Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe

Dec 19, 2011 Jo rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, oh-come-on, ya, e

2.5*

Quick Note: I think I did this book a great injustice reading it straight after I'd finished The Queen of Attolia. No book really stood a chance after that.
So I feel I must apologise to Ms Coriell.

I hate writing reviews for books like this.
Because this book was OK.
It wasn’t atrocious and it wasn’t fantastic.
It was just OK.
The writing was great and the teen dialogue didn’t seemed forced not did it try too hard to be “with it”. Something that I feel is always a plus because so many YA contemp...more

19 likes · like · see review

Feb 08, 2012 Reynje rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-egalley, e-book-kindle, read-2012, young-adult, contemp-or-realistic

2.5 stars

Oh, Chloe. If I came across you on a street corner (most likely while you were dressed in your burrito costume), I’d probably scurry past giving you the side-eye.

But secretly I’d be wishing I’d had your kind of enthusiasm.

This basically sums up my feelings about Welcome Caller This Is Chloe. It’s an earnest, fun, enthusiastic book – but, ah, not really me, as much as I wanted to love it.

The story follows perpetually positive, extroverted Chloe as she stumbles down the social ladder, n...more

15 likes · like · see review

Jan 09, 2012 Nicola rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: cover-appeal, title-appeal, young-adult, best-of-2012

This review first appeared here on my blog.

Welcome Caller, This is Chloe is the first book I've given five stars to this year and it earned every one of those stars! I was first drawn to this book by the interesting colours used on the cover and I just had to know more. The description sounded so unique and unlike anything I'd read before- I'm always on the look out for an idea that is different to everything I've read before and this book certainly delivered on that!

I will admit that I was not...more This review first appeared here on my blog.

Welcome Caller, This is Chloe is the first book I've given five stars to this year and it earned every one of those stars! I was first drawn to this book by the interesting colours used on the cover and I just had to know more. The description sounded so unique and unlike anything I'd read before- I'm always on the look out for an idea that is different to everything I've read before and this book certainly delivered on that!

I will admit that I was not totally impressed by the first few chapters. I found them slow going and I really wasn't liking the main character, Chloe! However, things really really turned around at about chapter four and after that, I literally could not put the book out of my hands. I do not give out five stars lightly- they only go to books that I really hated to set down and this is one of those books. I was completely drawn into Chloe's world and felt just as frustrated with her life as she did!

On the outside, Chloe may look like she has it all. The perfect family, the perfect personality, the perfect friends. But this year, things have started to take a turn for the worse for Chloe and she's struggling to cope. Her best friends suddenly turn against her for a reason she was oblivious to and her family life isn't as great as it once was. She's terrified about her grandmother's illness and having a tough time trying to deal with the conflict between her mother and grandmother. To top it all off, her counselor has decided her independent study project isn't good enough- and that she has to start all over again!

While Chloe's problems may not be as huge as other peoples', they are very real to her and definitely shaking her up. But what I loved was how Chloe handled it all. Not for one second did she let it get her down and she never gave up. Instead, she throws herself head first into her project- reviving the school's radio station. Here, Chloe meets some very interesting characters and finds herself a whole bunch of new friends.

Chloe is a strong character who believes in herself and her abilities. I find it is rare to find female characters with so much confidence and guts and I definitely liked that about this book! I loved the whole story and hung on Chloe's every word. It's an easy and somewhat light read but it still deals with many darker issues and the characters all develop well throughout the book. I liked it a lot and I'm very interested to see what Coriell has to offer in the future!
(less)

7 likes · like · see review

Jan 17, 2012 Maggie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, a-z-book-2012, debut-novels, reviewed

This book starts with 16-year-old Chloe Camden willingly and cheerfully dressed in a burrito costume so, naturally, this book started with me rolling my eyes at Chloe Camden. I'm not the only one as Chloe's best friends are freezing her out for reasons unknown to her. She figures this will blow over and returns to more pressing concerns, namely her Brad Pitt-loving grandmother dealing with the onset of Parkinson's and her Junior Independent Study Project (JISP) being rejected by the new school c...more

10 likes · like · see review

Apr 13, 2012 Yarethzia rated it 4 of 5 stars

oh. my. gawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwd.

Are you feeling down and need a book that'll give you a laugh?
Then, Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloeis the perfect book for you.

Okay, the plot was great. It was as Ms. Lungren, Chloe's school counseler, would say, purrrrfect.
It has everything people want in a book, realistic plot, relatable characters, and a sarcastic yet hilarious main character.

