Genre: YA
Rating: 5/5
Plot: Jana Novak’s history sounds like a classic model cliché: tall and gangly, she’s uncomfortable with her androgynous looks until she’s unexpectedly scouted and catapulted to superstardom.
But the fashion industry is as grimy as it is glamorous. And there are unexpected predators at every turn.
Jana is an ordinary girl from a south London estate, lifted to unimaginable heights. But the further you rise, the more devastating your fall …
My verdict: I devoured this book in two days, this is a gritty look at the modelling industry. It may be fiction but this tale is only too true. Juno’s writing is well researched and realistic. This book is a must read especially in the days of social media. Beauty isn’t just about looks, they shouldn’t be what defines you. Perfect book to read about a grimy industry that seems glamourised. I love Dawson and this book is almost like an expose. I couldn’t help get sucked into the fairytale and it made me think is that all women are: dolls or meat? It’s almost like a modern Cinderella retelling but backwards. The first person narrative drives home the harm this industry does to young women and men. Not forgetting the general public.