Sarah M's CyberEnglish blog

I have now finished reading the novel Spoiled, by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan. For the most part, I enjoyed the book. I thought the characters were believable, but the setting was not. What are the chances that someone’s nonexistent father would be an international movie star? It was also a bit predictable, but a good story, none the less.

My favorite part of the novel was when the main characters, Molly and Brooke, finally become friends. I knew this part was coming and still I couldn’t wait to find out just how they would become close to one another. The way they bonded over tears about their mothers made me believe the emotions they were feeling. I felt for them.

I think this book could be the beginning of a series because the ending epilogue left me hanging! I wanted more. I needed to find out what happens next! Since the book was published in 2011, it very well could be. I would definitely read the sequel, and recommend it to my best friend. In fact, she’s the one who recommended me to read Spoiled in the first place! Over all, I would rate this book a 4, because I did enjoy the story and thought it was well written. It was a little bit predictable though. The prediction I had when I was in the middle of the book was proven to be true when I finished it. I like books that keep me in suspense – I never know how the book is going to end!

Another reason this book was great, was that I learned something about myself. The character Molly, taught me to always be myself. When she was tossed into an odd and new situation, she stayed true to who she was. Everything worked out for her in the end, even when people judged her in the beginning because she was different than them.

As I am nearing the end of my book, Spoiled, by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, I have decided to write this genre post as a character journal. I chose this piece because I think it will really give great insight to how the main character, Molly, was feeling at different points in the book.

Dear Journal,

My mother, Laurel, just died. I’m lost and confused; not sure what to feel or what to think. Just days before she passed away, she told me that my father is the famous movie star, Brick Berlin. I have to move to L.A. to live with him and his daughter Brooke. I don’t have any family left here in Indiana but I don’t want to leave my friends, especially my boyfriend Danny. I don’t know how our relationship is going to survive. Maybe it won’t. I’m leaving all my friends and my hometown today, I guess I’ll find out soon. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, but I can’t help feel just a little bit excited.  I’ve read all about Brick, of course, but there’s still the mysterious Brooke. I hope she’s nice to me, and can understand how I’m feeling. I’ll need a friend more than anything.

Dear Journal,

What a day. Today was my first day at Colby-Randall Prep School. Now since Brooke hates me, I had no one. No one showed me where my classes were or sat by me at lunch. No one introduced themselves or even smiled in my direction. It seems like Brooke rules the school and everyone follows her example, except her arch-nemesis, Shelby. At least she didn’t stuff corn in my locker or start spreading rumors about me. Maybe she’ll be friendly in the future. At least the end of the day went well. A nice guy, Teddy McCormack, introduced himself after school in the parking lot while I was waiting for Brooke. (I can’t believe I have to drive her home.)

I’m also very frustrated because Brick is never home to try to solve the Brooke problem. He’s always at a premiere, in a meeting, or shooting a commercial. I’m all alone and I feel isolated. Even Danny is forgetting our video-chat dates. I am even being forced to make costumes for Brooke’s big debut play, My Fair Lady. Even when I’m not at home, I have to be criticized by her.

Dear Journal,

The Brooke situation is finally getting better. Since her mom is inexistent too, we bonded over tears. Not only tears about our mothers, but about Brick. She feels like I’m getting all the attention now, but I was feeling the same way about her. We both decided that Brick means well, and we’re working on trying to be friends. The opening night for My Fair Lady is in a couple of days. I’m glad we’re finally working things out before the play starts, when everyone will be even more stressed out than usual.

As for the Danny situation, I’m not sure what to do. We don’t talk anymore, and I feel disappointed by that, but I feel myself getting closer and closer to Teddy.

Dear Journal,

I cannot believe her. Just when things were about to get better. Just when we were starting to be friends, Brooke sent a picture of me hugging Teddy after a fight to Hey! Magazine. Oh and wait, it gets better. It made the front page. The front page! Shelby showed it to me on opening night. I ran out of the costume room right past Brooke. She didn’t even stop me. She went on with her stupid play as if nothing happened. Not that I blame her for that. I guess it was important to her, but shouldn’t I have been more important?  I left L.A. I’m back in Indiana now. I know what I have to do, but I don’t want to. Will I have the strength? Can I actually go talk to Danny and try to explain what happened? I have to break up with him, but he probably already knows what’s coming. I’m pretty sure the whole nation had seen the article. It even had Danny’s senior picture along with the picture of Teddy and I. How mortifying to him. Ok, here I go. I’m leaving now to talk to him. Wish me luck!

To illustrate the book Spoiled by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, that I am reading, I drew an image that helps explain the two main characters, how they’re similar, and how they’re different. In the story, it’s very important to understand that the two girls would not be friends if it weren’t for their father. They care about different things and have completely different lifestyles. The tone of the novel is shown by the words that represent the two girls and by the way they look.  

Dear Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan,      

I am currently reading your book Spoiled. I wanted you to know that I’m enjoying the book very much and I can’t wait to finish it! I like the way you brought both of your writing styles together – it makes the book much more interesting if you have two heads working together, in my opinion.

So far, my favorite character is Molly. When she is thrust into the new situation of living with her famous father, I can understand the way she is feeling. You do a very good job explaining her feelings through her actions and dialogue in the story. For example, when Molly is realizing that she does have Brick’s eyes, I can tell that she’s pleased.

Brick is my other favorite character. I think his characteristics give the book character. The way he is oblivious to the way Brooke is treating Molly when she’s not in front of him, makes me want to make Brick aware of Brooke’s actions. The word choices for his dialogue is also interesting. The way he relates almost everything to a movie possibility makes him seem obsessed with his job, yet kind and compassionate.

At the point in the story where I am right now, Brooke is annoying me to a point where I want to scream at her! I can almost hear her whiny voice when she sucks up to Brick, and see her stuck–up face. I think this is awesome character make-up. She gives the book some ‘spice’ and definitely has her own personality. The book title makes sense for sure. Spoiled is a perfect word to describe Brooke. I hope her views of Molly changes because I think she can be a great friend to Molly and help her get through this hard time.

The only thing I’m not liking about this book so far is that it’s getting a little predictable. I’m  not finished yet, but I predict that Molly and Brooke will become good friends after Brooke makes some mistakes and hurts Molly. I think Brick will be a big contributor to their companionship. The ending could still surprise me, I don’t know, but I just think it would be a typical ending for a story like this.

I am interested to see if I’m right, I can’t wait to finish your book! Thanks for writing a great book!

Sincerely,

Sarah