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yapxinyi's review against another edition
2.0
Disclaimer: Read this alongside [b:Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies|25337536|Little Black Dresses, Little White Lies|Laura Stampler|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1465546651s/25337536.jpg|45074373] which has a similar plotline (magazine writing internship, romance) just to compare how different the authors can take it to, and whether writing styles help. I questioned why this book didn't add excerpts of the main character's writing — the other book did, and it definitely helped flesh out the character's personality. Plus, it added credibility that the main character is a writer.
Decided to pick up YA for a change because I haven't been reading that genre for a while. This disappointed me.
The writing wasn't too shabby. The sentences flowed, I could read on even though I wasn't that interested or invested in the story. But...nothing really sparkled. Nothing wowed me. Reading it didn't make me feel like what reading [b:Carry On|32768522|Carry On (Simon Snow, #1)|Rainbow Rowell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1481729252s/32768522.jpg|43346673] did — like diving into a cool water body after a dry spell. I didn't really root for the main character Josie. I didn't particularly like any character. Most of them felt flat, like Angela 'Angel', her sister Kat, even love interest James because they served very straightforward, very basic purposes.
Plot was so-so, nothing remotely groundbreaking, nothing exciting to anticipate, even the love interest was average. Then again, the blurb told me all there was, so what was I expecting? Maybe it's because I've been reading more sci-fi recently (hello [b:Broken Stars: Contemporary Chinese Science Fiction in Translation|39863330|Broken Stars Contemporary Chinese Science Fiction in Translation|Ken Liu|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1531215722s/39863330.jpg|61659555] by Ken Liu, hello [b:The Three-Body Problem|20518872|The Three-Body Problem (Remembrance of Earth’s Past #1)|Liu Cixin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1415428227s/20518872.jpg|25696480] by Liu Cixin) so I was expecting more sophisticated writing, plot and style.
Anyway, I was disappointed mainly because some reviews (or 'testimonials') prefacing the book shared how it was for readers who loved The Devil Wears Prada and I expected the same level of drama and glamour. Ehh...this was predictable. Fluffy. Popcorn: airy, non-substantial, unfulfilling.
Decided to pick up YA for a change because I haven't been reading that genre for a while. This disappointed me.
The writing wasn't too shabby. The sentences flowed, I could read on even though I wasn't that interested or invested in the story. But...nothing really sparkled. Nothing wowed me. Reading it didn't make me feel like what reading [b:Carry On|32768522|Carry On (Simon Snow, #1)|Rainbow Rowell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1481729252s/32768522.jpg|43346673] did — like diving into a cool water body after a dry spell. I didn't really root for the main character Josie. I didn't particularly like any character. Most of them felt flat, like Angela 'Angel', her sister Kat, even love interest James because they served very straightforward, very basic purposes.
Plot was so-so, nothing remotely groundbreaking, nothing exciting to anticipate, even the love interest was average. Then again, the blurb told me all there was, so what was I expecting? Maybe it's because I've been reading more sci-fi recently (hello [b:Broken Stars: Contemporary Chinese Science Fiction in Translation|39863330|Broken Stars Contemporary Chinese Science Fiction in Translation|Ken Liu|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1531215722s/39863330.jpg|61659555] by Ken Liu, hello [b:The Three-Body Problem|20518872|The Three-Body Problem (Remembrance of Earth’s Past #1)|Liu Cixin|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1415428227s/20518872.jpg|25696480] by Liu Cixin) so I was expecting more sophisticated writing, plot and style.
