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Running in Heels
Daisy Davenport has it all - stunning looks, spectacular house, seriously gorgeous boyfriend. But when her father is sent to jail for corruption, Daisy's life is shattered. Cramped into rooms above a kebab shop, she and her family have to readjust - fast. And if life isn't hard enough already, Daisy's new school is a world away from her old one. And the school bully is going to make sure she remembers it ...
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2010
11 people are currently reading
739 people want to read
About the author
Helen Bailey
46 books39 followersHelen Elizabeth Bailey (22 August 1964 – c. 11 April 2016) was a British author who wrote the Electra Brown series of books aimed at a teenage audience.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 29, 2015
This book was a joy to read. It follows the story of Daisy Davenport, a spoilt teenager that has it all: a massive house, a hot boyfriend, a gang of super cool girl friends and all the expensive shoes and accessories you could want. Wait, she has a pony too. Can't forget Polly.
But this all changes when her father is sent to jail for corruption, and her family's name is plastered over the newspaper headlines is a not-so-great light. Things only get worse when the family have to move to an apartment above a Kebab Shop and Daisy is told she has to transfer to Bensham High, a state school packed jam with chavs...
I laughed throughout the entire book, even when Daisy was at her all time low, her narrative voice was amusing and gave a different and unique way of looking at life. Her life at Bensham was hell: the girls all hated her for being such a "snotty cow" and jeered at her, picking at everything she did. But one girl, Mel, makes her life a pure misery. Pranks are being played on her everyday, she is framed for being the bully, she is cornered in the toilets, called horrible names and her homework is scribbled on.
Like many others, one thing did annoy me. Apparently her brother Aston is so lazy he'd take any chance to be 'vertical.' Something a bit wrong there, maybe, Helen Bailey? ;) Most lazy people I know like to be horizontal.
But the ending didn't fail to make me grin. I won't say why, that would be spoiling it. But I do recommended this book, it's fairly inspirational, it's funny and and it's a nice break from vampires and werewolves. ;D
But this all changes when her father is sent to jail for corruption, and her family's name is plastered over the newspaper headlines is a not-so-great light. Things only get worse when the family have to move to an apartment above a Kebab Shop and Daisy is told she has to transfer to Bensham High, a state school packed jam with chavs...
I laughed throughout the entire book, even when Daisy was at her all time low, her narrative voice was amusing and gave a different and unique way of looking at life. Her life at Bensham was hell: the girls all hated her for being such a "snotty cow" and jeered at her, picking at everything she did. But one girl, Mel, makes her life a pure misery. Pranks are being played on her everyday, she is framed for being the bully, she is cornered in the toilets, called horrible names and her homework is scribbled on.
Like many others, one thing did annoy me. Apparently her brother Aston is so lazy he'd take any chance to be 'vertical.' Something a bit wrong there, maybe, Helen Bailey? ;) Most lazy people I know like to be horizontal.
But the ending didn't fail to make me grin. I won't say why, that would be spoiling it. But I do recommended this book, it's fairly inspirational, it's funny and and it's a nice break from vampires and werewolves. ;D
January 23, 2011
Daisy Davenport's perfect life is turned upside down after her dad gets locked up for fraud. The story is funny and pretty well written - despite hating the characters at first, they (mostly) become likeable as the story progresses. It's a here-and-now book that relies a little too much on designer name-dropping for my liking, but it's still rather good, even if the ending is a little too neat.
My only problem with the book? It's a tiny, niggly little thing, but: "If there's a chance to be vertical, my brother will take it. I can't believe he sat upright long enough to sit his A levels." I'm pretty sure that should be horizontal, since said brother had just been described as always laying about on the sofa. If it's a quirk of the character's to get the two mixed up, then fine. But somehow, it just stands out in an otherwise good book.
My only problem with the book? It's a tiny, niggly little thing, but: "If there's a chance to be vertical, my brother will take it. I can't believe he sat upright long enough to sit his A levels." I'm pretty sure that should be horizontal, since said brother had just been described as always laying about on the sofa. If it's a quirk of the character's to get the two mixed up, then fine. But somehow, it just stands out in an otherwise good book.
February 7, 2011
I bought this book hoping for a funny book that I could just fall into and it would take me away from the gale force winds that are currently ravaging the seaside town I live in.... it didn't.
Sure I read it really quickly but it didn't entertain me at all. The writing wasn't that funny and it felt as though the author was trying to write in the same way as Louise Rennison but due to the fact Ms Rennison is a comedienne that was never going to work out well.
The characters weren't very likeable and I just wanted to strangle Daisy Davenport (Oh well at least she got channeling her inner Cheryl Cole right because I want to strangle her as well) because she was nothing but a spoilt idiot who couldn't accept anything in life that wasn't her perfect plan.
Jokes about leprosy are disgusting... Leprosy was a serious illness centuries ago and it shouldn't be taken lightly.
I didn't know that lazy people were vertical all the time.... My brother's lazy like Aston and he tends to be horizontal. That's something that should have been picked up by editors but it wasn't... further dragging the book down because it niggled me for the rest of the book.
Daisy's mother's situation was never going to happen... he hired her for a stupid reason and deer kebabs? Honestly you're taking it a bit far there.
On the up side there was one laugh out loud moment (for me) but I won't tell you what it was because you might hate that bit.
Overall an average book I probably won't get anything else by this author but this is just my opinion and you future reader, or person reading this can have your own and that's all good.
Sure I read it really quickly but it didn't entertain me at all. The writing wasn't that funny and it felt as though the author was trying to write in the same way as Louise Rennison but due to the fact Ms Rennison is a comedienne that was never going to work out well.
The characters weren't very likeable and I just wanted to strangle Daisy Davenport (Oh well at least she got channeling her inner Cheryl Cole right because I want to strangle her as well) because she was nothing but a spoilt idiot who couldn't accept anything in life that wasn't her perfect plan.
Jokes about leprosy are disgusting... Leprosy was a serious illness centuries ago and it shouldn't be taken lightly.
I didn't know that lazy people were vertical all the time.... My brother's lazy like Aston and he tends to be horizontal. That's something that should have been picked up by editors but it wasn't... further dragging the book down because it niggled me for the rest of the book.
Daisy's mother's situation was never going to happen... he hired her for a stupid reason and deer kebabs? Honestly you're taking it a bit far there.
On the up side there was one laugh out loud moment (for me) but I won't tell you what it was because you might hate that bit.
Overall an average book I probably won't get anything else by this author but this is just my opinion and you future reader, or person reading this can have your own and that's all good.
June 16, 2014
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~STORYLINE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DAISY DEVENPORT, a spoilt teenage brat who has it all, money, designer clothes, a hot boyfie, a mansion and a gang of followers. What every girl dreams of is a pony of their own. And, of course, what daisy wants, daisy gets, so lets not forget about Fat miss Polly.
When Daisy's dad is locked up for Theft and Fraud, the Devenport name is all over the media. Daisy still thinks its going to be ok, but when her family has to move to a tiny apartment away from the city life, it only goes downhill from there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~REVIEW~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I picked up this book, I thought it would be an engaging read that really made me feel like i was under a willow tree and a world away. It didn't do that for me.
WARNING: PERSONAL OPINION AHEAD
I thought that 90% of the characters were snobby and stuck up, and they actually reminded me of how much i hate the city. Also, given that Daisy if 15, I think that this book gives the wrong impression to society about what teenagers are like. It really just adds to the steriotypes. Coming from a 14 year old, I can tell you that this is NOT how we are at all :) We don't do drugs, we dont party all night, we dont wear 6 Inch heels and we CERTAINLY don't take everything for granted. :)
I hope my review has helped you. :)
xx
Madeleine
DAISY DEVENPORT, a spoilt teenage brat who has it all, money, designer clothes, a hot boyfie, a mansion and a gang of followers. What every girl dreams of is a pony of their own. And, of course, what daisy wants, daisy gets, so lets not forget about Fat miss Polly.
When Daisy's dad is locked up for Theft and Fraud, the Devenport name is all over the media. Daisy still thinks its going to be ok, but when her family has to move to a tiny apartment away from the city life, it only goes downhill from there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~REVIEW~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When I picked up this book, I thought it would be an engaging read that really made me feel like i was under a willow tree and a world away. It didn't do that for me.
WARNING: PERSONAL OPINION AHEAD
I thought that 90% of the characters were snobby and stuck up, and they actually reminded me of how much i hate the city. Also, given that Daisy if 15, I think that this book gives the wrong impression to society about what teenagers are like. It really just adds to the steriotypes. Coming from a 14 year old, I can tell you that this is NOT how we are at all :) We don't do drugs, we dont party all night, we dont wear 6 Inch heels and we CERTAINLY don't take everything for granted. :)
I hope my review has helped you. :)
xx
Madeleine
November 2, 2015
This is not something that I would normally read but I happened to pick it up at the charity shop near me when I was purchasing a few other books that I did really want. Thought it might be interesting to read something different than what I am used to. I suppose this was more to pass the time than anything (have a lot going on personally and just need my mind occupied).
This book was a bit of fluff for me, surprised it received such high reviews to be honest. Found Daisy a bit of an idiot, but I suppose in all fairness we're not always the best versions of ourselves at sixteen.
In the author's favor the story did not go where I thought it would and the ending was different than what I thought it was going to be. I suppose as well the character did develop and "evolve" so points there.
Probably not something that I would recommend to anyone unless they were under the age of 18.
This book was a bit of fluff for me, surprised it received such high reviews to be honest. Found Daisy a bit of an idiot, but I suppose in all fairness we're not always the best versions of ourselves at sixteen.
In the author's favor the story did not go where I thought it would and the ending was different than what I thought it was going to be. I suppose as well the character did develop and "evolve" so points there.
Probably not something that I would recommend to anyone unless they were under the age of 18.
October 22, 2016
This book was pretty hilarious. I loved how Daisy went from top to bottom in the time scope of a week. I love her funny attitude towards everything and the way she's so relatable when she thinks she's going to die all the time. She's so over-dramatic and humorous. I think it's great how she changes and becomes this kind, supporting, lovely girl when she looses everything. So relatable, funny, eye-rolling, romantic and eye watering. Helen Bailey definitely has my heart on this book!! Definitely a girly gossip book. Xx
July 31, 2011
What I think is so unique, and so great, about RUNNING IN HEELS is that Daisy (the narrator) is so real. She reacts how we would react and anyone, in any situation, could relate to. Though she has lots of money and, yes, is a bit of a snob.. she's not really like that in real life. She's been kept in a shell of private schooling and a world of rich protection. When it's all taken away, how will she cope?!
January 17, 2024
Davenport's life takes a drastic turn in the compelling tale of “Running in the heels" At the outset, she enjoys the trappings of wealth – stunning looks, a luxurious home, and a devoted boyfriend. However, the abrupt incarceration of her father for corruption shatters the facade of opulence. The novel navigates the tumultuous journey of Daisy and her family as they face the harsh reality of their changed circumstances. Forced to abandon their affluent lifestyle, the Davenports find themselves residing above a humble kebab shop. The stark contrast from their previous life becomes a poignant backdrop for Daisy's coming-of-age story. Daisy's resilience and adaptability become central themes as she grapples with the challenges of this unexpected descent into hardship. The author, Daisy Davenport, skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of family, privilege, and self-discovery. The vivid portrayal of life above the kebab shop paints a vivid picture of the struggles and adjustments the family undergoes. Despite the initial shock, there's a raw authenticity in their journey that elicits empathy from readers. "Running in the heels" is a compelling exploration of societal expectations, resilience, and the transformative power of adversity. Daisy Davenport's storytelling captures the essence of human strength amidst unexpected trials, making this novel a riveting read from beginning to end.
September 23, 2018
This book was very good and was consistent at having something happening in each chapter, distracting you from the length of the chapters. However, I stopped reading this book once I got to chapter 10 as the consistency began to fail completely and this book ended up being a very boring book with clichéd teenage drama. Definitely not a fan
August 4, 2017
Amazing book, so funny! Excellent read!
October 11, 2019
Easy to read, bit predictable but I liked the main character so overall enjoyed.
March 12, 2022
really enjoyed this book even though it’s something i’m not really used to but i was rooting for the main character the entire book
July 23, 2022
3.5 stars.
January 4, 2023
unexpectedly really fucking hilarious
December 8, 2013
I have had a sudden obsession with going to my local library and borrowing books. Mostly because well, it's free. But also because they have books I want to read and haven't seen in shops or just books I want to read and don't want to waste money on if I don't like them.
Well, most of the time I end up finding books I have never heard of, e.g. Running in Heels.
I was not expecting this book to be set in Maidstone and I wasn't expecting the main character to be 15, but it worked for this book because in the beginning this is just this posh girl who has had the easy life until her father is arrested for corruption. Other secrets are revealed which mean Daisy and her family are left with nothing.
They need to rebuild their lives and try to get past the humiliation, but some will have it harder than others.
But this was an amazing book, a very easy read as well.
I only gave it four stars because I felt at time that Daisy was just incredibly stupid, but all the cute and amazing moments mostly made up for it.
Well, most of the time I end up finding books I have never heard of, e.g. Running in Heels.
I was not expecting this book to be set in Maidstone and I wasn't expecting the main character to be 15, but it worked for this book because in the beginning this is just this posh girl who has had the easy life until her father is arrested for corruption. Other secrets are revealed which mean Daisy and her family are left with nothing.
They need to rebuild their lives and try to get past the humiliation, but some will have it harder than others.
But this was an amazing book, a very easy read as well.
I only gave it four stars because I felt at time that Daisy was just incredibly stupid, but all the cute and amazing moments mostly made up for it.
June 8, 2012
Book Review: Running in Heels, by Helen Bailey
The cover indicates a chick lit and yes it is, it contains the compulsory wardrobe and boy obsessions but it also has an excellent storyline. Daisy attends a private school, she’s rich, part of the ‘in crowd’ and wears the best clothes until her dad is arrested. He pleads guilty for corruption and Daisy’s life takes a nose dive.
She has to leave her exclusive school and attend a public school where she’s viewed as being stuck up. Daisy is actually very self conscious and actually tries her best to fit in but everything she does is misconstrued. This is an excellent look at superficial friendship and judgementalism. Daisy finds out a lot about herself and by the end actually likes her new self. I won’t give the details but I really enjoyed this light but interesting read.
The cover indicates a chick lit and yes it is, it contains the compulsory wardrobe and boy obsessions but it also has an excellent storyline. Daisy attends a private school, she’s rich, part of the ‘in crowd’ and wears the best clothes until her dad is arrested. He pleads guilty for corruption and Daisy’s life takes a nose dive.
She has to leave her exclusive school and attend a public school where she’s viewed as being stuck up. Daisy is actually very self conscious and actually tries her best to fit in but everything she does is misconstrued. This is an excellent look at superficial friendship and judgementalism. Daisy finds out a lot about herself and by the end actually likes her new self. I won’t give the details but I really enjoyed this light but interesting read.
August 4, 2015
4.5 stars
In spite of this book being a bit hard to get into at the very beginning, I read it in less than a day, which is something I hardly ever do anymore. I really enjoyed this book, the story really captivated me and I just had to know what happened next. This book tackles a couple of common issues that many teenagers have to deal with, such as bullying. The theme of bullying was omnipresent in this book, which the blurb didn't really highlight much.
I really enjoyed reading about Daisy's, as well as Mia's, character development throughout the book. This book was a really funny read that I couldn't put down so I would definitely advise others to read it!
