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Drama! #1
The Four Dorothys
Every performance needs a little scandal and . . .
DRAMA!
Spawned from Hollywood's A-list glitterati, nearly every student at the exclusive Orion Academy is a singer, dancer, model, or actor -- with the ego to match. So how do you fit so many budding stars into one school musical?
Multi-cast, of course. It's a Wizard of Oz like no other: four Dorothys, two Scarecrows, two Glindas, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Every "star" gets a moment in the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Bryan Stark, narrator extraordinaire, needs to shed some light on a more scandalous plot. Dorothys are mysteriously dropping out of the show, one after the other. If Bryan doesn't figure out why, there may be no one left to click her heels by opening night. . . .
236 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
10 people are currently reading
208 people want to read
About the author
Paul Ruditis
113 books98 followersPaul Ruditis also writes under the name P.J. Ruditis.
I was born and raised in Philadelphia where I lived a typical childhood with a far more interesting fantasy life. I mean, how many other eight year olds were sticking their Star Wars action figures in Ziploc bags filled with water and putting them in the freezer to recreate the ice planet of Hoth? (Really? That many? Never mind.)
After college, I moved to Los Angeles and was very lucky to get a job as a page at Paramount Pictures only months after I got into town. I worked as a tour guide and usher, and I performed temp office work around the lot.
Eventually, I took a position working in the studio's licensing department where I quickly worked my way up to middle management.
After a while, one of my friends in the publishing industry offered me the opportunity to write a Buffy, The Vampire Slayer short story for a collection she was editing. Well, when I heard how little money I could make as a writer, I immediately quit my job to try it full time. (Stupid, I know, but it kind of worked for me.)
I started out by writing books based on such wonderful TV shows as Star Trek, Roswell, and Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. I have since written over 30 books based some of the best shows on TV, adding The West Wing, Alias, and Prison Break to that ever growing list.
While I continue to work on these media tie-ins, I have also been focused more on my own original fiction, including my teen series DRAMA! and the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy Love, Hollywood Style.
- Abridged Bio - Official Website.
I was born and raised in Philadelphia where I lived a typical childhood with a far more interesting fantasy life. I mean, how many other eight year olds were sticking their Star Wars action figures in Ziploc bags filled with water and putting them in the freezer to recreate the ice planet of Hoth? (Really? That many? Never mind.)
After college, I moved to Los Angeles and was very lucky to get a job as a page at Paramount Pictures only months after I got into town. I worked as a tour guide and usher, and I performed temp office work around the lot.
Eventually, I took a position working in the studio's licensing department where I quickly worked my way up to middle management.
After a while, one of my friends in the publishing industry offered me the opportunity to write a Buffy, The Vampire Slayer short story for a collection she was editing. Well, when I heard how little money I could make as a writer, I immediately quit my job to try it full time. (Stupid, I know, but it kind of worked for me.)
I started out by writing books based on such wonderful TV shows as Star Trek, Roswell, and Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. I have since written over 30 books based some of the best shows on TV, adding The West Wing, Alias, and Prison Break to that ever growing list.
While I continue to work on these media tie-ins, I have also been focused more on my own original fiction, including my teen series DRAMA! and the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedy Love, Hollywood Style.
- Abridged Bio - Official Website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 17, 2013
http://angelasanxiouslife.blogspot.co...
It's the Wizard of Oz month here since I am participating in Classics Retold this month. I went on the hunt to find a Wizard of Oz retelling. Mostly I only found out about Wicked... but then I stumbled upon this great young adult book. I had no idea what to expect... but it's a great little book! Here is the goodreads description:
Every performance needs a little scandal and . . .
DRAMA!
Spawned from Hollywood's A-list glitterati, nearly every student at the exclusive Orion Academy is a singer, dancer, model, or actor -- with the ego to match. So how do you fit so many budding stars into one school musical?
Multi-cast, of course. It's a Wizard of Oz like no other: four Dorothys, two Scarecrows, two Glindas, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Every "star" gets a moment in the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Bryan Stark, narrator extraordinaire, needs to shed some light on a more scandalous plot. Dorothys are mysteriously dropping out of the show, one after the other. If Bryan doesn't figure out why, there may be no one left to click her heels by opening night. . . . .
This a fun humorous book about some high school students who go to an upscale high school in the California area. They are doing a Wizard of Oz play but there is scandal because all the girls who are playing Dorothy seem like they are being sabotaged to not be in the play. I mean ... the jokes were a little juvenile true. I guess you could say that this book is more for middle grade.
