Book Review: Priceless by Nicole Richie

The facts

Priceless by Nicole Richie

Published September 28, 2010

The summary

When New York socialite Charlotte Williams returns home from Paris, she finds that her life has completely changed. Her father has been arrested for embezzlement and sent to a federal prison. Charlotte's pampered lifestyle is no more. In order to escape the chaos and scrutiny of New York City, Charlotte runs away to New Orleans where her former caretaker, Miss Millie, lives. There, Charlottle befriends Kat, fashonista and owner of a vintage clothing store. Kat is from a very influential family in New Orleans, and Charlotte ends up getting a job at her father's restaurant. She also starts singing with Miss Millie's son, Jackson, and his jazz band. As Charlotte and Jackson wow New Orleans with their music, they discover feelings for each other. Charlotte's life in New Orleans seems to be taking a turn for the better: she has found love, friends, a job and a renewed passion for singing. However, Charlotte has a murderous stalker on her tail from New York City and a malicious website posting cruel things about the ex-socialite. Things get dangerous when Charlotte lets her guard down.

The verdict
It's pretty much your typical spoiled-brat-fancy-pants-socialite-falls-from-grace-discovers-she-was-a-horrible-person-and-then-betters-herself-and-her-life. It's also a bit unrealistic in some parts as well (she burns down a Yale building because things weren't going so well with her boyfriend. Really? And, SPOILER ALERT, her stalker jumps off a train into a fountain and impales himself on the fountain. Really??) The suspense is lacking and it's a bit predictable (of course Charlotte and Jackson end up together. Even though he hated her guts when she came to New Orleans. But she's so darn pretty. AND she can sing!) That being said, I did enjoy Priceless. It does have a good message -- not-so-good people can change and become truly good and better people. Also, even if the situation looks bad, you can turn it around if you work hard and try. It was also entertaining, though ridiculous at times. But ridiculous isn't always a bad thing. Another good beach read for when it's (finally) summertime!

The grade  
B+