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David Zaslavsky

diazona@bookwyrm.social

Joined 1 year, 9 months ago

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Hilary Liftin: Movie star by Lizzie Pepper (2015) 3 stars

When her marriage to a Hollywood mega-star is over, actress Lizzie Pepper, America's Girl Next …

Review of 'Movie star by Lizzie Pepper' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

This is not the kind of book I usually read, but I heard it was an unusually realistic view into how life works for major celebrities, and that had me intrigued. I don't know if that's true, but it seems plausible, and it was interesting being mentally transported into that world. But the writing style leaves something to be desired. It felt "flat". Emotional and intense moments came across like a clinical report. And there were some pretty significant plot developments that the book glossed over, only giving brief recaps. Maybe that fits the genre of a celebrity memoir, I'll admit, but I think the story as a whole suffers from not being a bit more like a novel in those moments. Still, it's a good book, and worth a read, just (if you have tastes like mine) don't expect it to be a favorite.

Dan Gutman: The Kid Who Ran For President (2000, Scholastic Paperbacks) 5 stars

With his friend as campaign manager and his former babysitter as running mate, twelve-year-old Judson …

Review of 'The Kid Who Ran For President' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

I think of this as a modern fable with some really compelling morals about politics, and for that reason it's been one of my favorite books since I was a kid. Obviously it's not realistic but it holds together well enough that that doesn't bother me.