Braless in Wonderland

When I first started Braless in Wonderland, I have to admit I was a bit skeptical that it would be too much like Walker's Violet on the Runway. I thoroughly enjoyed Violet on the Runway, but I did not want to read a repeat. However, as I got more into the book I realized how they are each their own unique books that would be good to pair together to compare and contrast themes.

First, I love, love, love the cover of the book. It is so fun. I also liked the format of the novel, as Allee starts out at the end letting us know that she got into modeling, but that it was not a stereotypical experience. There is also a reference to an important decision that not everyone will be happy about. After dangling that concept, it switches back to the beginning of the story.

I was looking around for clues to see what the decision could be. Once I realized that she was accepted to Yale but did not have the finances to go (that is until modeling opportunities opened up for her), I thought about how the decision was probably whether or not to go to Yale or to keep modeling. Yet, I always had the suspicion that it could be something completely unsuspected as well. Reed Fischer built up the suspense well and had me trying to predict right up to when she finally revealed the answer on the last page! It made for a fun read right up to the end.

The title was another aspect that had me wondering from the first time I saw it. Wonderland of course brings up thoughts of Alice in Wonderland, but I was not sure if that had anything to do with the book or not. The theme actually comes up in the book in many different ways - such as quotes dividing the sections of the books and Allee reading the book to her brother. I won't mention all the ways since that would give away too much.

This was another hit from Class of 2k8.