I like that this book has a mystery and isn't your typical YA book. No love triangles, or any of that nonsense. If you are looking for something that is all about Oz this is the book too. It is more based off the movie then the the Wonderful Wizard of Oz book. I did really enjoy the humor in the book. The main character, Bryan Stark, talks to the reader. He is telling us the story and it is pretty funny.
Apparently, this book is a series!! Who knew? (up to four books in the series now) I have never heard of this author before and when I looked up the authors other books on goodreads they are all over the place! A West Wing (the show) companion guide, Sabrina the Teenage Witch books, and more. WOW! I probably won't continue on with the series only because they are a little young for me. Still though a lot of fun. If you are looking for a cute Wizard of Oz retelling this is perfect!
It's the Wizard of Oz month here since I am participating in Classics Retold this month. I went on the hunt to find a Wizard of Oz retelling. Mostly I only found out about Wicked... but then I stumbled upon this great young adult book. I had no idea what to expect... but it's a great little book! Here is the goodreads description:
Every performance needs a little scandal and . . .
DRAMA!
Spawned from Hollywood's A-list glitterati, nearly every student at the exclusive Orion Academy is a singer, dancer, model, or actor -- with the ego to match. So how do you fit so many budding stars into one school musical?
Multi-cast, of course. It's a Wizard of Oz like no other: four Dorothys, two Scarecrows, two Glindas, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Every "star" gets a moment in the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Bryan Stark, narrator extraordinaire, needs to shed some light on a more scandalous plot. Dorothys are mysteriously dropping out of the show, one after the other. If Bryan doesn't figure out why, there may be no one left to click her heels by opening night. . . . .
This a fun humorous book about some high school students who go to an upscale high school in the California area. They are doing a Wizard of Oz play but there is scandal because all the girls who are playing Dorothy seem like they are being sabotaged to not be in the play. I mean ... the jokes were a little juvenile true. I guess you could say that this book is more for middle grade.
I like that this book has a mystery and isn't your typical YA book. No love triangles, or any of that nonsense. If you are looking for something that is all about Oz this is the book too. It is more based off the movie then the the Wonderful Wizard of Oz book. I did really enjoy the humor in the book. The main character, Bryan Stark, talks to the reader. He is telling us the story and it is pretty funny.
Apparently, this book is a series!! Who knew? (up to four books in the series now) I have never heard of this author before and when I looked up the authors other books on goodreads they are all over the place! A West Wing (the show) companion guide, Sabrina the Teenage Witch books, and more. WOW! I probably won't continue on with the series only because they are a little young for me. Still though a lot of fun. If you are looking for a cute Wizard of Oz retelling this is perfect!
May 23, 2008
bleah...this book was so icky, i didnt even bother reading like, the last half! i mean, theres like all these awesome reviews bout this so called amAzing novel...but the truth is, it isnt all that amazing!!! ughhh...it just nauseates me. i just lay in bed, reading and reading and reading and reading and reading and reading and reading and reading and reading and reading and reading, waiting 4 somethn fun 2 happen, but what a waste of time...nothing ever did!!!! plus, the narrator of the book, heck i dont even member his freakin name, he was a bit gay. (yea, the picture of him on the back was really cute, and by a bit gay, i meant SUPERGAY!!!!! i mean, hes a high school director!!! and i dont mean that hes a director that directs high school...im sayin that hes a director tahts IN high school! its like the dramatz version of jay manuel...)
and the jokes were REALLY cheesey. you could just TELL that they were tryn so hard 2 b funny but were failing miserably!
and the jokes were REALLY cheesey. you could just TELL that they were tryn so hard 2 b funny but were failing miserably!
Want to read
January 24, 2021I read this in like grade 3 or 4. It was the most dramatic book I have ever read at the time and I remember enjoying it. Then I moved away and left that school library with this book. This pops into my head every so often and I could never remember the name of it. So, thank you so much, Cintia for answering my recommendation and finding this for me!
I cannot wait to reread this book and maybe continue on. I don't like very dramatic books, but this one was just something to remember.
I cannot wait to reread this book and maybe continue on. I don't like very dramatic books, but this one was just something to remember.
June 21, 2020
The Four Dorothys is a solid YA mystery with plenty of twists that keep the story moving. The main character, Bryan Stark, is an entertaining narrator that makes this an enjoyable and fun read for anyone who has ever done high school or college theater before (and even if you haven't, it's still worth a read). Good stuff!
April 21, 2025
My favourite book series as a young teen! Rereading again 16 years later and still love it. Love, love, love Bryan as a narrator and especially loved the not-quite-murder mystery theme of the first book.
June 7, 2019
For me, it was okay but there are tweens/teens that may find it more enjoyable. There were literary and film references that teens may not understand the connections.
December 15, 2019
An elementary book my mom read to me. I remember lots of drama.
March 23, 2017
This book is a great one for a high schooler! In fact that's when I got it. It has lots of Drama if you couldn't tell by the name!... and scandal and everything else that makes up a good book. It's an entertaining read that is only slightly predictable
May 15, 2018
The book DRAMA! Four Dorothy's by Paul Ruditis is okay I didn't expect is to be like this but it's about a boy named Byan Shark he is Junior at Orion Academy in Malibu, CA he describes himself as the boy in the back of the play, the supporting role also he says he gay but no one knows. Byan mother owns a boutique in Hollywood and his father traveling the world. Byan have two close friends Sam and Hope, they both have boyfriends Sam dates Eric the school soccer stud. Byan has something against him Eric is also bestfriend with Hope's on and off again. Sam is the school's charity case, no offense Sam's mom is a teacher at Orion that`s how is afford the tuition. Hope always wear black with a hint of some color and he mother is a fashion designer, The Trio Drama Geeks. Orion is performing arts school with 200 students, the school doesn't have cliques but people get jealous. The book is a play is a Wizard of Oz it start off in a play rehearsal, Orion is on a residential street they have 1 night for a spring performance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2012
The Four Dorothy's by Paul Ruditis. This book starts off with a boy named Bryan Stark. He is a junior at Orion Academy in Malibu, CA. He describes himself as the boy in the back of the play, the supporting role. He also says that he is gay but hasn't told anyone because no one has asked.He lives with his mom and dad. His mom owns a dog boutique in Hollywood. Bryan is not sure what his dad does but it involves traveling the world. His two best friends are Sam and Hope. Sam and Hope both have sort of boyfriends. Sam recently started dating Eric. School's soccer stud. Also Bryan has something against him. Eric is also best friends with Hope's on-again off-again boyfriend Drew. Sam is the school's charity case. No offense but she doesn't mind. Sam's mom is a teacher at Orion and that's how she affords the tuition. Hope is sort of goth but not. She always wears black with a hint of some color.Her mom is a fashion designer. The trio are Drama Geeks.They don't mind the term. They actually quite like it. Orion is a performing arts school. There are only 200 students.The school doesn't have cliques but people do get jealous.Bryan describes the school in detail as it is right on the ocean. He often drifts off in class. Anyways the book starts off in play rehearsal. The play is Wizard of Oz. Since Orion is on a residential street they are only limited to 1 night for the spring performance. Since there is so much talent the Dorothy part is split up into 4 parts. Each Dorothy gets a half an act. Sam is one Dorothy. Hope is one Glinda. Bryan is one of the scarecrows. So in rehearsal that day a light almost knocks out one of the girls. The week of the show strange things start happening to the Dorothy's one by one. One Dorothy has a terrible allergic reaction to shellfish. One Dorothy is caught with a dirty scandal. If you want to find out more than read The Four Dorothy's by Paul Ruditis. Sometimes jealously can go too far!
October 20, 2014
This was a complete impulse buy and didn't read it for the longest time. I finally picked the book up after starting to watch Glee on TV, because the books sounded a lot like it. That's so far from the truth it isn't even funny. I loved this book, but in no way is it a copy of Glee.
The books follows a character named Bryan Stark who is a 'drama geek' and attends Orion Academy in LA. The Four Dorothys is about when the school puts it on production of The Wizard of Oz. Heather Mayflower clearly wants the leading role all to herself, but acting in her sister, Holly's, shadow is no easy task. Suddenly the four girls casted to play Dorothy slowly dwindle away. Bryan's best friend, Sam Lawson, was casted for the role, but is scared her place might be jeopardized as well. Bryan, Sam, and Hope Rivera have to uncover the true to the disappearing Dorothy's before Sam's out of the play too!
I really had absolutely no expectations going into this, but I was blown away. First Bryan is so relatable and I felt as though I was in the story. The story was entertaining and kept my interest. The book could almost be stand-a-lones as in no cliff hanger to make you read the next book. The only reason I read the second was because I already had it. I would encourage you two continue with the series. I almost like the second story better, because I was already attached to the characters. I probably will read the third book just because of my love for the characters and their stories.
This is the first I have heard of Paul Ruditis, but here is the entire series (1st to 4th)- The Four Dorothys; Everyone's a Critic; Show, Don't Tell; Entrances and Exits.
The books follows a character named Bryan Stark who is a 'drama geek' and attends Orion Academy in LA. The Four Dorothys is about when the school puts it on production of The Wizard of Oz. Heather Mayflower clearly wants the leading role all to herself, but acting in her sister, Holly's, shadow is no easy task. Suddenly the four girls casted to play Dorothy slowly dwindle away. Bryan's best friend, Sam Lawson, was casted for the role, but is scared her place might be jeopardized as well. Bryan, Sam, and Hope Rivera have to uncover the true to the disappearing Dorothy's before Sam's out of the play too!
I really had absolutely no expectations going into this, but I was blown away. First Bryan is so relatable and I felt as though I was in the story. The story was entertaining and kept my interest. The book could almost be stand-a-lones as in no cliff hanger to make you read the next book. The only reason I read the second was because I already had it. I would encourage you two continue with the series. I almost like the second story better, because I was already attached to the characters. I probably will read the third book just because of my love for the characters and their stories.
This is the first I have heard of Paul Ruditis, but here is the entire series (1st to 4th)- The Four Dorothys; Everyone's a Critic; Show, Don't Tell; Entrances and Exits.
June 11, 2011
I really liked this book, but it was definitely a drama geek book. I absolutley loved all of the musical references and scenarios, but for those who aren't familiar with modern and older musicals or backstage terms...eh don't read it. More than half the jokes were from musicals and Shakesperean plays. They story itself was just okay. I mean, the attempted mystery failed and the plot line was pretty bland. I know I loved it because it makes me feel better about myself when I randomly burst into song in front of my friends, blurt famous lines from my favorite musicals, or try to make a pun and no one understands it because it's from a musical older than dirt. So definitely a drama geek book.
If life was a cast list...Bryan Stark's name would be towards the bottom. But he's okay with that, and even though he is an actor-photographer, he doesn't mind standing in the background watching and critiquing his fellow students at Orion Academy. Orion is most known for their drama program, having famous actors and actresses' sons and daughters attending the academy. The school is filled with talent, and egos to match. This year, the spring musical is the Wizard of Oz, but how do you showcase so much talent with so little leads? Multi-casts of course! Four Dorothys have been cast and each one will get an equal amount of time on stage. But as each girl mysteriously begins to drop out of the show, Bryan's best friend Sam is next on the hit list. And before Sam is forced out of the show too, Bryan is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery.
If life was a cast list...Bryan Stark's name would be towards the bottom. But he's okay with that, and even though he is an actor-photographer, he doesn't mind standing in the background watching and critiquing his fellow students at Orion Academy. Orion is most known for their drama program, having famous actors and actresses' sons and daughters attending the academy. The school is filled with talent, and egos to match. This year, the spring musical is the Wizard of Oz, but how do you showcase so much talent with so little leads? Multi-casts of course! Four Dorothys have been cast and each one will get an equal amount of time on stage. But as each girl mysteriously begins to drop out of the show, Bryan's best friend Sam is next on the hit list. And before Sam is forced out of the show too, Bryan is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery.
May 5, 2008
Reviewed by Jeremey for TeensReadToo.com
Imagine a private school where beauty is a must. Imagine that the school musical is the coolest after-school activity. Imagine when everything goes wrong.
Bryan Stark narrates the lives of himself and those around him as the school production of The Wizard of Oz draws nearer. This Wizard of Oz is one unlike many have seen. The play follows the traditional storyline of Dorothy and her dog, Toto, going over the rainbow to a magical world. The only twist is that there are too many characters. Four Dorothys? Two Scarecrows? Two Wicked Witches? Bryan already knows the play will be a disaster, but nonetheless, he will do his part as Scarecrow #2. When things begin to go wrong Bryan must do some detective work to find the real culprit behind all of the attacks on the play's participants.
Follow Bryan and the unforgettable cast as questions are answered (is that one of the four Dorothys posing naked on the school website?), frowned-upon relationships are formed (a junior dating an underclassman?), and near death experiences are questioned (was that an accident?). Watch as the drama unfolds and find out if the biggest question of all is answered: Will there be an opening night?
Paul Ruditis' novel is a story you won't soon forget. From the very first sentence you know that the book will be funny and will make you smile all the way through.
Imagine a private school where beauty is a must. Imagine that the school musical is the coolest after-school activity. Imagine when everything goes wrong.
Bryan Stark narrates the lives of himself and those around him as the school production of The Wizard of Oz draws nearer. This Wizard of Oz is one unlike many have seen. The play follows the traditional storyline of Dorothy and her dog, Toto, going over the rainbow to a magical world. The only twist is that there are too many characters. Four Dorothys? Two Scarecrows? Two Wicked Witches? Bryan already knows the play will be a disaster, but nonetheless, he will do his part as Scarecrow #2. When things begin to go wrong Bryan must do some detective work to find the real culprit behind all of the attacks on the play's participants.
Follow Bryan and the unforgettable cast as questions are answered (is that one of the four Dorothys posing naked on the school website?), frowned-upon relationships are formed (a junior dating an underclassman?), and near death experiences are questioned (was that an accident?). Watch as the drama unfolds and find out if the biggest question of all is answered: Will there be an opening night?
Paul Ruditis' novel is a story you won't soon forget. From the very first sentence you know that the book will be funny and will make you smile all the way through.
April 28, 2010
All in all, this book was pretty good. However, as mysteries go, I've read better. It was a pretty good book, and a nice effort at the whole mystery thing, but honestly, the culprit was given away at the very beginning. Personally, I'm one who tends to lean towards a higher romance factor in books, so I was pretty disapointed when Sam ended up with Eric of all people. Sure he cares about her and is all nice and everything, but I would've liked it better if she decided to go out with Bryan or something... And was it really necessary to make him (Bryan) gay?!?!?!?!?! It would've been much better if Bryan had a secret crush on her, or if one was developing, but was it really necessary to make him gay? Don't get me wrong, I really did like the book, the plot was exciting, and the sub-dramas are pretty good, but it wasn't much better than good in my opinion. In this fun, slow, mystery, Bryan Stark has to save the school play before all four Dorothys (including his best friend Sam) get injured, or pulled out of the play for some reason. Will Bryan solve the mystery in time, or will the Dorothys have pointlessly memorized there lines? Read the book to ind out!
December 18, 2013
This book is purely an enjoyable and fun read. I could totally imagine this series being a tv series to honest. It slightly reminds me of The Gossip Girl (the books and tv show) but taken down a couple notches...meaning there is no foul language (there are indications though)and no sexual situations, only a few funny and subtle hints. Rather then focusing on rich kids in general, this novel focuses on the rich kids of actors and actresses on the West Coast. This book also has a mystery in it, but more like The Gossip Girl kind than your crime-fight kind or your hard-core mystery novel. It has some nasty conflicts and plots which are very interesting to read and keeps your eyes and mind desiring to see what happens next. The point of view is a gay teenage boy and in my library, it was in the younger teen section versus The Gossip Girl which in your older teen section. So if you just want something to read for fun, this may be a book you like. The language is somewhat not juvenile and sounds similar to a regular male teen plus fun allusions (references) to plays and shows on Boardway.
November 30, 2010
The Four Dorothys is set inside Orion Academy-an exclusive school for actors, dancers, singers and models. The Spring performance that Orion Academy hosts has a huge reputation-that they have to protect. Except...this time, it won't be as easy. Bryan Stark, #2 scarecrow and best friend of #2 Dorothy, has to find out the truth about who's attacking the former Dorothys. Who planted the shrimp taco that Suzie was allergic too? Who tripped Wren? And who comitted all of the crimes that made all of the Dorothys drop out?
The beginning is confusing-at first. It starts out in the audotorium for the Dorothys costume fitting. As it goes on, the plot thickens and starts to get more thrilling and exciting. This book fits best for the age group of 13-16, as listed above. I do not recommend this book for anyone younger than that. (I guess it's sort of odd for me to be saying that when I am 11 myself. :))But anyway, if you love reading about the life of movie stars and etcetera, etcetera, than this book is definitely for you.
Copyright 2010 http://www.midnightmermaids.blogspot.com
The beginning is confusing-at first. It starts out in the audotorium for the Dorothys costume fitting. As it goes on, the plot thickens and starts to get more thrilling and exciting. This book fits best for the age group of 13-16, as listed above. I do not recommend this book for anyone younger than that. (I guess it's sort of odd for me to be saying that when I am 11 myself. :))But anyway, if you love reading about the life of movie stars and etcetera, etcetera, than this book is definitely for you.
Copyright 2010 http://www.midnightmermaids.blogspot.com
August 2, 2008
I wish we could give stars and a half because I liked this more than 3, but not as much as 4. Told in a sarcastic, gossipy first person by Bryan Stark, student at an exclusive private Malibu high school where everybody's so into showbiz that they have to have four different Dorothys for the spring production of The Wizard of Oz. Then one by one the Dorothys become targets of minor violence, and Bryan must catch the instigator before s/he strikes at his best friend Sam, the last standing Dorothy.
Narrative style is very engaging, reminiscent of the one in Boy Meets Boy, but Bryan's more critical of his peers and is hesitant about discussing his sexuality with either his friends or the reader.
Narrative style is very engaging, reminiscent of the one in Boy Meets Boy, but Bryan's more critical of his peers and is hesitant about discussing his sexuality with either his friends or the reader.
Read
January 3, 2009 The Four Dorothys(Drama!) was a very interesting book. There are alot of mani characters of the book, and they all relate to some person that you probally now in your life(only if you are in middle or high school). The book always keeps you anticipating what happens next all the time.
The narrator is Bryan Stark. He his a very smart kid with a secret of his own. All he really wants is the best for everybody. He gets in to some situations that really confuses him but he still makes his way out.
Most of the book takes place at school. The book is full of teenage drame, competitiveness, and relationships. By the title of the book you would never think of some of the things that go on.But there is alot that can go wrong with four girls and an high school play.
The narrator is Bryan Stark. He his a very smart kid with a secret of his own. All he really wants is the best for everybody. He gets in to some situations that really confuses him but he still makes his way out.
Most of the book takes place at school. The book is full of teenage drame, competitiveness, and relationships. By the title of the book you would never think of some of the things that go on.But there is alot that can go wrong with four girls and an high school play.
April 18, 2009
In this book, there is action, drama, and mystery, or at least as much as a Hollywood highschool can have. When Bryan Stark's best friend Sam tries out for Dorothy in the school play, he is sure she will get the part. But because of the talent in the school, there are four Dorothies! They are all very excited, but Dorothies begin to drop out of the play for mysterious reasons. Bryan tries to find out who is behind this before the play is ruined, and Sam gets in danger. I think this would be a great book for someone 6th grade through 10th grade. It is a good read, and will have you up late at night reading. It will keep you guessing until the end!
November 14, 2009
Being a high school theatre geek myself, I expected to enjoy this book a little more than I actually did. It was fun and fluffy, but it was also a little... bland. Like 'Glee' without the music, I guess, except this book doesn't have the strong characterisations that Glee has to support it.
The story is narrated by closeted Bryan Stark, and revolves around his high school's production of "The Wizard of Oz", where Dorothy is being played by four(!) girls. Only one of them wants the stage all to herself...
As this is the first of a series, I hope that there will be more character development - and that Bryan will get his own chance to shine in the spotlight.
The story is narrated by closeted Bryan Stark, and revolves around his high school's production of "The Wizard of Oz", where Dorothy is being played by four(!) girls. Only one of them wants the stage all to herself...
As this is the first of a series, I hope that there will be more character development - and that Bryan will get his own chance to shine in the spotlight.
October 22, 2010
Bryan Stark is a very funny drama queen. He disdains organized sports, accepts his wealthy Southern California private high school resort life as a birthright, loves to shop, and thinks nothing of belting out songs from “The Wizard of Oz” as he glides through the halls with his drama geek friends.
Bryan establishes his homosexuality early, but that’s not really the issue here. He’s far too busy gossiping over the lives of his family, friends and teenage rivals, as the Mystery of the Dropping Dorothys takes over the plot.
It was a bit disappointing for me to see how the mystery winds down, but that was the only flaw for me in what was a great laugh.
Bryan establishes his homosexuality early, but that’s not really the issue here. He’s far too busy gossiping over the lives of his family, friends and teenage rivals, as the Mystery of the Dropping Dorothys takes over the plot.
It was a bit disappointing for me to see how the mystery winds down, but that was the only flaw for me in what was a great laugh.
January 9, 2015
Drama: The Four Dorothys is set in a privileged high school is sunny California. It houses all the richest and pampered kids of the stars. The musical that year is, you guessed it, The Wizard of Oz. The competition gets heated when there are four girls for the lead. Each Dorothy is slowly taken down with only one standing. I wonder who it might be.
This book was the best book I've ever read. I don't know how I've lived my life without it. Wait.....what do you mean we're not talking about Harry Potter? Oh, we're talking about THIS book. Oh god. This book was terrible. It was a struggle getting through it. The main character was so pretension and cliche. I wanted to punch him.
This book was the best book I've ever read. I don't know how I've lived my life without it. Wait.....what do you mean we're not talking about Harry Potter? Oh, we're talking about THIS book. Oh god. This book was terrible. It was a struggle getting through it. The main character was so pretension and cliche. I wanted to punch him.
July 25, 2014
Mr. Ruditis has created a narrator with a wonderful voice and rhythm, believable and endearing. The drama behind the scenes of high school drama is fun and vicious at the same time. The inside theatre jokes, including chapter titles of well-known and obscure plays and musicals come fast and furious. A fast and enjoyable read. I wish someone would write a novel based in high school drama without a gay main character, but maybe that is not realistic in this day and age. At least this character was not heavy-handed or over the top. I wonder how the character develops in the rest of the series?
February 12, 2008
This book was cute. i can't wait to read the follow up.
Ok, I'm only a third of the way through this book and I love it. I feel like the main character is a clone of Mikey, but maybe that's why I like him so much. :o) Either way, you have to read this book, Mikey.
The first line of this book is "It was a Drag Queen's worst nightmare!" I'm already hooked. Can't wait to see how this ends up. I mean it can't be all that bad with gay boys, drama kids an the Wizard of Oz, can it?
Ok, I'm only a third of the way through this book and I love it. I feel like the main character is a clone of Mikey, but maybe that's why I like him so much. :o) Either way, you have to read this book, Mikey.
The first line of this book is "It was a Drag Queen's worst nightmare!" I'm already hooked. Can't wait to see how this ends up. I mean it can't be all that bad with gay boys, drama kids an the Wizard of Oz, can it?
April 1, 2013
I honestly didn't think I would like this. But I kept accidentally finding the book, so i finally decided to read it, and I have to say I really liked it. I liked hearing it from Bryan's point of view because it was so snarky and egotistical in the stereotypical teenager way that it was funny. That's all I got for this review, but it really was better than I expected, so I want to read the next book too.
July 6, 2012
I read the first line and I FELL IN LOVE.
You know how people have soulmates? Well, if a book could be a soulmate, this would be mine. I got every reference, I laughed at every quip. The characters were perfect, the narration perfect. I've lost count of how many times I've read it. Amazing.
You know how people have soulmates? Well, if a book could be a soulmate, this would be mine. I got every reference, I laughed at every quip. The characters were perfect, the narration perfect. I've lost count of how many times I've read it. Amazing.
January 10, 2013
This book was ok. It had a good conflict, but finding out who did it was predictable. I think it should have been someone no one would have ever thought of. The main character was ok too. He was the narrator, but I feel like he just gave the reader too much unnecessary information. I think that a lot of what he said didn't really need to be said at all.
March 5, 2008
It was pretty fun, but I kind of felt like nothing in particular happened. Maybe you just don't get to care about the characters enough, so when things happen to them, it's barely a blip on the radar. :P
This is part of a series, so I'll see if I feel like reading the second book.
This is part of a series, so I'll see if I feel like reading the second book.
April 1, 2008
Closet gay narrator tells the story of how the school play has been forced to cast 4 different leading ladies as 'Dorothy' from the 'Wizard of Oz', and then how they're all targeted to reduce that number to one.
July 17, 2008
Contains spoilers!
I liked the way that even though you know the girl behind it all is pure evil, you don't really figure out it was her until the second half of the book when Bryan and Sam figure it out. I really liked how all of the chapters were titles of musicals and broadway plays!
I liked the way that even though you know the girl behind it all is pure evil, you don't really figure out it was her until the second half of the book when Bryan and Sam figure it out. I really liked how all of the chapters were titles of musicals and broadway plays!
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