'Valley of the Dolls,' Jacqueline Susann

In a nutshell, 'Valley of the Dolls' is a cult classic that follows the lives and intertwining friendships of three women living in old Hollywood from 1945-1965.

• Anne, the pretty New England lady, who works as a secretary for a theatrical lawyer and becomes the famous face for a cosmetic line - and whose love life has many letdowns.

• Jennifer is the busty showgirl, who starts her career in films, albeit nudie films!

• vaudeville star Neely O'Hara becomes a famous singing sensation, only to fall into a downward spiral of drinking and drugs. She thinks nothing of popping 6 'dolls' a day - in other words, pills. And Neely certainly isn't the only character who falls under the spell of the 'dolls....'

Abortion, cancer, drug addiction, lesbian affairs, suicide and cosmetic surgery - the book is riddled with scandal and gossip. Over the course of twenty years, the story tells of the three women reaching their height of fame, and of their ultimate self destruction.

A MUST READ for any lovers of Hollywood's Broadway and silver screen era, for those who love a trashy gossip read - yet one that is poignant and all too real at times. 

A year after the novel was released, an American film based on the book was released... see below:

'Game Over' by Adele Parks

My favourite chick lit author!


The book - heroine Cas has shut her heart to the idea of love, ever since her father walked out on her and her mother when Cas was young. Instead, Cas enjoys a string of meaningless flings, and as soon as it looks like a guy is getting serious, he's out on the curb. The iron-hearted tv producer is quite content to manipulate the love lives of others, especially if it means making a hit of her new TV show - Sex With An Ex.
Problems arise when Cas falls for one of the potential show candidates, and he is unwilling to co-operate with her - a problem that Cas is unfamiliar with when it comes to men!

THE VERDICT? - Not my favourite Adele Parks novel, but that said, definitely still a fun read with a bit of depth. I know the show Cas produced was called Sex With An Ex, but at times I felt her descriptive writing was crass and a tad too erotica/Mills&Boon. Not the type of writing I have previously come to associate with Parks. Overlooking that however, I found an easy and entertaining read, if somewhat predictable.


Hear Adele Parks talk about her book Game Over and where she got her inspiration for the novel:

Booky Wook 2 - Russell Brand

'So it was that I entered the hallowed portals of A-list celebrity stardom. And yes, at first it was a delight to find myself surrounded by every little soap star minx who was happy to push her inflatable bosoms into my face in exchange for a kiss and tell in the tabloids. But then it became a chore, finding my life reduced to a cartoon narrative by a mindless media. Especially after I had gone to such lengths to backcomb my hair, pour myself into tight leather trousers and smear on my mascara before I went out each day!' - R Brand, Booky Wook 2.

So I have blogged already about 'My Booky Wook' - and acknowledge that by no means is it chick lit! And yet I was so compelled by the first book that I simply had to read its' follow-up novel. I was NOT disappointed!

While 'My Booky Wook' followed Brand's spiral downward courtesy of drugs, alcohol and sex addiction - and his journey to recovery - 'Booky Wook 2' follows his rise to fame. Already having some level of fame due to his stand up comedy, hosting a 'Big Brother' show, and various other gigs, this book tells of the escalation of Russell Brand's star.


You wouldn't think someone whose system used to be riddled with drugs and alcohol could have such a way with words - but Brand does. The way that Brand goes into detail about events such as his time filming 'Arthur' with Helen Mirren makes you realise his humanity, and you really feel as if you know him.

I found it sad how the book is dedicated to Brands' now ex-wife Katy Perry with the words 'you are my future.' The final chapter tells the gorgeous story of how they first really met and connected, and leaves the book on a sunny, romantic note. If only I didn't know, whilst reading it, that they are now getting a divorce.

'Chasing Harry Winston,' Lauren Weisberger

PLOT: Leigh, Emmy and Adriana have been friends since high school. As they approach the thirty year old milestone, they are looking toward the future, not too sure they like what they see! They each find themselves alone on Valentines Day and make a pact that within a year they will each change something. Emmy's boyfriend of 5 years has left her for a young personal trainer - she makes a pact to have more flings and boost her 'magic number.' Commitment-phobe Adriana promises that within a year she will have an engagement ring on her finger. Emmy seems to have it all, so isn't too sure what to change - until she starts working with a sexy, brooding author....


REVIEW: This book seems to have received quite mixed reviews - I even read one that called it a 'piece of trash.' Please people, I don't know what you expect from Chick Lit - it's supposed to be light and just a bit of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes Weisberger's other books. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lauren Weisberger is the author of The Devil Wears Prada, which spent more than a year on the New York Times hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. The film version, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, won a Golden Globe Award and grossed over $300 million worldwide. Her second novel, Everyone Worth Knowing, was also a New York Times bestseller. She lives in New York City with her husband.