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Conrad, Lauren
8 Reviews
(4)
YA
In this third and final Fame Game volume, Kate might have a stalker, someone is leaking secrets about Carmen, and Madison is, as usual, seeking screen time. The juicy drama is regrettably toned down (and ordinarily nasty Madison is significantly more subdued), but fans will glean lots more reality-show secrets--and enjoy a conclusion that sends the characters off to successful careers.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(4)
YA
Conrad introduces two new characters, Kate and Carmen, and brings back love-to-hate Madison (L.A. Candy) for another behind-the-scenes-of-a-reality-show series. This time, the girls star in a show about seeking fame in Hollywood. Except for Madison, who gets some vulnerability, the characters are bland. But fans will be gratified; again, the celebrity author reveals how "reality" TV is anything but.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(4)
YA
Kate, Carmen, and Madison (The Fame Game) are still navigating reality-show stardom. Kate can't overcome stage fright, Carmen's mother steals her spotlight, and Madison's doing community service at an animal shelter--all documented by the show's cameras. The book's obvious it's-so-hard-to-be-famous message becomes tiring, but this otherwise enjoyable middle volume delivers more behind-the-scenes tidbits from an author who's been there.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(3)
YA
With Elise Loehnen. In her second (more widely relatable) coffee table tome, Conrad shares tips on lifestyle choices, hair, makeup, skincare, etc., that she's acquired from years in the spotlight. The accessible how-to advice and personal anecdotes take a whole-health approach; crisp photographs featuring a relatively diverse cast of girls illustrate the text. A "Beauty Through the Decades" chapter is a compelling inclusion.
Reviewer: Allison Cole
(4)
YA
Jane and Scarlett, stars of the hit reality show L.A. Candy, continue to struggle with their newfound celebrity. Scarlett's interested in one of the show's cameramen, and Jane grows closer to traitorous Madison, which strains her relationship with Scarlett. Lies is entertaining, if unoriginal, and fans will enjoy shadowing the girls and discovering who can--and can't--be trusted.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(4)
YA
The L.A. Candy stars are tired of being celebrities. Jane's feud with Madison threatens her professional life while Scarlett has difficulty making things click with Liam off-camera. Conrad seems to be working through some resentment (especially in her portrayal of a heartless producer), but The Hills fans will devour details about the creation of a fake reality.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(4)
YA
With Elise Loehnen. Reality-show star Conrad gives teens friendly advice on everything from buying the right jeans to makeup application to packing a suitcase. The magazine-like layout features (exclusively) photos of Conrad and recommended clothes and accessories, many of them carrying designer labels and price tags inaccessible to most readers--like Louboutin heels. Still, fans may find inspiration for their own personal styles.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
(4)
YA
Best friends Jane and Scarlett, previously unknown girls living in L.A., become famous through a reality TV show that chronicles--and affects every aspect of--their lives. It's a familiar scenario for The Hills star Lauren Conrad, who writes (awkwardly) what she knows. Fans will appreciate the inside scoop on what life's really like behind ever-present television cameras.
Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith
8 reviews
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