Crowned Paperback – November 25, 2008

Crowned by Julie LinkerSimon Pulse, 2008290 pagesYA; Contemporary4/5 starsSource: LibraryI really enjoyed the conversational tone of this book as Presley directs her narration toward the narrator with frequent asides. I also enjoyed the setting, which is focused on a beauty pageant, as might be guessed by looking at the cover. The main focus is Presley's rivalry with Megan at the pageant and many hilarious events happen over the course of the novel. Presley is brash and rather confident but she frequently acts ridiculous and I found myself laughing a lot.Although I think I've only watched Miss America maybe once, I'll admit that I have long been interested in the whole concept of the beauty pageant circuit (too many viewings of Miss Congeniality?) This provides many insights on the process from talent to interview portions and they added verisimilitude although I admit that I can't actually judge on the accuracy.Of course there are also some cute guys. There is the very nice but gullible Gabe who breaks up with Presley by making out with Megan in the hallway of their school early in the book. However Robbie, the very hot senior, takes more than a friendly interest in Presley. Neither guy occupies much page space but being possessed of a vivid imagination, I was able to conjure up pictures of them, which added a lot.Overall: A funny and opinionated main character in the cut-throat world of beauty pageants.Cover: The main character's hair is actually stated as blonde in the beginning although that changes...but I really like the purple and the tiara is very pretty.

Presley Ashbury is passionate about pageants. You know the kind: the swimsuit contest, talent show, evening gowns, and tiaras all around. Presley is quite good at them, and not just because she likes looking pretty in the spotlight (though that is a perk): she needs the scholarship money that goes with winning the crown. But just two weeks before the Miss Teen State pageant, her nemesis and all around evil girl Megan Leighton is already on a mission to ensure Presley's defeat. Presley isn't the kind to take that kind of treatment lying down, but she will have to find a happy medium between getting even and acting like a lady if she has any chance at all of wearing the crown.Crowned is one drama-filled, sparkling, and hilarious read. Presley is a vibrant and energetic character whose realistic and dramatic narration will enrapture the audience and is sure to illicit many giggles. But the book isn't all giggles and glitter: Crowned deals with some tough issues, like underage drinking, and the effect it can have on a person's image, bullying, as well as the dangers of posting pictures on the internet that will hopefully make an impression on readers. At the center of the story is Presley's struggle to deal with her enemy and how difficult it is to get along with Megan. Readers will be happy know that despite whatever thoughts Presley may have about Megan, she doesn't stoop to her level, which leaves a lasting and positive impression. Crowned is a cute and fun read that not only debunks a few misconceived perceptions of beauty pageants, but is a book that reminds readers that life's low points don't last forever, and success comes in many different forms.

Crowned provides an entertaining read of the struggles experienced by a pageant princess. Although the characteristics of the protagonist illustrate a rather superficial image, the inner, more in-depth conflict within her family, proves there is more than the glamour on the surface. Though the author attempts a twist in the end, the plot is, in a way, fully predictable and so well-put there leaves no realistic flaw or defeat to the character. The characters themselves, aside from the main, carry vague and stereotypical personalities that remain static though the book such as the rival queen, Megan.