Rating: 
Summary: A Cosmo-type read that's actually intriguing
Review: If you're like me, you never read romance novels, never watch soap operas, and shun editorial trash like Cosmopolitan. But in this age of girl-power books (i.e. Bridget Jones, et al), "Valley Of The Dolls" has become popular once again, and a whole new crowd (the twentysomething female market)is now exposed to this cult classic. And you know what? It's intriguing. It's captivating. Set back in the 50s, you heark back to the days of glamour girls, Hollywood pictures, and dapper leading men. In each chapter, Susann fleshes out the character portraits of 3 girls who made it big, rags-to-riches style: Anne--a model, Jennifer--a starlet, and Neely--a singer. I hate to admit it, but I was entranced by their stories of sex, scandal, and downward spiral into prescription drug addiction. It's drama about drama queens. I would ordinarily dismiss this book as trashy romance genre--but like others, i can't. Why? well, Susann wrote this book as a groundbreaker--It was written almost 50 years ago but the tales are so incredibly modern you'd think Susann was writing about modern-day life. She paved the way for the tell-all expose, the behind-the-scenes scandals, the agony and ecstasy, the poor problems of the rich and famous. It was "Dynasty" before "Dynasty" was even invented. It was a shocker, and it's tragic. You're not going to find much humor in this novel at all, especially being that the "Dolls" that the book revolves around are drugs. An added benefit of reading "Valley of the Dolls" is that it transports the reader back into the yesteryear; I feel like I'm in a black-and-white movie with Garbo and Monroe--Susann's detail for creating ambience are very much appreciated. If you think this book is flimsy beach reading--it's not. It really gave way to a whole new genre. Sure, it's no Shakespeare--but make this the one exception. Although it may be G-rated compared to today's fiction fare, Susann's subtle flair for storytelling is surprisingly solid, with twists and turns to keep you on your feet.
Rating: 
Summary: the best book i have ever read in my entire life...
Review: i have read a lot of books, and this was by far the best book i have ever read... everything i would say about it has already been said, but i read the follow up "The Shadow of the Dolls" and that indeed was very good too, but i got way too emotionally involved in the books... maybe its a good thing i don't know... but if you hated Neely in the "Valley of the Dolls" then you'll hate her, and i mean HATE her even more in the "Shadow of the Dolls"... both VERY good reads...
Rating:
Summary: Addictive
Review: This book hooks its readers in the same way that a B-movie hooks late-night movie watchers. What it lacks in literary flare it makes up for in character development and pace. A little time in the "Valley" was definitely more enjoyable than a late-night movie. I can understand why this book's readership is extensive.
Rating:
Summary: Great for any generation
Review: I read this book in the mid-80's and again last month. I wanted to refreash my memory before starting the sequel Shadow of the Dolls. This book does not age and it is dificult to believe it was written so long ago! It is a story before its time, as you follow the lives of three young women and the men that fade in and out (and in) of their lives. They face hardships and challenges but always have each other. As with many female relationships, the women have their ups and downs with each other, but still manage to reach their goals and aspirations. The thing is, after they have realized their goals, they discover there is really not that many places to go after that but down. See who goes down, who stays on top and who rises back by picking up the sequel as well. A great beach book and vacation read. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Camp, Class, and a little something else...
Review: I had heard of the book, I had heard of the movie, I had heard of it all. But I never read it. It may have been taken seriously when it was first published but in 2001 this book is a camp classic. Yes, yes, yes, I did sympathize and empathize but you have to take this book with a grain of salt firmly in place. Not only is it probably one of the most hysterically funny and poignant books (not an easy feat to pull off) but you really do begin to care for them and want to see them succeed. My only complaint is that the "dolls" weren't introduced sooner. Halfway through and wondering when are we getting the pills and then WHAM! Of course you have to do plenty of set up to get to that point....I just wish it had come closer to the beginning.... .... .... .... ....
Rating:
Summary: Still the Queen of the Genre!
Review: Reading this 60's classic with a modern sensibility is great fun!! Try reading some of the passages aloud in bed to a loved one... could be a whole new approach to your bedtime routine! Sure, the movie is trashy fun, but the book--believe it or not--surpasses even that! If you DO end up reading this in bed, you might need "dolls" to fall asleep 'cause you won't want to close your eyes!
Rating: 
Summary: a quick read
Review: I agree with many reviews written about Valley of the Dolls - it's an entertaining, quick read that you can get through in a couple of sittings. After reading that this book was perverse and shocking I couldn't wait to dig in. Unfortunately, compared to the no-holds-barred writing of some of today's writers, this book was tame - you're half way into the book before the "dolls" even come into the picture and any sex that goes on wouldn't even get a PG-13 rating. Jaqueline's writing style reminds me of the way that Jackie Collins' novels are set up - small chapters on each of the leading characters through out the book. All in all I did get through the book extremely quickly - I am mean it's two in the morning and I can't put it down! I was just disappointed with Anne's character, especially at the end of the book, no backbone at all...
Rating:
Summary: I love this book!
Review: I loved it, being an actress myself I found it true to life and fun. The romance in the novel was sexy and exciting, I absolutely suggest this book! The plot was interwoven perfectly and had wonderful caracters that you either fell in love with or hated. I think Jacqueline is extremely talented.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining "Dolls"
Review: If you're seeking literary fiction, look elsewhere, but for an engrossing beach read, this is your book. Perhaps this book was revolutionary for the time it was set in, but it fails to shock today. Still, you'll become easily involved in the lives of Jennifer, Anne and Neely. Susann has that ineffable ability to write a page turner--I couldn't put this book down. Maybe you'll find it a bit vacuous and tawdry, but chances are, you'll still enjoy reading it.
Rating:
Summary: Very good book, very pertinent for our time
Review: I bought this book because it was on sale, and I figured as an avid reader I should probably read the best selling novel of all time. I could not put this novel down! It really made me aware of emotional dependency, and how little we have changed since the mid 1940's as women in this area. This book is completely on target and although it takes place in a flashy atmosphere, it will hit home for you more than 50 years later. You owe it to yourself and your friends to read this book.
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