I read this book a couple of years ago as Disney made a movie out of it, and if a book has been made into a movie, I like to try and read the book first. I have mixed feelings about this book. The movie is cute, and there are some basic ideas in place which are fun, but I thought the execution was poor.Lola was a huge challenge for me as a character in both the book and the movie. In each she came across as melodramatic and self-centered. I don't remember the ending of the book, but by the end of the film she became more selfless. However, in reading the book it just drove me utterly crazy. Although it may be a flaw as a reader, I sometimes struggle with books where the characters make the same mistake many times, yet the characters don't seem to change at all. I also remember reading this and not really enjoying Sheldon's prose, which likely added to this. I liked that Ella's character and back story are a lot more developed in this book. I felt that the author gave her some very realistic struggles, yet I don't remember feeling overly sympathetic for her. Relating to the characters in this novel was a challenge for me.Given what I've said here, I realize it probably seems unfair of me to give this book one star. The fair thing to do would probably be to re-read and reconsider this novel. I honestly have no memories of enjoying reading this book. However, you don't necessarily have to listen to me. For me this book is a reminder that sometimes, as hard as one may try to be objective in formulating an opinion about a novel, sometimes a book and a reader just don't fit. See if this fits you better than it did me.
When I started to read this book I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy it as I had already seen the film and thought maybe I would remember the film and know what happened before I got to the end. Luckily this wasn't the case as it had been so long since I saw the film. The book is from the perspective of Lola who's life is full of drama, or so she makes it seem that way. With the school play coming she are rival Carla are both desperate to get the lead and they will do anything to get what they want. Both Carla and Lola like to impress the pupils at school and that includes being at the concert of a band which is splitting up and the after party but getting parents to understand the importance is harder than Lola expected so her and her friend Ella decide to go it alone.I think this book is written brilliantly and Lola is a very funny character making everything a drama. The writing style reminded me very much do the Diary of a Snob books.I liked the part of the book where Lola and Ella go to the concert and how things don't always go to plan. This made good reading, especially with her coming up with new plans whenever the old ones failed. I thought the rivalry between Lola and Carla seemed very realistic and I could understand why Lola wanted to do better than her. The end of the book was good but I wanted a bit more of a resolution with Lola and Carla. Overall I think this was a fantastic book although I was doubtful at the start, definitely worth a read.
I loved the movie when I was younger so when I saw this in a second hand bookshop on holiday over Easter I couldn't resist. However this is actually one of the rare occasions I prefer the adapted movie of the book to the book itself. The writing style was slightly grating, however I suppose it is aimed at a slightly younger age range so that might explain it. I could have forgiven that though had I empathised with Lola, however for not one second of the novel did I care about Lola in the slightest. What a winey hideous person.
—Courtney Mower
Confessions of a Teenage Drama QueenDyan SheldonScholastic Inc., 2004, 272 pp.ISBN 0-439-65376-2 I've never met anyone more dramatic. Lola, the protagonist, has just moved to New Jersey with her family. Being the new student, she decides to shine on stage, to fit in with the school. With her crazy style and sense of humor, Lola has to overcome competitions with the most popular girl in her school. Things are sour, a girly read for those who love drama. This book is funny, and can change your view of how to survive high school. "High school has always been this stressful, but rarely this hilarious." -- Boolist (starred review)I recommend this book to those out there who want a humorous book for a change. A book that shows you that, being behind the scenes isn't everything.
—Sandy Yang
Mary Elizabeth "Call me Lola" Cep is the new girl atDellwood High in NJ. A star at her old school in New York, shediscovers the role of drama queen at Dellwood is already taken - by her soon-to-be rival Carla Santini. The two girls vie for the same part at auditions for the school play, and compete for invitations to a party given by THE band of the minute. This is a funny, funny story. Sheldon is dead on with her insights into teen fashion and pop culture, high school social hierarchy, and parent/teen relationships. Lola is a likable character with a strong voice. Her melodrama and tendency to twist the truth, even outright lie, make the story a giggle-out-loud riot. Supporting characters are uneven, some realistically zany, some weak and predictable. There isn't enough humorous fiction published for teens, and they badly need a dose. Pass this one on to someone who needs to laugh.
—Beth