Anyway, I was disappointed mainly because some reviews (or 'testimonials') prefacing the book shared how it was for readers who loved The Devil Wears Prada and I expected the same level of drama and glamour. Ehh...this was predictable. Fluffy. Popcorn: airy, non-substantial, unfulfilling.
emilywindwrites's review
3.0
This was a really interesting and entertaining read, I couldn't put it down! I read it while on a long car trip and it was the perfect reading material. It definitely has a great message, and shows the reader that not everything is as it seems.
juliagulia16's review against another edition
4.0
Read this book in an afternoon! I just couldn't put it down! It was so refreshing to read a novel set in the world of Australian magazines/media! Really enjoyed it! Can't wait to see what's next from Gabrielle Tozer!
lizslibrary's review against another edition
3.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this book even though I did have a few issues with it as there were spots in the plot where there was nothing really going on. I loved Josie and her development as she is thrown into the magazine world. I enjoyed that she is realistic and she can be relatable as she becomes accustom to the her new life in the city and at Sash.
I would have like to have seen the family element a bit stronger than what it was, especially Josie's relationship with her mother. I loved the friendship between Josie and Steph- another intern at the magazine which, in my opinion, seemed to be the strongest relationship in the book. I liked that Josie and James' relationship didn't really start until the end of the book and didn't take over the whole story line but there were elements of it throughout.
Overall I enjoyed it and would probably recommend it to anyone if they asked for something to read.
I would have like to have seen the family element a bit stronger than what it was, especially Josie's relationship with her mother. I loved the friendship between Josie and Steph- another intern at the magazine which, in my opinion, seemed to be the strongest relationship in the book. I liked that Josie and James' relationship didn't really start until the end of the book and didn't take over the whole story line but there were elements of it throughout.
Overall I enjoyed it and would probably recommend it to anyone if they asked for something to read.
antheasaw's review against another edition
4.0
One of the few good YA book I'd read this year.
This book is about Josie who's had the chance to intern at a magazine company. I like how this book is not just about romance (boy-meets-girl) but it also talks about serious issues like eating disorders. And it also focuses on friendship and being true to yourself.
Was an easy and enjoyable read. Pace was good. Characters were likable. Do give this a try if you're looking for a feel-good chick lit.
This book is about Josie who's had the chance to intern at a magazine company. I like how this book is not just about romance (boy-meets-girl) but it also talks about serious issues like eating disorders. And it also focuses on friendship and being true to yourself.
Was an easy and enjoyable read. Pace was good. Characters were likable. Do give this a try if you're looking for a feel-good chick lit.
zoey1999's review
4.0
This was awesome! :) :D
I mean overall it was quite predictable and had a big 'Happily Ever After' ending, but who doesn't love that in a book every once in a while?
It was interesting seeing how aspects of the publishing industry work as the author of the book herself is a journalist, who has probably been through similar situations. (Although probably nowhere near as dramatic as the ones in this book)
Overall, I recommend this awesome read. You'll breeze through it no problem. :) :D
I mean overall it was quite predictable and had a big 'Happily Ever After' ending, but who doesn't love that in a book every once in a while?
It was interesting seeing how aspects of the publishing industry work as the author of the book herself is a journalist, who has probably been through similar situations. (Although probably nowhere near as dramatic as the ones in this book)
Overall, I recommend this awesome read. You'll breeze through it no problem. :) :D
emilyjmead's review against another edition
5.0
I adore this book. The main character, Josie, is relatable right from the start – her little sister is helping her pick an outfit for the start of an internship the next day, which reminds me of me and MY sister. Josie is awkward and funny and completely clueless about clothes, which just made me love her more. And her mum is just as hilarious. You catch glimpses of her in quotes like this:
Walking out of the toilet cubicle was more embarrassing than the time Mum made Kat and me wear Stackhat bike helmets in the car after watching a disturbing news item on road fatalities.
It was just so real and funny and honest. Josie reminds me of me, and while it may be narcissistic to enjoy reading about someone similar to me, I enjoyed making comparisons. For instance, when I did work experience last year, I was on the wrong train platform until a minute before my train was due to leave. I ran up the stairs to get to the next platform, dropping one of my shoes on the way. On that same day, I also got off at the wrong bus stop.
The start of the internship doesn’t go well for Josie. She has to do all sorts of menial jobs (I won’t spoil them because they’re hilarious) and meets a few awful people. Her successes and failures along the way are fantastic to read about – in between YA and NA, in my opinion, the story is perfect for older teens and twenty-somethings, as well as the “real adults.”
The Intern has a couple more fantastic quotes that I just have to share:
A Guy Who Brings Me Yummy Food was number six on my ideal-boyfriend wish list, followed closely by A Guy Who Makes Me Laugh Until I Cry Or Snort at number seven.
“Slutty the bush skankeroo”
“I like eating Nutella straight from the jar while watching musicals.”
The first and third ones just make me love Josie even more, while the second one made me laugh out loud.
There’s a bit of romance in this book, too. While it didn’t seem HUGELY important, James and Josie had a great relationship from the start (in that she thought he was a burglar).
I liked the themes of never giving up, and pursuing your dream, and helping your family. It was realistic about the media industry as well as hopeful. Basically, a warm, happy, lovely read, and I’m glad it sits on my bookshelf rather than having to go back to the library.
Walking out of the toilet cubicle was more embarrassing than the time Mum made Kat and me wear Stackhat bike helmets in the car after watching a disturbing news item on road fatalities.
It was just so real and funny and honest. Josie reminds me of me, and while it may be narcissistic to enjoy reading about someone similar to me, I enjoyed making comparisons. For instance, when I did work experience last year, I was on the wrong train platform until a minute before my train was due to leave. I ran up the stairs to get to the next platform, dropping one of my shoes on the way. On that same day, I also got off at the wrong bus stop.
The start of the internship doesn’t go well for Josie. She has to do all sorts of menial jobs (I won’t spoil them because they’re hilarious) and meets a few awful people. Her successes and failures along the way are fantastic to read about – in between YA and NA, in my opinion, the story is perfect for older teens and twenty-somethings, as well as the “real adults.”
The Intern has a couple more fantastic quotes that I just have to share:
A Guy Who Brings Me Yummy Food was number six on my ideal-boyfriend wish list, followed closely by A Guy Who Makes Me Laugh Until I Cry Or Snort at number seven.
“Slutty the bush skankeroo”
“I like eating Nutella straight from the jar while watching musicals.”
The first and third ones just make me love Josie even more, while the second one made me laugh out loud.
There’s a bit of romance in this book, too. While it didn’t seem HUGELY important, James and Josie had a great relationship from the start (in that she thought he was a burglar).
I liked the themes of never giving up, and pursuing your dream, and helping your family. It was realistic about the media industry as well as hopeful. Basically, a warm, happy, lovely read, and I’m glad it sits on my bookshelf rather than having to go back to the library.
mostlyshanti's review against another edition
4.0
2017: I reread this because...I don't know why I reread this. I needed it, I guess. It was quick, and it was funny. But it wasn't more than that. A couple of notes:
-the writing simply isn't very sophisticated. that's okay, but it maybe could be polished some more? It's simply adequate.
-the details, e.g. washing bikini's seemed really realistic. You can tell that Tozer has a grounding in real magazine journalism.
-Josie is an endearing heroine. She's also totally naive.
-The Billy debacle and the wrap up with Josie's job still seem unrealistic.
-I loved the australianisms!
-the piece that Josie writes about body image actually sounds really generic and random. I wish that the actual text had been part of the book.
-I wish Josie examined her feelings a little more.
-I wish that there had been more exploration of the collapse of print journalism
-As a whole, the setting, characters and plot could have been better developed. Still, it's totally charming!
2016: This book made me (more) interested in journalism again. Josie is seriously SUCH a wonderful heroine--she's so artless, but kind and thoughtful too. The magazine atmosphere felt very realistic too. Some of the things that happened - like the Billy debacle- did stretch plausibility a little bit, but that was okay. I loved how Josie's story is one of braver, of pushing yourself, of being honest (seriously, YA heroines, you lie too much), of embracing challenges. The frienship dynamics were really well written and all-in-all, I was glued to thepage screen. This feelgood novel wraps up quickly and leaves you longing for more.
-the writing simply isn't very sophisticated. that's okay, but it maybe could be polished some more? It's simply adequate.
-the details, e.g. washing bikini's seemed really realistic. You can tell that Tozer has a grounding in real magazine journalism.
-Josie is an endearing heroine. She's also totally naive.
-The Billy debacle and the wrap up with Josie's job still seem unrealistic.
-I loved the australianisms!
-the piece that Josie writes about body image actually sounds really generic and random. I wish that the actual text had been part of the book.
-I wish Josie examined her feelings a little more.
-I wish that there had been more exploration of the collapse of print journalism
-As a whole, the setting, characters and plot could have been better developed. Still, it's totally charming!
2016: This book made me (more) interested in journalism again. Josie is seriously SUCH a wonderful heroine--she's so artless, but kind and thoughtful too. The magazine atmosphere felt very realistic too. Some of the things that happened - like the Billy debacle- did stretch plausibility a little bit, but that was okay. I loved how Josie's story is one of braver, of pushing yourself, of being honest (seriously, YA heroines, you lie too much), of embracing challenges. The frienship dynamics were really well written and all-in-all, I was glued to the
tien's review against another edition
4.0
Aaaah… you know that feeling… that wonderful, warm, cuddly feeling at the end of the novel when you found a big silly smile on your face? Yeah, that’s the one! That’s what The Intern has left me with and I can’t seem to get rid of it.
The story kicks off by talking about boobs and… exposing yourself (accidentally, of course!). What a great start and totally funny. I like the name Josie Browning; it's just so down to earth and unassuming and that’s just what Josie is. She’s charmingly clumsy, lovable, naïve, considerate and kind. She’s just utterly adorable (despite some moments of frustration although now I’m speaking from an older woman’s perspective! I was probably just as naïve & clumsy as she was, at that age).
The Intern is a very easy read; the everyday English language combined with consistent light humour throughout the book easily makes it to be a read-in-a-single-sitting-book. I love pretty much all the characters here, the nice and the not-so-nice. I can’t say how true a reflection it is of the magazine world although if I have to take a stab, some characters are so stereotypical which is probably part of the humour of this story. The humour really does warm up the heart but the sweet romance will melt it.
There were 2 main instances where Josie frustrated me though that is part of her character which I just can’t understand. One instance was the time she was being so nice and forgiving –maybe this is more of a reflection of my character (rather angry & vengeful in comparison to Josie, I suppose)… Then there are also 2 more serious themes which I wish were explored deeper. These issues affected many teens out there and I believe would make great components to the book.
The Intern is a delightful debut by Gabrielle Tozer and I have really enjoyed this light innocent contemporary read (which is different to my usual reads). I’m looking forward to the sequel!
The story kicks off by talking about boobs and… exposing yourself (accidentally, of course!). What a great start and totally funny. I like the name Josie Browning; it's just so down to earth and unassuming and that’s just what Josie is. She’s charmingly clumsy, lovable, naïve, considerate and kind. She’s just utterly adorable (despite some moments of frustration although now I’m speaking from an older woman’s perspective! I was probably just as naïve & clumsy as she was, at that age).
The Intern is a very easy read; the everyday English language combined with consistent light humour throughout the book easily makes it to be a read-in-a-single-sitting-book. I love pretty much all the characters here, the nice and the not-so-nice. I can’t say how true a reflection it is of the magazine world although if I have to take a stab, some characters are so stereotypical which is probably part of the humour of this story. The humour really does warm up the heart but the sweet romance will melt it.
There were 2 main instances where Josie frustrated me though that is part of her character which I just can’t understand. One instance was the time she was being so nice and forgiving –maybe this is more of a reflection of my character (rather angry & vengeful in comparison to Josie, I suppose)… Then there are also 2 more serious themes which I wish were explored deeper. These issues affected many teens out there and I believe would make great components to the book.
The Intern is a delightful debut by Gabrielle Tozer and I have really enjoyed this light innocent contemporary read (which is different to my usual reads). I’m looking forward to the sequel!