Kirsten Hubbard and her novel Like Mandarin.
It has changed lives, moved people, and today we are wanting to move and change the lives of many others. Here is they synopsis of the awesome:
In Like Mandarin, 14-year-old Grace Carpenter would give anything to be like 17-year-old Mandarin Ramey -- the bold, carefree wild girl of their small Wyoming town. Amazingly, almost everyone I've spoken to experienced that sort of longing as a teen -- a longing to be like someone else. A friend, a sister, a celebrity, an acquaintance, a cousin, a teacher or, as in Grace's case, a girl you thought had no idea you existed.
So here is my ode to Kirsten and her fabulous novel...
Alyssa Dowd. Long beautiful blonde locks, gorgeous complexion. Wonderful at everything. I was a senior in High School and was nominated for Homecoming Queen, a huge honor considering I had never thought to compare myself to the four others I stood next to. There stood Alyssa Dowd. She wasn't your typical snobby high school princess. She was beautiful, athletic, and kind (rare to have all three). I wanted to be her. I wanted to wear the crown, to have the looks, to have the boy of my choice. I doubt she ever knew. But it's true, I would have given anything to be like Alyssa Dowd when I was 17. What about you?! Please check out Kirsten's blog and say hello. Also be sure to order a copy NOW you will not regret it... talk about changing your life.
33 comments:
Awesome post Jen. You know I'll head over to Kirstin's today for sure:)
Great post Jen. I love how all the blogosphere seems to be supporting this book today.
It's amazing how many posts are about wanting to be like the blonde beautiful or the jocks. That's why the popular kids are popular. Glad we all outgrow that stage.
That is so wonderful and I cant wait to check out her blog and the book. I used to live in Wyoming for a few years as a teen. In a little, tiny town called Wheatland:) Must check this one out. Hugs and kisses, darling
Ps: I’m hosting a cool Loop GIVEAWAY later today! Hope you’ll join in:)
The book does look like an excellent read! Nominated for Homecoming Queen must have been exciting for you! Interesting how other's sometimes see more in ourselves than we do...
I love that she was nice as well, that really is rare!
Well done Jen.
Great post.
Back in high school, I would have given anything to be like my friend, Lori. So popular and accepted--which I was not.
These posts are fun. Have a great day!
I can't wait to read Like Mandarin. In high school I wanted to be like Kelly Menighan. I think she's a soap opera star now...
I'm waiting for payday and then ordering this book. Great post. I wanted to be like my aunt.
Maybe Alyssa is reading this right now--eek! Wouldn't that be crazy?!? Loved yours!
I can relate to this post. You're right, there aren't too many people who possess all three of those traits.
I cannot wait to read this book!
Alyssa sounds like a great Mandarin! :)
This is a really cool concept!
My mother alwasy taught me and my siblings to be ourselves. instead of wanting to be like someone else, I wanted to be a better me
At 15 I would have given anything to be Jamie- She was so pretty, on the cheer-leading squad- and she did notice me- at least until high school, then I didn't exist pretty much at all except to people who also wanted to be like Jamie- and they picked on me instead. LOL
This is great Jen! You were nominated! How cool! (Just think of how many people wished they could've been yoU!!)
I think all high schools have an Alyssa Dowd. And most high school girls want to be like her. At 17, the Alyssa Dowds of the world seem to have everything, don't they?
I had a friend just like that in high school. It would have been nice to be a little more like her. =)
A pretty popular and kind girl...not the norm I take it. I went to an all girls convent school. We wore very unflattering uniforms and funnily didn't have the angst that seems to go on in co-ed schools.
Great post, Jen. I'm looking forward to reading the book. My copy is still in the mail. :(
All high schools have a girl like Alyssa Dowd. Great post!
Reading Kiersten's book right now and it is intense! Definitely reminds me of my own "Mandarin".
Great post, Jen!
I shall put it on my growing list. I can see there's stuff amidst the pages to inspire me!
What an amazing combination. But you know Jen, you are beautiful and athletic (I've seen some dance moves) and kind too! I want to be like you.
I've never heard of this book, but now I really want to check it out! And you're fantastic, just by being YOU! :)
Haven't we all wanted to be someone else at some point in life? I still want to be someone else! :) Lorelei Gilmore springs to mind, haha.
You actually ARE pretty amazing, Jen! Just as you are! *hugs*
Thanks for the recommendation, Jen! I think everyone wants to be someone else once in a while. (I've wanted to be you sometimes!)
I think I'd rather follow Jen Daiker than Alyssa Dowd any day. ;o)
Tall! I wanted to be tall so I could be a model. Curses!
Love this! I can't wait to read the book . . . I wanted to be like Rachel . . . and I can't even remember her last name. Beautiful, popular . . . yet she never saw herself that way. She was the nicest person ever. :)
And so are you! Thank you so much for your e-mail. I'm still glowing!
Such an honest, no-nonsense post. We all have been there. And you what the home coming queens and the buffed jocks all wanted to be someone, too.
That is part of being a teenager.
Michael
Great post! Gee, Jen, even with pink hair you're beautiful! And have a gorgeous smile!
I never wanted to be anybody else. Still don't. I've given that some thought and don't know why as my three sisters had fantasies for a bit.
Awesome post, Jen. And you're amazing just as you are!
not sure i ever wanted to be anyone else. i've always liked who i am. just wished certain aspects in my life were easier, and that i didn't have so many trials. but that is something i've learned from too. i know that if everyone's trials were in a basket and i could pick for myself, i think i'd choose the very ones i'm going through (and have been through)....and maybe that's why i never really wanted to be someone else....the grass IS NOT really greener...ya'know?
I hope Alyssa googles herself sometime and reads you're lovely words about how you felt about her in high school. :) Great post and recommendation, Jen!
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