is focused on a beauty pageant, as might be guessed by looking at the cover. The main focus is Presley's rivalry with Megan at the pageant and many hilarious events happen over the course of the novel. Presley is brash and rather confident but she frequently acts ridiculous and I found myself laughing a lot.
Although I think I've only watched Miss America maybe once, I'll admit that I have long been interested in the whole concept of the beauty pageant circuit (too many viewings of Miss Congeniality?) This provides many insights on the process from talent to interview portions and they added verisimilitude although I admit that I can't actually judge on the accuracy.
Of course there are also some cute guys. There is the very nice but gullible Gabe who breaks up with Presley by making out with Megan in the hallway of their school early in the book. However Robbie, the very hot senior, takes more than a friendly interest in Presley. Neither guy occupies much page space but being possessed of a vivid imagination, I was able to conjure up pictures of them, which added a lot.
Overall: A funny and opinionated main character in the cut-throat world of beauty pageants.
Cover: The main character's hair is actually stated as blonde in the beginning although that changes...but I really like the purple and the tiara is very pretty.
Simon Pulse, 2008
290 pages
YA; Contemporary
4/5 stars
Source: Library
Read for YA Overlooked Book Battle.
I really enjoyed the conversational tone of this book as Presley directs her narration toward the narrator with frequent asides. I also enjoyed the setting, which is focused on a beauty pageant, as might be guessed by looking at the cover. The main focus is Presley's rivalry with Megan at the pageant and many hilarious events happen over the course of the novel. Presley is brash and rather confident but she frequently acts ridiculous and I found myself laughing a lot.
Although I think I've only watched Miss America maybe once, I'll admit that I have long been interested in the whole concept of the beauty pageant circuit (too many viewings of Miss Congeniality?) This provides many insights on the process from talent to interview portions and they added verisimilitude although I admit that I can't actually judge on the accuracy.
Of course there are also some cute guys. There is the very nice but gullible Gabe who breaks up with Presley by making out with Megan in the hallway of their school early in the book. However Robbie, the very hot senior, takes more than a friendly interest in Presley. Neither guy occupies much page space but being possessed of a vivid imagination, I was able to conjure up pictures of them, which added a lot.
Overall: A funny and opinionated main character in the cut-throat world of beauty pageants.
Cover: The main character's hair is actually stated as blonde in the beginning although that changes...but I really like the purple and the tiara is very pretty.
March 20, 2011
I wouldn't go so far as to say that Crowned by Julie Linker was recommended to me - more like, my teen titleholder was reading it, so it caught my attention. Miss Teen didn't have much to say about it, other than that each chapter opens with an interview question - questions like How do you handle people not liking you? and If you were on a TV talk show and could get one message across to viewers, what subject would you choose? These questions frame each chapter, so if you're into that sort of thing, it's a nice concept. And if you're preparing for a pageant, they might be good practice questions.
Crowned is pretty formulaic - teen girl with amazing best friend and popular boyfriend gets dumped by said boyfriend, tries to distract herself by the next big event coming up (in this case, the Miss Teen State pageant), and falls for an even better guy along the way. Of course, they can't get together too easily, and another girl does everything in her power to keep the heroine down. But good prevails, and the better guy comes to his senses and all is well. Yay!
Some parts of Crowned were awfully familiar to me - like, personally familiar. Turns out that Julie Linker is from Arkansas, where I had my short-lived yet triumphant pageant career. Good on you, Julie, way to expose Arkansas' dirty little secrets.
Easy, silly, fun, but not anything anyone other than a current or recovering pageant girl needs to read.
Crowned is pretty formulaic - teen girl with amazing best friend and popular boyfriend gets dumped by said boyfriend, tries to distract herself by the next big event coming up (in this case, the Miss Teen State pageant), and falls for an even better guy along the way. Of course, they can't get together too easily, and another girl does everything in her power to keep the heroine down. But good prevails, and the better guy comes to his senses and all is well. Yay!
