Having recently read Alexandra Potter’s first novel, a little out of order for me, I was excited to see the progression that came with her second novel. I am used to her more up to date writing and I found her first novel to be no different from her more recent offerings; however I found Going La La lacking somewhat in substance compared to the kind of writing that I am used to from this highly-addictive author. I know that each novel should be looked at as a separate adventure but I can’t help being a little disappointed in this one when comparing it to Alexandra Potter’s usual offerings.Despite there being a lack of substance I still enjoyed this novel. It was a really quick read and that really suited me this week! The storyline centres around Frankie who find herself dumped and out of a job in close succession and so decides to make an open ended visit to her best friend in La. As you can imagine, there are plenty of tales of fabulous parties, crazy fad diets and hours of endless Californian sunshine, and I loved this aspect of the book. Even before Frankie boards to the flight to La we meet the potential new love interest, although of course Frankie doesn’t know it yet, but as a reader I always appreciate when the potential romantic storyline is introduced straight away. As a female character, Frankie isn’t the strongest of women, and her lack of decision making can be a little irritating, but her best friend Rita, more than makes up for this, and she and neighbour Dorian have a very fun storyline of their own!The magic and mysticism that is usually ever present in this authors novels is missing from this one and I whilst I don’t need that to enjoy a novel, indeed most other novels I read have nothing to do with that, however when you are expecting some sort of spooky, co-incidental goings on and then nothing happens, it can be a bit of a let-down. The love story was nice, and the background storyline involving Rita was also lovely, however I expect more meat and humour from this author and so therefore I was lost wanting something more… It’s a good job I have the rest of her novel collection on my bookshelf to restore my faith in love and magic!
I bought this book because I previously read and enjoyed What’s New, Pussycat? by Alexandra Potter and wanted to read more from her.This book has a lovely cover and the story captured my interest right from the start, Frankie was a likeable character who seemed to be going through a rough time after losing her job. After a disastrous birthday trip to the bowling alley she also ends up losing her boyfriend and her home.I loved following her story as she headed to LA to start a new life full of glamour and fascinating LA living. During her time there a few coincidences seem to push her in a certain direction, one which she is quite reluctant to head towards. As I’ve said before, I love a story that contains a coincidence or two so this was a particularly enjoyable part of the book for me.Rita and Dorian were brilliant characters – really fun and outgoing, they certainly liked to enjoy life and have a good time. Reilly was an interesting, sexy guy who couldn’t figure Frankie out as she blew hot and cold with her indecision.This book may have been a little bit predictable at times but this didn’t affect my enjoyment of it in the slightest and I found that I just didn’t want to put it down (another one day read to add to the list).This is a real page-turner and, seeing as most of it is based in LA, a perfect summery read.
What do You think about Going La La (2001)?
so, when i first read the synopsis really caught my eyes. i thought the first half of the book is very interesting then after while it started getting really really BORING! i cant express most of the part in the book. it's like 30% of the book is the conversation between the character. most of them is a bunch of crap and lines, lines, and more lines of monologue to the readers. WTF? the writing is kinda sloppy and dull. it's like running in a circle. until the towards the end where the plot is start to kick in. it's almost 30 pages left that is when i feel the need to read the book. i say dont judge the book by the synopsis nowadays. it's just wasting my damn money to buy this book.
—Farhanah Nurhidayah
I always love reading Alexander Potters books and this was no exception. Light fun and heartwarming put a huge big smile on my face. I loved it ☺️
—Karen Tucker
I read most of this book during a car-ride, and to be honest the beginning of it was a nice change of pace from all the reading I've been doing for school lately. The only problem is that the back cover of the book spoiled the entire story. Okay, it was all pretty predictable and maybe that was what I had expected, but writing the plot twist on the back of the book? Not okay.Plus the writing was sloppy, which made the entire thing worse. I guess I only finished it so I wouldn't feel quilty for n
—Alex
