Thomas Nelson, 2011
320 pages
YA; Inspirational; Contemporary
4/5 stars
Source: Received an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book just sounded right up my alley: light and fluffy and then I discovered that it was a retelling of Esther, which added another dimension. In this version main character Addy is a Christian who is chosen to compete on a reality TV show to win a prom date with the president's cute son. Doesn't this book sound exactly like something I'd like?
And I did like it. Addy is a shy girl most concerned with academics, not fashion and boys, setting her apart from most of the girls on the show. Further differentiating her is her religion, modesty, and dislike for the spotlight. However that is exactly what the audience loves about her, infuriating the controlling unethical producer of the show as well as many of the greedy, grasping girls.
I was able to read this pretty fast because, for the most part, it just flowed. I think you will be able to predict what's going to happen based on your knowledge of the book of Esther and YA books in general-nothing really took me by surprise. But I especially loved Addy's relationship with her parents. Now they're dead and have been for most of her life after a disastrous ending to their missionary life, but Addy receives her mother's journals and learns more about their faith, which encourages her in her path.
The characters aren't very developed: Addy is practically perfect if a bit annoying at times while the other characters are pretty one-dimensional. They are either good or bad, supporting Addy or trying to tear her down with little depth beyond their relationship to Addy. They don't stand alone to distinguish themselves with unique personalities.
I mentioned the Christian aspect above, which I did not think was overwhelmingly strong but if you don't like stories with that element, then you'd be better off skipping.
Overall: A cute, fun story.
Thanks for your review of this! I had no idea it was based on Esther. I am planning to buy this for the teen collection at the library. I live in a conservative area so there is a big demand for CF and I'm always looking for more YA CF to add. While I might not read it for myself I know it will be popular with the patrons. It sounds like a sweet romance even if the characters could do with more development.
ReplyDeleteAwww, this books sounds so sweet and light and a little bit fluffy -- which adds up to the kind of book I love to read too! :) Addy's modesty and shyness is exactly what would make me adore her along with the audience, even if she was a little too perfect! And I LOVE that this book explores her relationship with her family because so many YA books overlook that nowadays!
ReplyDeleteAwesome review as always, B! Extreme depth or not, this book sounds extremely sweet and really I hope I enjoy it too! :)
What an interesting idea for a YA book. It sounds cute. I'll have to look for it, maybe get a copy to read and then donate to our church library.
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