Cat's Meow: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Oh, to be famous...
Review: I have just finished reading this fabulous novel, and let me tell you, Cat's Meow is just plain fun! While it is certainly no literary achievement of great strides, Melissa de la Cruz's book has nevertheless provided me with the opportunity to see how "the other half" lives and has done so in a tongue-in-cheek, sitcom-comedy sort of way.

Cat McAllister, former child star and teen model, is about to celebrate her 4th annual 25th birthday when she suddenly realizes she's quickly becoming a has-been. Other celebrities her age have graduated to bigger and better things while Cat has remained in what she refers to as the "seventh circle of celebrity hell." Plus, as much as Cat enjoys buying the latest designer clothes, accessories, and tickets to the latest charity-of-the-week soiree, it's no surprise her credit is suffering and trust fund depleted. So armed with her best friend, successfully transformed transvestite India Beresford-Givens, Cat embarks on a mission to marry rich -- Stephan of Westonia (a Prince no less) is the perfect target.

Shallow, vain, and ridiculous, Cat's Meow had me howling. Full of spoiled-brat humor, celebrity-studded parties, name-dropping, and designer clothes, this book is one not to be missed. It's like being invited to all the fun stuff without having to pay! A fabulous and frolicking joy ride in the life of a New York socialite, her Sri Lankin au pair and transvestite friend, in a world where money, clothes and being popular is always in style. Très magnifique!

Rating:
Summary: A Manhattan fashion world stew
Review: Okay, we've got self-proclaimed "fashionista" Cat; we've got her two-timing fiancé; we've got a transsexual; we've got society page junkies. Can we come up with a more shallow cast of characters? But put them all together and they spell Manhattan, and it's a silly, frothy, pointless, but fun romance. Save Cat's Meow for an afternoon when you don't have to concentrate very hard, and chances are you'll enjoy it.

Rating:
Summary: Fun and satirical novel about a New York fashionista!
Review: This is one fun novel! Melissa de la Cruz is right on the mark with the protagonist -- a New York fashionista-cum-socialite who's lost all of her money. What shall Cat McAllister do? Selling her collection of Gucci shoes and handbags is out of the question, so she decides to woo an aristocratic millionaire by adopting a Chinese baby and attending every social event in the city. However, she gets more than she bargains for...

The language is one of socialites-are-actually-this-shallow-and-one-dimensional satire. Despite its far-fetched ending, Cat's Meow is one of the most entertaining and droll novels I have read all year. If you're curious about the world of fashion and glamour, I suggest you pick up this little gem!