Title: L.A. Candy (L.A. Candy #1)
Author: Lauren Conrad
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: June 16, 2009
Source: Purchased
Los Angeles is all about hot clubs, cute guys, designers...everything. Nineteen-year-old Jane Roberts and her BFF, Scarlett, can’t wait to start living it up. And when a TV producer wants them to star in a “reality version of Sex and the City” they can hardly believe their luck. Their own show? Yes, please!Soon Jane is television’s hottest star and she’s lapping up the VIP treatment with her entourage of new pals. But those same friends are also angling for a piece of her spotlight. In a city filled with people chasing their dreams, it’s not long before Jane realizes that everyone wants something from her and nothing is what it seems to be.
Jane and Scarlett are two best friends new to L.A. Jane is there to begin an internship with a famous event planner, putting off college to do so, and Scarlett is starting college at U.S.C. Everything seems to be going like they thought it would until one night they are approached by a TV producer in a club. He wants them to be the stars of his new reality show about girls living in L.A. Jane and Scarlett decide to do the show and everything changes. They meet Madison and Gaby, the others girls on the show, and from there their adventures in L.A. really begin.
Even though she’s the main character, I had trouble liking Jane. She was portrayed as being really naïve and innocent but sometimes it almost felt overdone. There were moments when I just sat there reading and thinking that there is no way someone can be that naïve. She was just too trusting of everyone. I can understand wanting to try new things and looking for new experiences but you don’t necessarily have to jump on the first opportunity that presents itself. Jane wasn’t a bad character in any way, she just felt like the stereotype of the innocent girl in the big city.
Scarlett, on the other hand, I really liked. Her character felt more realistic than Jane’s. It might have something to do with the fact that she was not what she appeared, being a pretty girl with major brains, or the fact that she wasn’t like Jane. Scarlett felt more real, she had accepted to be on the show but at the same time she was annoyed with everything that came with it. She knew not to trust everyone and she wasn’t afraid to voice her opinion. I just liked Scarlett better than I liked Jane. Why? I’m not sure I can explain all that clearly.
As far as the story goes, it was quite enjoyable. Sure at times I was forcing myself to keep reading but there were other times when I just kept turning the pages without really realizing I was doing it. The story is original and I liked the fact that it was based on reality. It gave insight into what the people on reality shows go through on a day to day basis, which shows that what we see on the screen isn’t necessarily reality.
Overall, I enjoyed L.A. Candy more than I thought I would. It wasn’t anything really deep or full of meaning but a good summer read. And I may just pick up the sequel, Sweet Little Lies, next time I go to the bookstore.
Hi Emilie, thanks for letting us know your thoughts on this book. I was wondering about it.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, Bonnie
great review! i wasn't too hot about the idea of reading this, but i just might give it a try :)
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