EARLY REVIEW: SHOOTING STARS by Allison Rushby

Shooting Stars

Author: Allison Rushby
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Imprint: Walker Children’s Books
Publication Date: February 28, 2012
Category: YA Fiction
Source: Netgalley

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Behind the flashing lights, the camera reveals all . . . even love.

Meet Josephine Foster, or Zo Jo as she’s called in the biz. The best pint-sized photographer of them all, Jo doesn’t mind doing what it takes to get that perfect shot, until she’s sent on an undercover assignment to shoot Ned Hartnett—teen superstar and the only celebrity who’s ever been kind to her—at an exclusive rehabilitation retreat in Boston. The money will be enough to pay for Jo’s dream: real photography classes, and maybe even quitting her paparazzi gig for good. Everyone wants to know what Ned’s in for. But Jo certainly doesn’t know what she’s in for: falling in love with Ned was never supposed to be part of her assignment.

Review:

I expected this to be a relaxing, fun read, and it totally was, but I didn’t expect it to have any real depth or address any serious issues. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean that in a bad way. I like fun, laid-back reads as much as complex, in-depth, controversial reads; I just didn’t expect this one to be too serious. However, I was pleasantly surprised by some of the issues and topics that came up. From losing family members, to moral and ethical values, Shooting Stars reveals that everyone has problems, even though they may not be obvious.

Getting a look at the life of a teenage paparazzo was intriguing, and curiously enough, I got completely sucked into the story. It was an interesting concept. The complications caused by getting to know “the mark” or star in this case, the symbiotic relationship between the paparazzi and celebrities,  and the act of getting paid for “dirty” work were just the beginning. The focus of family relationships plays a major role, and who can’t relate to a dysfunctional family and/or overbearing parents.

Overall, this one was a good read. A nice vacation from the fantasy and dystopians of late. A little deception, a little betrayal, a little love… what more could you ask for?

** 3.5 Stars: While I do not think this would be a book I'd pick up more than once, it was definitely one I enjoyed and would recommend.

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