Finding Famous
A Mashad Family Novel
-
- $10.99
Publisher Description
The Princess Diaries meets reality television in a story about fame (the kind you definitely didn't ask for), first love (the kind you didn't even know you wanted), and most importantly, family (the kind you can't live without).Ever since her mom died, Josie Lawrence has been content with her safe, predictable life. She hangs out with exactly two people: her best (and only) friend, Louise, and her stepdad, Matt. She has exactly one (unrequited) crush on resident high school himbo, Isaac. And she's fully prepared to spend the end senior year preparing for Stanford and actively avoiding anything that reminds her of her mother.But when Josie discovers that her biological father is the recently deceased Ali Mashad—patriarch of America's original reality TV family, dripping with wealth, fame, and Vogue magazine covers—Josie's "predictable" life is gone quicker than you can say "you're doing amazing, sweetie."Being a Mashad means that the entire world is now at Josie's feet—desperate to dress her, to photograph her, to know her—opening a door to a world that Josie never expected to find: one with a cute guy who just might be her soulmate, three ridiculous but wonderful sisters, and answers to all the questions she wishes she could ask her mom. But the biggest question of all is: If being a Mashad is the chance of a lifetime, will Josie be brave enough to take it?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Iranian diasporic culture collides with Hollywood life in this over-the-top children's debut by Jalili (Just Send the Text, for adults). On Josie Lawrence's 18th birthday, she receives a letter from her "deceased estranged biological father" and learns that he was beloved reality TV dad Ali Mashad. The revelation leaves Josie reeling, partially because Ali was already married to the Mashad matriarch when he had an affair with Josie's late mother, and partially because agreeing to do just one season on the family's reality show could earn Josie $40 million. Though "becoming tight with these mega celebrities feels even more fake than the money," she accepts, hoping to alleviate her stepfather's debt, save up for college tuition, and get to know her three half sisters. But Josie is caught unawares by the fame, a crush (that's "like, low-key incest"), and dramatic secrets that challenge her perception of her mother and the Mashads. Lines that casually pathologize characters' behaviors occasionally clash with Josie's otherwise conscientious narration. Still, Jalili ascribes depth and nuance to the Persian American cast and, as a treat for die-hard fans of media glamour, peppers the text with tongue-in-cheek nods to Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Gossip Girl, and The Princess Diaries. Ages 12–up.
