Posted by celiapleete in book | Comments

Book Review: "Sorority Girls: I’m Going...

“An idea was running through my head. A wild, unchallenging, marvelously imprudent and unsound idea. I stared at Danielle Chardson. Watch out, Ms Chardson, I thought. We’re in hot competition, you and I. And here’s the zinger: I’m going to get your boyfriend.”

In spare, minimalist prose, Sharmat weaves a complex tale around a young, well-to-do Arizona woman named Rona Dunne. Dunne, president of her high school sorority, finds herself working for a public-relations company backing corrupt politician Brutus “Captain Concrete” Devile. There she finds a passionate and illicit love for her handsome, sapphire-eyed boss, Salem Astor. Dunne must struggle with her blossoming love for Astor; her franchise aspirations for the most popular sorority at Palm Canyon High School; and political scandal in her town.

During her lengthy term as Chi Kappa president, Dunne establishes a long tradition of loyalty and popularity, but she guards an innermost secret: her public mask hides her true, rebellious streak. With only her English-born maid Rachel as a trusted friend, Dunne must choose between what is morally sound and what could expose her dirty family secret. Is Astor her true love, or is he part of the web of evil surrounding the corrupt politican’s public relations?

Though this plot is filled with dark twists as it develops, the plot is not the focus of this unusual “crime noir” mystery. Sharmat instead focuses on the blossoming relationship between Dunne and Astor, and the ensuing love triangle created with Astor’s mistress, Danielle Chardson. The tension heats up as Chardson and Dunne clash in the Scream Room during a meeting with the evil Councilman.

Giving new meaning to the adage of writing workshops that a writer should “recreate, not just tell about,” Sharmat presents vibrant inner monologue to give her readers a deep understanding of Dunne’s moral situation.

One of the most unusual and intelligent mysteries I’ve read in years, “Sorority Girls: I’m Going To Get Your Boyfriend” is also unique, a novel in which every word counts, even when those words are not adding to the plot.

Posted by celiapleete in book | Comments

Book Review: "Kirk Cameron, Dream Guy" b...

Touted as being the “real story of America’s #1 Heartthrob,” Grace Catalano takes us on an inside journey of the life and wisdom of ‘Growing Pains’ star Kirk Cameron. We learn of his “twinking hazel eyes, baby-smooth skin, and the overall contour and configuration of his perfectly-shaped, flawless face.” (Catalano, p. 2)
Catalano compares his teen-idol status favourably with Elvis, Bobby Sherman, and the Cassidy brothers, but reveals Cameron’s ’soft side.’ We learn of Cameron’s likes (sports, music, science) and dislikes (chores and the Pritikin Diet).

We learn of the trials and tribulations of Kirk Cameron. Cameron, named for Captain Kirk of “Star Trek,” had the childhood nickname of “Boo-Boo.” He broke his arm skateboarding. On page 29, he reveals he is “shy around girls, especially if he likes them.”

At age 14 Kirk Cameron landed the role of a lifetime as Mike Seaver on the hit TV show “Growing Pains.” The popularity of the show changed his schedule at home. He could no longer eat dinner with his family every day.

Cameron cares about his fans. His mother started his fan club, where you can buy pillowcases and autographed pictures of the famous actor. He is the Campbell’s Soup spokesteen. He is also involved in Nancy Reagan’s “Just Say No” program. He is opposed to smoking. He also found time for the Juvenile Diabetes Bike-a-Thon sponsored by McDonald’s.

When asked what he is really like, Kirk Cameron blushes and says he’s just a regular guy. Catalano effectively brings this across in her book, “Kirk Cameron, Dream Guy.”

RATING: ****

Posted by celiapleete in book | Comments

The Fur Flies: The Untold Story of the Miffy/Hello...

They were born under the same sign–Sagittarius, a powerful fire sign–and in the same year, although Miffy would later swear: “Hello Kitty is five years older than me, if she’s a day.”

The London-born Hello Kitty became a star first, which irritated her rival, who suggested that her rapid success came via the casting couch. “It sure as hell beat the litter box,” Hello Kitty responded.

“There’s a good reason why she doesn’t have a mouth,” said Miffy. “It’s not very nice! “

Miffy was the more amiable of the two, but both shared the same ruthless drive and determination to ride the Crest of Cuteness. When Miffy, the Holland-born bunny who loved teddy bears and seashells, found her fame and adorability waning, she moved to Sunshine Corners, where Hello Kitty was firmly ensconced as Princess of Sweetness. Miffy then proceeded to take over Hello Kitty’s clothing styles, her teddy bears, and her throne. Hello Kitty responded by having more interesting adventures.

“I’ve flown planes, ridden dolphins, and been a tennis star. What has Miffy done with her pathetic life? Go to the zoo? Cuteness is as cuteness does, toots. I’m a real kitten.”

“I have an aunt Alice who is a good cook and an uncle who can fly an airplane,” retorted Miffy. “They invite friends over to party. We play games!” Miffy added that she has a grandfather who was good at carpentry and a grandmother who was good at knitting.

The stories are such fun—how Hello Kitty “accidentally” kicked Miffy during a Fun Time Reading Hour at the library (requiring stitches); how only Miffy was nominated for a Caldecott Medal but Hello Kitty arranged to claim the award for the absent “Corduroy”…. This real-life friction comes through in the pages of their books and on their ample
merchandise.

Though they have very different temperaments, HelloKitty and Miffy share strikingly similar pasts. Both live in houses with red roofs with chimneys. Both like collecting little stars, little goldfishes, lollipops and as many ribbons as possible (for decoration!). Both also like to go to parks or forests with friends. Both enjoy visiting the candy store, too. They both love candies.

So, if they are so similar and so cute, why does such a bitter strain remain between them?

“I think it is simply a case of familiarity breeds contempt,” reflects Snuffy, a courageous female dog with a strong sense of justice (and a longtime friend of Miffy).

Tippy, a loving and kind-hearted bear who is strong, reliable and always there to help you in times of trouble, has been Hello Kitty’s longtime unrequited love.

“If only she could open her heart to rainbows and sparkly moonbeams…perhaps the wounds between her and Miffy will someday heal,” laments Tippy. “She claims that you can never have too many friends, but why can’t that include Miffy? Miffy is my friend. Miffy is everyone’s friend.”

So many tears, so many harsh words. After all these years, can Hello Kitty and Miffy settle their differences and become a tag team of cuddly love? The outlook is grim, especially after the scandal behind the 1997 Hello Kitty “shoulder massager” debacle in Japan.

There is, however, talk about a Miffy/Hello Kitty reality series, where the two rivals will share a blue house with a chimney and have to learn how to share, but Hello Kitty has yet to negotiate her contract. Rumour has it she fired her longtime agent, Harold (best known for his purple crayon drawings).