In spite of this book being a bit hard to get into at the very beginning, I read it in less than a day, which is something I hardly ever do anymore. I really enjoyed this book, the story really captivated me and I just had to know what happened next. This book tackles a couple of common issues that many teenagers have to deal with, such as bullying. The theme of bullying was omnipresent in this book, which the blurb didn't really highlight much.
I really enjoyed reading about Daisy's, as well as Mia's, character development throughout the book. This book was a really funny read that I couldn't put down so I would definitely advise others to read it!
May 12, 2012
I really liked this book. I started reading it last summer on my vacation, and it didn't take long before I finished it. It was my first time reading any of Helen Bailey's books and I must say, I was very impressed. The whole plot and story line seemed really sweet and simple. I think this book would be suitable to girls in the age 12-17. When I look back today, I'd categorize "Running in Heels" as a young-teenage book, which at that time seemed perfect. Also the book has some good points. For example, in being grateful for what you have, dealing with bullying at school, and knowing who you true friends are - all subjects I think girls these day could learn from while enjoying this book.
January 23, 2013
This book was hilarious! I took it in holiday to read and laughed my head off (I got a few strange looks in the process but It was worth it)
I could relate the book lots and found it very enjoyable.
Whenever I need to be perked up after a hard day I can always turn to daisy davenport with the guarantee I will be happy after reading a page!
I think it's a book every teenage girl should have on their shelf!
I could relate the book lots and found it very enjoyable.
Whenever I need to be perked up after a hard day I can always turn to daisy davenport with the guarantee I will be happy after reading a page!
I think it's a book every teenage girl should have on their shelf!
July 31, 2014
The only reason I finished this book is because I bought it. Otherwise it would have gone on the discarded list. The characters were one dimensional and tedious. The story was slow moving and rather uninteresting. The description was so well written.. When in reality the story is mostly about a group of wayward, rich, snobbish teenagers. I upset me that it showed drugs, alcohol and promiscuity among teenagers in a way some kids would find enviable.
March 17, 2015
I found the characters insanely cookie cutter and highly judgemental and just for once I'd like to read a story about a girl who is normal and average looking who just happens to be a bit wealthy. The constant name dropping of brands gets a bit tiresome too. I thought they had it way too easy after, particularly Daisy's mum finding a new job and home and Mel made way too quick a u-turn personality wise.
October 2, 2011
Not the sort of book I'd pick up normally, but I'm glad I did. The anti-bullying message was very blatant, but Daisy was a cute and funny narrator, and there were several scenes that made me giggle. (I particularly liked Franco the illegal immigrant gardener being found in Daisy's sister's wardrobe. Naked.)
July 14, 2013
I thought this was very funny, I liked that Daisy was so self-aware but also so ignorant to how spoilt she was. While the plot was a sterotypical plot of the genre, I thought the writing made it very enjoyable and I liked how the relationships of some characters (namely Daisy/Mel and Daisy/Mia) weren't what you expected. I would read more books by Helen Bailey.
February 28, 2014
I adored this book it was soooo good and it really shows how u can go from the best of the best to the worst of the worst!
i love the action the bullies i fell in love with daisy and her personality! i love how she finally stood up for herself i was just like whoooooooo gooooo daisy! Super good book would recommend to anyone!
i love the action the bullies i fell in love with daisy and her personality! i love how she finally stood up for herself i was just like whoooooooo gooooo daisy! Super good book would recommend to anyone!
July 26, 2013
I love Helen Bailey so I couldn't possibly give this book less than 3 stars, but the storyline was very far-fetched and predictable. It was fun and very funny at times, so definitely a great beach read but nothing life-changing.
March 10, 2011
its quite funny even though its for teenagers.its got a relly good twist.
May 2, 2011
It wasn't a bad book. It just didn't get interesting until the very end. Throughout the book, I just kept waited for it to start. It should have a sequel.
August 8, 2011
it went to slow for me and just didnt think it was my cup of tea.
October 27, 2011
I loved this book, riches to rags...life teaching if u read between the lines
November 4, 2015
I really loved this riches-to-rags story. Good characters, clever plot & a great ending. Couldnt put it down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews