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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
No Ordinary Life by Suzanne Redfearn is about a child’s life in the motion picture industry and how it affects a whole family. Faye is applying for a job on the boardwalk in Santa Monica and she had to bring her children, Molly (4), Emily (12), and Tom (8) with her. Her husband, Sean is a truck driver. He disappeared five months prior and has not returned (or called). Molly, a precocious child, does an impromptu routine with a dancer (which people capture on their phones) and soon the video is a hit on-line. Faye soon gets a call from Monique Braxton of the Braxton Talent Agency. Molly is wanted for a Gap commercial. Faye sees this as a way out of their financial troubles (and an answer to her prayers). Molly does great in the commercial which quickly turns into a hit. Molly is then asked to audition for a popular show and gets the part. This is the beginning of a new life for all of them. But things are not rosy for the family. Emily is not happy. Because of the financial troubles, Faye moved the family in with her mother (in a small condo). Emily misses her friends and her old school. Then Sean comes crawling out of the woodwork (smells money) and starts making demands. What Faye thought was an answer to her prayers is turning into a nightmare. Will Faye make the right choices?
No Ordinary Life gives you a peak at what life is like for families when one child is a star. The long hours, the lines, publicity, stalkers, etc. You may make good money, but it comes at a price. The authors writing style makes No Ordinary Life easy to read, but the content is extremely frustrating (not a relaxing book to read). I wanted to make Faye stop and think about her choices (as she kept making wrong choices). One thing about Faye that was annoying was she kept thinking about sex (a lot). Did she look sexy? Was she appealing to this person? Did they want to sleep with her? This went on through the whole book (and was really not needed). I started skimming (my word for speed reading) through these sections. I give No Ordinary Life 3 out of 5 stars. It was okay, but not great (she my personal feelings). I thought it was predictable (about life in Hollywood, the husband coming back for money, and the ending). I wish the author had been a little more creative.
I received a complimentary copy of No Ordinary Life from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
No Ordinary Life gives you a peak at what life is like for families when one child is a star. The long hours, the lines, publicity, stalkers, etc. You may make good money, but it comes at a price. The authors writing style makes No Ordinary Life easy to read, but the content is extremely frustrating (not a relaxing book to read). I wanted to make Faye stop and think about her choices (as she kept making wrong choices). One thing about Faye that was annoying was she kept thinking about sex (a lot). Did she look sexy? Was she appealing to this person? Did they want to sleep with her? This went on through the whole book (and was really not needed). I started skimming (my word for speed reading) through these sections. I give No Ordinary Life 3 out of 5 stars. It was okay, but not great (she my personal feelings). I thought it was predictable (about life in Hollywood, the husband coming back for money, and the ending). I wish the author had been a little more creative.
I received a complimentary copy of No Ordinary Life from NetGalley in exchange for an honest evaluation of the novel.
utahmomreads's review against another edition
4.0
Faye's husband has been gone for months. The kids are holding out hope that he'll come back but Faye knows better. Running out of money, Faye moves her three kids to live with her mom in Los Angeles.
Adorably cute and witty, four year old Molly is filmed dancing at a mall and immediately becomes a YouTube sensation. Launched into fame, Molly's career is set to take off. Faye feels the nagging thought that it's not the right direction for her family, but how can she resist the money and the excitement surrounding her daughter's potential stardom.
Caught up in the world of Hollywood and backstage drama, Faye's family and life is spiraling out of control. Who knew that when she signed that lucrative deal, she'd have the reins of her family's future taken out of her hands. Can she get them back and save her family?
It took a few chapters to get into No Ordinary Life by Suzanne Redfearn but once the story is going, it moves along at a breakneck pace and takes the reader along for a wild and fun ride. Who hasn't dreamed of fame and stardom at some point in life? Or at least admired and become intrigued by a celebrity? Redfearn takes the reader behind the scenes of Hollywood and shows the allure and excitement as well as the dangers and drama of being a child star. Is it fair to take away a child's childhood?
But more than just an expose, No Ordinary Life tells an engrossing tale of a family caught in an undertow. Just like I sometimes can't look away when the grisly and messy details of a celebrity's life become tabloid fodder, I couldn't put down Redfearn's newest novel. The adult characters were completely believable people who often made horrible decisions that disgusted and appalled me but I couldn't help cheering for them or at least watching their destruction.
No Ordinary Life is a thrilling novel that examines the price of fame and who can and should actually handle it.
Adorably cute and witty, four year old Molly is filmed dancing at a mall and immediately becomes a YouTube sensation. Launched into fame, Molly's career is set to take off. Faye feels the nagging thought that it's not the right direction for her family, but how can she resist the money and the excitement surrounding her daughter's potential stardom.
Caught up in the world of Hollywood and backstage drama, Faye's family and life is spiraling out of control. Who knew that when she signed that lucrative deal, she'd have the reins of her family's future taken out of her hands. Can she get them back and save her family?
It took a few chapters to get into No Ordinary Life by Suzanne Redfearn but once the story is going, it moves along at a breakneck pace and takes the reader along for a wild and fun ride. Who hasn't dreamed of fame and stardom at some point in life? Or at least admired and become intrigued by a celebrity? Redfearn takes the reader behind the scenes of Hollywood and shows the allure and excitement as well as the dangers and drama of being a child star. Is it fair to take away a child's childhood?
But more than just an expose, No Ordinary Life tells an engrossing tale of a family caught in an undertow. Just like I sometimes can't look away when the grisly and messy details of a celebrity's life become tabloid fodder, I couldn't put down Redfearn's newest novel. The adult characters were completely believable people who often made horrible decisions that disgusted and appalled me but I couldn't help cheering for them or at least watching their destruction.
No Ordinary Life is a thrilling novel that examines the price of fame and who can and should actually handle it.
bonnieleposa's review
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
erin0320's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
rmarcin's review against another edition
3.0
Faye Martin is a mother of 3 kids, her husband left her for another woman, and she is struggling to make ends meet, while dealing with her son's speech issues. When looking for a job, her 4-yr. old, Molly, dances in the street with a man, and someone films it - and it goes viral. She is then picked up by a talent agent, and cast in a very popular TV show. Faye enjoys the limelight, but soon realizes that child star fame is a detriment to her family.
I didn't like what Faye did to control the situation, it was sneaky and dishonest. I don't believe it was the only way.
This is the third book of Redfearn's that I have read in the last few days. Since I read them together, I noticed that she repeats a lot of the same things in her books - e.g. the smell of baby shampoo and how she hopes her kids will continue to use it, but she knows they won't. The cutesy language with "w" inserted into words to show a lisp for a 4-year old. I get that the child is young - I don't need to read it in every line that she says. And more.
I didn't like what Faye did to control the situation, it was sneaky and dishonest. I don't believe it was the only way.
This is the third book of Redfearn's that I have read in the last few days. Since I read them together, I noticed that she repeats a lot of the same things in her books - e.g. the smell of baby shampoo and how she hopes her kids will continue to use it, but she knows they won't. The cutesy language with "w" inserted into words to show a lisp for a 4-year old. I get that the child is young - I don't need to read it in every line that she says. And more.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
4.0
A special thank you to Grand Central and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Suzanne Redfearn returns following the compelling Hush Little Baby, with her latest, NO ORDINARY LIFE---a riveting domestic suspense of one single mother’s desperate struggle for survival; a twisted disturbing obsessive fan, and the ultimate cost of fame and fortune. Torn between their lives before and after stardom. The trials and tribulations; greed, damage, regret, guilt - surviving the Hollywood fallout.
Living in Yucaipa, CA, Faye is a young single mother. Husband Sean, left months earlier, on one of his trucking routes, and never returned. During such time, Faye receives no support or income to help raise the children. They are struggling, barely getting by financially. At least the kids are happy where they are, even though they live on less; enjoying the outdoor open areas, horses, and close friends.
Molly (four), Tom (eight), and Emily (twelve). Molly is outgoing, Tom speaks at home; however, at school, he remains mute (selective mutism). Faye is a good mother; however, she does not broadcast her husband has been gone for months, and the school continues to question why she is not getting Tom into therapy. She has no money for therapy, rent, to repair their van, nor get the kids new shoes for school. It is time to move to LA with her mom—her last resort, since they do not get along. Family services is called in and she knows she has to have help.
Emily, the oldest is devastated about the move, a lover of horses and the open spaces. Versus a condo at her grandmothers. Faye got married early, and has no education beyond high school or job skills except being a waitress.
Shortly after moving to LA, her four- year-old daughter is discovered via YouTube with her winning personality and street dance moves. A PI and agent tracks her down, and GAP is interested in Molly for a commercial. The grandmother is delighted, since her world revolves around celebrities; however, Faye is not sure she wants to subject her daughter to this world. However, she soon learns the money will help them with the expenses, a place to live, and a new car. She can be Molly’s manager. She is excited and sees this as her way out of this black hole.
Everything seems to be going along well, until the loser ex-husband (they are not divorced), comes back in to the picture to get his hands on half the money. He is manipulative, and tries to get custody of the kids, and in the meantime Tom is now part of the celebrity status and joins Molly, and their entire world begins changing.
A mother is swept up in a thrilling world of fame and money. Proud of her two stars, Molly and Tom. However, the older daughter, Emily is caught up in the fascination which turns to evil and devastation. With binding contracts, she cannot just up and leave in the middle of the series.
What if it were your child, caught up in a terrifying world of politics, greed, hectic schedules, demands, politics, law suits, contracts, and obsessive dangerous fans? They are unable to live life like a normal child. When a dangerous stalker gets too close, decisions have to be made in order to take control.
Redfearn does a fantastic job with Molly’s character—she has a winning personality, and is not caught up in the hair, makeup, and dresses—she likes her overalls, and her raw wit and simple charm, draws you in. You can envision her on stage, winning hearts.
At times Faye could be naïve, weak, selfish, and at times a coward; however, down deep she loves her children, a good mother, and just wants a better life for her children. Sometimes she makes impulsive and reckless decisions, which lead to negative conclusions. However, she experiences tremendous growth from the beginning of the book to the end---finally getting the courage to take control of her life.
The entire time I was reading the story, I continued to think about JonBenet Ramsey—the six-year-old-star, murdered. I was living in Atlanta when all this occurred and the Ramsey Atlanta home was only a mile away from where I lived. Riding by each day, I continued to wonder what really happened that Christmas night in 1996.
Can relate to being a single mom, which can be tough financially, and the wars between parents. Cover love—(adorable). Enjoyed Suzanne Redfearn’s writing, while she captured the raw emotions, of each character for an engaging and thought-provoking read.
I look forward forward to reading Hush Little Baby, which I missed along the way (have heard rave reviews).
JDCMustReadBooks
Suzanne Redfearn returns following the compelling Hush Little Baby, with her latest, NO ORDINARY LIFE---a riveting domestic suspense of one single mother’s desperate struggle for survival; a twisted disturbing obsessive fan, and the ultimate cost of fame and fortune. Torn between their lives before and after stardom. The trials and tribulations; greed, damage, regret, guilt - surviving the Hollywood fallout.
Living in Yucaipa, CA, Faye is a young single mother. Husband Sean, left months earlier, on one of his trucking routes, and never returned. During such time, Faye receives no support or income to help raise the children. They are struggling, barely getting by financially. At least the kids are happy where they are, even though they live on less; enjoying the outdoor open areas, horses, and close friends.
Molly (four), Tom (eight), and Emily (twelve). Molly is outgoing, Tom speaks at home; however, at school, he remains mute (selective mutism). Faye is a good mother; however, she does not broadcast her husband has been gone for months, and the school continues to question why she is not getting Tom into therapy. She has no money for therapy, rent, to repair their van, nor get the kids new shoes for school. It is time to move to LA with her mom—her last resort, since they do not get along. Family services is called in and she knows she has to have help.
Emily, the oldest is devastated about the move, a lover of horses and the open spaces. Versus a condo at her grandmothers. Faye got married early, and has no education beyond high school or job skills except being a waitress.
Shortly after moving to LA, her four- year-old daughter is discovered via YouTube with her winning personality and street dance moves. A PI and agent tracks her down, and GAP is interested in Molly for a commercial. The grandmother is delighted, since her world revolves around celebrities; however, Faye is not sure she wants to subject her daughter to this world. However, she soon learns the money will help them with the expenses, a place to live, and a new car. She can be Molly’s manager. She is excited and sees this as her way out of this black hole.
Everything seems to be going along well, until the loser ex-husband (they are not divorced), comes back in to the picture to get his hands on half the money. He is manipulative, and tries to get custody of the kids, and in the meantime Tom is now part of the celebrity status and joins Molly, and their entire world begins changing.
A mother is swept up in a thrilling world of fame and money. Proud of her two stars, Molly and Tom. However, the older daughter, Emily is caught up in the fascination which turns to evil and devastation. With binding contracts, she cannot just up and leave in the middle of the series.
What if it were your child, caught up in a terrifying world of politics, greed, hectic schedules, demands, politics, law suits, contracts, and obsessive dangerous fans? They are unable to live life like a normal child. When a dangerous stalker gets too close, decisions have to be made in order to take control.
Redfearn does a fantastic job with Molly’s character—she has a winning personality, and is not caught up in the hair, makeup, and dresses—she likes her overalls, and her raw wit and simple charm, draws you in. You can envision her on stage, winning hearts.
At times Faye could be naïve, weak, selfish, and at times a coward; however, down deep she loves her children, a good mother, and just wants a better life for her children. Sometimes she makes impulsive and reckless decisions, which lead to negative conclusions. However, she experiences tremendous growth from the beginning of the book to the end---finally getting the courage to take control of her life.
The entire time I was reading the story, I continued to think about JonBenet Ramsey—the six-year-old-star, murdered. I was living in Atlanta when all this occurred and the Ramsey Atlanta home was only a mile away from where I lived. Riding by each day, I continued to wonder what really happened that Christmas night in 1996.
Can relate to being a single mom, which can be tough financially, and the wars between parents. Cover love—(adorable). Enjoyed Suzanne Redfearn’s writing, while she captured the raw emotions, of each character for an engaging and thought-provoking read.
I look forward forward to reading Hush Little Baby, which I missed along the way (have heard rave reviews).
JDCMustReadBooks
sunshine608's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this book as it gives a glimpse into the lives of making a celebrity and the world of television shows. IT also gave a a great glimpse into motherhood and the lengths we go to not only protect our children, but to try to give them the world at the same time.
It felt like Faye was a mom from a my mom's group, someone who wasn't perfect but tried to be the perfect mother which I found all too real. I liked that she stumbled and fell and wasn't the perfect heroine but was real.
Loved this book and I could't put it down. Can't wait to read more by this author.
I recivied a copy of this title through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
It felt like Faye was a mom from a my mom's group, someone who wasn't perfect but tried to be the perfect mother which I found all too real. I liked that she stumbled and fell and wasn't the perfect heroine but was real.
Loved this book and I could't put it down. Can't wait to read more by this author.
I recivied a copy of this title through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
kdurham2's review against another edition
4.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
Have you ever wondered life for a child actor was like? Have you also wondered how it impacted the other members in the family - the parents, siblings and so on? If so, go pick up this book now! It may be a fictional tale, but it felt just too real.
Molly is a four year old who through the magic of YouTube gets discovered by a talent agent and then gets a part on the number one hit tv show and life should be perfect. But life isn't perfect and there are some realities about being famous that maybe people just don't think of.
Have you ever wondered life for a child actor was like? Have you also wondered how it impacted the other members in the family - the parents, siblings and so on? If so, go pick up this book now! It may be a fictional tale, but it felt just too real.
Molly is a four year old who through the magic of YouTube gets discovered by a talent agent and then gets a part on the number one hit tv show and life should be perfect. But life isn't perfect and there are some realities about being famous that maybe people just don't think of.
karenleagermain's review against another edition
4.0
Thank You to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy of Suzanne Redfearn's novel, No Ordinary Life, in exchange for an honest review.
PLOT- Estranged from her husband and struggling to make ends meet, Faye Martin decides to move away from the quite countryside to live with her mother in Los Angeles. Faye's family is forever changed, when her precocious four year old, Molly, stars in a viral Youtube video, and is discovered by a Hollywood agent. Soon, Molly is the latest child actor sensation, landing a plum role on a hit show. Can the Martin family cope with Molly's fame?
LIKE- One of the major strengths in No Ordinary Life, is Redfearns ability to create realistic and sympathetic characters. It's the type of novel, where I found myself wondering how I would react if I were in their shoes; like Faye, the mother trying to do the best for her family, or Emily, the eldest sibling who struggles to fit in at her new school and envies the fame of her younger sister. Most sympathetic, might be Molly, a little kid, who just wants to be a kid, not a brand. No Ordinary Life is loaded with cringe worthy moments and parental mistakes, but none strike a false note, keeping this tale of Hollywood excess rooted in reality.
From an entertainment standpoint, Redfearn grabbed me with her behind the scenes look at the industry. It's evident that she either has personal experience or has spent plenty of time researching the "ins and outs" of child actors and television productions. I found it fascinating.
DISLIKE- The only off-beat storyline was Faye's romance with Griff, a former child actor turned director of photography. There were too many moments where Faye was distant or did something to upset Griff, all of which Griff seemed to easily forgive. The back and forth eclipsed the moments where they had true passion and connected. I don't even remember the connection, it did not make an impact in the greater story. Griff and his protectiveness over Molly worked for me, but his relationship with Faye, did not. To be fair, Redfearn has written such a compelling family drama, with each person in the Martin family having a strong dilemma, that they overshadowed the romance storyline.
RECOMMEND- Yes. No Ordinary Life is a quick, engrossing read. It's perfect for anyone who has a fascination with Hollywood and celebrity, but also for those who like family dramas. The vibe of this book is summer-beach read, which was appreciated as I read it during a rainy, weekend in January.
PLOT- Estranged from her husband and struggling to make ends meet, Faye Martin decides to move away from the quite countryside to live with her mother in Los Angeles. Faye's family is forever changed, when her precocious four year old, Molly, stars in a viral Youtube video, and is discovered by a Hollywood agent. Soon, Molly is the latest child actor sensation, landing a plum role on a hit show. Can the Martin family cope with Molly's fame?
LIKE- One of the major strengths in No Ordinary Life, is Redfearns ability to create realistic and sympathetic characters. It's the type of novel, where I found myself wondering how I would react if I were in their shoes; like Faye, the mother trying to do the best for her family, or Emily, the eldest sibling who struggles to fit in at her new school and envies the fame of her younger sister. Most sympathetic, might be Molly, a little kid, who just wants to be a kid, not a brand. No Ordinary Life is loaded with cringe worthy moments and parental mistakes, but none strike a false note, keeping this tale of Hollywood excess rooted in reality.
From an entertainment standpoint, Redfearn grabbed me with her behind the scenes look at the industry. It's evident that she either has personal experience or has spent plenty of time researching the "ins and outs" of child actors and television productions. I found it fascinating.
DISLIKE- The only off-beat storyline was Faye's romance with Griff, a former child actor turned director of photography. There were too many moments where Faye was distant or did something to upset Griff, all of which Griff seemed to easily forgive. The back and forth eclipsed the moments where they had true passion and connected. I don't even remember the connection, it did not make an impact in the greater story. Griff and his protectiveness over Molly worked for me, but his relationship with Faye, did not. To be fair, Redfearn has written such a compelling family drama, with each person in the Martin family having a strong dilemma, that they overshadowed the romance storyline.
RECOMMEND- Yes. No Ordinary Life is a quick, engrossing read. It's perfect for anyone who has a fascination with Hollywood and celebrity, but also for those who like family dramas. The vibe of this book is summer-beach read, which was appreciated as I read it during a rainy, weekend in January.
bookslifeandeverythingnice's review against another edition
4.0
No Ordinary Life is a novel about the family of a newly discovered child star in Hollywood. Molly, a cute bubbly four year old, is discovered via a YouTube video. Soon she has talent agents begging for her to do commercials and be on a hit television show. It’s any little girl’s dream. For her mother, Faye, it’s also a very welcome relief. As Molly’s manager she gets a percentage of the profits for her hard work. It seems like an ideal arrangement. Your child is making great money. Faye now doesn’t have to worry as much now about financially supporting her three children, Emily, Molly, and Tom. The children’s father can’t be counted on and money was tight. With Molly’s new found fame things are looking up for the family. I like that the author told a typical young Hollywood star story in a different way. No Ordinary Life focuses on the family and how Molly’s fame has affected them. The story focuses on Faye, Emily, and Tom including the challenges, sacrifices, struggles, and highlights of Molly’s new job as a television star. Through the book the author brings up a lot of questions that make the reader think. Questions such as how to find a balance between providing for your child and letting your child’s job provide for you. How much is too much for your kids and yourself? How do you make it in this intense world of show business? How do you protect your family? I find these questions to be fascinating and a great jumping off point for group discussions. Throughout the novel each character learns to find their way. That’s not to say everything works out perfectly for all, but each family member grows from this experience. For the most part, I found it a gripping fascinating story about the good, bad and ugly that comes along with a kid becoming famous in Hollywood. To be fair though, I didn’t like the amount and way that Emily had to suffer. I won’t give anything away, as she struggles from the beginning, but I didn’t always love her storyline. The things that she deals with were done for a purpose, but that doesn’t mean that I have to like or agree with them. Overall, it’s a really good and unique book.