Name: Celebriteens In the Spotlight
Author: Joanna Philbin
Publisher: Scholastic
Date published: 2nd June 2011
Number of pages: 273
Source: Chicklish
Rating: 4.5 stars
They didn't ask for fame. They were born with it. Lizzie Summers is used to living in her supermodel mother's shadow. But after a photographer spots Lizzie's unique look, she becomes the 'It girl' of New York's fashion scene. But is fame all it's cracked up to be?
The book centres around Lizzie who is the daughter of world-famous supermodel Katia. All her life, she has tried to avoid the camera and stay away from the paparazzi. But, at a fashion event, she says something bad about her mother and it soon gets loads of hits on the Internet. However, she gets noticed by laid-back photographer, Andrea, who is convinced that she is the 'New Pretty.' Soon, she becomes extremely popular and causes a stir in New York. The book goes on to chart her experiences with fame and how she comes to realise the things she never noticed before.
I couldn't wait to start this book when I first received it because it sounded a bit like Gossip Girl and 90210 and it's nice to read a book about rich teenage girls and their scandalous lives once in a while. The first thing I realised was that the characters in Celebriteens at fourteen years old are a few years younger than the likes of Blair, Serena, Naomi and Annie etc. But that didn't make the book any less enjoyable - in fact it was even better because I could relate to them more easily. Despite the fact that Lizzie has rich and famous parents, I really warmed to her and was able to empathise with her. She is portrayed like any other girl: struggling with growing up, arguing with parents and juggling boys and school. She is a likeable character with a nice personality, as are her best friends Carina and Hudson who are very supportive of her and understand what she goes through. Another major character in the novel is Todd, Lizzie's sweet, childhood friend, freshly returned from London. Their relationship really frustrated me, there were too many guessing games: does he... does she...? But it was one of the subplots that kept me turning the pages!
I really enjoyed Celebriteens and thought it was a fabulous book. It was quite predictable so there was no sitting-on-the-edge-of-the-seat reading but don't expect it to be a smooth ride - there are a few bumps and slips on the way! However, if you want something more jaw-droppingly scandalous, this may not be for you. I must admit that it kind of gets off to a slow start but it does get better and after that it is a worthwhile read. Near the end of the book, there is a beautiful, romantic scene that made my heart leap and put a broad smile on my face. The story ends on a cliffhanger so I am anticipating the next book in the series. Joanna Philbin must be applauded for a wonderfully written debut novel; it gives you a sneak peek into the world of the famous and reveals things you would never have known. Overall, a funny, heart-warming novel that I think many girls will love! It deserves 4.5 stars.
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