Book: Braless in Wonderland
Author: Debbie Reed Fischer
Pages: 224
Publisher: Dutton Juvenile
Reviewed by: Kat (Age 21)
Amazon.com Price: $11.55
Purchase: Here

Allee Rose is an overachiever, High School braniac and a feminist. The last thing she ever imagined being was a teenage supermodel. But when her sister’s dream lands in her lap and presents itself as the only way to get enough money to attend her dream college; Yale, she decides to give it a go. It’s just for the money and she’s not going to let it change her right?

Allee finds herself swept up in the Miami modeling scene of designer labels, photo shoots, backstabbing roommates and the ultimate reassessments of her morals and standards. Will Allee rise to the challenge or lose everything she ever valued?

Braless in Wonderland was an unexpected delight. I’ve never been a fan of the modeling dream or shows like “America’s Next Top Model” and yet I found myself drawn into the character’s adventure, perhaps relating more because we shared so many opinions. I loved that Allee never wanted to be a model and throughout much of the book thought herself too good for it. The idea of falling into a career that so many would kill for is both amusing and encouraging.

The reader is offered an accurate and enticing peek into the real world of modeling (author Debbie Reed Fischer worked as a booker for a modeling agency and has experienced the industry first hand) which includes not only the glitz and the glamour but the downsides and pressures. There’s a fun array of characters and scenarios and I was left feeling that unlike many books, this one didn’t fail to live up to it’s own plotlines potential.

I loved the character and I loved the adventure. I’m hoping for a sequel and very much anticipating the author’s next book. In conclusion, if you love ‘America’s next top Model’ and even if you don’t, if you’re the High School brain or the head of the cheerleading squad, you’re sure to enjoy this book – I did! Check it out!

Braless in Wonderland is in bookstores April 17th, 2008.