FAME

In this sequel to Love (2006), Eve, star-struck and determined to be a theatrical megastar, agrees to Anna’s tarot-card readings. At first reticent to admit her career may have its beginnings at the bottom of the stardom ladder, she decides to try out for the starring role of Sally Bowles in the school’s musical, Cabaret. She’s outraged and disappointed to lose the role to the daughter of the famous Peter McElroy, star of the reality show, You Suck, getting instead a smaller part as one of the “Kit Kat Girls.” Supporting advice and encouragement from best friends Anna and Syd help Eve cope and immerse herself in the ambitious goals that the no-nonsense music teacher has defined for all participants. Fredericks once again incorporates themes of jealousy, self-worth and respect through a school-based scenario filled with gossip, betrayal and the realistic stress-filled, over-scheduled teen life of maintaining high grades along with the demands of extra-curricular responsibilities. Through on-target dialogue, actions and candidly emotional portrayals of her characters, she masterfully interweaves what some might consider inappropriate issues of prostitution, abortion and prejudice in the play’s pre-Nazi-era nightclub setting. Eve’s personal growth will be telling and uplifting to readers as the climatic conclusion and final curtain call bring the book to its satisfying ending. (Fiction. 10-13)