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The A-List #9: Beautiful Stranger: An A-List novel
  • The A-List #9: Beautiful Stranger: An A-List novel
  • Author: Zoey Dean
  • Binding: Paperback
  • ISBN: 0316113522
  • Pages: 269
  • Published: 2007-09-17

i like the whole series its nice to live the a list life through the book lol One of the best books I've read. Long story short: It's the West Coast version of Gossip Girl. Same kind of snippy kids from rich families, getting themselves into situations that they shouldn't be in. Throw in a girl from the UES, and it's one heck of a story. Usually, I enjoy the A-list, but she's way, WAY too descriptive in this book. The writing's a bit messy too. First of all, she insists on her characters going to a new restaurant, bar, etc. in nearly every chapter. This would be okay, if she didn't launch into a multi-page monologue describing the location. I do like description, but she's taking away from the story. I had to skip over paragraphs so I could read things that actually matter to the story. Right when she started her not-so-poetic waxing, I thought "Here she goes again!"

This same issue applies to her need to describe how the person is looking. Yes, it's pretty much essential for teen novels to note how she's wearing her hair or what designer his suit is, but in short and sweet chapters it just takes away from the story. Again, I love reading about people's outfits, but it's too much!

She did other things to make the novel layout messy, like stating in paragraphs what was about to be said in character's quotes. Other things like that were done. Subtle, yes, but annoying. Kind of like a mosquito buzzing in your ear.

The plot was good, and the ending seemed right, but the thing I'll remember most about the finale of the A-List was over-describing and other nuances. If I wanted to read never-ending descriptions, I would have picked up a brochure! Great ending to the series. I was sad and happy all at once to see Anna and the gang go on with their lives. I am anxiously waiting to see what Zoey Dean comes out with next. Previously in The A-List: Cammie and Anna had to work together on a fashion show, against their will, after getting caught trespassing on private property. Sam was trying to keep all the pieces in her life together, while Caine and Adam ran out of luck.

Now the A-Listers are back and this time, it's every person for themselves.

Anna wants to get away and clear her head since everything unexpected that has been happening to her. And so, along with her traveling buddy, instead of going to Mexico, her and Sam are off to Anna's hometown, New York. But Sam is there with a different motive: Could her boyfriend possibly be hiding something from her? So now playing private detective is the only way to solve her problems.

Back in L.A., Cammie isn't wasting her time staying single. She needs, no wants, to move on, and since Ben and Anna aren't really a couple now, Ben is looking better by the minute. Besides, she had already warned Anna about her plans if things didn't work out with Adam.

But does Anna really need Ben, since she is trying to become more independent, and now has someone from her past back in her life, possibly for good? And will Cammie successfully snag Ben, or will Ben wait for the one who he says he loves?

Another drama-filled installment that will leave us wanting more, BEAUTIFUL STRANGER will not disappoint any fan of the series. Look out for the next one, A-List #10, The: California Dreaming: An A-List Novel (A-List), releasing in April 2008.

Reviewed by: Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen