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London Trilogy #2
Carne da macello
Jana Novak è una sedicenne alta e allampanata, da sempre a disagio con il suo aspetto androgino. Un giorno, però, mentre è in un parco divertimenti insieme ai suoi amici, viene notata da un talent scout che le propone di iniziare a lavorare come modella per una prestigiosa agenzia di Londra. Da quel momento, la vita di Jana subisce un brusco cambiamento: dalla periferia londinese dove vive con la famiglia entra a far parte di un mondo sfavillante e attrattivo che sembra prometterle un futuro straordinario fatto di ricchezza, viaggi, feste, incontri con creativi e celebrità. Ben presto, però, Jana comprende che dietro alla spessa e frastornante patina glam della fashion industry si nascondono un lato sudicio e orde di insospettabili predatori pronti ad azzannare a ogni passo le loro giovani prede. E che la fiaba di cui pensava di essere protagonista si sta rapidamente trasformando in un vero e proprio incubo. Con Carne da macello, Juno Dawson ci accompagna nel ventre oscuro dell'industria della moda nell'era del #MeToo, e lo fa con una scrittura potente che non teme di essere cruda e spietatamente onesta. Un romanzo, questo, che non potrà lasciare indifferenti.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2019
140 people are currently reading
8813 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 967 reviews
November 5, 2020
“The meat market...we’re the hired flesh. They ship us in, marinade us, fry us. And we just take it. In fact, I think they’d rather we were corpses some days; we’d be easier to manage.”
Gritty and real. Loved it.
Jana has always had comments made about her height, build and androgynous looks. So when she is scouted by a modelling agency while at Thorpe Park she thinks it has to be a joke.
But pretty soon she is being signed and every designer in the world wants her to be the face of their campaigns.
But what starts as a glittering dream soon shows its nasty interior. Juice diets, Xanax addictions and sexual harassment are all part and parcel in this environment. It isn’t long until Jana is really struggling and all the money in the world can’t fix a damaging business.
Be warned this is very dark in places. You really do see the horrible underbelly of the modelling world so just be aware.
I found it fascinating to see this side. I don’t really know anything about the fashion industry so to see it from this perspective was great. I did find Jana’s grammar/dialect a bit grating at times, but it’s how they would speak in South London so I just had to get over that.
Trigger warnings: drug use, sexual harassment/assault, rape (implied not shown) eating disorders.
“I look around and see men in their forties, fifties, sixties, each carrying a skinny model down the red carpet like we’re handbags.”
********************
I did not realise this was part of a trilogy when I picked this up from the library.
I’m hoping it can still be read as a stand-alone?
Gritty and real. Loved it.
Jana has always had comments made about her height, build and androgynous looks. So when she is scouted by a modelling agency while at Thorpe Park she thinks it has to be a joke.
But pretty soon she is being signed and every designer in the world wants her to be the face of their campaigns.
But what starts as a glittering dream soon shows its nasty interior. Juice diets, Xanax addictions and sexual harassment are all part and parcel in this environment. It isn’t long until Jana is really struggling and all the money in the world can’t fix a damaging business.
Be warned this is very dark in places. You really do see the horrible underbelly of the modelling world so just be aware.
I found it fascinating to see this side. I don’t really know anything about the fashion industry so to see it from this perspective was great. I did find Jana’s grammar/dialect a bit grating at times, but it’s how they would speak in South London so I just had to get over that.
Trigger warnings: drug use, sexual harassment/assault, rape (implied not shown) eating disorders.
“I look around and see men in their forties, fifties, sixties, each carrying a skinny model down the red carpet like we’re handbags.”
********************
I did not realise this was part of a trilogy when I picked this up from the library.
I’m hoping it can still be read as a stand-alone?
July 15, 2023
It began like a dream for Jana Novak, but also like a cliché for the watcher, me the reader; gangly, androgynous 16 year-old Jana Novak is spotted by a Prestige (top flight UK model agency) talent scout and finds herself hurting to possible supermodel status at phenomenal speed as much for being a 'new face' than just about her hard work. Will it all be global celebrity and exotic photoshoots? What about her friends and boyfriend, and her family, how will this change their relationships? Is it the well paid luxurious life or is it just a meat market?
For readers of 14+ this book was a delight for me. Although note I have zero knowledge or previous interest in the top flight model industry so my enjoyment may partially be to the novelty of it all to me. The killer touch of this 21st Century London set #TimesUp / #MeToo inspired read is that it's completely told from the perspective of 16 year old Jana. Whatever the anti-woke ass-hats say the rise of these movements has told every young woman, and more essentially every sleaze-ball that we all know abuse of power that has reigned for centuries is utterly despicable and there are now more effective tools to combat and call it out. A joy of read for me. A hip swinging 8 out of 12, Four Star read. Don't believe me? Currently on Goodreads with over 5,000 rating this book rocks a 4.17 average. A young adult masterclass!
2023 read
For readers of 14+ this book was a delight for me. Although note I have zero knowledge or previous interest in the top flight model industry so my enjoyment may partially be to the novelty of it all to me. The killer touch of this 21st Century London set #TimesUp / #MeToo inspired read is that it's completely told from the perspective of 16 year old Jana. Whatever the anti-woke ass-hats say the rise of these movements has told every young woman, and more essentially every sleaze-ball that we all know abuse of power that has reigned for centuries is utterly despicable and there are now more effective tools to combat and call it out. A joy of read for me. A hip swinging 8 out of 12, Four Star read. Don't believe me? Currently on Goodreads with over 5,000 rating this book rocks a 4.17 average. A young adult masterclass!
2023 read
March 25, 2020
5 Word Review: Fashion, pressure, family, friendship, #MeToo.
5 More Words: Strength, abuse, life, change, justice.
Content Warnings: eating disorders, transphobia, sexual assault, sexual harassment, body shaming, coercion, drug use.
When I read Clean last year I thought it was glorious. But when I read Meat Market this year I thought it was sublime. Holy shit, Juno Dawson has done it again. And dare I say it? Meat Market was even better than Clean (which was one of my top reads last year) and I am struggling with how to even begin to review it. So forgive the rambling ahead.
I could not put the book down, I was so caught up in Jana's story. And Jana. Oh, my precious Jana. I cared so bloody much for her. It hurt to read her cracking, breaking, shrinking. But goodness me, she is amazing. I felt like I cracked a little with her at times, I felt violated with her, I felt as invisible as she did despite the billboards, but I also felt the elation of doing something, the high of the catwalk. I felt like I was right there with Jana.
The writing is breathtaking. At times it was like reading poetry, there were so many lines where I just stopped and reread it again and again, read it aloud, listened to how it flowed. It's just so gorgeously crafted. I liked the mix of medias in the story, the references to a piece of trash journalist that had me cackling even as I rolled my eyes at the misogyny she spewed.
And yet, Meat Market is such an ugly story. It's so beautiful that it almost hurts to read, and the story itself is so ugly and harsh that at times I didn't want to read on. Meat Market hits right in the feels, it gets right into the heart of you. It's dark and gut-wrenching, but also uplifting and powerful. It made my heart sing, even as it filled me with dread and brought tears to my eyes.
