May 29, 2006
It's 1988, and 17-year-old Emily Woods is on the threshold of becoming both a student at Columbia University and a "run-of-the-mill six-figure"–earning model. So begins Yale grad and former model Hazelwood's debut, a revealing romp that has its share of catwalks, catfights and cocaine. Milwaukee-born Emily awkwardly climbs the modeling ranks after a photo shoot with a famous Chicago fashion photographer, discovering quickly the differences between catalogue, advertising and editorial (magazine) modeling; why eye makeup should be applied before foundation; and how to survive on Metamucil and Diet Coke. The dialogue is bright and authentic, and the pace is as breathless as Emily's ascent (or descent) into the modeling world. Despite the support her zany college friends offer, Emily slips further into modeling's dark side, dabbling with drugs, purging and the possibility of breast enhancement. An experienced model gives her the secret of success: "Become a bitch." Good advice, Emily knows, but can she follow it? This appealing character will have readers rooting for her all the way.
June 1, 2006
Emily tries to make a go of attending Columbia while pursing her dream of being a couture model. However, she learns that it's hard to juggle the books and bronzer at the same time. And leaving for a photo shoot in the Caribbean right before Finals Week is not the best way to get your grades up. Former model Hazelwood's debut is just right for fans of America's Next Top Model.
Copyright 2006 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
June 1, 2006
A new novel takes a look at young women trying to navigate the world of modeling and balance hot careers with the other priorities in their lives. Hazelwood, a 13-year veteran of the modeling world, offers up the tale of a young model torn between her career and college in her debut novel. At the tail end of the 1980s, 17-year-old Wisconsin beauty Emily Woods dreams of becoming a supermodel. She has been working to make her dream a reality, but she is also enrolled in prestigious Columbia University for the fall. After a whirlwind trip to L.A., Emily heads off to school and finds representation at the up-and-coming Chic agency. From that point on Emily is juggling modeling jobs with classes, trying to keep up her grades while taking meetings for magazine shoots. Not unexpectedly, the glamorous world of modeling, with its chic parties, dashing photographers, and drugs, is more immediately appealing, but as time wears on, Emily realizes she is going to have to choose between her hot career and her education. Hazelwood's first outing moves along at a frenetic pace that mirrors the industry she is writing about and provides a true insider's look at the fascinating world of modeling. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)