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Bradford #1
GoldenGirl
Paige, Spencer, and Madison have it the looks, the connections, the money, the boys. As the daughters of three of the most prestigious families on Philadelphia's Main Line ( old money, and lots of it) and the ruling juniors at Bradford Prep, nothing can stand in their way....except, perhaps, their own dark secrets. When an old frenemy from Paige's hidden past shows up at Bradford and plays nice--too nice--Paige is desperate to smother the threat. How far will she go to silence the truth? As if you didn't know... bradfordprep.com * bradfordnovels.com
- GenresYoung AdultContemporary
193 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2009
6 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Micol Ostow
78 books392 followersMicol Ostow has been writing professionally since 2004, and in that time has written and/or ghostwritten over 40 published works for young readers. She started her reign of terror with Egmont with her novel FAMILY, which Elizabeth Burns named a favorite of 2012 on her School Library Journal-syndicated blog, A Chair, a Fireplace, a Tea Cozy. Micol's graphic novel, SO PUNK ROCK (and Other Ways to Disappoint Your Mother), was named a 2009 Booklist Top Ten Arts Books for Youth Selection, a Booklist Top Ten Religion Books for Youth Selection, and a Sydney Taylor Notable Book for Teens. She received her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Her young adult horror novel, AMITY, will release from Egmont in August 2014, and her first chapter book series, LOUISE TRAPEZE, will debut in Spring 2015 from Random House.
She lives and works in Brooklyn, NY, alongside her Emmy Award-winning husband, their daughter, and a finicky French bulldog. Visit her at www.micolostow.com.
Her young adult horror novel, AMITY, will release from Egmont in August 2014, and her first chapter book series, LOUISE TRAPEZE, will debut in Spring 2015 from Random House.
She lives and works in Brooklyn, NY, alongside her Emmy Award-winning husband, their daughter, and a finicky French bulldog. Visit her at www.micolostow.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 26, 2012
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com
As series' centered on the over-privileged and private school become even more popular, Micol Ostow creates her take on this popular genre for teens with her new series featuring Bradford Prep.
The story features three main characters: Paige Andrews, the queen bee of the group; Madison Takahashi, the unique and most famous of the three; and Spencer Kelly, the narrator of this installment.
Although she is the quiet one, Spencer still has a mind of her own.
It's the beginning of a new year at Bradford and already it starts off extremely complicated. Strolling with her new boyfriend, Tyler, Spencer bumps into her ex, Jeremy. She may have thought that she was over him, but with this encounter all of her old feelings come rushing back.
Of course Paige doesn't approve of Jeremy, and is quick to remind Spencer that she wouldn't even be dating Tyler if it wasn't for her. Despite this, however, Spencer understands that her feelings toward Jeremy are too strong to ignore, and it's impossible to even try when he is everywhere she turns.
A new year comes with a new student. Regan Stanford has just transferred in to Bradford and already she's creating a ton of buzz. In no time, she befriends Spencer and Madison, who both find her a breath of fresh air. The only one to object to this is Paige. Everyone already knows a little of Regan's past, but no one knew that it included queen bee Paige... at least not just yet.
Join these alpha girls in their new year at Bradford, as relationships are torn, sabotaging the enemy is the game, and where scandals and discovering who your real friends are is crucial. Spence has one long year ahead of her, and in the end it just has to be survival of the fittest.
Let's just hope she can endure what fate has in store for her... it isn't pretty.
The first series to be accompanied with its own website, GOLDENGIRL is written in a blog format. All That Glitters is the blog that belongs to Spencer, and most of the time the privacy setting is set at vault, which basically is just for Spence and the readers to get the full scoop. It is accompanied by The Bradford Blog, updated by one of the three girls, which is to let all of the students, even the lower class, to know what's hot and what's so not.
Readers will find the BRADFORD series to be refreshing, as already the queen bee is taken down a notch, and the narrator does not entirely conform to all of her demands. GOLDENGIRL is a very promising start to a very unique and original series.
As series' centered on the over-privileged and private school become even more popular, Micol Ostow creates her take on this popular genre for teens with her new series featuring Bradford Prep.
