I haven’t been writing as much as reading. In fact, one of my writer friends suggested I just put down the darn books and get writing if I have writer’s block – so funny. I suppose I read to be inspired to write. An excuse, I know.

I enjoyed this one…

The Cover Girl by Amy Rossi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Birdie Rhodes, a former model living a quiet life, is thrust back into her past when she receives an invitation to celebrate the 50-year career of famed modeling agent Harriet Golden. Harriet had discovered a young 13-year-old Birdie in a department store, where Birdie was reluctantly shopping with her mother. Birdie was a super tall introvert who slouched to hide as she grew. Ironically she was the most ignored by her parents in an unloving household. Becoming one of Harriet’s girls, she felt a sense of freedom from her sad life, with opportunities for something uniquely hers being provided by Harriet. Glamour, unique outfits, artists, travel – it all unfolds for Birdie. With her parents absent, Harriet is the only adult who watches out for Birdie in some fashion, although it is primarily a professional relationship.

During one of her assignments, a shoot for the album cover of an unnamed “rock star”, Birdie is noticed by this rockstar, who seems to see her, seems to care for her, shows her some real affection for the first time in her life.

The rock star meets with her parents, offers to take her with him on tour and protect her going forward. Her parents (her mother giddily) sign some papers. And Birdie’s life veers into the rock and roll world. Drinks, drugs, parties, money — rock and roll.

She is 15 years old. And now the very public girlfriend of a rock idol in his 30s. This is fully sanctioned by her parents and the world.

This is a heart-rending story of the life of a model who is just yearning for someone to see the real her, to love her. The choices she makes come from that longing, and she continues to be manipulated by most of those around her. She makes so many of these choices before she hits the age of 19. Imagine setting the stage for the rest of your life at that age.
There are two timelines in this book, one of the young Birdie as she lived in the that crazy world which she eventually leaves behind. It alternates seamlessly to the present (2018) with a middle-aged Birdie, coming to terms with what she lived through.

I binged this book. Having grown up in that time, I was drawn to the story and wondered what the glamorous life of a model in the MTV era was like. Supermodel stories were based on that lore. I think so many of us young girls wanted that life. This felt like a memoir, a real-life behind-the-scenes written in the first person. Birdie’s innermost thoughts were brought to life so clearly from the page.
From the young Birdie to the mature Birdie – I lived her experiences with her, cried for her, and felt redemption for her, which is what you get from a memoir. Amazing that it is fiction.

A solid 4 / 5 stars (about a 4.5) . Highly recommended! Thanks to the author, Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an advance readers copy for review.



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