Juno's caustic take-down of the fashion industry, and everything that is wrong with it, is amazing. It's gritty and raw and excruciatingly honest. But it's not just the bad bits cherry picked for drama - Meat Market also shows the good bits, the friendships and highs and the moments that sparkle.
And there was so much swearing and god, I loved it.
I really love what Juno has done with the ending of Meat Market. It could have been so different, but just like with Clean it circles back on itself a little and offers a bit of hope. A story that was so dark and scary still holds a glimmer of hope.
A Playlist for Clean by Juno Dawson
Review: Clean by Juno Dawson
Review: Meat Market by Juno Dawson
5 More Words: Strength, abuse, life, change, justice.
Content Warnings: eating disorders, transphobia, sexual assault, sexual harassment, body shaming, coercion, drug use.
When I read Clean last year I thought it was glorious. But when I read Meat Market this year I thought it was sublime. Holy shit, Juno Dawson has done it again. And dare I say it? Meat Market was even better than Clean (which was one of my top reads last year) and I am struggling with how to even begin to review it. So forgive the rambling ahead.
I could not put the book down, I was so caught up in Jana's story. And Jana. Oh, my precious Jana. I cared so bloody much for her. It hurt to read her cracking, breaking, shrinking. But goodness me, she is amazing. I felt like I cracked a little with her at times, I felt violated with her, I felt as invisible as she did despite the billboards, but I also felt the elation of doing something, the high of the catwalk. I felt like I was right there with Jana.
The writing is breathtaking. At times it was like reading poetry, there were so many lines where I just stopped and reread it again and again, read it aloud, listened to how it flowed. It's just so gorgeously crafted. I liked the mix of medias in the story, the references to a piece of trash journalist that had me cackling even as I rolled my eyes at the misogyny she spewed.
And yet, Meat Market is such an ugly story. It's so beautiful that it almost hurts to read, and the story itself is so ugly and harsh that at times I didn't want to read on. Meat Market hits right in the feels, it gets right into the heart of you. It's dark and gut-wrenching, but also uplifting and powerful. It made my heart sing, even as it filled me with dread and brought tears to my eyes.
Juno's caustic take-down of the fashion industry, and everything that is wrong with it, is amazing. It's gritty and raw and excruciatingly honest. But it's not just the bad bits cherry picked for drama - Meat Market also shows the good bits, the friendships and highs and the moments that sparkle.
And there was so much swearing and god, I loved it.
I really love what Juno has done with the ending of Meat Market. It could have been so different, but just like with Clean it circles back on itself a little and offers a bit of hope. A story that was so dark and scary still holds a glimmer of hope.
A Playlist for Clean by Juno Dawson
Review: Clean by Juno Dawson
Review: Meat Market by Juno Dawson
July 22, 2021
JUNO DAWSON IS FREAKIN’ AMAZING
August 28, 2020
"They can fuck right off. This whole thing can fuck off. For something about beauty, it's all so bloody ugly."
Frankly, Juno Dawson is one of the best UKYA Contemporary authors out there. Every book of hers is just fascinating, taking complex topics and mixing them with compelling narrators and a British outlook. Meat Market is no different.
Following teen Jana Novak as she's scouted by a modelling agency, it tackles body image, bullying, eating disorders, sweatshops, sexual abuse, victim shaming, and a host of other issues. The problems within the fashion industry have been increasingly exposed over the last few years, but Dawson's Meat Market is a fictional look at real problems supported by real research and interviews from models, agents, scouts and editors.
I sped through it, and can't recommend it enough. It was a winner of the 2020 YA Book Prize for a reason! The heroine Jana is supported by a wonderful cast of side characters, from Ferdy, Jana's boyfriend (full name Kai Ferdinand, and I believe I caught somewhere that he's part Japanese?); Sabah, Jana's best friend (Muslim rep); Clara Keys, another world-famous supermodel (Black and on-page lesbian rep, in a f/f relationship towards the end of the book) plus so many others.
If you haven't already, I also recommend the other two books in this loose 'trilogy' - each stands alone, but it set in/around London - Clean, and Wonderland. (I've only read Clean so far but I'll get to Wonderland eventually ok.)
> 4.5 stars
Some more quotes because oh my god were there so many good quotes in this book:
- "I don't even feel proud. That's not what I look like. That's not what any human woman looks like."
- "We are 'muses'. Imagine that being your job. A girl whose sole purpose is to inspire a man to create things. Who the fuck is supposed to inspire me?"
- "This ain't a Cinderella story. Never was. It's Little Red Riding Hood. A lot of Little Red Riding Hoods, and a lot of Big Bad Wolves."
February 5, 2023
доволі цікава книжка про складне життя юної моделі, якій поталанило стати популярною і затребуваною. щоправда, за це довелося заплатити нервозами, втомою, втратою друзів, сексуальним гарасментом та важкою виснажливою роботою, але зрештою воно того варте.
дратувало, що авторка вирішила зробити головну героїню сербкою за походженням. я вловила, що їй важливо було щоб Яна походила з емігрантів, але, камон, ти можеш обрати любе-голубе, будь-яку націю на світі, але обираєш сербів... що з тобою не так? в цьому контексті фраза, що її матір не любить говорити про минуле і рідко згадує бабусю з дідусем сприймається так, наче вони war criminals. тим паче, це походження абсолютно ні на що не впливало і надалі згадувалося лише в контексті булок, які в родині Яни їдять на Новий рік.
ще було дуже помітно, що в авторки є упередження до всіх моделей слов'янського походження, яких вона називає "злими росіянками". вони постійно кричать російською одна на одну + шльондри і шукають собі шугар дедді, бо їм же треба відправляти мамі в Мінськ гроші.
Яна не розуміла, що таке серіал "Династія", що теж мене смішить, адже рімейк виходить на Нетфліксі з 2017 року (книжка англійською вийшла у 2019) - і він дуже навіть популярний.
у всьому іншому було цікаво, головна героїня вийшла цілісним характером, але направду я очікувала більшу глибину її морального падіння. читалося легко, швидко. закінчується книжка супер геппі-ендом, навіть сумнівним героям перепав шматочок щастя.
дратувало, що авторка вирішила зробити головну героїню сербкою за походженням. я вловила, що їй важливо було щоб Яна походила з емігрантів, але, камон, ти можеш обрати любе-голубе, будь-яку націю на світі, але обираєш сербів... що з тобою не так? в цьому контексті фраза, що її матір не любить говорити про минуле і рідко згадує бабусю з дідусем сприймається так, наче вони war criminals. тим паче, це походження абсолютно ні на що не впливало і надалі згадувалося лише в контексті булок, які в родині Яни їдять на Новий рік.
ще було дуже помітно, що в авторки є упередження до всіх моделей слов'янського походження, яких вона називає "злими росіянками". вони постійно кричать російською одна на одну + шльондри і шукають собі шугар дедді, бо їм же треба відправляти мамі в Мінськ гроші.
Яна не розуміла, що таке серіал "Династія", що теж мене смішить, адже рімейк виходить на Нетфліксі з 2017 року (книжка англійською вийшла у 2019) - і він дуже навіть популярний.
у всьому іншому було цікаво, головна героїня вийшла цілісним характером, але направду я очікувала більшу глибину її морального падіння. читалося легко, швидко. закінчується книжка супер геппі-ендом, навіть сумнівним героям перепав шматочок щастя.
July 5, 2021
My heart aches but it’s like a bittersweet feeling? I wanna cry because of bad things that happened in this book, well they’re happening in real life but also I wanna cry cuz of.
The feeling of hope that this book is giving you. Feeling of justice. The feeling of power.
Gosh I just love books about some powerful as fuck women
The feeling of hope that this book is giving you. Feeling of justice. The feeling of power.
Gosh I just love books about some powerful as fuck women
November 19, 2022
OCENA: 4,5 ⭐️
December 2, 2021
Tylko takie młodzieżówki chciałbym czytać!
Brutalny świat mody, a w nim nastolatki, których nikt nie przygotował do uczestnictwa w targu mięsnym.
Brutalny świat mody, a w nim nastolatki, których nikt nie przygotował do uczestnictwa w targu mięsnym.
September 12, 2019
Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Sasha Zatz
In Juno Dawson’s new YA novel, Meat Market, it features themes of fashion, feminism, and self-discovery, all the while being a raw and powerful story about the realities of the fashion industry.
Meat Market will absolutely blow you away and it will submerge you in Jana’s world so quickly that you won’t be able to put the book down. We follow Jana as she enters the fashion industry and experiences the highest of highs and the lowest of lows of what it is like to be a model. Jana was a great character and felt real and authentic, but naturally, she was definitely flawed and this only strengthens her character and causes you to love her more. Jana narrated the story so honestly and openly that the reader can’t help but empathise with her and care for her. Hers truly was the perfect voice to tell this story.
The secondary characters are also amazing as Sabah and Ferdy were the best as they really support Jana’s story in the perfect way.
Meat Market sends an important message to teenagers, and all readers really, about body image and the reality of the fashion industry. As well as being a story of fashion and its politics, this was a heart-wrenching story of self-discovery and what it means to truly be yourself. Its story also resonates with today incredibly well with the #MeToo movement and its unflinching honesty is impressive since the writing is raw and honest, all the while being lyrical at the same time.
This book is definitely for those 15 years and older as it has trigger warnings for things such as sexual assault and anorexia, and also features sex and the use of drugs.
Meat Market was perfectly paced story wise, even with the short interview chapters. The story never had a dull moment and will hold your attention all the way through. You’ll find that this book will have you laughing and crying, and also internally screaming and smiling with joy. It’s truly a beautiful rollercoaster of emotions and action.
If you’re after a powerful and poignant story, then look no further than Meat Market, as it’s one that everyone needs to read with it tackling important issues like feminism and body image. #IBelieveJana
In Juno Dawson’s new YA novel, Meat Market, it features themes of fashion, feminism, and self-discovery, all the while being a raw and powerful story about the realities of the fashion industry.
Meat Market will absolutely blow you away and it will submerge you in Jana’s world so quickly that you won’t be able to put the book down. We follow Jana as she enters the fashion industry and experiences the highest of highs and the lowest of lows of what it is like to be a model. Jana was a great character and felt real and authentic, but naturally, she was definitely flawed and this only strengthens her character and causes you to love her more. Jana narrated the story so honestly and openly that the reader can’t help but empathise with her and care for her. Hers truly was the perfect voice to tell this story.
The secondary characters are also amazing as Sabah and Ferdy were the best as they really support Jana’s story in the perfect way.
Meat Market sends an important message to teenagers, and all readers really, about body image and the reality of the fashion industry. As well as being a story of fashion and its politics, this was a heart-wrenching story of self-discovery and what it means to truly be yourself. Its story also resonates with today incredibly well with the #MeToo movement and its unflinching honesty is impressive since the writing is raw and honest, all the while being lyrical at the same time.
This book is definitely for those 15 years and older as it has trigger warnings for things such as sexual assault and anorexia, and also features sex and the use of drugs.
Meat Market was perfectly paced story wise, even with the short interview chapters. The story never had a dull moment and will hold your attention all the way through. You’ll find that this book will have you laughing and crying, and also internally screaming and smiling with joy. It’s truly a beautiful rollercoaster of emotions and action.
If you’re after a powerful and poignant story, then look no further than Meat Market, as it’s one that everyone needs to read with it tackling important issues like feminism and body image. #IBelieveJana
June 18, 2019
Ahhhhhh! I love Juno Dawson’s writing so much! It’s such a balance to the candy-cute YA books we all read (no shade, they’re great too 😝)
I always like to compare her books to other books but with a grown up twist. So this is like the grown up version of geek girl.
It’s time to get real - the fashion industry, the good, the bad & the very, very ugly.
It’s a pretty great read, I loved the mystery of what the interview was, her experiences as a model, her schooling, Blo 😡 & also, I like the fact that she kept her boyfriend & best friend.
Based in London & recently so all the pop culture references (it’s a game - how many can you spot?) but also features other parts of the world.
Oh! That reminds me; this also goes into the ethical & moral side of fashion.
I always like to compare her books to other books but with a grown up twist. So this is like the grown up version of geek girl.
It’s time to get real - the fashion industry, the good, the bad & the very, very ugly.
It’s a pretty great read, I loved the mystery of what the interview was, her experiences as a model, her schooling, Blo 😡 & also, I like the fact that she kept her boyfriend & best friend.
Based in London & recently so all the pop culture references (it’s a game - how many can you spot?) but also features other parts of the world.
Oh! That reminds me; this also goes into the ethical & moral side of fashion.
April 15, 2021
Jeśli kiedykolwiek marzył_ś o karierze w modelingu, przyciąga Cię blask fleszy i uwodzi myśl o sławie tudzież idealnym życiu, zajrzyj na „Targ mięsny”. Wychudzone ciała z billboardów są zawsze w cenie, a wartości…? Czyżby na wyprzedaży?
Juno Dawson udało się stworzyć nieprzesadzoną, aktualną historię w nurcie new adult, która bez wątpienia powinna trafić na półki w pokojach współczesnych nastolatków.
Juno Dawson udało się stworzyć nieprzesadzoną, aktualną historię w nurcie new adult, która bez wątpienia powinna trafić na półki w pokojach współczesnych nastolatków.
June 17, 2021
Od czasu do czasu pojawia się książka, którą po prostu trzeba przeczytać. Meat Market, Targ Mięsny, to jedna z nich. Mówię serio, nie wywracamy oczami, nie scrollujemy niżej. Po prostu, kurczę, sięgamy po ten tytuł. Myślisz, że wiesz cokolwiek o świecie mody? A może, jak mnie, w ogóle Cię to wcześniej nie interesowało? Nieważne. To jest książka, która burzy mury i otwiera oczy. Która, wbrew pozorom, ma wpływa na każdego z nas (zakładam, że każdy z nas posiada jakieś ubrania :D). Bo te pokazy, tygodnie mody, sesje zdjęciowe, reklamy w magazynach.... to jak składniki na chleb (swoją drogą, chleb: duże nie, nie w świecie mody). Dopiero z tych składników wychodzi to, co potem trafia do naszych sklepów-> sieciówek, czy nie. Potem kształtują się trendy. W ubraniach. W wyglądzie. W końcu w oczekiwaniach. Nie spełniasz oczekiwań? Odpadasz. I w modzie. I w życiu. A potem wychodzą takie panie nie wiadomo skąd (wiadomo, z Klanu) i trąbią o modzie na brzydotę.
Wiecie, że ja Wam tutaj nigdy nie cytuję opisów, jeśli chcecie, proszę bardzo, z tyłu książki. Ja Wam mówię o uczuciach, jakie wzbudziła we mnie książka. Na tej podstawie oceniam, czy mi się podoba, czy nie, czy polecam, czy nie. Tę polecam. Tak szalenie, z czystym sercem, z przynaglającym spojrzeniem: c'mon, czytajcie!
Właśnie z niej dowiecie się... "jak piękno może być tak brzydkie... ".
Wiecie, że ja Wam tutaj nigdy nie cytuję opisów, jeśli chcecie, proszę bardzo, z tyłu książki. Ja Wam mówię o uczuciach, jakie wzbudziła we mnie książka. Na tej podstawie oceniam, czy mi się podoba, czy nie, czy polecam, czy nie. Tę polecam. Tak szalenie, z czystym sercem, z przynaglającym spojrzeniem: c'mon, czytajcie!
Właśnie z niej dowiecie się... "jak piękno może być tak brzydkie... ".
August 1, 2021
2.5
To była naprawdę niezła, wciągająca młodzieżówka. Kompletnie nie spodziewałam się, że mi się spodoba, a była naprawdę w porządku. Dobra historia. Minusem jest na pewno styl, bo język jest średni, bezopisowy, suchy. No i polskie tłumaczenie to koszmar i jeśli nie chcecie sobie robić ze wcale niezłej książki festiwalu krindżu, to polecam jednak czytać po angielsku.
To była naprawdę niezła, wciągająca młodzieżówka. Kompletnie nie spodziewałam się, że mi się spodoba, a była naprawdę w porządku. Dobra historia. Minusem jest na pewno styl, bo język jest średni, bezopisowy, suchy. No i polskie tłumaczenie to koszmar i jeśli nie chcecie sobie robić ze wcale niezłej książki festiwalu krindżu, to polecam jednak czytać po angielsku.
May 17, 2019
I received a free digital copy of this book from the publishers/author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Gawky, tomboyish Jana Novak has never truly felt beautiful, and so she (and many people in her life) is surprised when she is scouted by a model agency during a school trip. Before long, 16-year-old Jana is fast becoming the UK’s new top model but the dark world of the fashion industry threatens to swallow Jana whole.
Juno Dawson honestly can’t do any wrong in my opinion. Every time she writes a novel, she manages to deliver something modern, relatable but a story that packs a punch with so many big issues. This book tackles so many brilliant things from self-love and body confidence to eating disorders, addictions and sexual assault. There’s a lot of dark in this book but there’s also a lot of fun too.
It’s obvious that Juno put a lot of thought and work into creating the world of fashion Jana enters. It feels very real from the fun, bouncy part to the shady, behind the scenes part when the the girls are fretting about wait and popping pills to stay awake. There’s times, as a reader, I felt frustrated at Jana for being so naive about certain things but she is so young in this book so I had to try and understand.
There is a sexual assault scene in this book that sparks something reminiscent (and was inspired by) the #MeToo movement and the Harvey Weinstein scandal and it’s tough and important but thankfully, for me, it wasn’t too graphic or disturbing to read. Especially with Jana’s age, I’m glad Juno was able to bring such an important issue and movement to light without having to write something extremely graphic (take lessons every TV writer who uses rape as a plot device*).
The end of this book was a little bit too much wrapped in a neat little bow, happily ever after for me that it just didn’t seem very realistic but that’s also just me being cynical. I loved this book, I couldn’t put it down. Juno Dawson is officially on my list of favourite, auto-buy authors!
Gawky, tomboyish Jana Novak has never truly felt beautiful, and so she (and many people in her life) is surprised when she is scouted by a model agency during a school trip. Before long, 16-year-old Jana is fast becoming the UK’s new top model but the dark world of the fashion industry threatens to swallow Jana whole.
Juno Dawson honestly can’t do any wrong in my opinion. Every time she writes a novel, she manages to deliver something modern, relatable but a story that packs a punch with so many big issues. This book tackles so many brilliant things from self-love and body confidence to eating disorders, addictions and sexual assault. There’s a lot of dark in this book but there’s also a lot of fun too.
It’s obvious that Juno put a lot of thought and work into creating the world of fashion Jana enters. It feels very real from the fun, bouncy part to the shady, behind the scenes part when the the girls are fretting about wait and popping pills to stay awake. There’s times, as a reader, I felt frustrated at Jana for being so naive about certain things but she is so young in this book so I had to try and understand.
There is a sexual assault scene in this book that sparks something reminiscent (and was inspired by) the #MeToo movement and the Harvey Weinstein scandal and it’s tough and important but thankfully, for me, it wasn’t too graphic or disturbing to read. Especially with Jana’s age, I’m glad Juno was able to bring such an important issue and movement to light without having to write something extremely graphic (take lessons every TV writer who uses rape as a plot device*).
The end of this book was a little bit too much wrapped in a neat little bow, happily ever after for me that it just didn’t seem very realistic but that’s also just me being cynical. I loved this book, I couldn’t put it down. Juno Dawson is officially on my list of favourite, auto-buy authors!
January 17, 2022
4/5
Cieszę się, że to właśnie z tą pozycją skończyłam swój 2021 rok, ponieważ skończyłam go z naprawdę dobrą i potrzebną pozycją, która zasługuje na 5 gwiazdek. Czemu, więc tyle nie dostała? No cóż... Zacznę od jedynego zarzutu, jaki do niej mam. Była napisana chyba trochę zbyt lekkim językiem. Nie wiem, czy uda mi się to wam wytłumaczyć. Chodzi mi o to, że czytałam o okrutnych rzeczach, wiedziałam o tym jak złe to jest, ale problem polegał na tym, że ja tego nie czułam kompletnie. "Targ mięsny" miejscami był napisany w taki sposób, że te problemy wydawały się być błahe. Nie zmienia to jednak tego, że jest to książka potrzebna, zwłaszcza, że jest ona skierowana do młodych osób. Ona nam pokazuje, a właściwie przypomina o tym, że show biznes wcale nie jest taki piękny i bez wad, ponieważ to tak naprawdę niezwykle mroczne miejsce. Tyle, że właśnie odnoszę wrażenie, że na co dzień o tym zapominamy. Nie dziwię się temu. Powiem wam, iż ta pozycja uświadomiła mi pewne rzeczy, co mnie wręcz przeraziło. Widzicie w chwili, w której czytałam jak gówniany jest ten świat sławy, zdawałam sobie z tego sprawę... W tym samym czasie pomyślałam sobie, że chciałabym stać się jego częścią, poczułam to pragnienie w sercu i to jest właśnie niezwykle niepokojące w tym wszystkim. "Targ mięsny" niby pokazuje nam coś, co znamy, wiele rzeczy jest dla nas oczywistych, niby rozumiemy postępowanie Jany, ale łapiemy się za głowę zastanawiając się, czemu ona to robi. No tak... Tylko, że patrzę na to osobami dorosłej osoby. ale gdy myślami wracam do tego szesnastoletniego dzieciaka, którym jeszcze niedawno byłam uświadamiam sobie, że byłam tak samo naiwna oraz nieświadoma jak ona. Przez pewne tematy oraz wydarzenia w książce to prawdopodobnie nie będzie pozycja dla wszystkich. Myślę, że trzeba do niej podejść z pewną dojrzałością, trudno mi to wyjaśnić. Powtórzę się, ale to naprawdę pozycja, która jest potrzebna.
Cieszę się, że to właśnie z tą pozycją skończyłam swój 2021 rok, ponieważ skończyłam go z naprawdę dobrą i potrzebną pozycją, która zasługuje na 5 gwiazdek. Czemu, więc tyle nie dostała? No cóż... Zacznę od jedynego zarzutu, jaki do niej mam. Była napisana chyba trochę zbyt lekkim językiem. Nie wiem, czy uda mi się to wam wytłumaczyć. Chodzi mi o to, że czytałam o okrutnych rzeczach, wiedziałam o tym jak złe to jest, ale problem polegał na tym, że ja tego nie czułam kompletnie. "Targ mięsny" miejscami był napisany w taki sposób, że te problemy wydawały się być błahe. Nie zmienia to jednak tego, że jest to książka potrzebna, zwłaszcza, że jest ona skierowana do młodych osób. Ona nam pokazuje, a właściwie przypomina o tym, że show biznes wcale nie jest taki piękny i bez wad, ponieważ to tak naprawdę niezwykle mroczne miejsce. Tyle, że właśnie odnoszę wrażenie, że na co dzień o tym zapominamy. Nie dziwię się temu. Powiem wam, iż ta pozycja uświadomiła mi pewne rzeczy, co mnie wręcz przeraziło. Widzicie w chwili, w której czytałam jak gówniany jest ten świat sławy, zdawałam sobie z tego sprawę... W tym samym czasie pomyślałam sobie, że chciałabym stać się jego częścią, poczułam to pragnienie w sercu i to jest właśnie niezwykle niepokojące w tym wszystkim. "Targ mięsny" niby pokazuje nam coś, co znamy, wiele rzeczy jest dla nas oczywistych, niby rozumiemy postępowanie Jany, ale łapiemy się za głowę zastanawiając się, czemu ona to robi. No tak... Tylko, że patrzę na to osobami dorosłej osoby. ale gdy myślami wracam do tego szesnastoletniego dzieciaka, którym jeszcze niedawno byłam uświadamiam sobie, że byłam tak samo naiwna oraz nieświadoma jak ona. Przez pewne tematy oraz wydarzenia w książce to prawdopodobnie nie będzie pozycja dla wszystkich. Myślę, że trzeba do niej podejść z pewną dojrzałością, trudno mi to wyjaśnić. Powtórzę się, ale to naprawdę pozycja, która jest potrzebna.
November 10, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
È un romanzo YA dunque non nella mia fascia anagrafica.
Tuttavia ne ho letti altri meglio strutturati, più coinvolgenti. Carne da macello è un titolo perfetto per il mondo della moda ma stride con la narrazione che è molto più edulcorata di ciò che promette.
È un romanzo YA dunque non nella mia fascia anagrafica.
Tuttavia ne ho letti altri meglio strutturati, più coinvolgenti. Carne da macello è un titolo perfetto per il mondo della moda ma stride con la narrazione che è molto più edulcorata di ciò che promette.
December 19, 2021
JESTEM ZAKOCHANA ZACHWYCONA I JEDNOCZEŚNIE ZŁAMANA NA PÓŁ
May 4, 2023
Główną bohaterką jest Jana Novak, dziewczyna wysokiego wzrostu, która w zasadzie niczym nie wyróżnia się w tłumie. Pewnego dnia zatrzymuje ją mężczyzna, pracujący dla agencji modelek i proponuje jej zgłoszenie się do wyżej wspomnianej agencji, bo widzi w niej potencjał. Dziewczyna zgłasza się we wskazane miejsce i okazuje się, że to był strzał w dziesiątkę.
Pomimo sporej ilości wulgaryzmów, uważam, że jest to pozycja, która powinna być szerzej znana wśród nastoletnich dziewcząt, które mają utopijne myślenie o karierze modelki. To praca jak każda inna, obarczona olbrzymim stresem, wyrzeczeniami, a ciało jest wyłącznie towarem. Współtowarzysze doli nie wahają się, by kopać dołki pod innymi tylko po to, żeby uzyskać więcej dla siebie. Nie może zabraknąć wykorzystywania seksualnego, bo to również chleb powszedni w tej branży.
Ja już jestem w takim wieku, że zawartość tej książki nie jest mi dziwna, szokująca czy nowa. Jednak mnóstwo osób ma zupełnie inne wyobrażenie o modelingu i cieszę się, że są na rynku książkowym pozycje, które odzierają tę branżę z różu oraz puchu, a zostawia to co może zdarzyć się każdej modelce/modelowi.
Pomimo sporej ilości wulgaryzmów, uważam, że jest to pozycja, która powinna być szerzej znana wśród nastoletnich dziewcząt, które mają utopijne myślenie o karierze modelki. To praca jak każda inna, obarczona olbrzymim stresem, wyrzeczeniami, a ciało jest wyłącznie towarem. Współtowarzysze doli nie wahają się, by kopać dołki pod innymi tylko po to, żeby uzyskać więcej dla siebie. Nie może zabraknąć wykorzystywania seksualnego, bo to również chleb powszedni w tej branży.
Ja już jestem w takim wieku, że zawartość tej książki nie jest mi dziwna, szokująca czy nowa. Jednak mnóstwo osób ma zupełnie inne wyobrażenie o modelingu i cieszę się, że są na rynku książkowym pozycje, które odzierają tę branżę z różu oraz puchu, a zostawia to co może zdarzyć się każdej modelce/modelowi.
July 2, 2020
Tässä oli aito ja upea nuortenkirja. Vaikkei minulle aivan puskista tullut mallimaailman kamaluudet, on Dawson tehnyt viiltävän läpileikkauksen mallien elämän nurjaan puoleen. Aiheeltaan myös erittäin ajankohtainen ja #metoo -henkinen.
Pidin Dawsonin kirjoitustyylistä, tätä oli miellyttävää lukea ja kirjan henkilöhahmot tuntuivat hyvin realistisilta. Vaikka tämä on YA-kirja, suosittelisin tätä kyllä aikuisillekin.
Pidin Dawsonin kirjoitustyylistä, tätä oli miellyttävää lukea ja kirjan henkilöhahmot tuntuivat hyvin realistisilta. Vaikka tämä on YA-kirja, suosittelisin tätä kyllä aikuisillekin.
January 4, 2020
3.5
Where to start???
This story was something, I knew I’d get sucked into this plot cuz it sounded so niche?? I’m not sure but wow
The beginning and mostly middle of this book read as a teenager rising up in the modeling industry but it took a sharp turn 70% in.