The story features three main characters: Paige Andrews, the queen bee of the group; Madison Takahashi, the unique and most famous of the three; and Spencer Kelly, the narrator of this installment.
Although she is the quiet one, Spencer still has a mind of her own.
It's the beginning of a new year at Bradford and already it starts off extremely complicated. Strolling with her new boyfriend, Tyler, Spencer bumps into her ex, Jeremy. She may have thought that she was over him, but with this encounter all of her old feelings come rushing back.
Of course Paige doesn't approve of Jeremy, and is quick to remind Spencer that she wouldn't even be dating Tyler if it wasn't for her. Despite this, however, Spencer understands that her feelings toward Jeremy are too strong to ignore, and it's impossible to even try when he is everywhere she turns.
A new year comes with a new student. Regan Stanford has just transferred in to Bradford and already she's creating a ton of buzz. In no time, she befriends Spencer and Madison, who both find her a breath of fresh air. The only one to object to this is Paige. Everyone already knows a little of Regan's past, but no one knew that it included queen bee Paige... at least not just yet.
Join these alpha girls in their new year at Bradford, as relationships are torn, sabotaging the enemy is the game, and where scandals and discovering who your real friends are is crucial. Spence has one long year ahead of her, and in the end it just has to be survival of the fittest.
Let's just hope she can endure what fate has in store for her... it isn't pretty.
The first series to be accompanied with its own website, GOLDENGIRL is written in a blog format. All That Glitters is the blog that belongs to Spencer, and most of the time the privacy setting is set at vault, which basically is just for Spence and the readers to get the full scoop. It is accompanied by The Bradford Blog, updated by one of the three girls, which is to let all of the students, even the lower class, to know what's hot and what's so not.
Readers will find the BRADFORD series to be refreshing, as already the queen bee is taken down a notch, and the narrator does not entirely conform to all of her demands. GOLDENGIRL is a very promising start to a very unique and original series.
September 16, 2014
Go on www.youraveragebookworms.blogspot.ca for more reviews!
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For fans of Gossip Girl or any other of the sort, you will enjoy this book. GoldenGirl revolves around the lives of very privileged teenagers who have it all. They skip class for mud scrubs at the spa and attend opening nights to the hottest night clubs.
I was really interested in this book when I first bought it because the entire novel is written in the format of blog posts. Told from Spencer Kelly's (a relative to Grace Kelly herself) blog, we watch the drama unfold in their high society social life. Regan Stanford, the new girl straight out of rehab, starts attending Bradford Prep. She wins over Spencer and her best friend Madison, however it is her other BFF, Paige, that insults Regan every moment and sets out to make her time at Bradford horrible and drive her back to where she first came from. Unbeknownst to Spencer and Madison, Paige and Regan had a past before that led to one hating the other. On top of that, Spencer herself is dealing with guy trouble; Jeremy her ex is back at Bradford and is stuck between him and her current boyfriend; Tyler. Some catfights are about to go down.
A major problem I had with this book is the way the characters talked. They were fairly intelligent people yet the author makes them sound stupid and snobby with vocabulary inspired by Paris Hilton. Even the boys.. Perhaps it was to accentuate that they were rich and snobby however it would've been nicer to have certain characters sound mature and down to earth. For example; Jeremy. Another problem I had was that the ending was rather anti-climatic. It was obvious what was going to happen, a big scheme that as going to backfire. However, the event occurred so quickly that it didn't end this book with a bang. When I flipped to the last page of the book I just went; well ok that's finished.
For a book with supposedly so much drama crammed into a book it just wasn't exciting when it ended.
Although I did enjoy this book despite the major flaws. Its one of those books that you can finish in a few hours no problem and for a short book it was eventful enough to keep me entertained the whole time. Never mind the fact that I also really enjoy books filled with drama and rich teens that have it all. Did I mention that the story is told entirely with blog posts? Its a clever and unique way to write a book so that readers have a change when reading compared to the usual way a book is written.
I would consider reading the second book of the series, which is told in Madison's blog, however it also not necessary.
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For fans of Gossip Girl or any other of the sort, you will enjoy this book. GoldenGirl revolves around the lives of very privileged teenagers who have it all. They skip class for mud scrubs at the spa and attend opening nights to the hottest night clubs.
I was really interested in this book when I first bought it because the entire novel is written in the format of blog posts. Told from Spencer Kelly's (a relative to Grace Kelly herself) blog, we watch the drama unfold in their high society social life. Regan Stanford, the new girl straight out of rehab, starts attending Bradford Prep. She wins over Spencer and her best friend Madison, however it is her other BFF, Paige, that insults Regan every moment and sets out to make her time at Bradford horrible and drive her back to where she first came from. Unbeknownst to Spencer and Madison, Paige and Regan had a past before that led to one hating the other. On top of that, Spencer herself is dealing with guy trouble; Jeremy her ex is back at Bradford and is stuck between him and her current boyfriend; Tyler. Some catfights are about to go down.
A major problem I had with this book is the way the characters talked. They were fairly intelligent people yet the author makes them sound stupid and snobby with vocabulary inspired by Paris Hilton. Even the boys.. Perhaps it was to accentuate that they were rich and snobby however it would've been nicer to have certain characters sound mature and down to earth. For example; Jeremy. Another problem I had was that the ending was rather anti-climatic. It was obvious what was going to happen, a big scheme that as going to backfire. However, the event occurred so quickly that it didn't end this book with a bang. When I flipped to the last page of the book I just went; well ok that's finished.
For a book with supposedly so much drama crammed into a book it just wasn't exciting when it ended.
Although I did enjoy this book despite the major flaws. Its one of those books that you can finish in a few hours no problem and for a short book it was eventful enough to keep me entertained the whole time. Never mind the fact that I also really enjoy books filled with drama and rich teens that have it all. Did I mention that the story is told entirely with blog posts? Its a clever and unique way to write a book so that readers have a change when reading compared to the usual way a book is written.
I would consider reading the second book of the series, which is told in Madison's blog, however it also not necessary.
September 11, 2010
*3.5*
GoldenGirl was my first read my Micol Ostow and it definitely won't be my last, because not only is GoldenGirl fabulously fun read, it establishes a new series that will definitely be high on my TBR list in the months to come.
Golden Girl tells the tale of Bradford preps it-girls- Paige, Spencer, and Madison. Three girls that seem to have it all; the money, the beauty, the gold-ness, the popularity. Though, these three are also hiding quite a bit of info in their designer filled closets... secrets that might even kill their friendship for good if they come out, and with the arrival of a new girl from Paige's past, it seems like these secrets may be coming out sooner than later. So, what are three golden and perfect girls supposed to do when someone they hate comes out from the wood-work? Will they ruin her? Or will Paige's friends turn on her and love the new girl? Only time and more pages will tell in this quick read told in blog entries, e-mails, and IM conversations.
While I did enjoy reading about the characters and their scandalous' lives in this book, character development, as well as back story, lacked big time, which bothered me. Though, I have to say, it's easy to tell this isn't supposed to be the most richly formed book out there, and that's fine with me. Out of the three girls, I think I liked Spencer the best, because I felt she was the most real and vulnerable out of the bunch, making her one I rooted for throughout the whole book unlike some of the other characters.
The aspect I found most rewarding about this book was the way it was told, because it's not everyday you see a book told entirely in blog entries, IMs, and e-mails. I love this format for many reasons. One is the fact that it made GoldenGirl be an extremely fast-paced and addicting read, and a second being the fact that it showed you different sides to each character, letting everyone get a "word" in edge wise. Though, as with any novel that has this kind of format, there are downfalls such as lack of development, as motioned before.
The plot of this was just like the rest of the book- fun and scandalous, though lacking development. Micol's writing was also decent, though far from prefect.
In all, if you would like a Gossip Girl type read GoldenGirl is the read for you, because it's just as scandalous and fun as Gossip Girl, if not more.
Grade: C+
GoldenGirl was my first read my Micol Ostow and it definitely won't be my last, because not only is GoldenGirl fabulously fun read, it establishes a new series that will definitely be high on my TBR list in the months to come.
Golden Girl tells the tale of Bradford preps it-girls- Paige, Spencer, and Madison. Three girls that seem to have it all; the money, the beauty, the gold-ness, the popularity. Though, these three are also hiding quite a bit of info in their designer filled closets... secrets that might even kill their friendship for good if they come out, and with the arrival of a new girl from Paige's past, it seems like these secrets may be coming out sooner than later. So, what are three golden and perfect girls supposed to do when someone they hate comes out from the wood-work? Will they ruin her? Or will Paige's friends turn on her and love the new girl? Only time and more pages will tell in this quick read told in blog entries, e-mails, and IM conversations.
While I did enjoy reading about the characters and their scandalous' lives in this book, character development, as well as back story, lacked big time, which bothered me. Though, I have to say, it's easy to tell this isn't supposed to be the most richly formed book out there, and that's fine with me. Out of the three girls, I think I liked Spencer the best, because I felt she was the most real and vulnerable out of the bunch, making her one I rooted for throughout the whole book unlike some of the other characters.
The aspect I found most rewarding about this book was the way it was told, because it's not everyday you see a book told entirely in blog entries, IMs, and e-mails. I love this format for many reasons. One is the fact that it made GoldenGirl be an extremely fast-paced and addicting read, and a second being the fact that it showed you different sides to each character, letting everyone get a "word" in edge wise. Though, as with any novel that has this kind of format, there are downfalls such as lack of development, as motioned before.
The plot of this was just like the rest of the book- fun and scandalous, though lacking development. Micol's writing was also decent, though far from prefect.
In all, if you would like a Gossip Girl type read GoldenGirl is the read for you, because it's just as scandalous and fun as Gossip Girl, if not more.
Grade: C+
April 20, 2009
I have to admit, when I was 10 pages in GoldenGirl, I really, really, really wanted to put it down. However, I didn’t because I knew that I needed to finish this book so I could review it for you guys. :)
The writing style. I couldn’t stand it. Maybe I just don’t like the idea of having blogs tell the whole story but all I know was that after reading a few blog posts, my head felt like it was going to explode.
The characters – Paige, Spencer, Madison and Regan were all very interesting. As the plot went on, I felt like Paige was becoming more and more psychotic. Not sure if it was the drugs that she was taking or something but I definitely felt like she was one dangerous girl. And that’s not in a good way.
Spencer was the story’s main perspective because we were basically following her blog throughout the entire book. I had expected her to be the typical rich girl where all she cared about was clothes and looks. I have to say, I was mistaken. She was actually the only girl in the book with a real personality. She was the one who had to decide whether she should do the right thing or not. She was the one who had to make the choices and the decisions. She was the one in a lingo, trying to win back her love and deciding whether or not to believe in her best friend.
Madison. For her, I felt like she was just an observer. She never really had any part in the book and when she did, they weren’t that interesting. I feel like Micol could’ve really developed this character more.
Regan. Wow. Ok. She was the one who I was most confused about. I couldn’t tell if she was supposed to be a good girl or a bad one; if she was the instigator or the victim. At the end of the book, I was glad to find out about her past and exactly what side she’s on.
Overall, the book wasn’t that bad, it was just the few fifty or so pages that totally made me want to throw the book out and refuse to read it any longer. The plot itself was the one thing that made me want to keep going and in a way, I was glad I did.
The writing style. I couldn’t stand it. Maybe I just don’t like the idea of having blogs tell the whole story but all I know was that after reading a few blog posts, my head felt like it was going to explode.
The characters – Paige, Spencer, Madison and Regan were all very interesting. As the plot went on, I felt like Paige was becoming more and more psychotic. Not sure if it was the drugs that she was taking or something but I definitely felt like she was one dangerous girl. And that’s not in a good way.
Spencer was the story’s main perspective because we were basically following her blog throughout the entire book. I had expected her to be the typical rich girl where all she cared about was clothes and looks. I have to say, I was mistaken. She was actually the only girl in the book with a real personality. She was the one who had to decide whether she should do the right thing or not. She was the one who had to make the choices and the decisions. She was the one in a lingo, trying to win back her love and deciding whether or not to believe in her best friend.
