Modelland

Modelland is an immersive fantasy that also reads as a parody of the demands, expectations, and flurry of the fashion and modelling industry.There are things in this novel that are intentionally ridiculous. Her world building is over simplified, such as the fact that there's a nation called Big-Bou-Tique, that's essentially a Wal-Mart, where people eat Wal-Mart food, and have Wal-Mart jobs. The same goes for Candlelabra, the world's candle manufacturer. Also the fact that the male modeling school is called Bestosterone, in which the men mainly work in construction to build their own school to name a few.That being said, the book shouldn't be taken too seriously, or the humor will be lost and will just come across as bad writing instead.However, I understand how the parody aspect of the novel feels unintentional. This is because it is not consistent throughout the entire work. Much of the book is muddled with ideas of girl power, and didactic monologues of how there are different forms of beauty. These are ideals that Tyra sincerely believes in. And while this may slow down the comedy she is able to broaden her scope of readers while also providing insight and depth to her characters.To speak more on the message of this story, I don't think the plot is progressive enough to make any insecure girl feel better about themselves significantly. The world by the end of the novel still feels like one only accepting of conventional beauty, however then again, this is a trilogy and perhaps she will push things even more in the later books. I also need to critique that while she may broaden the boundaries of what beauty can be, the message is still shallow because nothing is really said about beauty not being everything.Other aspects like a magic school, and the craze of finding the SMIZEs while they may feel borrowed I find that she is more paying homage. All fantasy is guilty of its tropes and this is unavoidable. Even so I still believe Modelland is original and fantastically creative. The combination of her top-modelesque prose, and her spoofed out hyper-commercialist world is truly unique and makes for an exciting read. The plot is suspenseful and filled with delightful melodrama. Now while this novel may not be perfectly edited, Tyra's message in the story is that beauty is not perfect. And I don't feel like Modelland needs to be either in order to be taken seriously.

When it comes to celebrity writers you should never judge a book by its writer. When it comes to Modelland you should live by this. Tyra Banks has a lot of people who may be annoyed by her... Which I don't really care. I think she is brilliant and hard working. With all that said Modelland is an amazingly creative book. Tyra put her imagination to work and it worked out quite well with every passage in the story. Don't compare this to Harry Potter because you will not like this book. Yes, there are about a billion made up words in the book and that's fine. The vernacular was out of this world and yet the intricate ways Tyra used her word vomit are insane in a good way. I was completely blown away with how intricate the book became.There was a lot to cover in the first year at Modelland Tooklatta De La Creme, but she handled it well. From uncovering the woman she is becoming, dealing with the wicked Zarpessa, creating friendships and losing her Forgetta Girl status to finding out the truth about things from her life back in Metopia. Tyra took us on a ride that makes us want more. I commend her for writing a good novel that has great potential to be a best seller should people put aside the fact that this is another Tyra Banks production. I think everyone should give it a sound chance and understand that it is fiction and let your mind run free.

(Review originally posted at ReadBreatheRelax.com)Among the many problems I had with Modelland, my biggest struggle in reading this book was that fact that this novel is marketed to young adults. There are so many stunning books in this booming genre, and Modelland is at the bottom of the heap in comparison. The style of writing seems like it's aimed at grade-schoolers (who probably could have crafted a more eloquent story) and the execution is poor.Here are a few examples:-A chapter title: "Stunning, Statuesque, Strobotronic Stars with Stupefying Stratospheric Struts"-"For unusual-looking as she was, Tookie was a Forgetta-Girl, one of the most forgettable girls in the entire world."-"But I will take the bubonic plague any day- for if it's caught in time, it can be ousted from the body with a simple swallow of one of the two 'mycins': genta or strepto. The Pilgrim Plague, however, is terminal, dahling. And I am not referring to an airline departure lounge."Add to that SMIZE's (special tokens sort of like golden tickets from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and strangely named people and places, Modelland was a mess. The writing is poorly crafted and there were at least two grammar errors that I caught.Aside from the writing, the story is simplistic, and I highly doubt that those in the 13-20 age range will be interested in reading it. I'm sure Tyra Banks meant to empower young girls by boosting their self esteem, but sadly I think she missed the mark. A good story is limited by how well its told.OVERALL:I liked the whole idea of a young adult novel about inner beauty that had fantasy elements, but the execution was just strange. Also, the beginning of the book just dragged on and on, and I'm not why Banks would waste the first 20 crucial pages of the book on describing Tookie's awkward looks every 5 words.I'm sure some celebrities really can write well, but Banks should either get some serious coaching or just leave the writing to writers.OTHER YA BOOKS TO READ INSTEAD: Under the Never Sky, Shatter Me, Divergent and White Cat (Curse Workers)

As soon as I received the book, tried to stop myself from reading before I finished all my assignments from Uni (failed miserably) finished the book in about 3 weeks. Great story, really enjoyed the way Tyra portrayed Modelland and my imagination just went there with her, amazing book for a first time writer, cannot wait for the next to come.

Mt 15 year old daughter is a big fan of Tyra Banks. She apparently really loved the book which I bought her for Christmas.

Great Book. The story is absolutely Amazing. Was amazed on such a great job Tyra Banks has done for a first book !

I loved this book. A dark fantasy, tyra created such a brilliant world.

It's a good read not what I expected. It's a good book to sit and have a cup of tea with, don't have to think when reading it