Chloe is a hilarious, fun, yet strong character. If I could choose a character in a book to be my best friend, Chloe would be...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jul 14, 2012 E rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: laugh-out-loud-as-in-lol, realistically-realistic

Also Found On: A Book and A Record

I have never met a protagonist quite like Chloe before. Part of me loves her dearly, like a sister; but another part of me totally understands why her friends ditched her in the first place. Clementine (a character in the novel) uses the phrase “roller skating through life” and I definitely think that this perfectly describes Chloe. There is kind of a disconnect between her reality and actual reality in this novel that makes it a little hard to sympathize with h...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 01, 2012 Mitch rated it 5 of 5 stars

I shouldn't even have liked this book, but I really do. Sure, Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe has more than its share of flaws and Chloe's clueless and shallow and obsessed with shoes, but she's just so enthusiastic and means well, it's infectious. I think my grinchy little heart grew two or three sizes bigger while reading this. And anyone who knows me also knows that's no mean feat.

My rating's ~~probably~~ definitely inflated by how much I loved Chloe as a character though. She's the kind of over t...more I shouldn't even have liked this book, but I really do. Sure, Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe has more than its share of flaws and Chloe's clueless and shallow and obsessed with shoes, but she's just so enthusiastic and means well, it's infectious. I think my grinchy little heart grew two or three sizes bigger while reading this. And anyone who knows me also knows that's no mean feat.

My rating's ~~probably~~ definitely inflated by how much I loved Chloe as a character though. She's the kind of over the top, overly optimistic, slightly annoyingly self-centered but big hearted character that I'd describe as endearing, but I can also imagine others describing as cloying, annoying, or someone to be avoided at all costs. She's such a big part of, ok the entirety of, this book that I don't think you can love the book without loving her character, and will probably hate this book if you hated her. Even the minor characters, her former best friend Brie, Duncan, Clementine the station manager, they work because they're foils for Chloe, Clementine's the serious to her free spirit, Duncan's the good at fixing things to her need to fix people, Brie's the dour pessimist to her eternal optimist. Just look at the radio segments with Queen Chloe and Jester Clem and you'll see how these characters work by playing off of her.

The plot, well it's almost exactly as advertised by the summary, the only other major plotline in the book is Chloe's family dealing with her grandmother's progressing Parkinson's, which is played mostly for laughs although a bit heartwarming too at times (obviously, I like reading about fun, hipster grannies). Honestly, the plot's not that great, it's cute and cheesy yet full of contradictions and has more holes than Swiss cheese. Everyone agrees that Chloe's so great around people, knowing just how to please, but yet most of the time she's too focused on herself to notice the big signs pointing to her friends' problems. My opinion of her really dropped when the reason for her fight with Brie came out, but even then I liked how she still tries to fix it, and when she can't, she move on yet still tries to do the right thing. Maybe some of the things she did here or there may have been a little too needy, but it fits with her character and I didn't care. And most important of all, Chloe's all about fixing people who she sees needing fixing, she doesn't hesitate, she goes for it, and it really shows.

I guess my rating all comes down to I really loved Chloe as a character. She's outgoing, optimistic, concerned about her friendships, wears her heart on her sleeve, it all reminded me of someone I know really well, I couldn't stop smiling as I was reading this book. If that's not the kind of character that sounds appealing to you though, this probably isn't the right book. But Chloe and Chloe worked for me.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 14, 2012 Tabby - IMReviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-books-i-own, reviewed-for-imr-2012

Original Review - http://interestedmindsreviews.blogspo...

This time, I decided to try something out of my comfort zone. We all know I normally go for the romantic suspense - hot men on the book cover - make you sweat type of books. I will say, I am glad that I decided to stray. This books was well worth the read! I couldn't be more happier with it.

Here you have Chloe, who is facing something we have all gone through at some point in our lives. She is dealing with a family that is trying to make...more Original Review - http://interestedmindsreviews.blogspo...

This time, I decided to try something out of my comfort zone. We all know I normally go for the romantic suspense - hot men on the book cover - make you sweat type of books. I will say, I am glad that I decided to stray. This books was well worth the read! I couldn't be more happier with it.

Here you have Chloe, who is facing something we have all gone through at some point in our lives. She is dealing with a family that is trying to make it through some hard times - her best friends have abandoned her all because of a misunderstanding - and due to her JISP project she needs to accomplish so she doesn't get an F - she's now in the fight to save the school radio show!

Enter Duncan stage left! Here you have a boy who is all alone dealing with a mother that has a Meth addiction and disappears for days at a time, comes back - says she is going to get clean - then starts the process all over again. He is working 2 jobs trying to make it and his only "family" at this point, are the other kids working the radio show.

When you throw two struggling people together, things are bound to get interesting! Chole, bless her heart, is trying to make a comeback after one of her ex best friends totally smears her reputation. Her only allies? The radio broadcasting crew.

What do they do? - They start 2 live talk shows. Both Featuring Chloe. - When one ends in a disaster & someone decides to burn down the broadcasting room - can the crew pull together and be there for one another? More importantly, can Chloe and Duncan be there for one another?

Watching Chloe fight her feelings for Duncan, tell him about them - then try and figure out exactly how Duncan - the biggest non emotion shower ever - really feels was so heart wrenching! This story was so well written and everything played out so well! I was shocked at times, depressed at times, but in the end - the story was, without a doubt amazing.

It's one of those "defeat the times" stories. How one, or in this case two, people can battle all odds, go against everything thrown and them, and still come out on top!(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 16, 2011 Katy marked it as probably-not-finishing

I'm sorry. I know that I requested this book on NetGalley to read it and offer my honest opinion, but I couldn't get past Chapter 3. At this point, I'm not sure I'll have anything nice to say, so I'm going to stop reading now, or I'll probably have to give it one star.

Chloe is just beyond annoying to me. She's a ditzy, self-centered, know-it-all with a sassy attitude, and she's just really grating on my nerves. No wonder her BFFs are mad and no longer talking to her. Most of the time, I don't le...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 09, 2012 Deniz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: high-school, ya

4.5 Stars

wow! i am gonna have to think about this one. Chloe was so irritatingly self-absorbed most of the time but there were so many other things that i really loved. There are so many things i need the wrap my head around still.
not even sure how i am gonna rate it... might still bump it up or down.

9/9/12 finally got my review together;

This book is ALL about Chloe. I can state with utter certainty that if you don't like her, you won't like this book. So let me warn you, Chloe is rather self-...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 06, 2012 MåїÐÂ»-(¯`v´¯)-» rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: book-boyfriends, books-of-2012, contemporary-romance, fave-books-of-2012, favorites, own-it-have-read-it, romance-and-life, young-adult

****I would like to thank Shelley Coriell for providing a review copy in exchange for a honest review! :D****

I am always looking for great contemporary books to read - most preferably ones without the cliche stories or loves at first sight - as it is one of my all time favourite genres. So, it’s always gratifying when I do find a book that genuinely takes me by surprise. Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe was said such book. I was very impressed by the way Ms. Coriell brilliantly captured the essen...more
****I would like to thank Shelley Coriell for providing a review copy in exchange for a honest review! :D****

I am always looking for great contemporary books to read - most preferably ones without the cliche stories or loves at first sight - as it is one of my all time favourite genres. So, it’s always gratifying when I do find a book that genuinely takes me by surprise. Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe was said such book. I was very impressed by the way Ms. Coriell brilliantly captured the essence of a teenage girl going to high school and what it means to be a part of a social clique that’s outside the norm. This book was a fun, fresh, meaningful read that kept me absorbed throughout the entire story and most definitely exceeded my expectations.

 Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe will surprise you. Naturally, you would expect a story of a teenage girl who falls in love and changes her life for the better, - instead this book gives you much more than that. It is not like other contemporary reads; centered on the romance or the tragedies the main character has gone through. It is a story full of everyday life lessons - and not just for the main character. Lessons that anyone can heed advice from, which is why I found it so meaningful and different.

 The characters all play an important role in this book. They were, essentially, the plot in a book like this, where there isn’t a heavy plot to begin with. Ms. Coriell created wonderful characters with distinguished personalities that are hard to forget. From the radio crew - Clementine, Frick & Frack, Haley, Taysom, Duncan - to Ms. Lungren (the guidance counselor), I enjoyed them all. Just the same, Chloe is the type of main character that anyone can easily fall in love with. She is bold, funny and very fun to read about. I loved the way Chloe grows and develops by the end of the story. She learns from the other characters and learns to accept that life has it’s ups & downs, you just have to deal with them the best way you can. Her unique personality is what made Chloe a three dimensional character. But that’s not just true for Chloe - all of Ms. Coriell’s characters had depth and their flaws were what made them seem so realistic.

Duncan is a very different main character. He’s not your usual bad boy type of personality which I found very fresh. This is, once again, the reason why the characters in this book are so believable - evidently because they are not portrayed as being fictional. The author presents the real world in her book for readers to experience. Duncan and Chloe’s romance was sweet and it made me smile and I was thankful that the story didn’t have the dependency characters always seem to develop after meeting “the one” in contemporary books. It was a nice touch.

Shelley Coriell really out-shined with her debut novel. The dynamic characters, the entertaining story, the meaningful life lessons, even exploring the world of a radio station, captured my attention. I was very content with the ending, as it was very appropriate based on the story, as a whole. Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe was a fun and light read that I would recommend to everyone. I just wish there was a sequel so I can explore the world of these characters again.

My Rating: 5 of 5 HEARTS!!!

This Review is also posted on my blog: Literary Love Affair
(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 01, 2012 Cheyenne Williams rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-ya-contemporary-challenge

I just want to give the cover artist for this book a vivacious round of applause. The colors, the clarity, the set-up, all make this cover pop. I can already tell this will be one of my favorite covers of the year.

What I liked:
Chloe has personality, that much is for sure. I respected her because even when it seemed like her life was seriously messed up sometimes, she kept on going. She didn't throw a pity party when her friends went AWOL on her or when troubled brewed at home or when her junior...more I just want to give the cover artist for this book a vivacious round of applause. The colors, the clarity, the set-up, all make this cover pop. I can already tell this will be one of my favorite covers of the year.

What I liked:
Chloe has personality, that much is for sure. I respected her because even when it seemed like her life was seriously messed up sometimes, she kept on going. She didn't throw a pity party when her friends went AWOL on her or when troubled brewed at home or when her junior study project is axed; instead, she tried to act on what was happening to help fix a situation.
When you get down to it, what I liked most about Chloe was her heart. You can tell she truly cares about everyone: Even her grandma and her mother when they won't stop arguing. Even the radio's general manager who wants to keep her off-air. Even ex-friends that try to ruin her at every turn.

The radio aspect of the book was, personally, my favorite. Chloe hosts a talk-show, where she highlights different topics of her own choosing, from pet peeves to comfort foods. I loved getting to listen in to her broadcasts and only wish there had been more radio time in the book.

Oh, and if you have a flair for vintage shoes, look no farther than Chloe, girl fashionista, strutting her shoes throughout the pages.

What I didn't like:
Chloe narrates the book with a very 21st century feel: the abbriviated BF instead of best friends, the drawn-out "gawwd" and "stoo-pid" to clarify how the characters talk, and a couple texts in their steriotypical lingo. I think it was meant to accentuate Chloe's style, but I got the feeling I'd been dropped into the hipster clique in middle school, or that I was hanging around that one mom that thinks using the lingo will make her kid's friends think she's cool.
Some points in the book attemped to stray from the radio hi-jinks and high school woes to more serious topics. While I appreciated the author's to merge a deeper tone into Chloe's story, I felt that sometimes they didn't mesh right. Chloe was too caught up in her school life to be really immersed in deeper plot lines, so they were just kind of woven together.

The bottom line:
If I could describe this book in a word, it would be playful. Chloe and her style were a mix-up from what I usually read, and they were a nice, fun, refresher. Chloe knows a thing or two about fun. If you're looking for something lighthearted and upbeat, try some Chloe.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

May 22, 2012 Mary (BookHounds) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, around-the-world-arc-tours, arc, young-adult

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. MY THOUGHTS
REALLY LIKED IT

*** spoilers ***

Chloe is a typical teen, has a few really close friends and is generally happy and upbeat. Known for her ability to make others laugh and make everyone have a good time, she is dumbfounded when her absolute best friend Brie has spread a vicious sexual rumor about her and her school counselor when Chloe wins the Mistletoe Crown instead of her at the winter formal. Her other bestie, Mercedes sides with Brie and helps pass around the rumor. Chloe goes from...more MY THOUGHTS
REALLY LIKED IT

*** spoilers ***

Chloe is a typical teen, has a few really close friends and is generally happy and upbeat. Known for her ability to make others laugh and make everyone have a good time, she is dumbfounded when her absolute best friend Brie has spread a vicious sexual rumor about her and her school counselor when Chloe wins the Mistletoe Crown instead of her at the winter formal. Her other bestie, Mercedes sides with Brie and helps pass around the rumor. Chloe goes from being on top of the school social ladder to the bottom rung. Chloe rebounds nicely when she is forced to help the school's radio station as part of her junior year project and becomes well liked again.

I loved how Chloe found her way right side up in this young adult contemporary tale. I don't know if it is fully a romance, but since she falls in love with Duncan, a guy with a horrible home life, I guess I will have to classify it as one. She also has a wonderful home life with five adoring older brothers and two professional parents. Chloe has a special bond with her grandmother who is experience a deteriorating lifestyle because of Parkinsons disease and can no longer live alone. There are a lot of really nice interactions between the two generations. Duncan is a whole nother mess: his mother is a drug addict and he is trying his hardest to work and go to school with his only outlet as the radio station and Chloe falls hard for him.

There is a band of misfits at the radio station and Chloe finds it easy to get through life since her home life is so stable. Her best friends accuse her of not caring or listening to them. Brie's family is going through a divorce and she is losing everything which is the real cause of her starting the rumor. The rumor is the major thing that didn't ring true to me in this day and age. To me, this would have made front page news, especially when one student accuses a teacher of misconduct. Where is the outcry from the adults? There are a few twists and turns to the end with a climatic scene where the radio station is burned down and everyone hates Chloe again. Overall, I found this a quite enjoyable read and look forward to more from this author. There are mentions of drugs and alcohol and some normal kissing, so it is a pretty safe read for younger teens and should bring up some good discussion points. (less)

1 like · like · see review

May 02, 2012 Racquel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, ya-contemporary, read-in-2012, favorites, contemporary

Review also posted on my blog: The Book Barbies

Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe was not what I expected and that's a good thing! Going into the book, I thought it's going to be a cute, fun one sitting read and while yes it was fun, cute and I finished it a few hours, Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe still managed to weave serious issues into it's plot while still remaining to be a light read, A perfect balance between fun and meaningful!

Chloe has lost her best friends, her five brothers are away at...more

2 likes · like · see review

Feb 25, 2012 Fred rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Audrey Wait, The Naughty List

Recommended to Fred by: Netgalley

Chloe Camdem is a girl of large enthusiasms and small self-consciousness. She's pretty, popular, and the youngest child of a large, happy and wealthy family of doctors (who are all a bit too busy for her, actually). Despite those trappings of entitlement, Chloe's the kind of girl who's not too cool to enthusiastically wear a burrito costume advertising the Mexican restaurant where she works and finds friendship, inspiration and guidance. She also spends lots of time with her grandmother, whose f...more

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 25, 2012 Reut (reutreads) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-dac

Originally reviewed on reutreads, a young adult book blog.

I've been talking about Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe for a while now. I loved the radio element to the plot--I've had a slight fixation of high school radio ever since I started watching Radio Free Roscoe when I was 6-8 years old. If you've watched that show, HOLLA!--and I also love the kind of humorous high school contemporary sub-genre Chloe seemed like it was a part of.

Anyway. I started reading Welcome, Caller, and was kind of struck...more Originally reviewed on reutreads, a young adult book blog.

I've been talking about Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe for a while now. I loved the radio element to the plot--I've had a slight fixation of high school radio ever since I started watching Radio Free Roscoe when I was 6-8 years old. If you've watched that show, HOLLA!--and I also love the kind of humorous high school contemporary sub-genre Chloe seemed like it was a part of.

Anyway. I started reading Welcome, Caller, and was kind of struck by a few things. The first: Chloe's kind of annoying. She's totally self-absorbed, painfully so, and this leads to complications, shall we say. Her constant, "I'm so great lalala" gets old very fast. Her radio show, when it starts, is called Chloe, Queen of the Universe, and she ever refers to her listeners as minions. And of course, we had this quote, and I'm not really sure why it stuck with me but it did:

"I'm in the drama club, so I'm used to getting attention."

But the second thing I noticed was that her characterization was amazing. Chloe is a flawed character, of course (but aren't they all?), but she's also a girl with an extremely big heart who genuinely cares about others. The constant juxtaposition of these two traits was conflicting, so ultimately I just give kudos to Shelley Coriell for really, really good characterization, in her main character at least--central to contemporary lit, of course.

However, where Chloe almost jumps off the page, Duncan and most of the supporting characters just fall flat. There is (you knew there would be) a romance in Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe, but I never rooted for the romance because I just never connected to Duncan. He's the strong and silent type (a perfect match for Chloe), but this just doesn't translate well to YA of this sub-genre.

I've focused a lot on the characters in this review, but I would like to talk about some other things quickly. The pacing in CHLOE is well done; I got through the first 100 pages without even realizing. It slows down for while at certain parts, but I suspect that has to do with my reluctance to read eBooks and not entirely with the book. The radio show was really well done. There were a couple small areas of the book that bothered me, like the plot thread at the end, the way the whole plot device that should have resurfaced was barely mentioned at the end, and the constant, CONSTANT reiterating that Brie's lips were "frosty pink." Seriously, I should have counted.

Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe was a fun contemporary read. It has its flaws, but I recommend it for fun, escapist fiction.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Feb 13, 2012 Sashana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks-owned, contemporary-romance-ya, realistic-fiction, half-stars

3.5 Stars
It's so refreshing to read about a teen with confidence (Google it!). Chloe's spitfire attitude, resilience, sense of humor, and kindness made this book very easy to enjoy. While I do consider this book a 'light read' it also addressed some pretty serious issues such as substance abuse, waning friendships, and Parkinson's disease. It's perfect a perfect pick for when you're looking for that in-between book.

1 like · like · see review

May 21, 2013 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, arc-galleys, chic-lit, contemporary, high-school, humor, music-musician-rockstar, own-ebook, romance, realistic-fiction, bad-boys-of-all-flavors, drama

I got this from Netgalley last year and I honestly just never had the time to get to it.. Alot happened for me last year But had I known it was going to be the light fun but at point serious read I would have read it when I got it!

Welcome Caller This Is Chloe is a light with some genuinely entertaining and sweet moments.

This story is about perpetually positive, extroverted Chloe,as she stumbles down the social ladder, navigates a family battleground, deals with the deterioration of her grandmot...more

like · see review

Mar 24, 2013 Stephanie A. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: girl-protagonists, contemporary-ya

I expected this to be a glitzy read, and was surprised by the amount of heart lurking beneath it. Much like Clementine, I expected the main character to be insincere, all fluff and no substance, but she was more like one of those busy popular girls who turns out to be really nice as soon as you talk to her alone. The most aggravating person was the guidance counselor; I wanted to slap everyone involved with "JISP" long before the end (I'm an adult and still aggravated by such pretentious and unr...more

like · see review

Feb 20, 2013 Juli rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, kindle-edition, favorites, new-in-2013

I love books that make me laugh but that also have a ton of heart, and this one has both. My only quibble is that there were a lot of misunderstandings in this story, and for the most part, they felt like plot devices. I like my plot devices to be inconspicuous, unassuming, sneaky, difficult to point out, etc. If they're there at all. Surely something can move the story along and still be part of the story? Chloe was BFFs with these same girls for years, and they drop her like a hot potato as so...more

like · see review

Feb 05, 2013 Alex rated it 2 of 5 stars

This definitely wasn't a terrible book, but there was just nothing remarkable about it at all. It was an entertaining story, but I had a lot of problems with it.

I don't understand if we were supposed to like Chloe or not. The blurb tells me she is "big-hearted" but from the second we meet her she strikes me as just a shallow, self-absorbed airhead. This fact is only cemented when her best friends instantly turn on her and tell her that everything is always about her and they're sick of it. I go...more

like · see review

Aug 16, 2012 Bibliojunkies added it

Big-hearted Chloe Camden is the queen of her universe until her best friend shreds her reputation and her school counselor axes her junior independent study project. Chloe is forced to take on a meaningful project in order to pass, and so she joins her school’s struggling radio station, where the other students don’t find her too queenly. Ostracized by her former BFs and struggling with her beloved Grams’s mental deterioration, lonely Chloe ends up hosting a call-in show that gets the station mu...more Big-hearted Chloe Camden is the queen of her universe until her best friend shreds her reputation and her school counselor axes her junior independent study project. Chloe is forced to take on a meaningful project in order to pass, and so she joins her school’s struggling radio station, where the other students don’t find her too queenly. Ostracized by her former BFs and struggling with her beloved Grams’s mental deterioration, lonely Chloe ends up hosting a call-in show that gets the station much-needed publicity and, in the end, trouble. She also befriends radio techie and loner Duncan Moore, a quiet soul with a romantic heart. On and off the air, Chloe faces her loneliness and helps others find the fun and joy in everyday life. Readers will fall in love with Chloe as she falls in love with the radio station and the misfits who call it home. (Description taken from GoodReads)

Bel asked if I wanted to Welcome Back Caller, This is Chloe. She had requested it for us from NetGalley but wasn’t able to read it right away. This wasn’t one that I would normally look at but it sounded fun so I gave it a go. And I am glad that I did. What I found was a fun light read that was entertaining and uplifting.

After winter break, Chloe Camden returns to school to find herself the subject of hushed whispers and dirty looks. She has no idea why. Neither of her best friends will talk to her to tell her what is going on. On top of that, her new counselor has decided her Junior Independent Study Project, Villainous Vixens: The Not-so-Squeaky-Clean Women of Daytime Soap Operas, does not meet the necessary criteria and she must choose a new one. When Chloe waits until the last minute to choose a new topic, her counselor chooses one for her - Chloe will be handling promotions for the floundering school radio station. On top of all this, add some issues at home and the second half of her junior year isn’t looking so hot.

Good or bad, Chloe refuses to allow things outside her control ruin her life. And this is why I really enjoyed this book. In a lot of stories like this, our heroine would slip into a depression and would need the help of either a boy or a new BFF to pull her out of it. Not Chloe. Sure she is seriously hurt by what is going on in her life but instead of getting down, she keeps moving on. Her happy and super positive attitude keeps her head above water and in turn earns her a whole new group of friends that she may have never met otherwise.

I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for quick, light read.

Nat (less)

like · see review

Aug 01, 2012 Riya rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: female-heroine, flirting, fun, hot-male-leads, light-read, review-copy-own, bullying

Originally posted at http://www.teenbookguru.com/2012/07/r...

**A review copy was provided by Amulet Books (thank you!!)**

"Sometimes change sneaks up on you, carried in on the breath of spring, sliding through the sun-soaked waves of summer, breezing along the whisper and crackle of fall. Other times change prefers a more direct route. It comes down fast and hard. Wham! Like a ginormous hammer."

Chloe Camden's purrrrfect (as her counselor would say it!) life, has taken a change... seemingly for th...more Originally posted at http://www.teenbookguru.com/2012/07/r...

**A review copy was provided by Amulet Books (thank you!!)**

"Sometimes change sneaks up on you, carried in on the breath of spring, sliding through the sun-soaked waves of summer, breezing along the whisper and crackle of fall. Other times change prefers a more direct route. It comes down fast and hard. Wham! Like a ginormous hammer."

Chloe Camden's purrrrfect (as her counselor would say it!) life, has taken a change... seemingly for the worse. Her two best friends have completely ostracized her, taking her place in the A-list with them; her Junior Independent Study Project has been rejected by the review board; and things at home between Grams and Mom have gone from bad to worse.

But Chloe is determined not to let any of it get the best of her - not even when Brie (her EX- best friend, and the most popular girl in the grade) starts spreading nasty rumors about her... or when Grams floods the house... and ESPECIALLY NOT when her new puurrfectly kitty-like, green eyed Counselor suggests joining the school's set-up-for-failure Radio Station, KDRS 88.8 The Edge. Still, Chloe's always up for a challenge, and with super brooding, misunderstood, broad-shouldered, hunk of a guy Duncan Moore alongside her, she steps up to the plate... and tries to make this old, forgotten about Radio Station popular again, not only for her JISP (Junior Independent Study Project), but to show herself that she can do it.

This book was a light, refreshing read with a lovable, funny heroine. While I didn't fall madly in love with it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The beginning was a little bit slow, and it took a while for it to pick up pace, but once it did, I was fully absorbed. I finished it in one sitting! Chloe was a really easy to fall in love with type of MC, and I'll admit, I fell for her, and her lovable, quirky, cast of misfits over at the Radio Station. Where at first they aren't too sure of Chloe and her 'skater girl' ways, it's not long before they are one hundred percent behind her.

Oh my gaaaaaaawwwd (as Jester Clem would say!), I loved Duncan Moore. He was hard-working, sweet, caring, and patient. AND he had broad shoulders!!! Hehe I kind of have a thing for broad shoulders if you haven't noticed already. When Chloe started noticing him, my heart dropped, because I was pretty sure that Chloe would just 'use' him, but she didn't!!!

Chloe surprised me in a lot of ways, actually. At first I thought she was just the kind of girl who didn't really care about anyone else and was so self-absorbed in her own problems and life, but later on I started to notice that she started caring and noticing other people, and I think she really started to realize that she's not the only person with problems. Chloe, while she was definitely not perfect, was one of the most confident female characters that I've read about in a long time! She was strong, and completely believed in herself. It was a really nice, refreshing change!

Welcome Caller, This Is Chloe, is a moving, light read that tackles a whole range of problems, from family issues, and popularity, to alcoholism and drugs... all the while remaining a fairly easy and fluffy read.

Are you feeling down in the dumps? Need a light read to cheer you up and make you laugh? If so, Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe, is the perfect book for you.
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 25, 2012 Preet rated it 3 of 5 stars

I’m all for quirky lovable characters usually, but Chloe just didn’t do it for me. It was one of those books I really wanted to like but couldn’t. Most of this is due to the character of Chloe. It almost felt as if she tried really hard to be eccentric. I’m all for keeping a positive outlook on life and being carefree, but I just couldn’t for the life of me get into her. I continuously felt her quirks being pushed on me to give off that impression of how amazing she was. Yes, I got it! You have...more

like · see review

Jul 18, 2012 Reading Teen rated it 4 of 5 stars

After reading 3 very heavy stories about rape and suicide, it was with great pleasure that I picked up "Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe". I was prepared for a mindless romantic comedy. While there is some romance and quite a bit of humor, there is also a serious and thoughtful story underneath. The main character, Chloe Camden, is a bubbly, outgoing, quirky girl who enjoys making people laugh and have fun while wearing a cute pair of vintage shoes. What I like most about this character is that sh...more

1 like · like · see review

May 28, 2012 Paul Hankins rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: may-2012-reads, young-adult-social-issues, young-adult-mystery, young-adult-issue-don-t-miss, young-adult-humor, young-adult-fiction

When a young ladies JISP (Junior Independent Study Project) is pulled by a new guidance counselor, Chloe is forced to select another. Failing to meet the deadline to declare a new project, one is assigned to her--to be a part of a fledgling radio station almost everyone at the school has forgotten.

Except for the students who work there, a group of misfits who have found a place. . .and a place for one another. Can they find room for the extra perky fan of vintage footwear?

Here's why I like Corie...more

1 like · like · see review

May 18, 2012 Sharon Tyler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell is a young adult novel about one outgoing teen facing a changing world. Her summer has been horrible, stuck in the middle of a battle of wills between her mother and grandmother. Just as he thinks everything is going top get better, her junior year project is something she loves and she is anxious to see her friends. But in one day her project is axed and her friends are spreading vicious rumors about her and trying to ruin her reputation. Howeve...more Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe by Shelley Coriell is a young adult novel about one outgoing teen facing a changing world. Her summer has been horrible, stuck in the middle of a battle of wills between her mother and grandmother. Just as he thinks everything is going top get better, her junior year project is something she loves and she is anxious to see her friends. But in one day her project is axed and her friends are spreading vicious rumors about her and trying to ruin her reputation. However, her assigned project of trying to save the school radio station just might led Chloe to an unexpected but perfect path to finding her own way.

Chloe Camden is big-hearted, but wrapped up in her own significant dramas. Her grandmother is suffering from Parkinson's, and declining, while regularly clashing with Chloe's mother in her bids to maintain some independence. She has spent the summer playing referee, but in the process missed some serious support time she should have offered to her friends, even though she had no idea she was needed. The first day of school the situation begins to implode, and she discovers that her independent project and her friendships have been changed irrevocably. When she joins the radio station's team Chloe feels out of her element, and she is put to the test. She needs to hold her own among people who have no real desire to include her in their circle, and needs to forge her new path. Duncan, the radio's fix it man, is a loner with his own family troubles that fascinates Chloe. Clementine is the station's manager, and far from Chloe's biggest fan. The entire radio team is as eclectic and individually interesting as Chloe herself.

Chloe has a little too much enthusiasm to have ever been one of my friends, I related much more to Clem. Chloe is perky, and a little too obsessed with vintage shoes. However, she is ware of the fact that she can be a bit much, but does not apologize for her personality. She is who she is, and despite coming from a wealthy family has no compunction to work hard, and even done a burritos costume and make the most of it. She might be self-absorbed, but she is confident and willing to own up to her mistakes. I really liked that she spoke her mind, and did not hide her thoughts or feelings from anyone. That is real bravery.

I highly recommend Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe to readers around twelve and older. This is a young adult novel that deals with some tough issues; addiction, family struggles, illness, changing friendships, and bullying. There are also the expected issues of teenage angst and relationships that come with the high school setting. The novel as a whole was an entertaining read with some really great characters and ideas.(less)

like · see review

May 06, 2012 Majibookshelf Juhina & Farah rated it 4 of 5 stars

I do have to say that, Welcome Caller This is Chloe is a book that was very different from any other book. Not in terms of idea or characters or etc, but the flow of events and the writing overall was great. Not once did I feel that anything was misplaced, exaggerated, or unrealistic. Usually, when I read a book, the decisions the protagonist makes are either lame, irrational, or just don't make sense. Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe was such a fun contemporary book! The main protagonist, Chloe,...more

like · see review

May 03, 2012 Karen Yingling rated it 2 of 5 stars

Chloe has a great life-- she's just been elected dance queen and has two great friends. Things start to go south when her friends are upset at how she treated them after being elected queen and stop talking to her. Her grandmother's Parkinson's is getting worse, and she may have to go into an assisted living facility. Worst of all, she has an annoying new guidance counselor who has denied her junior project (that had to do with soap opera vixens) and signs her up instead to help with the failing...more

like · see review

Apr 30, 2012 Alice in Readerland rated it 3 of 5 stars

See my full review on my blog, Alice in Readerland ( http://aliceinreaderland.wordpress.com/ )

Title: Welcome, Caller, This is Chloe
Author: Shelley Coriell
Publisher: ABRAMS
Imprint: Amulet Books
Publishing Date: May 1st, 2012
ISBN: 9781419701917
Page Count: 320
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley

I loved this concept. Radio station? A confident, sassy lead? Yes please!

Chloe loves vintage shoes and is not ashamed to wear a giant burrito costume. She’s enthusiastic, she’s optimistic, and she’s bol...more

like · see review

title link	preview: Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe
avg rating	preview: Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe Goodreads rating: 3.85 (1158 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12962924-welcome-caller-this-is-chloe?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1334930557l/12962924.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12962924-welcome-caller-this-is-chloe?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe by Shelley Coriell[/url]

Welcome, Caller, This Is Chloe

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (3)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Shelley Coriell

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Welcome, Caller, ...

Quotes from Welcome, Caller, This ...