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Daughters #3
The Daughters Take the Stage
The daughter of chart-topping pop star Holla Jones, stylish and sensitive Hudson Jones is on the brink of her own musical debut. Hudson has inherited her mother's talent, but she hasn't yet embraced Holla's love of the megawatt spotlight. Can Hudson find a way to perform that reflects her own low-key style? Or will Holla see to it that her only daughter becomes a pop music sensation?
Go behind the music in this third novel in Joanna Philbin's stylish and heartfelt Daughters series.
Go behind the music in this third novel in Joanna Philbin's stylish and heartfelt Daughters series.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
38 people are currently reading
1501 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Philbin
15 books322 followersJoanna Philbin was born in Los Angeles and grew up in New York City. She is the daughter of television host Regis Philbin. She started her first novel at the age of seven, but only got as far as the second chapter. She went on to receive her B.A. from Brown University and an M.F.A. from the University of Notre Dame. She now lives in Santa Barbara, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
January 2, 2012
The Daughters Take the Stage is the third novel in the series. It is about Hudson Jones, daughter of “the Queen of Pop” Holla Jones. Hudson starts singing and basically becomes a younger version of her mom, but she doesn’t like that at all. Hudson wants to be her own person, and doesn’t want her mom to tell her what to do when she wants. You have to do what Holla wants or says when she says so, and it is like you can’t even think your own thoughts. Because of this, Hudson quits the music business, but not for long. She joins a friend, or stalker as Carina and Lizzie call her, cousin’s band. Hudson doesn’t tell her mom, so Hudson lives a double life.
I enjoyed reading this whole series, and I am wondering about the next novel in the series. From what I remember about the first two books in this series, since I read them last year, and this one especially, they are all talking about speaking up, and having your own voice. I really like that because I feel like it makes you think differently, and you don’t let others push, boss, or even take advantage of you. That to me seems really important.
I enjoyed reading this whole series, and I am wondering about the next novel in the series. From what I remember about the first two books in this series, since I read them last year, and this one especially, they are all talking about speaking up, and having your own voice. I really like that because I feel like it makes you think differently, and you don’t let others push, boss, or even take advantage of you. That to me seems really important.
September 4, 2014
I can't be the only person who thinks these books are absolutely ridiculous? All three are exactly the same, unrealistic nonsense and extremely boring. All three books have been about a little rich girl who doesn't see eye to eye with her parents. They do stupid things, figure out their mistakes, realize their parents have loved them all along, the parents realize they have also made mistakes and they all make up. They all have a boy interest, do something to screw it up and then make up. This should really be marketed towards tweens and not in the YA category, anyone older is not going to be able to find this book interesting. I'm sad there is still another one and sadder yet that I must read this predictable series. Really wish I could be one of those people who could stop reading when they dislike a book or series. The only plus is I have spent zero money on these books as I have gotten them all from the library, yay!
May 16, 2011
I LOVED THIS BOOK! Finally Hudson comes out of her shell and justs accepts herself for who she is, not who her mom expects her to be. She's so talented and brave and when she's making a point she does it well! I can't wait to read #4!!! Holla to Holla! jkz lol. So many girls can relate to this story, myself included, because our parents or peers or family have this expectation of us and we feel pressured into being who they want us to be or expect us to be. Anything less than perfection will lead to teasing and you won't live it down until you can come to terms with who you really are and be okay with people teasing because no one will ever be perfect so just live with it and don't spend your life living in fear. Do something exciting with your life and don't be someone you're not, trust me, it's hard work!
January 17, 2015
The Daughters Take the Stage, is a dramatic series about 3 girls and their journey through fame. Although Hudson's mother Holla is the star, Hudson will get dragged through it all. Luckily her two best friends will be there to help. This book would be best for people who like a little drama and excitement in a book. Although, I did not care for the book I do have to admit there were some pretty good parts but overall the book was a little boring and it felt like you were being dragged along though the book. All in all a rate for this book would be 5 out of 10 for the reason stated above.
December 17, 2014
The daughters take the stage is the third book in the series. Hudson jones is making her first album that soon will be released in spring. But her mom, hola jones the famous pop singer with Grammy awards and platinum records tries to take charge. Then Hudson decides to drop the album and become the lead singer for a band called the rising signs in westchester. Then she makes up with her mom and she does the album
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2016
Along with the series each book focuses on a different and this one focuses on Hudson a singer whose mom also sings and she is having problems with her mom. Hudson is one of my favorite characters because shes all about being herself and doesn't lime people telling her what to do. I recommend this book to people who like a little drama and excitement.
August 22, 2015
hudson annoys me so much wtf
so naive and errything
so naive and errything
May 28, 2017
The Daughters Take The Stage by Joanna Philbin is an OUTSTANDING novel! Stylish and sensitive, Hudson Jones, is on the edge of releasing her first album. Compared to the chart-topping pop star Holla Jones, Hudson feels like her mom’s mini-me. She has inherited her mother's talent, but hasn't embraced Holla's love of the blinding spotlight. Can Hudson find a way to perform in her own style or will Holla see that her only daughter must become the next pop music sensation? What I really liked about this book is that it teaches everyone to stand up for yourself and be courageous. It’s okay to speak your mind, but not hide in the shadows where no one can hear you. In this third installment of the series, Hudson needs to learn that confronting her mother with an honest opinion, is the right thing to do.
October 27, 2024
Start: 10/12 End: 10/27
Read time: 16 days
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: Hudson may not be my favorite character, she is very quiet and not much about her. But I can see the character development already and hopefully this story will be just as sweet by the end. The only thing I didn’t like about this book was Holla, she was extremely annoying and not a very good mother figure. She never took the time to get to know her daughter and what she wanted until the end. Hudson grew on me and was an adorable, sweet teenager. I really enjoyed this series and that every book focused on a different girl and her story, but kept all the other girls close.
Fave part:
1. The Hudson Jones Trio 😁🎶
Read time: 16 days
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review: Hudson may not be my favorite character, she is very quiet and not much about her. But I can see the character development already and hopefully this story will be just as sweet by the end. The only thing I didn’t like about this book was Holla, she was extremely annoying and not a very good mother figure. She never took the time to get to know her daughter and what she wanted until the end. Hudson grew on me and was an adorable, sweet teenager. I really enjoyed this series and that every book focused on a different girl and her story, but kept all the other girls close.
Fave part:
1. The Hudson Jones Trio 😁🎶
February 16, 2018
4/5 I don’t know why I haven’t read this one or the next. It must’ve not come out around when I read the last two so I lost interest? I think Hudson is my least favorite because she’s so quiet and kind. Hopefully lessons from this book helped her. I missed Carina’s (and Alex’s) and Lizzie’s storylines. I understand that we just got a whole book of each but I really wanted to see what happened everything happened. I can’t wait to finally finish this series that has been left uncompleted for years.
June 21, 2025
Cute book about growing up and discovering yourself outside of your Mother’s shadow. I’m sure there are lots of girls who feel that way , maybe not with a famous musicians Mom. Interesting to see the character development from the first book to the last one in the series. Excited to finish it over the weekend since they are easy read.
January 25, 2024
not bad! would definitely categorize this as tween though and not YA. was boring at times, interesting at others. i don’t have the rest of the series but i don’t think i’ll be getting them. i do re-read this though from time to time 😂
October 8, 2017
I continue to move through this YA series enjoying each book as much as the previous :)
January 13, 2019
Another great story...
November 29, 2019
Hudson is the least annoying of the Daughters. Def my fav
March 19, 2021
Great book, definitely would recommend for teens, it's a great coming of age book
December 15, 2022
i think it was the best of the series so far!
September 19, 2019
The Daughters take the stage, is a dramatic series, that talks about three girls and their journey through fame. I liked this book because it basically shows how Hudson Jones (the daughter of the famous pop star 'Holla Jones'), worked hard to become famous just like her mom, even though she didn't want to become famous and she didn't want to be like her mother 'Holly Jones'. Hudson wanted to be her own, but her mother wanted her to be the second famous pop star, just like how she is the first famous pop star. so Hudson tried hard to make her mother kind of proud of what she is doing, and Hudson failed a lot, but she didn't give up and I really like this kind of personality where you don't give up easily. Hudson is the young version of her mother. I wish that the author has included more details about what happened after Hudson's first performance where she didn't even perform because she was so nervous to perform in front of a hundred of people who were watching her the whole time, and I wish he has done that because that is basically my favorite part of the book. I recommend this book to a teenage girl who likes to read a dramatic series or who likes drama because this book contains s a lot of drama. I read this book because of the cover of the book. This book is compared to other similar books because there is a lot of books that talk about people who became famous by working hard and trying there best and by not giving up easily.
May 18, 2020
I loved these books and any books that take place in NYC are my favorites. I know I loved this and I loved this group of friends.
April 19, 2017
Third in The Daughters series for young adults about three young ladies struggling to find their own identities in the wake of their more famous parents.
My Take
The story overlaps with Daughters Break the Rules as we read Hudson's perspective on that fateful night. It's a mother wanting to relive her own life through her daughter. Although, to be fair, I think that Hudson's mom really does believe that this is what her daughter wants. The fact that she never listens…
Holla Jones is a woman in control. Of everybody. In every possible way. I'm surprised Hudson didn't crack a whole lot earlier! Philbin peels away Holla's own start in music and provides a comparison with Jolla's sister Jenny. The animosity between the sisters and the fuel. The same fuel Holla is pouring onto Hudson, the pressure to be perfect. Like her. Holla wants everyone to pursue their interests in exactly the same way she does. E.X.A.C.T.L.Y.
She just doesn't get that people are individuals.
It's a little bit lying, a little bit betrayal, and a whole lotta jumpin' to conclusions.
The Story
That disaster of a non-performance and her mother's theft has Hudson seriously considering Hilary Crumble as a life coach, encouraging her to take a stand against her mother, to be her own person, her own brand of performer.
Part of the process causes Hudson to step way out of her comfort zone and join up with a band of which her mother would never approve.
The Characters
Hudson Jones, the talented "daughter of chart-topping pop icon Holla Jones, is more of a smoky jazz singer than the pop tunester her mother is. Jenny is Holla's sister. She's happy, but Holla has to bail her out financially every once in awhile, and Jenny tends to flit from one interest to another. Chris Brompton was Hudson's record producer. Before her mom took over. In every way. Fernald is Holla's driver and the one sent to ferry Hudson everywhere.
Lizzie Summers has found her own modeling niche and reunited with the boy she fell in love with so long ago. Carina Jurgensen learned the truth about her parents and her father finally appreciates her particular skills — meeting the sexy Alex certainly helped!
Hillary Crumple is a wanna-be, always following Hudson around, wanting her time, her companionship.
The Stone Cold Freaks are…
…a neighborhood garage band of high schoolers just starting up and needing a piano player. Ben is a serious bass player…mmm-mmm, do love that bass, Logan is a too-loud sax player, and Gordie is on drums.
The Cover and Title
It's your basic white background, but combined with a black marker sketch of a theater and its marquee holding the book's title with chrome stands holding pink ropes framing the pink carpet guiding Lizzie, Hudson, and Carina into the theater.
It's Hudson's turn for The Daughters Take the Stage as she wrestles with her mother and her own preferences.
My Take
The story overlaps with Daughters Break the Rules as we read Hudson's perspective on that fateful night. It's a mother wanting to relive her own life through her daughter. Although, to be fair, I think that Hudson's mom really does believe that this is what her daughter wants. The fact that she never listens…
Holla Jones is a woman in control. Of everybody. In every possible way. I'm surprised Hudson didn't crack a whole lot earlier! Philbin peels away Holla's own start in music and provides a comparison with Jolla's sister Jenny. The animosity between the sisters and the fuel. The same fuel Holla is pouring onto Hudson, the pressure to be perfect. Like her. Holla wants everyone to pursue their interests in exactly the same way she does. E.X.A.C.T.L.Y.
She just doesn't get that people are individuals.
It's a little bit lying, a little bit betrayal, and a whole lotta jumpin' to conclusions.
The Story
That disaster of a non-performance and her mother's theft has Hudson seriously considering Hilary Crumble as a life coach, encouraging her to take a stand against her mother, to be her own person, her own brand of performer.
Part of the process causes Hudson to step way out of her comfort zone and join up with a band of which her mother would never approve.
The Characters
Hudson Jones, the talented "daughter of chart-topping pop icon Holla Jones, is more of a smoky jazz singer than the pop tunester her mother is. Jenny is Holla's sister. She's happy, but Holla has to bail her out financially every once in awhile, and Jenny tends to flit from one interest to another. Chris Brompton was Hudson's record producer. Before her mom took over. In every way. Fernald is Holla's driver and the one sent to ferry Hudson everywhere.
Lizzie Summers has found her own modeling niche and reunited with the boy she fell in love with so long ago. Carina Jurgensen learned the truth about her parents and her father finally appreciates her particular skills — meeting the sexy Alex certainly helped!
Hillary Crumple is a wanna-be, always following Hudson around, wanting her time, her companionship.
The Stone Cold Freaks are…
…a neighborhood garage band of high schoolers just starting up and needing a piano player. Ben is a serious bass player…mmm-mmm, do love that bass, Logan is a too-loud sax player, and Gordie is on drums.
The Cover and Title
It's your basic white background, but combined with a black marker sketch of a theater and its marquee holding the book's title with chrome stands holding pink ropes framing the pink carpet guiding Lizzie, Hudson, and Carina into the theater.
It's Hudson's turn for The Daughters Take the Stage as she wrestles with her mother and her own preferences.
May 12, 2013
"The daughter of chart-topping pop star Holla Jones, stylish and sensitive Hudson Jones is on the brink of her own musical debut. Hudson has inherited her mother's talent, but she hasn't yet embraced Holla's love of the megawatt spotlight. Can Hudson find a way to perform that reflects her own low-key style? Or will Holla see to it that her only daughter becomes a pop music sensation?"
Side Note: The cover is amazing. I love the style of it. Markers and then realistic when close to the three girls. It's beautiful. I want to draw like that!
Okay... This book picks up where the last book, The Daughters Break the Rules (read my review), left off.
Out of the three good girls in this book, I think I like Carina the most. Hudson is tied with Lizzie.
As suspected, Hudson Jones has some issues with her mother. Her mother wants Hudson's career to be like her career. Holla Jones is demanding her daughter to change this, do that, love that, and sing that. Blah, blah, blah. A little similar to Lizzie's supermodel mother.
Hudson wants to be free from her mother. She wants to do the things her way. Not her mother's way. But her mother is very aggressive and demanding. Her mother is controlling and a freak in many reader's eyes. Holla Jones is perhaps the most controlling mother I had ever read about.
This series seems to be following one major theme. DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. DON'T LISTEN TO OTHER PEOPLE.
In this book, The Daughters Take the Stage, readers will be captivated by the humor, the plot, and the writing. Readers will see how Hudson Jones deals with her mother. (How is quite interesting).
The Characters:
Lizzie: still doing modeling and a little trouble in paradise
Carina: much better relationship with the Jurg and Alex
Hudson: Up
Hillary: the stalker, yeah. Hillary has a good heart despite all that stalking. Lizzie and Carina call it stalking, I call it admiration that went a little over the top. Hillary is an excellent life coach, BTW.
Ben: the love interest. They don't get together in this book, unfortunately. (I was egging them on. But they never did).
Todd: Dad's in trouble.
Alex: Not so much about him.
Logan: possible love interest, but was eliminated. (Because he was a jerk. And a little creep. And a player. And a little too twisty.)
Aunt Jenny: WOW! I wish I could be like Jenny. A free agent. I wish I could be like that and I don't care about the negatives of being a free agent.
The Good Parts...
The plot. The plot of The Daughters Take The Stage was amazing. I love the little twists and turns. They sometime surprise me. Other times I go "I knew it!"
The characters. Most of the characters were lovable. Especially Hudson and Ben.
The rule breakings. I love it when characters break the rules. I find it amusing to see the reactions of the authorities. Ex: Harry Potter in Hagrid's Hut after the curfew. Professor McGonagall was going all "Fifty Points" this and "Fifty Points" that.
The Bad Parts...
The ending. I can't believe it has to end this way. Just wow.
This book is recommended to Young Adult readers. This book's rating is a four out of five.
This review is also on myblog. Please VISIT!
Side Note: The cover is amazing. I love the style of it. Markers and then realistic when close to the three girls. It's beautiful. I want to draw like that!
Okay... This book picks up where the last book, The Daughters Break the Rules (read my review), left off.
Out of the three good girls in this book, I think I like Carina the most. Hudson is tied with Lizzie.
As suspected, Hudson Jones has some issues with her mother. Her mother wants Hudson's career to be like her career. Holla Jones is demanding her daughter to change this, do that, love that, and sing that. Blah, blah, blah. A little similar to Lizzie's supermodel mother.
Hudson wants to be free from her mother. She wants to do the things her way. Not her mother's way. But her mother is very aggressive and demanding. Her mother is controlling and a freak in many reader's eyes. Holla Jones is perhaps the most controlling mother I had ever read about.
This series seems to be following one major theme. DO WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. DON'T LISTEN TO OTHER PEOPLE.
In this book, The Daughters Take the Stage, readers will be captivated by the humor, the plot, and the writing. Readers will see how Hudson Jones deals with her mother. (How is quite interesting).
The Characters:
Lizzie: still doing modeling and a little trouble in paradise
Carina: much better relationship with the Jurg and Alex
Hudson: Up
Hillary: the stalker, yeah. Hillary has a good heart despite all that stalking. Lizzie and Carina call it stalking, I call it admiration that went a little over the top. Hillary is an excellent life coach, BTW.
Ben: the love interest. They don't get together in this book, unfortunately. (I was egging them on. But they never did).
Todd: Dad's in trouble.
Alex: Not so much about him.
Logan: possible love interest, but was eliminated. (Because he was a jerk. And a little creep. And a player. And a little too twisty.)
Aunt Jenny: WOW! I wish I could be like Jenny. A free agent. I wish I could be like that and I don't care about the negatives of being a free agent.
The Good Parts...
The plot. The plot of The Daughters Take The Stage was amazing. I love the little twists and turns. They sometime surprise me. Other times I go "I knew it!"
The characters. Most of the characters were lovable. Especially Hudson and Ben.
The rule breakings. I love it when characters break the rules. I find it amusing to see the reactions of the authorities. Ex: Harry Potter in Hagrid's Hut after the curfew. Professor McGonagall was going all "Fifty Points" this and "Fifty Points" that.
The Bad Parts...
The ending. I can't believe it has to end this way. Just wow.
This book is recommended to Young Adult readers. This book's rating is a four out of five.
This review is also on myblog. Please VISIT!
April 2, 2014
**MINOR SPOILERS**
I'd actually give it a 2.5. Sorry, but is it just me, or is this plotline working less and less with each Daughters book Joanna Philbin writes? The Daughters was great. Lizzie was an interesting, relatable character who you could really sympathize with. I understood why she made all of her decisions, even if they were bad ones. The next book was pretty good, too. Not as good as the first one, but Carina's story was compelling, and her character was also relatable, even if she did really annoy me at times. But this is the third book in the series that has followed the EXACT same storyline: a girl is at war with her parent(s) because they/she/he want her to do something she doesn't want to do--i.e. not model, work for a big company, sing pop--and the girl's rebellion is innocent enough at first, but soon she makes a huge mistake and messes everything up! Luckily, she quickly realizes what she's done and fixes everything and everyone forgives her because, hey! That's what happens in real life, right? Well, this storyline fit well with all the characters in the first book, it fit okay with all the characters in the second book, but this one was not believable at all. First of all, I didn't really get into Hudson's rebellion. I just didn't feel like that was done well, I guess. I mean, we've gotten to know this character over two books, and now they've totally changed everything about her so she can be a rebellious teen who jumps into things without thinking them through, which fits the storyline, but is not Hudson! I didn't find her transformation into this person all that believable. But the ending was what REALLY got me. Even if we could believe Hudson could completely and utterly change so quickly without a truly huge catalyst, Holla Jones would not just snap out of her denial because her daughter asked her to with big puppy dog eyes! I feel betrayed by this storyline! It just fixed everything up all nice and neat in a way that did not fit with the characters! Holla Jones was an emotionally blind mother who was crushing her daughter's spirit without even realizing it. She had been in denial her whole life about what Hudson wanted because she wanted to live through her daughter and control her. Her epiphany was total BS! Again, characters don't just change like that without a really big catalyst! It made no sense!
Really, all three books were paced well, and the plots were entertaining. To be honest, if I hadn't read the first two books, I wouldn't have minded this one so much. I mean, there were little tweaks in the storyline here and there: Lizzie's rebellion was really more abut proving to her mom that she could be a model more than doing something her mom didn't want, whereas Carina just wanted to go on a ski trip she wasn't allowed to go on, and Hudson wanted to live out her dream against her mother's wishes; There was romance int he first two books, but not quite so much in the last one; and, of course, all three girls had distinctly different personalities. But to me, this just proves my point: the same storyline worked less as the books went on. See, it was designed to fit Lizzie's story, and it did! Then, it worked okay with Carina, because even though she WASN'T Lizzie, the choices she and the people around her made were still believable. But with Hudson, it all just fell apart.
I'd actually give it a 2.5. Sorry, but is it just me, or is this plotline working less and less with each Daughters book Joanna Philbin writes? The Daughters was great. Lizzie was an interesting, relatable character who you could really sympathize with. I understood why she made all of her decisions, even if they were bad ones. The next book was pretty good, too. Not as good as the first one, but Carina's story was compelling, and her character was also relatable, even if she did really annoy me at times. But this is the third book in the series that has followed the EXACT same storyline: a girl is at war with her parent(s) because they/she/he want her to do something she doesn't want to do--i.e. not model, work for a big company, sing pop--and the girl's rebellion is innocent enough at first, but soon she makes a huge mistake and messes everything up! Luckily, she quickly realizes what she's done and fixes everything and everyone forgives her because, hey! That's what happens in real life, right? Well, this storyline fit well with all the characters in the first book, it fit okay with all the characters in the second book, but this one was not believable at all. First of all, I didn't really get into Hudson's rebellion. I just didn't feel like that was done well, I guess. I mean, we've gotten to know this character over two books, and now they've totally changed everything about her so she can be a rebellious teen who jumps into things without thinking them through, which fits the storyline, but is not Hudson! I didn't find her transformation into this person all that believable. But the ending was what REALLY got me. Even if we could believe Hudson could completely and utterly change so quickly without a truly huge catalyst, Holla Jones would not just snap out of her denial because her daughter asked her to with big puppy dog eyes! I feel betrayed by this storyline! It just fixed everything up all nice and neat in a way that did not fit with the characters! Holla Jones was an emotionally blind mother who was crushing her daughter's spirit without even realizing it. She had been in denial her whole life about what Hudson wanted because she wanted to live through her daughter and control her. Her epiphany was total BS! Again, characters don't just change like that without a really big catalyst! It made no sense!
Really, all three books were paced well, and the plots were entertaining. To be honest, if I hadn't read the first two books, I wouldn't have minded this one so much. I mean, there were little tweaks in the storyline here and there: Lizzie's rebellion was really more abut proving to her mom that she could be a model more than doing something her mom didn't want, whereas Carina just wanted to go on a ski trip she wasn't allowed to go on, and Hudson wanted to live out her dream against her mother's wishes; There was romance int he first two books, but not quite so much in the last one; and, of course, all three girls had distinctly different personalities. But to me, this just proves my point: the same storyline worked less as the books went on. See, it was designed to fit Lizzie's story, and it did! Then, it worked okay with Carina, because even though she WASN'T Lizzie, the choices she and the people around her made were still believable. But with Hudson, it all just fell apart.
December 18, 2016
BR #4
“The Daughters Take the Stage” is a third installment to a realistic fiction series by Joanna Philbin. Though it’s pretty dramatic, and not something I'd usually read, the 288 page book was half way okay. The original series centers around three best friends who “didn’t ask for fame, they were born with it.” This book was written in Hudson Jone’s (one of the three friends) point of view. What I liked about this was that the author really seemed to make Hudson’s character and her struggles very relatable. Throughout the novel, she struggles with low self esteem, standing up for herself, and the average mother vs. daughter fireworks. Hudson’s mother is a world famous pop star, and their family is constantly under the watchful eye of the media. Used to fame, Holla Jones can’t seem to leave anything to chance, especially her daughter's future. This is apparent when Holla takes Hudson’s new album, containing the jazz-like soulful music Hudson loves, and fixes it to sound exactly like her pop style, saying that it will “sell better” Continuing on, we find more problems arise as Holla forces Hudson to sing onstage in front of hundreds of people at a birthday party, and she flees the stage in fright.
The main conflict in the book seemed to be Hudson herself. At the beginning of the book, she just can’t seem to have any confidence in, or stand up for herself. She can never say no even when her mother forces her to eat “gluten free, vegan friendly,... sugar free” everything. After awhile though, we come into the climax (of sorts) in the story when Hudson starts to get some backbone. A friend offers to be her life coach, and she has her make a bucket list of all the things normal 14 year old girls get to do that Holla doesn’t allow her to, like “1. Eat pizza in front of mom” She also joins a small jazz band.
What I think I liked the most about the novel, (and pretty much the only thing that kept me from throwing the dumb thing against a wall) was the outlook it gave you. Frequently, the famous, or very well-off people are seen a certain way, especially their children. I loved how the author instead built down to earth, non-snobby characters that experienced typical teenage emotions, and typical situations (even if they were a little overdone). The author created Hudson to relate to almost any teenage girl in her “point of view”, experiencing normal teenage struggles such as stage fright. The book was a pleasant change from all the snobby, self-righteous, and stereotypical characters often built in other stories.
Overall, the book was very well written. Though, I wouldn’t recommend it to more mature readers; I constantly caught myself rolling my eyes at all the Jr. High drama.
“The Daughters Take the Stage” is a third installment to a realistic fiction series by Joanna Philbin. Though it’s pretty dramatic, and not something I'd usually read, the 288 page book was half way okay. The original series centers around three best friends who “didn’t ask for fame, they were born with it.” This book was written in Hudson Jone’s (one of the three friends) point of view. What I liked about this was that the author really seemed to make Hudson’s character and her struggles very relatable. Throughout the novel, she struggles with low self esteem, standing up for herself, and the average mother vs. daughter fireworks. Hudson’s mother is a world famous pop star, and their family is constantly under the watchful eye of the media. Used to fame, Holla Jones can’t seem to leave anything to chance, especially her daughter's future. This is apparent when Holla takes Hudson’s new album, containing the jazz-like soulful music Hudson loves, and fixes it to sound exactly like her pop style, saying that it will “sell better” Continuing on, we find more problems arise as Holla forces Hudson to sing onstage in front of hundreds of people at a birthday party, and she flees the stage in fright.
The main conflict in the book seemed to be Hudson herself. At the beginning of the book, she just can’t seem to have any confidence in, or stand up for herself. She can never say no even when her mother forces her to eat “gluten free, vegan friendly,... sugar free” everything. After awhile though, we come into the climax (of sorts) in the story when Hudson starts to get some backbone. A friend offers to be her life coach, and she has her make a bucket list of all the things normal 14 year old girls get to do that Holla doesn’t allow her to, like “1. Eat pizza in front of mom” She also joins a small jazz band.
What I think I liked the most about the novel, (and pretty much the only thing that kept me from throwing the dumb thing against a wall) was the outlook it gave you. Frequently, the famous, or very well-off people are seen a certain way, especially their children. I loved how the author instead built down to earth, non-snobby characters that experienced typical teenage emotions, and typical situations (even if they were a little overdone). The author created Hudson to relate to almost any teenage girl in her “point of view”, experiencing normal teenage struggles such as stage fright. The book was a pleasant change from all the snobby, self-righteous, and stereotypical characters often built in other stories.
Overall, the book was very well written. Though, I wouldn’t recommend it to more mature readers; I constantly caught myself rolling my eyes at all the Jr. High drama.
August 16, 2011
Now that Jen Calonita has finished her Secrets of My Hollywood Life series, I need a cute, fluffy series to replace it. Joanna Philbin's The Daughters series fits the bill perfectly. Nice characters, strong friendships, some romance, and uplifting messages. Fame, fashion, and wealth. Just what I want in my light, contemporary reading material.
The third Daughters books focuses on the final character in the trio: Hudson. Hudson is the daughter of pop superstar Holla Jones. I'm imagining that she's somewhat like Madonna in personality and style, either intentionally or unintentionally. Holla is a notoriously difficult person to work or live with. She needs to constantly control everything. Nothing is more important that controlling her only child, Hudson.
Unlike her mother, Hudson is a kind, gentle character, who lives to please. She disagrees with her mother often, but would rather go along with her to keep the peace. Unfortunately, Holla's ideas have taken Hudson in a direction that she doesn't want to go. Hudson wants to be a jazz/soul singer who plays in intimate clubs. Holla has instead planned out a huge pop star future for her daughter (think Willow Smith). Hudson doesn't know how to say no.
After focusing on a more prickly, spoiled (although still nice) character in the second Daughters book, it is a welcome change to have Hudson as the main character. She is just as privileged as Lizzie and Carina, but her low self-esteem makes her seem down-to-earth and relateable. While she can't say no to people, her inherent kindness also makes it easier for her to give people chances. This enables her to make friends in places she wouldn't expect it. It's pleasant inhabiting Hudson's mind even when you want her to grow a backbone.
As you would expect, this book is all about self-growth. Hudson learns to stick up for herself and live her own dreams. I don't think it's a spoiler for me to say this. These books are predictable, but you don't read them for a surprising plot arc. Rather, read The Daughters series for the pleasant journey towards an expected ending. The characters are such nice people - girls I would want to be friends with in real life. There's some romance in the books (although less in this one than the others), but the primary focus is on friendship.
The Daughters is a fabulous series. Perfect for younger YA readers but still interesting enough that older YA readers will enjoy it.
Rating: 4 / 5
The third Daughters books focuses on the final character in the trio: Hudson. Hudson is the daughter of pop superstar Holla Jones. I'm imagining that she's somewhat like Madonna in personality and style, either intentionally or unintentionally. Holla is a notoriously difficult person to work or live with. She needs to constantly control everything. Nothing is more important that controlling her only child, Hudson.
Unlike her mother, Hudson is a kind, gentle character, who lives to please. She disagrees with her mother often, but would rather go along with her to keep the peace. Unfortunately, Holla's ideas have taken Hudson in a direction that she doesn't want to go. Hudson wants to be a jazz/soul singer who plays in intimate clubs. Holla has instead planned out a huge pop star future for her daughter (think Willow Smith). Hudson doesn't know how to say no.
After focusing on a more prickly, spoiled (although still nice) character in the second Daughters book, it is a welcome change to have Hudson as the main character. She is just as privileged as Lizzie and Carina, but her low self-esteem makes her seem down-to-earth and relateable. While she can't say no to people, her inherent kindness also makes it easier for her to give people chances. This enables her to make friends in places she wouldn't expect it. It's pleasant inhabiting Hudson's mind even when you want her to grow a backbone.
As you would expect, this book is all about self-growth. Hudson learns to stick up for herself and live her own dreams. I don't think it's a spoiler for me to say this. These books are predictable, but you don't read them for a surprising plot arc. Rather, read The Daughters series for the pleasant journey towards an expected ending. The characters are such nice people - girls I would want to be friends with in real life. There's some romance in the books (although less in this one than the others), but the primary focus is on friendship.
The Daughters is a fabulous series. Perfect for younger YA readers but still interesting enough that older YA readers will enjoy it.
Rating: 4 / 5
September 13, 2015
Review in portuguese by blog MON PETIT POISON
Este livro não foi tão engraçado quanto o outro, teve sim seus momentos engraçados, mas Carina (a personagem principal do livro anterior) é a mais engraçada e dinâmica das três amigas, por isso, acho difícil que qualquer um dos livros supere o anterior, mas os dramas de Hudson também são engraçados e sem noção, graças à sua mãe famosa.
O foco da série, é mostrar que os filhos não necessariamente são as sombras dos pais, claro que isso as vezes (muitas vezes ajuda) quando se quer fazer algo, afinal geral sempre diz: ‘é filha do fulano’ e isso abre portas, mas aqui, a autora quis mostrar que os pais querem que eles sejam miniaturas de si. E os livros anteriores falam a mesma coisa, a busca por uma identidade própria, afinal ninguém gosta de ser conhecido como ‘filho do fulano’.
Nos livros anteriores percebemos que a Husdon vai se transformando aos poucos, ela quer cantar, mas tem medo da mãe controlar a carreira e agir como uma louca com a vida dela. Ela é tímida e nunca bateu de frente com a mãe e senti falta dessa transformação, as coisas demoraram uma vida para acontecer. E na maioria das vezes falar a verdade nem ia ser tão confuso assim, senti que a confusão se deu mais por não falar do que por outros motivos, mas isso ficou rolando muito tempo.
Neste livro, a história saiu e muito do mundo escolar das meninas, e isso acabou deixando a história com muito mais do mesmo, na escola sempre tem confusão e mimimi, principalmente porque as meninas possuem pais famosos e elas são simples e nem estão no grupo popular, gerando um contraste diferente do que estamos acostumados a ler, mas ao sair desse mundo, a autora não se aprofundou em outro, então ficou meio no vazio.
Cada livro está comentando mais sobre uma das meninas, por isso a sensação de que este não foi tão legal quanto o anterior, devido as personalidades diferentes, Hudson não é tão falante ou interessante quanto Carina, aliás, acredito que a autora poderia ter colocado mais glamour nas situações escritas para a protagonista já que a mãe é uma cantora famosa, tem uma questão com o pai que ficou muito mal explicada e poderia ter sido mais elaborada.
http://www.monpetitpoison.com/2015/08...
Este livro não foi tão engraçado quanto o outro, teve sim seus momentos engraçados, mas Carina (a personagem principal do livro anterior) é a mais engraçada e dinâmica das três amigas, por isso, acho difícil que qualquer um dos livros supere o anterior, mas os dramas de Hudson também são engraçados e sem noção, graças à sua mãe famosa.
O foco da série, é mostrar que os filhos não necessariamente são as sombras dos pais, claro que isso as vezes (muitas vezes ajuda) quando se quer fazer algo, afinal geral sempre diz: ‘é filha do fulano’ e isso abre portas, mas aqui, a autora quis mostrar que os pais querem que eles sejam miniaturas de si. E os livros anteriores falam a mesma coisa, a busca por uma identidade própria, afinal ninguém gosta de ser conhecido como ‘filho do fulano’.
Nos livros anteriores percebemos que a Husdon vai se transformando aos poucos, ela quer cantar, mas tem medo da mãe controlar a carreira e agir como uma louca com a vida dela. Ela é tímida e nunca bateu de frente com a mãe e senti falta dessa transformação, as coisas demoraram uma vida para acontecer. E na maioria das vezes falar a verdade nem ia ser tão confuso assim, senti que a confusão se deu mais por não falar do que por outros motivos, mas isso ficou rolando muito tempo.
Neste livro, a história saiu e muito do mundo escolar das meninas, e isso acabou deixando a história com muito mais do mesmo, na escola sempre tem confusão e mimimi, principalmente porque as meninas possuem pais famosos e elas são simples e nem estão no grupo popular, gerando um contraste diferente do que estamos acostumados a ler, mas ao sair desse mundo, a autora não se aprofundou em outro, então ficou meio no vazio.
Cada livro está comentando mais sobre uma das meninas, por isso a sensação de que este não foi tão legal quanto o anterior, devido as personalidades diferentes, Hudson não é tão falante ou interessante quanto Carina, aliás, acredito que a autora poderia ter colocado mais glamour nas situações escritas para a protagonista já que a mãe é uma cantora famosa, tem uma questão com o pai que ficou muito mal explicada e poderia ter sido mais elaborada.
http://www.monpetitpoison.com/2015/08...
September 19, 2016
4 étoiles !
Manhattan Girls : En Move VIP est le troisième et dernier tome de cette série et aussi, c'est la fin parfaite à cette histoire. J'ai vraiment aimé entrer dans l'histoire de la vie de ces jeunes filles qui se cherchaient dans la vie. Joanna Philbin connaît très bien l'univers dans lequel elle fait évoluer ses personnages et on le sent très bien parce que, très rapidement, on se sent transporter dans l'histoire.
Même si j'ai préféré le deuxième tome avec l'histoire de Carina, j'ai quand même bien aimé celle d'Hudson, le personnage principal de ce tome-ci. Encore une fois, on fait la rencontre d'une jeune fille qui se cherche dans la vie. Elle aimerait bien choisir elle-même ce qu'elle veut faire dans la vie, mais vivre avec une mère célèbre n'est pas toujours facile surtout quand cette mère, c'est la reine de la pop. De plus, Hudson a un très gros problème et c'est ce problème qui a fait en sorte que j'ai pu me retrouver en elle... Hudson est incapable de dire non. Elle veut faire plaisir à tout le monde même si ce n'est pas toujours faisable. Alors quand la jeune fille décide de prendre sa vie en main, ça ne plaît pas nécessairement à tous et c'est avec le mensonge qu'elle décidera de traiter chaque problème malgré tout ce qui est arrivé à son amie Carina dans le tome précédent.
Au travers de l'histoire et de ses nombreuses péripéties, on verra Hudson mûrir, prendre conscience de la portée de ces actes et surtout comprendre, malgré son jeune âge, qu'on doit accepter de prendre des risques dans la vie si on veut aller quelque part et réussir. Une grande leçon de vie pour tous ceux et celles qui sont incapables de dire non ou encore de prendre leur place dans la vie.
La fin, quant à elle, a été parfaite et tout en continuité avec le reste de l'histoire. J'aurais bien aimé qu'il y ait d'autres tomes à me mettre sous la dent, mais c'est un deuil que je vais devoir faire. N'hésitez pas un instant et plongez-vous dans l'univers de la jeunesse huppée de Manhattan.
Manhattan Girls : En Move VIP est le troisième et dernier tome de cette série et aussi, c'est la fin parfaite à cette histoire. J'ai vraiment aimé entrer dans l'histoire de la vie de ces jeunes filles qui se cherchaient dans la vie. Joanna Philbin connaît très bien l'univers dans lequel elle fait évoluer ses personnages et on le sent très bien parce que, très rapidement, on se sent transporter dans l'histoire.
Même si j'ai préféré le deuxième tome avec l'histoire de Carina, j'ai quand même bien aimé celle d'Hudson, le personnage principal de ce tome-ci. Encore une fois, on fait la rencontre d'une jeune fille qui se cherche dans la vie. Elle aimerait bien choisir elle-même ce qu'elle veut faire dans la vie, mais vivre avec une mère célèbre n'est pas toujours facile surtout quand cette mère, c'est la reine de la pop. De plus, Hudson a un très gros problème et c'est ce problème qui a fait en sorte que j'ai pu me retrouver en elle... Hudson est incapable de dire non. Elle veut faire plaisir à tout le monde même si ce n'est pas toujours faisable. Alors quand la jeune fille décide de prendre sa vie en main, ça ne plaît pas nécessairement à tous et c'est avec le mensonge qu'elle décidera de traiter chaque problème malgré tout ce qui est arrivé à son amie Carina dans le tome précédent.
Au travers de l'histoire et de ses nombreuses péripéties, on verra Hudson mûrir, prendre conscience de la portée de ces actes et surtout comprendre, malgré son jeune âge, qu'on doit accepter de prendre des risques dans la vie si on veut aller quelque part et réussir. Une grande leçon de vie pour tous ceux et celles qui sont incapables de dire non ou encore de prendre leur place dans la vie.
La fin, quant à elle, a été parfaite et tout en continuité avec le reste de l'histoire. J'aurais bien aimé qu'il y ait d'autres tomes à me mettre sous la dent, mais c'est un deuil que je vais devoir faire. N'hésitez pas un instant et plongez-vous dans l'univers de la jeunesse huppée de Manhattan.
May 1, 2011
The Daughters series follows the lives of three girls who have mega-popular parents. The first book features Lizzie, whose mother is a super model. The second book features Carina who has a billionaire media-mogul father. Now, The Daughters Take the Stage, features Hudson, who has a pop star mother.
Holla is a pop music sensation. She has many fans and is at the top of her game. Holla’s dream is to have her daughter, Hudson, perform chart-topping pop songs too. The problem is, Hudson has her own style and she would rather perform soulful song. Can you say conflict?
I love the character development of Hudson. She goes from being someone who always said yes, to someone who is able to stand up for herself – even to her overly involved mother. Hudson goes from suffocating under her mom’s thumb, to finally blooming into her own person. I found myself rooting on Hudson as she took charge and ordered a pizza. You go girl!
This is a friendship series. Although each book has a featured daughter, the other two are never far away. I honestly don’t know what any one of these girls would do without the other two. They will be lifelong best friends who never have any drama between them. Love this!
Sometimes it seems like the children of celebrities must have it all. They have fancy homes, exciting vacations, the best clothes, and famous friends. But, in the end, they are really no different from anyone else. They want to be taken seriously and given a chance to shine in their own spotlight. This series drives home that point.
RATING
5 Stars
COVER COMMENTS
The pink carpet! How cute is that? The covers in this series are so fun with their simple pencil drawings and the girls being photographed from behind. Awesome!
Holla is a pop music sensation. She has many fans and is at the top of her game. Holla’s dream is to have her daughter, Hudson, perform chart-topping pop songs too. The problem is, Hudson has her own style and she would rather perform soulful song. Can you say conflict?
I love the character development of Hudson. She goes from being someone who always said yes, to someone who is able to stand up for herself – even to her overly involved mother. Hudson goes from suffocating under her mom’s thumb, to finally blooming into her own person. I found myself rooting on Hudson as she took charge and ordered a pizza. You go girl!
This is a friendship series. Although each book has a featured daughter, the other two are never far away. I honestly don’t know what any one of these girls would do without the other two. They will be lifelong best friends who never have any drama between them. Love this!
Sometimes it seems like the children of celebrities must have it all. They have fancy homes, exciting vacations, the best clothes, and famous friends. But, in the end, they are really no different from anyone else. They want to be taken seriously and given a chance to shine in their own spotlight. This series drives home that point.
RATING
5 Stars
COVER COMMENTS
The pink carpet! How cute is that? The covers in this series are so fun with their simple pencil drawings and the girls being photographed from behind. Awesome!
April 8, 2014
I loved this book a lot, but in comparison to the first two, it did not seem to add up. Not that I think every book should have romance, but the book was lacking it when romance seemed practically inevitable. Hudson DEFINETLY should have had closer relations to Ben and started dating towards the end of the book. I know that would seem a little repetitive because it happened in the other two. But, that did add in a nice plot twist because I was expecting a hook up. I could also complain about Carina and Lizzie not being in the book enough, but I am not going to because I loved the book. This book, unlike the other books, appeared to have a better message. I am glad that Hillary decided to go back to being herself (and not just because Logan did not like her)because I have watched and read WAY too many books and movies that girls would change themselves for a guy in. I hate that because I strongly believe in being your own person and that people should change themselves only because they want to be a better person. One more thing, if you have not read the other books, I do not suggest you start with this one first. Because I picked it up after reading the last book several months before, and felt a little bit lost at some moments. For example, if you don't know who the Jurg is, start with book one. Overall, I was completely captivated and strongly suggest this book for others to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2013
Use your passion for what you want to do. This is what Hudson struggles with in The Daughters Take the Stage by Joanna Philbin. Hudson loves music, especially singing and the piano. Her idea of being an aspiring singer is not even close to what her mom, the pop sensation, Holla Jones. Not only does she have to deal with the making of her album, but she also has to deal with how to listen her mom, and to be with herself and the sametime. Hudson goes through a funny and hopeful journey, when deciding what her mom wants, and what she does.
This book was really nice. You see a side of any girl who is growing up and needs to stand up and speak for herself. Joanna really described Hudson's feelings well, and showed how she grew up in such a short time. I wish though that Joanna made a more exciting plot to her story, something that I would remember two or three years from now. The nice part of this book compare to Joanna’s other stories in this series is that the same things did not happen to Hudson as the other girls, like crushes, and feelings and so on. That was nice because if you like these kind of books like I do, it is what you want to read, but not the same thing over and over again. Maybe more romance would have been nice, which is why I rated this three stars. I would recommend this book to other girls my age, but not as much as the previous two books, but it is worth the read.
This book was really nice. You see a side of any girl who is growing up and needs to stand up and speak for herself. Joanna really described Hudson's feelings well, and showed how she grew up in such a short time. I wish though that Joanna made a more exciting plot to her story, something that I would remember two or three years from now. The nice part of this book compare to Joanna’s other stories in this series is that the same things did not happen to Hudson as the other girls, like crushes, and feelings and so on. That was nice because if you like these kind of books like I do, it is what you want to read, but not the same thing over and over again. Maybe more romance would have been nice, which is why I rated this three stars. I would recommend this book to other girls my age, but not as much as the previous two books, but it is worth the read.
September 4, 2012
The third book in the Daughters series completes the story of our famous trio.
Hudson Jones is the daughter of famous singer Holla Jones, Hudson is an amazing singer and looks forward to the release of her debut album but her mother has ideas about how her sound should be and changes up Hudson's entire album till she can't recognize it. Hudson feels the pressure of having to live up to her superstar mother and Holla is constantly encouraging Hudson to do this and that making Hudson feel inadequate about herself.
Hudson is very quiet and diplomatic, she never argues with anyone and strives to be a peacemaker but she realizes that if she continues to cave to her mother's demands she might lose sight of who she is. After a motifying episode of stage fright at the Silver Snowflake ball she knows she must do something. She finds a life coach in Hillary, a student at school who has admired her for a while and they become friends surprisingly.
Hillary challenges Hudson to stand up to her fears such as eating pizza at home when her mother prefers healthy food. Eventually Hudson finds her place and I couldn't have asked for a better way to end this book. The Daughters have certainly been learning plenty through their experiences. Utterly relatable and addictive! The Daugthters series will keep you interested.
Hudson Jones is the daughter of famous singer Holla Jones, Hudson is an amazing singer and looks forward to the release of her debut album but her mother has ideas about how her sound should be and changes up Hudson's entire album till she can't recognize it. Hudson feels the pressure of having to live up to her superstar mother and Holla is constantly encouraging Hudson to do this and that making Hudson feel inadequate about herself.
Hudson is very quiet and diplomatic, she never argues with anyone and strives to be a peacemaker but she realizes that if she continues to cave to her mother's demands she might lose sight of who she is. After a motifying episode of stage fright at the Silver Snowflake ball she knows she must do something. She finds a life coach in Hillary, a student at school who has admired her for a while and they become friends surprisingly.
Hillary challenges Hudson to stand up to her fears such as eating pizza at home when her mother prefers healthy food. Eventually Hudson finds her place and I couldn't have asked for a better way to end this book. The Daughters have certainly been learning plenty through their experiences. Utterly relatable and addictive! The Daugthters series will keep you interested.
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