This book really touches on the real side of how the fashion industry works, and I’m no expert when it comes to fashion or modeling but this really depicts a certain image and how hard it is to fit into this area society has dubbed as “beauty”.
How ugly can beauty get? How manipulative agencies can be and how heartbreaking is it to fall into this cycle of self depreciation and loneliness.
I really enjoyed the dialect and characters, Jana was a great main protagonist, I loved how real she stayed even when swept up by fame and success. I was kind of let down by the “cheating” that happens but cheating is an actual thing and for the context of such a book I knew it was a possibility.
Going into this book there’s a warning of statutory rape, drugs and talks of anorexia. The way they were handled was very real and raw.
I also really loved the friendship Jana had with Sabah, a Muslim hijabi fashion queen who is downright fierce as heck. And Janas relationship with Ferdy was also very precious, the way they both admitted to their mistakes and treated each other was very sweet and adorable. I actually teared up when they made up at the end, because I truly felt their love for each other and how important they were for one another.
The ending really got me, as it should. To be seen and not heard as a woman, is a very huge topic, and to be seen and use that to be heard is what influential people should strive for to help others. The fashion market is a hell of a lot, the idea of girls only thinking they’re good at only looking good for the camera is very harmful in every way possible. This book really hit hard about how sensitive and vulnerable people can be when judged by their looks, how a girl can be manipulated into such a world, forced to make these “decisions” and in the end realizing they weren’t her actual decisions is heartbreaking.
I hope that the light way this book ended is actually happening in real life, and that it’s actually thinking of these people’s lives and emotions and not just handling them as meat sold on a platter for all to choose from. It’s important to know that no matter how successful you think someone is, that some times behind all that you’d find loneliness, pain and being misused.
Where to start???
This story was something, I knew I’d get sucked into this plot cuz it sounded so niche?? I’m not sure but wow
The beginning and mostly middle of this book read as a teenager rising up in the modeling industry but it took a sharp turn 70% in.
This book really touches on the real side of how the fashion industry works, and I’m no expert when it comes to fashion or modeling but this really depicts a certain image and how hard it is to fit into this area society has dubbed as “beauty”.
How ugly can beauty get? How manipulative agencies can be and how heartbreaking is it to fall into this cycle of self depreciation and loneliness.
I really enjoyed the dialect and characters, Jana was a great main protagonist, I loved how real she stayed even when swept up by fame and success. I was kind of let down by the “cheating” that happens but cheating is an actual thing and for the context of such a book I knew it was a possibility.
Going into this book there’s a warning of statutory rape, drugs and talks of anorexia. The way they were handled was very real and raw.
I also really loved the friendship Jana had with Sabah, a Muslim hijabi fashion queen who is downright fierce as heck. And Janas relationship with Ferdy was also very precious, the way they both admitted to their mistakes and treated each other was very sweet and adorable. I actually teared up when they made up at the end, because I truly felt their love for each other and how important they were for one another.
The ending really got me, as it should. To be seen and not heard as a woman, is a very huge topic, and to be seen and use that to be heard is what influential people should strive for to help others. The fashion market is a hell of a lot, the idea of girls only thinking they’re good at only looking good for the camera is very harmful in every way possible. This book really hit hard about how sensitive and vulnerable people can be when judged by their looks, how a girl can be manipulated into such a world, forced to make these “decisions” and in the end realizing they weren’t her actual decisions is heartbreaking.
I hope that the light way this book ended is actually happening in real life, and that it’s actually thinking of these people’s lives and emotions and not just handling them as meat sold on a platter for all to choose from. It’s important to know that no matter how successful you think someone is, that some times behind all that you’d find loneliness, pain and being misused.
August 23, 2019
Buddy read with Christa, though I did accidentally storm ahead, because I COULD NOT put this book down.
It was fascinating and horrifying in equal measure and such an important read.
It was fascinating and horrifying in equal measure and such an important read.
July 21, 2021
4,5
Bardzo ważna książka napisana w lekki sposób
Bardzo ważna książka napisana w lekki sposób
September 2, 2022
edit 2.09.22
Zmieniam z 4 gwiazdek na 3,5 bo w ogóle nie zapadła mi w pamięć. Nawet zapominam, że ją przeczytałam.
Zmieniam z 4 gwiazdek na 3,5 bo w ogóle nie zapadła mi w pamięć. Nawet zapominam, że ją przeczytałam.
April 15, 2023
☆☆☆☆☆
Visų pirma sužavėjo viršelis, tada lyg keistą jausmą (ir smalsu ir kažko nemalonaus) kėlė pavadinimas, bet perskaičius aprašymą žinojau ko tikėtis, tad gal pats turinys ir nenustebino, bet tikrai nepaliko abejingos. Pirmoji knygos dalis gan sunkiai kol įsivažiavo, o paskui jau per naktį skaičiau ir negalėjau padėti knygos į šoną, kai vyko tokia neteisybė. Turbūt čia piliečiama labai daug temų, pradedant nuo savivertės, savo gyvenimo kelio pasirinkimo, vertybių, moterų konkurencijos ir moters kūno sudaiktinimo, turbūt labiausiai vykstantis #metoo būtent modelių pasaulyje egzistuoja, visi kalba, bet nieko nedaro. Skaičiau ir vis galvojau, aš jau tokio amžiaus, kai tai atrodė kažkur toli, bet auga dukra, kuri gyvena aktyvų socialinį gyvenimą, kuri svajoja apie laisvę, apie keliones, gražias nuotraukas, tad tai taip arti ir taip gąsdina... o kur dar vaistai, narkotikai, valgymo sutrikimai, darbas iki nukritimo...
Tikrai skaičiau ir dukrai šiek tiek perpasakojau, kad ne viskas gyvenime tik šviesu ir gražu, kad viskas turi savo kainą... rekomenduoju 15-17 metų paauglėms, tiesiog dėl realybės suvokimo ir tėvams, kad tai tikrai turgus, kur tavo dukros (ar sūnaus) kūnas yra prekė....
Visų pirma sužavėjo viršelis, tada lyg keistą jausmą (ir smalsu ir kažko nemalonaus) kėlė pavadinimas, bet perskaičius aprašymą žinojau ko tikėtis, tad gal pats turinys ir nenustebino, bet tikrai nepaliko abejingos. Pirmoji knygos dalis gan sunkiai kol įsivažiavo, o paskui jau per naktį skaičiau ir negalėjau padėti knygos į šoną, kai vyko tokia neteisybė. Turbūt čia piliečiama labai daug temų, pradedant nuo savivertės, savo gyvenimo kelio pasirinkimo, vertybių, moterų konkurencijos ir moters kūno sudaiktinimo, turbūt labiausiai vykstantis #metoo būtent modelių pasaulyje egzistuoja, visi kalba, bet nieko nedaro. Skaičiau ir vis galvojau, aš jau tokio amžiaus, kai tai atrodė kažkur toli, bet auga dukra, kuri gyvena aktyvų socialinį gyvenimą, kuri svajoja apie laisvę, apie keliones, gražias nuotraukas, tad tai taip arti ir taip gąsdina... o kur dar vaistai, narkotikai, valgymo sutrikimai, darbas iki nukritimo...
Tikrai skaičiau ir dukrai šiek tiek perpasakojau, kad ne viskas gyvenime tik šviesu ir gražu, kad viskas turi savo kainą... rekomenduoju 15-17 metų paauglėms, tiesiog dėl realybės suvokimo ir tėvams, kad tai tikrai turgus, kur tavo dukros (ar sūnaus) kūnas yra prekė....
September 3, 2022
Książka przedstawia historię nastoletniej Jany, która z dnia na dzień została wciągnięta w brutalny i brudny świat mody. Poznajemy od środka pokazy mody, tygodnie mody oraz sesje zdjęciowe.
Pozycja w ruchu #metoo. Jeśli tak naprawdę wygląda ten świat, to jest on naprawdę paskudny i przerażający. Daje do myślenia młodym ludziom i ich rodzicom 🆘
Pozycja jest literaturą młodzieżową, ale na pewno nie jest ona lekka. Przytłacza i wywołuje wiele emocji. Mimo to jest ważna i potrzebna. Świat mody dotyczy nie tylko modelek, ale też konsumentów.
UWAGA na wykorzystywanie seksualne oraz zaburzenia odżywiania ❌
Pozycja w ruchu #metoo. Jeśli tak naprawdę wygląda ten świat, to jest on naprawdę paskudny i przerażający. Daje do myślenia młodym ludziom i ich rodzicom 🆘
Pozycja jest literaturą młodzieżową, ale na pewno nie jest ona lekka. Przytłacza i wywołuje wiele emocji. Mimo to jest ważna i potrzebna. Świat mody dotyczy nie tylko modelek, ale też konsumentów.
UWAGA na wykorzystywanie seksualne oraz zaburzenia odżywiania ❌
November 20, 2019
I don't think the voice of Jana came across very authentically. It sounded a bit too like an adult trying to be a hip London teen (which, let's face it, is what it is).
The American slang was annoying as I don't believe any Londoner would say they were 'making out' or talk about someone's 'butt'. I have no problem with these phrases in an American book but they stuck out like a sore thumb in this.
It was pretty good at weaving in different races and sexualities though, without making it a big part of the book that someone was gay or whatever. It just is what it is, which is how it should be.
I'm glad I stuck with the book as I did enjoy the plot itself as the modelling world fascinates me (thanks to America's Next Top Model). It seemed to be a pretty realistic, albeit terrible, portrayal. The teen drama also put across genuine fears of friends growing apart, various jealousies etc which I enjoyed despite it being over a decade since leaving school myself.
The ending was a bit syrupy for me but I can see what the author was trying to do. Love yourself, feminism yadda yadda.
Would read more by this author next time I'm wanting an easy read.
The American slang was annoying as I don't believe any Londoner would say they were 'making out' or talk about someone's 'butt'. I have no problem with these phrases in an American book but they stuck out like a sore thumb in this.
It was pretty good at weaving in different races and sexualities though, without making it a big part of the book that someone was gay or whatever. It just is what it is, which is how it should be.
I'm glad I stuck with the book as I did enjoy the plot itself as the modelling world fascinates me (thanks to America's Next Top Model). It seemed to be a pretty realistic, albeit terrible, portrayal. The teen drama also put across genuine fears of friends growing apart, various jealousies etc which I enjoyed despite it being over a decade since leaving school myself.
The ending was a bit syrupy for me but I can see what the author was trying to do. Love yourself, feminism yadda yadda.
Would read more by this author next time I'm wanting an easy read.
April 21, 2020
WARNING: This is a rant review. If you do not enjoy rant reviews do not keep reading.
Okay, don’t think that I did not enjoy the story, as I did. I found it interesting looking into the fashion industry and going on the journey with Jana, and the whole court case which is similar to the #METOO movement. However, there is A LOT of things in the book whilst reading that bugged me.
• Firstly, this book on the back says 14 + which I do not agree with and think it should be 15+ as the content is quite mature, with drugs, sexual harassment, language etc. I’m not a prude, as I believe sex should not be something shameful to learn and talk about, however with all these topics combined it should be a 15. The sex scene with her boyfriend jarred me, and came out of nowhere, and if I’m being honest I was not expecting. I’m not saying it was a bad thing, and I understand now that’s it’s to show her age, and also the industry she is in, but near the start I just felt like it came out of nowhere. I’m fine with swearing, however some may think me old fashioned when I say, was most of it really necessary in the book? It took me a while to get used to it. Even from the start of the first few pages, there were swearwords everywhere, I was just like really?? I don’t think as a sixteen year old realistically she would be swearing so much in her mind and out loud, even though obviously sixteen year olds swear, but still it was very excessive.
• Janas character. Ugh. As a sixteen year old myself, most of the things said and done in this book is definitely not how a sixteen year old would act and think. Not just Janas character but the other ones as well. It felt unnatural and unrealistic. It very much felt like an older author trying to be a relatable character, and write about hip teenagers, (which it was) when really, I could hardly relate at all.
Janas character extremely bugged me, and someone being written as academically smart, could be really dumb sometimes. One instance was when her friend said she was jealous of her, and she COULD NOT FATHOM why, whilst going to New York, Dubai, wearing expensive clothes, being a MODEL, - like the stupidity and nativity of this character really bugged me. Throughout most of it she was like, Why did they pick me, I’m an alien, there’s nothing special about me blah blah blah. It got extremely tiresome and boring. There is obviously a reason why they scouted you, so stop trying to be ignorant about the whole thing.
One thing I have noticed in ya books, is that they try to bring down the typical girly girls who like fashion and make up, talking about them as if there is something wrong with them for having a common interest with other girls. As a girl who is not typically like that myself, I honestly don’t care what anyone else does, and girls shouldn’t drag each other down, but support each other for their similarities and differences.
One other thing was that at the start at school, she had bullies in the book, and when Jana started to become famous they were immediately nice to her. Anyone with a brain could see they were only doing it for the fame, and would have said something, but no, not Jana, she just sat there, stuttered, was confused when they asked for a famous models number, and didn’t really say anything at all, or stand up for herself. One of the bullies openly called her supposedly best friend a bitch, and as a normal friend, you would say something about it, but she didn’t say anything at all.
In this book she was basically like, I’m Indie, I’m not like other girls, Ed Sheeran is rubbish I listen to the old stuff, which means I’m superior. Ugh. As someone who listens to everything, who cares if people listen to generic pop, if that’s what they like??
She looked down on the girls who had sex for money, however it’s okay to pop dozens of non-prescribed pills and numb yourself from the world, but what they are doing is disgraceful? That bit very much annoyed me. About the pill thing, surely she could have been smart enough to realise that they were having a negative effect on her, or called a doctor to ask if the pills were okay to take, and how many. If the author had written her character as naive and uneducated I would have understood, but many times it is stated that Jana is a smart character.
I just extremely did not like her character throughout this book.
• Another thing is that I noticed there were a lot of racial stereotypes in this book. Wether it was Italy, China, there was a lot. I hate that they kept referring to the Russian girls as, all basically looked the same, as if Russians all look similar. It even admitted in the book that they weren’t actually all Russian but from many different areas in Eastern Europe.
Also in this book it refers to gap toothed people as unattractive, which annoys me as it happens in a lot of books, gapped tooth people are written as ugly or old characters, and there is never a beautiful character with gapped teeth.
• Another big thing was the writing style. It’s okay to have accents in books, however if you are going to do it, do research and be consistent with it the whole time. It felt like whole chunks were normal, and then out of nowhere, BAM, there would be an accent spelt, and it would completely throw me off.
MANY times in this book I had to do a double take, as A LOT of sentences did not make any sense at all, and were VERY grammatically incorrect. It highly offended me that the author thinks that because you are from East London, and have an accent, you can’t form correct sentences. It really bothered me.
One of the reasons I continued reading was Ferdy, as he seemed the only decent character in the book. Overall there wasn’t much character development in most of the characters as a whole, and the Laurel situation was just dismissed.
I think this book may be overhyped. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the modelling world and it’s hardships, but I feel like there are probably many other better books like that out there, that have a good overall plot than this one. I feel like it just got hyped because of the author. I will still read more of Junos books, and give them a go, however I do think this one has been overhyped.
Okay, don’t think that I did not enjoy the story, as I did. I found it interesting looking into the fashion industry and going on the journey with Jana, and the whole court case which is similar to the #METOO movement. However, there is A LOT of things in the book whilst reading that bugged me.
• Firstly, this book on the back says 14 + which I do not agree with and think it should be 15+ as the content is quite mature, with drugs, sexual harassment, language etc. I’m not a prude, as I believe sex should not be something shameful to learn and talk about, however with all these topics combined it should be a 15. The sex scene with her boyfriend jarred me, and came out of nowhere, and if I’m being honest I was not expecting. I’m not saying it was a bad thing, and I understand now that’s it’s to show her age, and also the industry she is in, but near the start I just felt like it came out of nowhere. I’m fine with swearing, however some may think me old fashioned when I say, was most of it really necessary in the book? It took me a while to get used to it. Even from the start of the first few pages, there were swearwords everywhere, I was just like really?? I don’t think as a sixteen year old realistically she would be swearing so much in her mind and out loud, even though obviously sixteen year olds swear, but still it was very excessive.
• Janas character. Ugh. As a sixteen year old myself, most of the things said and done in this book is definitely not how a sixteen year old would act and think. Not just Janas character but the other ones as well. It felt unnatural and unrealistic. It very much felt like an older author trying to be a relatable character, and write about hip teenagers, (which it was) when really, I could hardly relate at all.
Janas character extremely bugged me, and someone being written as academically smart, could be really dumb sometimes. One instance was when her friend said she was jealous of her, and she COULD NOT FATHOM why, whilst going to New York, Dubai, wearing expensive clothes, being a MODEL, - like the stupidity and nativity of this character really bugged me. Throughout most of it she was like, Why did they pick me, I’m an alien, there’s nothing special about me blah blah blah. It got extremely tiresome and boring. There is obviously a reason why they scouted you, so stop trying to be ignorant about the whole thing.
One thing I have noticed in ya books, is that they try to bring down the typical girly girls who like fashion and make up, talking about them as if there is something wrong with them for having a common interest with other girls. As a girl who is not typically like that myself, I honestly don’t care what anyone else does, and girls shouldn’t drag each other down, but support each other for their similarities and differences.
One other thing was that at the start at school, she had bullies in the book, and when Jana started to become famous they were immediately nice to her. Anyone with a brain could see they were only doing it for the fame, and would have said something, but no, not Jana, she just sat there, stuttered, was confused when they asked for a famous models number, and didn’t really say anything at all, or stand up for herself. One of the bullies openly called her supposedly best friend a bitch, and as a normal friend, you would say something about it, but she didn’t say anything at all.
In this book she was basically like, I’m Indie, I’m not like other girls, Ed Sheeran is rubbish I listen to the old stuff, which means I’m superior. Ugh. As someone who listens to everything, who cares if people listen to generic pop, if that’s what they like??
She looked down on the girls who had sex for money, however it’s okay to pop dozens of non-prescribed pills and numb yourself from the world, but what they are doing is disgraceful? That bit very much annoyed me. About the pill thing, surely she could have been smart enough to realise that they were having a negative effect on her, or called a doctor to ask if the pills were okay to take, and how many. If the author had written her character as naive and uneducated I would have understood, but many times it is stated that Jana is a smart character.
I just extremely did not like her character throughout this book.
• Another thing is that I noticed there were a lot of racial stereotypes in this book. Wether it was Italy, China, there was a lot. I hate that they kept referring to the Russian girls as, all basically looked the same, as if Russians all look similar. It even admitted in the book that they weren’t actually all Russian but from many different areas in Eastern Europe.
Also in this book it refers to gap toothed people as unattractive, which annoys me as it happens in a lot of books, gapped tooth people are written as ugly or old characters, and there is never a beautiful character with gapped teeth.
• Another big thing was the writing style. It’s okay to have accents in books, however if you are going to do it, do research and be consistent with it the whole time. It felt like whole chunks were normal, and then out of nowhere, BAM, there would be an accent spelt, and it would completely throw me off.
MANY times in this book I had to do a double take, as A LOT of sentences did not make any sense at all, and were VERY grammatically incorrect. It highly offended me that the author thinks that because you are from East London, and have an accent, you can’t form correct sentences. It really bothered me.
One of the reasons I continued reading was Ferdy, as he seemed the only decent character in the book. Overall there wasn’t much character development in most of the characters as a whole, and the Laurel situation was just dismissed.
I think this book may be overhyped. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the modelling world and it’s hardships, but I feel like there are probably many other better books like that out there, that have a good overall plot than this one. I feel like it just got hyped because of the author. I will still read more of Junos books, and give them a go, however I do think this one has been overhyped.
August 25, 2022
to było ŚWIETNE. do bólu prawdziwe, czasami aż brutalne, ale świetne.
nigdy nie miałam w rękach książki, która poruszałaby temat realiów pracy modelek - jak są traktowane, z czym muszą się mierzyć. cieszę się, że sięgnęłam po tę pozycję, z pewnością jest to jedna z najbardziej wartościowych, otwierających oczy książek, jakie czytałam.
powieść ma również feministyczny wydźwięk - niech każda dziewczyna pamięta o tym, że ma swoją wartość, a jej zdanie jest ważne. że nasz głos się liczy i nie możemy bać się go używać.
TW: narkotyki, wykorzystywanie seksualne, zaburzenia odżywiania
nigdy nie miałam w rękach książki, która poruszałaby temat realiów pracy modelek - jak są traktowane, z czym muszą się mierzyć. cieszę się, że sięgnęłam po tę pozycję, z pewnością jest to jedna z najbardziej wartościowych, otwierających oczy książek, jakie czytałam.
powieść ma również feministyczny wydźwięk - niech każda dziewczyna pamięta o tym, że ma swoją wartość, a jej zdanie jest ważne. że nasz głos się liczy i nie możemy bać się go używać.
TW: narkotyki, wykorzystywanie seksualne, zaburzenia odżywiania
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