Madison. For her, I felt like she was just an observer. She never really had any part in the book and when she did, they weren’t that interesting. I feel like Micol could’ve really developed this character more.
Regan. Wow. Ok. She was the one who I was most confused about. I couldn’t tell if she was supposed to be a good girl or a bad one; if she was the instigator or the victim. At the end of the book, I was glad to find out about her past and exactly what side she’s on.
Overall, the book wasn’t that bad, it was just the few fifty or so pages that totally made me want to throw the book out and refuse to read it any longer. The plot itself was the one thing that made me want to keep going and in a way, I was glad I did.
Read
April 15, 2010 Unlike the typical book you usually read with just pages and pages of words all formatted and put in ordinary chapters, Golden Girl by Micol Ostow, is different, in a good way. Not only is the story written in a unique blog format that makes it feel like it’s an actual blog your reading through the internet, making it feel so much more real than fiction; it also tells an intriguing and believable story through the main character ‘s, Spencer Kelly’s perspective. And occasionally you’ll also see blog posts made by her best friends Paige Andrews and Madison Takahashi.
Spencer, Paige, and Madison are all privileged and basically the most popular girls in their private school, Bradford Prep. Everyone wants to be one of them or try to win their approval. These three girls seem to have everything wrapped around their little fingers. But little does everyone else or even they, themselves know that when California beauty Regan shows up, secrets, lies, and Paige’s true self will all be revealed. It turns out Regan and Paige not only already know each other, but also incredibly hate each other. However, Spencer and Madison just seem to love Regan and her wittiness. The three girls’ once close relationships no longer seem stable but rather fragile when they start doubting one another.
At first I wasn’t sure about reading the book because it reminded me of all those other books about the privileged and private schools. Like the Gossip Girl or the Private series. But after reading a few chapters I realized it was so much more better. Unlike the typical city setting, like New York City or L.A., for these kind of private school genre books, Golden Girl took place in the suburbs of Philadelphia’s Main Line. This alone was already something unexpected!
So If your interested in finding out weather or not Spencer and her best friends are able to prevail through all of the drama, I would recommend you to go out and get a copy of the book to find out yourself.
Spencer, Paige, and Madison are all privileged and basically the most popular girls in their private school, Bradford Prep. Everyone wants to be one of them or try to win their approval. These three girls seem to have everything wrapped around their little fingers. But little does everyone else or even they, themselves know that when California beauty Regan shows up, secrets, lies, and Paige’s true self will all be revealed. It turns out Regan and Paige not only already know each other, but also incredibly hate each other. However, Spencer and Madison just seem to love Regan and her wittiness. The three girls’ once close relationships no longer seem stable but rather fragile when they start doubting one another.
At first I wasn’t sure about reading the book because it reminded me of all those other books about the privileged and private schools. Like the Gossip Girl or the Private series. But after reading a few chapters I realized it was so much more better. Unlike the typical city setting, like New York City or L.A., for these kind of private school genre books, Golden Girl took place in the suburbs of Philadelphia’s Main Line. This alone was already something unexpected!
So If your interested in finding out weather or not Spencer and her best friends are able to prevail through all of the drama, I would recommend you to go out and get a copy of the book to find out yourself.
January 26, 2009
This was a gossipy, scandalous, fashionably good time! I really liked reading the thoughts of Spencer via her blog posts, especially the little love triangle that she has gotten herself into. Because most of the blog posts are from her point of view (in this book) I felt I got to know her the best of all the characters. It was also really nice hearing from some of the other characters on the school blog, The Bradford Blog, I hope to get to know them just as well in future books.
What initially attracted me to this book was how it's working on multiple platforms, we have the book, which is essentially a collection of blog posts and a few emails and then probably a good dozen or so websites, from myspace profiles, to twitter pages, a Bradford Prep official website, and websites for other locations in the book. I loved the idea of being able to poke around online and get to know the characters better.
I think most of the fashion and label references got lost on me since I don't know much about fashion, so I wouldn't have minded a few less, but I'm sure there are people out there that love them! Also, I don't know if this is showing my age or what but some of the acronyms I had to look up. A little glossary of terms in the back of the book would have been very helpful to someone like me!
I'm definitely looking forward to where the second book, Fashionista picks up! There is somewhat of a mystery brewing and I really want to know the truth!
What initially attracted me to this book was how it's working on multiple platforms, we have the book, which is essentially a collection of blog posts and a few emails and then probably a good dozen or so websites, from myspace profiles, to twitter pages, a Bradford Prep official website, and websites for other locations in the book. I loved the idea of being able to poke around online and get to know the characters better.
I think most of the fashion and label references got lost on me since I don't know much about fashion, so I wouldn't have minded a few less, but I'm sure there are people out there that love them! Also, I don't know if this is showing my age or what but some of the acronyms I had to look up. A little glossary of terms in the back of the book would have been very helpful to someone like me!
I'm definitely looking forward to where the second book, Fashionista picks up! There is somewhat of a mystery brewing and I really want to know the truth!
December 24, 2009
I had very high expectations for GoldenGirl, though I thought it was going to be similar to Gossip Girl (which is one of my guilty pleasures). I was pleasantly surprised! Micol definitely exceeded my expectations with this one! It was FAR better than any of the Gossip Girl novels, and really the only similarities are the wealth and the GG initials.
GoldenGirl kept me interested through it's blog posts (private and public) and outrageous scandals! While reading, I couldn't decide who was to be trusted and was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out the truth.
The Bradford Novels are sure to be instant hits! GoldenGirl, the first in the series, is full of humor, fashion, and jaw-dropping drama!
While I would say this is a fairly light read, the characters face some deep issues, though they are not the entire focus of the book.
I definitely recommend you read this if you are looking for some "oh-no-she-didn't" drama and the fast paced life of the wealthy.
Be sure to check out the Bradford Novels website for more information about this juicy new series.
GoldenGirl kept me interested through it's blog posts (private and public) and outrageous scandals! While reading, I couldn't decide who was to be trusted and was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out the truth.
The Bradford Novels are sure to be instant hits! GoldenGirl, the first in the series, is full of humor, fashion, and jaw-dropping drama!
While I would say this is a fairly light read, the characters face some deep issues, though they are not the entire focus of the book.
I definitely recommend you read this if you are looking for some "oh-no-she-didn't" drama and the fast paced life of the wealthy.
Be sure to check out the Bradford Novels website for more information about this juicy new series.
August 26, 2009
Written entirely in blog posts and status updates, GoldenGirl is definitely a modern story. Describing the lives of girls who would normally be upper class boarding school snobs, the blog aspect made the characters easy to understand in a way I've never experienced before with the 'mean girl' character. Being inside Spencer's head gave me a chance to learn what she was really going through and why she acted the way she did. Neatly enough, the story doesn't end when the last page is turned, and no that's not just because book two is coming out in August - Bradford Prep continues online. The very blogs mentioned between the covers actually exist on the internet with additional information from the characters. Most of the girls even have Twitter and Facebook accounts too! Not only is the story fun to read, but it's a little interactive to boot. Take a look at bradfordprep.com for a peek, then read the book for yourself.
April 7, 2009
I didn't like this book all that much, although I guess it was pretty good. It is about a girl named Spencer who is friends with Paige and Madison, who are all pretty popular. A new girl named Regan comes to their school, and for some reason Paige really doesn't like her. Later in the book they find out that Paige is really mean and she has a ton of secrets that she was keeping from her friends. Also Spencer broke up with her BF, Jeremy and started dating someone else who she doesn't like as much. This book was good, although at times a tiny bit boring. I still liked it though.
May 24, 2009
This was fun, like Gossip Girl set in Philadelphia, and written as a series of blog entries.
March 16, 2010
I found this book very enjoyable and just had to look up their website
April 16, 2013
I enjoyed.
January 30, 2014
Not bad for teenage book. Definitely better written and more entertaining than most.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews