Katie Price is perhaps better known as the glamor model Jordan. Her initial foray into the UK bestsellers charts was with her autobiographies Being Jordan and A Whole New World. These have been highly successful and Being Jordan is the UK's 4th best selling autobiography. Crystal is Katie Price's second novel.
The Story
This is the story of a member of a girl band. Together with her fellow band members, they are seeking fame and fortune, hoping to achieve this by taking part in a reality television show. The main character is Crystal and we follow her life as she and the band fight their way to the top and, once there, how she treads the perilous tightrope of fame.
The book tracks the ups and downs of the band, of which - needless to say - there are quite a few. Far fetched? Probably, but that is what provides the escapism and glimpse into the over-the-top world of celebrity and fame.
Much is covered in the 328 pages of the book. In addition to the ongoing quest for fame, the plot also briefly covers rape, abortion, teenage pregnancy, estranged parents and more. These big topics are skimmed over, which explains why so much apparently happens within the covers of the book. The rape scene, for instance, happens within a couple of sentences - not that there is anything necessarily wrong with this brevity within the context of this novel. These events are used to move the plot onto the next stage and to explain why characters feel and act as they do. Perhaps it is even a refreshing change not to be shocked by an author giving us graphic descriptions of harrowing events.
Clichés and Caricatures
There are numerous clichés and caricatures within the pages; best gay friend, good looking but evil bad guy, will they/won't they ending plus a large number of improbable story lines. While the book moves quickly through the plot, the characters themselves are two dimensional and we do not get a chance to really get to know them. Exploring the characters and some of the key events in more detail could have created a more substantial book.
Would it Have Seen Light of Day Without the Celebrity Name on the Cover?
Well the answer to this is 'probably'. Remember, there is a large media machine behind Katie Price and the choice of a writer to assist in the book (if indeed this is the case) would have been well considered and well qualified to pen this type of fiction.
This doesn't mean to say that there are not numerous authors, both published and unpublished, who are writing books of equal or superior quality. The place of celebrity 'penned' books in the market is often hotly debated.
The book was written to target a very specific market. People reading this book are looking for novel with a bit of glamor, a peek into the world of celebrity and above all an easy read. The target market is not that of readers seeking to be challenged by a book or to ponder complex theories. This is a book to read on a beach or in front of the fire when something a little more substantial than a celebrity magazine is required, but without being over taxing.
The book, therefore, is probably spot on its target market. Whether it would have sold in such high numbers without Katie Price's name on the cover is another matter.
Who Should Read This Book?
Anyone who:
* Enjoys celebrity magazines
* Wants a quick easy read
* Doesn't want to get bogged down with complex characterizations and plot lines
Who Should Avoid This Book at All Costs
Anyone who:
* Is looking for a challenging read
* Wants a book with substance
* Would never read a celebrity magazine
Further Information
Title - Crystal
Author - Katie PriceISBN-13: 978-0099497875
Publisher: Arrow
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