Some parts of Crowned were awfully familiar to me - like, personally familiar. Turns out that Julie Linker is from Arkansas, where I had my short-lived yet triumphant pageant career. Good on you, Julie, way to expose Arkansas' dirty little secrets.
Easy, silly, fun, but not anything anyone other than a current or recovering pageant girl needs to read.
February 19, 2009
Crowned is charming and frothily fun fiction for teenage and young adult girls. While the focus is on a beauty pageant contender, Presley is a well-rounded character with understandable and admirable goals. Presley knows she's not smart enough to get scholarships to college and that her single mom will never have enough money to send her, but she's good at pageants and they're her ticket to breaking the cycle of poverty. The action is full of drama, but there's some nice information on being aware of the dangers that the expanding online world holds in terms of publicity. Presley's archrival Megan is a perfect foil as a cruel and manipulative competitor who steals Presley's boyfriend in the opening pages of the book. That's just the beginning though - there's a compromising picture of Presley posted online, the hair dye in her shampoo, and Megan's self-shredded swimsuit to be blamed on Presley. Presley's final comeuppance of Megan through gaining the boyfriend Megan has always wanted and releasing an embarrasing video is extremely satisfying and could even lead to Presley (as runner-up) replacing Megan as Miss Teen State - leaving things open for a possible sequel. If you're looking for a light read to entertain you Crowned is a definite winner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2013
Being a Toddlers and Tiaras fan, I picked up Crowned as a light read focusing on the pageant world. Unlike the hit TLC show, the book didn't focus on adorable little girls and their pushy stage moms, but on catty teenagers.
I simply couldn't get into the book. The main character, Presley, is annoying. I felt like I was reading a book narrated by the girl from Clueless. Her pop-culture references became superfluous and she could never simply focus on one aspect without getting distracted (which she described as her ADD...I saw it more as awful writing). I think the author tried to make her relatable to female readers but, between the sarcastic comments and entire sentences crossed out in bold lines on almost every other page, she came across as dumb and selfish.
There were some funny parts in the writing that made me giggle, but overall I just grew annoyed by the book. While it's a fast read, there are plenty of other light reads out there with more likeable characters.
I simply couldn't get into the book. The main character, Presley, is annoying. I felt like I was reading a book narrated by the girl from Clueless. Her pop-culture references became superfluous and she could never simply focus on one aspect without getting distracted (which she described as her ADD...I saw it more as awful writing). I think the author tried to make her relatable to female readers but, between the sarcastic comments and entire sentences crossed out in bold lines on almost every other page, she came across as dumb and selfish.
There were some funny parts in the writing that made me giggle, but overall I just grew annoyed by the book. While it's a fast read, there are plenty of other light reads out there with more likeable characters.
November 28, 2015
I love when I re-read a book but don't really remember anything about it except for the final chapter because it's like reading a whole new book. I do remember really enjoying it and this hasn't changed.
I'm a complete lover of all young adult contemporary so this was right up my ally. I loved Presley as our main character. She was sarcastic, witty and on occasion slightly an airhead which just upped the humour factor.
Her friends and family are great supporting characters and I loved all the details and such that go into a beauty pageant. Also enjoyed how there isn't that much swearing, yes there pageant drama but most of it is pretty PG. Sad how kind of rare this is now.
I recommend this to everyone who loves a good contemporary or anyone who loves a beauty pageant or both.
Reread in April 2015. Originally read this sometime in 2009 or 2010.
I'm a complete lover of all young adult contemporary so this was right up my ally. I loved Presley as our main character. She was sarcastic, witty and on occasion slightly an airhead which just upped the humour factor.
Her friends and family are great supporting characters and I loved all the details and such that go into a beauty pageant. Also enjoyed how there isn't that much swearing, yes there pageant drama but most of it is pretty PG. Sad how kind of rare this is now.
I recommend this to everyone who loves a good contemporary or anyone who loves a beauty pageant or both.
Reread in April 2015. Originally read this sometime in 2009 or 2010.
April 18, 2009
A fun and fluffy chick lit book about beauty pageants, Crowned is written in a very conversational tone. Presley Ashbury isn't the brightest crayon in the box, but her heart's in the right place. I have to take Ms. Linker at her word that she knows anything about the pageant world, but it's fun to get an inside glimpse. I found a couple of scenes mildly offensive (Presley dealing with a partially deaf shop attendant, and Presley's thoughts on minorities in the pageant world). I might feel better about the commentary on minorities if I knew where Ms. Linker's background in pageantry comes from...
January 25, 2010
Presley Ashbury is a regular high school girl who's happy with her life. She's a cheerleader at school, she has great best friends, and she has a gorgeous boyfriend, Gabe. Well, if there was one person that she hated the most was Megan Leighton. Presley's opinion of her is that she was born to make her suffer in lif. Presely caught Gabe making out with Megan in the school she breaks up with him.
She didn't even worry about the break up she just wanted to beat Megan in the Miss Teen State Pageant. At first I didn;t think I would like reading this book because usually books like this don't really interest me. I don't regret picking this book to read though, because it wasn't bad.
She didn't even worry about the break up she just wanted to beat Megan in the Miss Teen State Pageant. At first I didn;t think I would like reading this book because usually books like this don't really interest me. I don't regret picking this book to read though, because it wasn't bad.
January 21, 2010
Beauty pageant contestant for Miss Teen State, Presley Ashbury, (yes, that seriously is her name!) discovers her boyfriend kissing the girl who is her arch rival for the crown and title! This traumatic event and a few others occur right before the big competition, causing lots of angst for Presley. This novel follows her very stream of consciousness way of dealing with the situation.
A bit annoying for a more mature audience as Presley is a bit ADD. However, the teen voice rings fairly true and will appeal to those who like Clique, Gossip Girl, etc.
A bit annoying for a more mature audience as Presley is a bit ADD. However, the teen voice rings fairly true and will appeal to those who like Clique, Gossip Girl, etc.
June 16, 2009
Exactly what I expected and yet not at all what I expected. The main character is a beautiful and ditzy girl who loves being in beauty pageants, but Linker makes the character aware of her less-than-perfect i.q. and highlights her insecurities about that as well as her less-than-perfect background. This is one I will have talk up to my teens, as they don't like to read books about pretty girls for the most part in my experience, but this one could win them over.
June 23, 2010
I found this book one that I was debating about even reading. at first I read the back and it seemed like a fluff read, but I kind of got into it. I wish she did'nt end up with Robbie, and I wish that the author would have focused more on Robbie and his fathers relationship. Some of the more "dramatic" parts went by to fast, and the author could have gone into depth about it. Yet I laughed with this book and really enjoyed it!
June 18, 2012
I've read this book about three times. Its not that its amazing writing, or that has some deep, philosophical meaning that I relate to my life. Its the simple fact that this book is funny! Sure it was funnier when I was a bit younger and had just read it for the first time but it still has its great moments. So yeah, go ahead, read Crowned. Its a light read that you'll breeze through in a day but its a break from the norm and a riot!
April 5, 2009
Will be enjoyed by the same teens who love Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet, etc. It was fairly amusing.
August 5, 2009
Fun and funny. Refreshing to have a protagonist of average intelligence who is comfortable in her own skin.
February 5, 2010
Ha ha ha ha!
May 30, 2010
some very interesting character names
June 23, 2011
Creepyyyyyy.
July 16, 2011
I dont't like pagent books ><
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July 25, 20112010- This book started off cute, and I thought the author's voice worked well. However, it soon became slow and too predictable for my taste.
August 23, 2011
LOVE THIS BOOK
Read
January 8, 2012ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS EVER
February 4, 2012
OMIGOD I ABSOLUTLY LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE THIS BOOK I WISH IT WAS A SERIES I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews