Helpful Score: 1
Veronica May, nicknamed Vee, is the best plus-size actress that the small town of Chester, Arizona has ever seen. Actually, she's the best actress out of Chester, ever. The sense of uprootedness she feels from her father's upcoming remarriage drives Veronica to follow in the footsteps of her dead mother, Diana, and, more recently, her good friend Vivian Reed out to L.A. to make it big-time!
Vee isn't prepared for the cutthroat atmosphere of Hollywood, however. Nobody wants to cast a "fat" girl, and people can say one thing and mean another, as she begins to realize, even Vivian--who goes by Reed now. At least her job at a local cool coffeeshop is going well. She's making friends with her coworkers, and there might even be a developing romantic interest with her manager, Philip. But in a city that's famous for its backstabbing and disappointments, can Veronica do what her mother couldn't: overcome all obstacles and stay true to herself?
ALL ABOUT VEE is the quintessential feel-good read, with a great message and the perfect blend of romance and fun! Its greatest strength, of course, lies in its protagonist. Veronica keeps it real; her reactions, emotions, and actions are the genuine ones of that girl behind the counter who you just know will make a great friend. I was also appreciative of the fact that this book wasn't completely about Vee trying to overcome her body image issues. Yes, it's mentioned, as it rightfully should be--prejudiced judgments, unfortunately, still exists everywhere in all forms--but through it all Veronica remains true to herself. She is not easily broken by harsh words, and insteads picks herself up and looks forward to the future, where she'll kick everyone else's undeserving butts in auditions and make a name for herself out of her real talent. You'll want to cheer for Veronica as she develops through this lovely little book!
Vee isn't prepared for the cutthroat atmosphere of Hollywood, however. Nobody wants to cast a "fat" girl, and people can say one thing and mean another, as she begins to realize, even Vivian--who goes by Reed now. At least her job at a local cool coffeeshop is going well. She's making friends with her coworkers, and there might even be a developing romantic interest with her manager, Philip. But in a city that's famous for its backstabbing and disappointments, can Veronica do what her mother couldn't: overcome all obstacles and stay true to herself?
ALL ABOUT VEE is the quintessential feel-good read, with a great message and the perfect blend of romance and fun! Its greatest strength, of course, lies in its protagonist. Veronica keeps it real; her reactions, emotions, and actions are the genuine ones of that girl behind the counter who you just know will make a great friend. I was also appreciative of the fact that this book wasn't completely about Vee trying to overcome her body image issues. Yes, it's mentioned, as it rightfully should be--prejudiced judgments, unfortunately, still exists everywhere in all forms--but through it all Veronica remains true to herself. She is not easily broken by harsh words, and insteads picks herself up and looks forward to the future, where she'll kick everyone else's undeserving butts in auditions and make a name for herself out of her real talent. You'll want to cheer for Veronica as she develops through this lovely little book!
Reviewed by Harmony for TeensReadToo.com
Veronica May, better known as Vee, has always been a daddy's girl. Now Daddy is remarrying and Veronica feels replaced, so she sets off to Hollywood, to follow her dreams of being an actress and to follow in her deceased mother's footsteps.
Vee moves in with her old best friend, who had graduated early to pursue her own acting dream, and with her advice, Vee begins taking yoga, acting classes, and starts working at the local coffee shop.
Of course, not everything goes as planned. With an unexpected romance, a backstabbing best friend, and all the drama that comes with being in Hollywood, Vee begins to wonder whether or not she'll ever make it in the acting world, especially when they're not exactly open to plus-sized actors.
ALL ABOUT VEE was, to use a single word, unexpected. I didn't realize there'd be so much depth in the novel, despite it's length. I figured it'd be something between GOSSIP GIRL and SECRETS OF MY HOLLYWOOD LIFE, but it was something so much better than that.
The characters were well-developed and relatable and the prose was well-written. You could really feel yourself being transported into the story and it was so easy to relate to Vee, as well as the other characters. The plot itself was original and not your average take on an up-and-coming actress. There was nothing about being rich or having the right look or anything you usually find in those types of novels. The romance was also very realistic and, though it was a bit predictable, I really did enjoy it.
I would definitely recommend ALL ABOUT VEE to everyone, especially if you have an interest in acting, Hollywood, or just want to read something fun.
Veronica May, better known as Vee, has always been a daddy's girl. Now Daddy is remarrying and Veronica feels replaced, so she sets off to Hollywood, to follow her dreams of being an actress and to follow in her deceased mother's footsteps.
Vee moves in with her old best friend, who had graduated early to pursue her own acting dream, and with her advice, Vee begins taking yoga, acting classes, and starts working at the local coffee shop.
Of course, not everything goes as planned. With an unexpected romance, a backstabbing best friend, and all the drama that comes with being in Hollywood, Vee begins to wonder whether or not she'll ever make it in the acting world, especially when they're not exactly open to plus-sized actors.
ALL ABOUT VEE was, to use a single word, unexpected. I didn't realize there'd be so much depth in the novel, despite it's length. I figured it'd be something between GOSSIP GIRL and SECRETS OF MY HOLLYWOOD LIFE, but it was something so much better than that.
The characters were well-developed and relatable and the prose was well-written. You could really feel yourself being transported into the story and it was so easy to relate to Vee, as well as the other characters. The plot itself was original and not your average take on an up-and-coming actress. There was nothing about being rich or having the right look or anything you usually find in those types of novels. The romance was also very realistic and, though it was a bit predictable, I really did enjoy it.
I would definitely recommend ALL ABOUT VEE to everyone, especially if you have an interest in acting, Hollywood, or just want to read something fun.
