10 Jun 2011 03:48:11
Molly grew up in West Cairo, Ind., where she enjoyed a quiet life and dated the same boy since grade school. Molly learns her father's identity from her dying mother. She decides to move to Los Angeles to join her new family.
It's not an easy transition. Brooke doesn't share anything, especially her father's affection, and she goes straight for Molly's social jugular. Brooke spreads rumors about Molly at school and refuses to acknowledge her existence.
In desperation, Molly befriends Brooke's archenemy, who writes for a popular tabloid. That's when the country girl begins to understand that the only way she's going to survive in Hollywood is by fighting back.
When she realizes that Brooke's attacks are fueled by misguided anger, the teens start to connect. But the road to sisterhood has its casualties, most notably, Molly's hometown boyfriend.
"Spoiled" is the debut young adult novel of Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, creators of the popular comedic fashion blog gofugyourself.com. They have the right formula for an entertaining tween story, a healthy mix of drama, fashion and intrigue.
The characters are entertaining blends of the Hollywood elite: Brooke is a cross between Reese Witherspoon's charming Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde" and Leighton Meester's ruthless Blair Waldorf in "Gossip Girl." Brick has Brad Pitt's looks and Will Ferrell's endearing naivety.
And the Hollywood commentary is classic. Brick refuses to let Lady Gaga sing on the soundtrack for his new film because "I don't trust people who don't wear pants."
Cocks and Morgan leave the story open-ended to allow for a few more Molly and Brooke stories. Here's hoping they don't wait too long.
