Imagine that the old Hollywood studio system was still around, and actors who make a name for themselves in this type of system are so extremely precious that the studio will go to extreme lengths to ensure their investment will be secure. 

 

Ramona and Grace, two friends in their early 20s, have been invited to the studio’s talent development campus. While Ramona, the main character, struggles, Grace becomes anointed as an up and comer and lands better acting gigs. Through diary entries, the reader also learns about Ivy, a successful actress in the system for almost 20 years. 

 

PROS: 

*Unique concept 

*Appreciated the representation of different families 

*The science fiction element was thought-provoking (almost had a John Marrs feel). 

 

CONS: 

*As a more character-driven reader, I was disappointed the characters didn’t have more depth. They also felt interchangeable. 

*The romance at the end didn’t feel earned. 

 

NEUTRALS: 

*Genre mash-up: If you like several genres in one novel (science fiction, contemporary fiction, notably), this one could be a hit for you. 

 

 

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