Kristin Harmel is a new to me author though I have acquired several of her titles that are languishing on my TBR pile. Though I dont normally find myself drawn to the young adult genre, this book appealed to me on several levels. First, the idea of a teen superstar who is likeable when all we ever hear about is the scandal and drama of the teen celebrities inundating the media nowadays is a refreshing and welcome change. Secondly, I liked that the story was clean. I dont think the young adult genre should cross over into mainstream adult fiction and there have been a few books I have taken on recently that were marketed as young adult but were excessively graphic and explicit and not for a young adult reader. Last, but not least, When You Wish is a feel good story about a young girl on a journey to take back her life who finds love along the way.
I enjoyed going along for the ride when Star Beck decides to find out what the world is like outside of her reality. When she discovers that her mother has been lying to her for the past six years, she alters her appearance and takes off for Florida to find the father she hasnt seen in thirteen years. When her funds run drastically low, she resorts to getting a job in a restaurant using a false name. She is drawn to a boy in the restaurant and ultimately gets to know him better and he helps her improve her waitressing skills.
I was quite surprised at the direction the story took when Star finally locates her father, but I felt it made Star a stronger and more realistic character. The author does an exceptional job of giving the reader a front-row seat to Stars life. Several times throughout the book, I found myself wondering how the truth would be revealed and what the consequences would be for concealing her true identity. In the end, this book turned out to be a very fast and enjoyable read that made me smile.
I enjoyed going along for the ride when Star Beck decides to find out what the world is like outside of her reality. When she discovers that her mother has been lying to her for the past six years, she alters her appearance and takes off for Florida to find the father she hasnt seen in thirteen years. When her funds run drastically low, she resorts to getting a job in a restaurant using a false name. She is drawn to a boy in the restaurant and ultimately gets to know him better and he helps her improve her waitressing skills.
I was quite surprised at the direction the story took when Star finally locates her father, but I felt it made Star a stronger and more realistic character. The author does an exceptional job of giving the reader a front-row seat to Stars life. Several times throughout the book, I found myself wondering how the truth would be revealed and what the consequences would be for concealing her true identity. In the end, this book turned out to be a very fast and enjoyable read that made me smile.
Loved it! This book might be targeted to young adult readers, but all readers will love this story. Don't let the young adult label make you pass on this one. I love all of Kristin Harmel's books and this one did not disappoint! I didn't want to stop reading it until I was done. Would love to read a sequel to this book. I hope one is in the plans.
Reviewed by Chelsea Swiggett for TeensReadToo.com
Most people have the preconceived notion that celebrities have it easy. If you think that, you should go out and get a copy of this book.
Star Beck is famous. She's worshiped by millions of fans, gets an extremely high paycheck, and lives in five-star hotels. But a lot of people seem to think that her life is luxurious, and that she doesn't have a care in the world. While Star's life may have its benefits, it's certainly not easy. She's shuffled from place to place, hardly getting any time to rest. She has to practice her dance moves, watch her calorie intake, and be perfect practically 24/7. She can forget doing anything normal like going to the movies with her friends.
And she's getting sick of the pop star life. So she cuts off and dies her hair, puts on a pair of glasses, and sets off to live a normal life. She actually starts to make real friends and eat fatty foods. She's living a life she never thought would be possible. But, can she keep up her disguise forever, or will someone eventually find out who she really is?
This book was just plain fun. I was hooked as soon as I read the first sentence. Practically everyone's fantasized about living a celebrity life and all the benefits it would entail, but this book was pretty eye-opening on that issue. The celebrity life is a lot harder than it seems on TV!
There are a lot of books about celebrities and people becoming famous, but this one sticks out. Star - despite her name - is just an average, everyday, normal teenager, which makes her quite likable.
Kristin Harmel did an amazing job on her characters, as well as the plot. She never let the book get dull - I was so into the story I didn't realize how fast it was going by. I'm actually pretty sad it's over. Definitely a must read.
Most people have the preconceived notion that celebrities have it easy. If you think that, you should go out and get a copy of this book.
Star Beck is famous. She's worshiped by millions of fans, gets an extremely high paycheck, and lives in five-star hotels. But a lot of people seem to think that her life is luxurious, and that she doesn't have a care in the world. While Star's life may have its benefits, it's certainly not easy. She's shuffled from place to place, hardly getting any time to rest. She has to practice her dance moves, watch her calorie intake, and be perfect practically 24/7. She can forget doing anything normal like going to the movies with her friends.
And she's getting sick of the pop star life. So she cuts off and dies her hair, puts on a pair of glasses, and sets off to live a normal life. She actually starts to make real friends and eat fatty foods. She's living a life she never thought would be possible. But, can she keep up her disguise forever, or will someone eventually find out who she really is?
This book was just plain fun. I was hooked as soon as I read the first sentence. Practically everyone's fantasized about living a celebrity life and all the benefits it would entail, but this book was pretty eye-opening on that issue. The celebrity life is a lot harder than it seems on TV!
There are a lot of books about celebrities and people becoming famous, but this one sticks out. Star - despite her name - is just an average, everyday, normal teenager, which makes her quite likable.
Kristin Harmel did an amazing job on her characters, as well as the plot. She never let the book get dull - I was so into the story I didn't realize how fast it was going by. I'm actually pretty sad it's over. Definitely a must read.
