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YOUNG QUEEN: The story of a girl who conquered the world

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Crazy. Bold. Fearless.
Parris Goebel was destined to make her mark.

Young Queen is the autobiography of a dancer with a dream . . . a young Polynesian girl who grew up in New Zealand and went on to conquer the hip hop world.
In this honest memoir, Parris Goebel shares the extraordinary story of how she went from high-school dropout to award-winning dancer, choreographer and video director.
At just 19, Parris got her big break choreographing for Jennifer Lopez. She has since worked with some of the biggest stars in music, including Janet Jackson, Rihanna and Justin Bieber, creating his record-breaking video, ‘Sorry.’
A true #girlboss, Parris Goebel is changing the game.
In these pages, Parris reveals the challenges, fears and obstacles she’s faced on her journey and gives fans and readers a backstage look into her life and the lessons she’s learned.
Filled with photos from Parris’s personal collection, on tour and on set, this is a fun and inspiring read for anyone with a dream.
Empowering and motivational, Young Queen has got da juice . . . and you can have it too.

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 14, 2018

13 people are currently reading
136 people want to read

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Parris Goebel

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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
430 reviews7 followers
July 24, 2020
What an amazing, inspirational person Parris is. I didn't even mean to read this book, I got it for my teenage niece, but it is a truly motivating book and I'm glad it found me.
Profile Image for Gabrielle.
508 reviews3 followers
April 3, 2018
So on one hand YASSSS. It is such a great thing for there to be a book about a young woman who had an unconventional goal and the drive and ambition to make it and have one billion Yt views despite living in Auckland.

On the other hand some of this stuff is just drivel.

On another hand she does the self help stuff as well as 50% of the white men I’ve read so is worth supporting.

Not the worst book I’ve read by a NZer of the year 2014. In fact the literal best. And I’m pretty confident she wrote quite a bit more of it herself too.
1 review
November 19, 2020
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!!! CROWNS UP!!!!!👑

I LOVE THIS BOOK SOOOOOOOOOOO MUCUUUUUUUUUCH it makes me want to keep pushing and do what ever it is I put my mind to even more then I do now all ready And even from this day forth I'm gonna keep doing that I hope one day to be part of parris's dance crew IT IS A DREAM OF MINES RN and I part and hope it comes true one day I have so much to say that I can't even put in to words so with that being say I part and hope to meet you one day parris and the rest of The Royal Family your and foreva will be fan MICH MUCH LOVE and KISSES And i will always remember and say till my dream comes true and it means me saying something I will always say CROWNS UP!!!!👸👑 your truly - Dara Farmer-Bey💕💕
Profile Image for Kelly Mucalo.
92 reviews2 followers
April 4, 2018
A very inspirational read, I am blown away by how hard Parris has worked to achieve her own success, and has worked to bring so many others along for the journey with her.
10 reviews
October 17, 2025
I would recommend ‘Young Queen’ by Parris Goebel to anyone needing motivation to achieve their goals or feeling like they do not fit in because it is single handedly the most inspirational book I have ever read. Parris Goebel teaches the readers of ‘Young Queen’ that anything is possible if you’re willing to fight for it and that you should always be your true self. Throughout the novel, Parris continuously communicates the importance of following your dreams and doing everything possible to achieve them. She needs her readers to know that it is never too late to chase the goals your heart desires. “If you have a dream, call out to it. Say its name. Wake up and fight for it every day.” Parris also explains that it does get hard and there will be long nights of work where you will be up all night, forgetting to eat, drink and sleep in order to make it to where you want to be. Your dreams will not come to you; you have to earn the end goals through your effort and hard work. In the end it does pay off. While you may not notice it at the time, the work you put in pushes you closer and closer to your dreams. Progress often disguises itself in small achievements, consistency and the constant discipline to keep going when you feel like giving up. During the unseen efforts, transformations take place. Breakthroughs most often come right after the point where most people would quit. In this novel Parris also dedicates a large section to the importance of being yourself. She says: “Ignore what the world is telling you to be and be who you want to be. Set yourself free.” In our current society, many people fall victim to trends and fitting in with everyone else. Parris shows in her novel that she has never worried about fitting in but rather doing what makes her feel her best. On the red carpet at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, she was offered any dress she could possibly want; however, she was not interested in that. She chose to represent her Polynesian background by wearing a modern interpretation of a traditional Samoan dress. Here, she was not trying to fit in with everyone else. She wanted to wear what she was comfortable-and that is exactly what she did. Great importance lies within the reality of being who you truly are instead of what society deems acceptable. Being yourself is freeing, fun, and healing. There is simply nothing better. In conclusion, this book is one I would definitely recommend to people who are feeling stuck and seeking motivation or simply feel as if they do not fit in with the crowd. Parris Goebel teaches so much in just 200 pages of her novel. She ensures readers finish ‘Young Queen’ knowing the importance of goal setting, striving to achieve those goals, never giving up and why being yourself trumps modern societal beliefs. The importance of her writing this novel is so significant because it just shows that even if you are from little old New Zealand, that does not mean you should dull your dreams or box yourself in a cage. She proves to her and the Palace’s fans what can be done if you put your mind to it. This is incredibly helpful as in society many youths are stuck during their adolescence. The advice that is offered in this novel is something that many young people may not be offered by anyone else, so it’s important that it can be obtained here. In summary, always chase your dreams: big or small, and be yourself no matter who or what attempts to define you.

Profile Image for Nina Ive.
259 reviews9 followers
December 21, 2018
Parris deserves all sorts of kudos and more for what she has achieved. This was a light and easy read to take you on her journey. she dropped out of school at 15 to pursue her dreams of dance and now choreographs for the biggest celebrities in the world.

What this proves to me is that if you have a talent, combined with singleinded purpose and drive, supported by your family and friends....you can achieve anything your heart desires.

I will watch Parris and her future with interest.
Profile Image for Ace.
32 reviews
July 5, 2022
What a good read! This book reads like a relaxed and open chat with Parris about her journey this far and all the bits and bobs. The book itself looks like a coffee table book - glossy with beautiful pictures and insights into her rise in the industry. I particularly loved the Q & A boxes and the 'Lessons from Miss P'. They made the book so personal and easy to digest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1 review
April 26, 2020
Wow

Soo inspiring real honest & I just want to say Kendal you are a real life hero!!! Thank you parris for sharing and I’m just thinking you could add another by now lol reading from Ireland ❤️
Profile Image for Brandon.
26 reviews6 followers
April 18, 2020
A nice read aimed at the youth market and designed and written accordingly. A nice insight into the achievements of this phenom!
1 review
January 11, 2021
Parris Goebel is a QUEEN! Inspirational story and great words to live by. Perfect read for anyone chasing their dreams or needing a boost of confidence.
Profile Image for Jessica.
973 reviews
November 17, 2020
This book is more than a memoir. It’s an album of inspiration to anyone who aspires to be more than ordinary.
Profile Image for Lee.
238 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2023
A book I read ages ago, however, Goodreads didn't update my tracker when I updated it as READ -:Gee Thanks Guys
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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