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Semi-Charmed Life

by Nora Zelevansky (Goodreads Author)

3.41 of 5 stars 3.41 · rating details · 111 ratings · 42 reviews

In Nora Zelevansky’s hilarious debut, Semi-Charmed Life, an Upper West Side naïf, Beatrice Bernstein, gets swept up in the seemingly magical life of socialite Veruca Pfeffernoose, while ghost writing her blog. Veruca’s glitteringly opulent world soon seduces Beatrice away from her own insular, arty family with a promise of fancy parties, travel outside Manhattan (for once)...more

Paperback, 336 pages

Published July 3rd 2012 by St. Martin's Griffin

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Aug 16, 2012 Giselle rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: own, arc, contemporary

What started out as adventurous and New York chic, this quickly turned into a bizarre magical contemporary. When you include an overwhelming quantity of references that went way over my head, Semi-Charmed Life ended up being an exceptionally tedious and confusing read.

I absolutely adore New York City. I visited a year ago and I was dazzled by the lifestyle and how it seems to be in its own world. Since, I've come to love books set in the Big Apple. I can revive the energy I felt walking the str...more What started out as adventurous and New York chic, this quickly turned into a bizarre magical contemporary. When you include an overwhelming quantity of references that went way over my head, Semi-Charmed Life ended up being an exceptionally tedious and confusing read.

I absolutely adore New York City. I visited a year ago and I was dazzled by the lifestyle and how it seems to be in its own world. Since, I've come to love books set in the Big Apple. I can revive the energy I felt walking the streets, hear the strangely refreshing noise of people living lives like no other, re-experience the city that never sleeps. It's what compelled me to initially pick this book up, and I was especially pleased with how much the NYC setting came alive. Hence, at the beginning I was actually quite enchanted by it all, staying convinced that I was truly going to enjoy it.

Then... strange writing in her notebook starts to appear and disappear. (What is this book supposed to be? O_O). Then, constant parties with extreme detailing keeps putting me to sleep. Then, talk of tatamis, and beef negimaki, and rogan gosh, and ryokan, and Mark Rothko, and caipirinhas, and remarks that go like: "[...] preach-to-the-choir debates about neo-postmodernism in a postmodern age or the revival of modernism in an antimodernist millenium or ever Fairway belly lox versus Zabar's nova" …*blinks*… Dude! What am I reading here? I so did not go to Harvard! Name dropping after name dropping, reference after reference; nothing from my generation, and definitely not things a simple small-town Canadian girl in her 20s would know of. Since they would come in bursts I kept hoping it was just to give a feel of NYC, where people can be more elite and talk about fried sopaipillas and Proust studies, unfortunately it never let up and halted my enjoyment of this novel exponentially.

Another big factor in my displeasure of this novel is the writing style the author adopted. Written in a third person omniscient point of view, it's extremely hard to get a feel of who the characters truly are. It's not a perspective I have ever really enjoyed as it keeps the characters' thoughts and the emotions of the story at arm's length, detached. Think of it like someone who is telling someone else's story, not letting it be an experience. This is purely a factor of individual taste, some readers may really like this type of telling, but I, for one, am unable to get captured by a story told in this manner.

What starts as a contemporary read suddenly turns on the strange side when mysterious messages start to appear, and simple lofts suddenly become luxurious first class accommodations. I was not expecting anything supernatural from this novel. It caught me off guard and I'm not convinced it really fits in the story. It may give it a magical flair, but it remains off-putting. It's like Gossip Girl meets the Encyclopedia, meets cameos of Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

There is one positive thing I can mention about this book: The characters are fabulous. Regardless of being kept at arm's length, I enjoyed the personalities that run through these pages with their exotic natures. There are a lot of names to keep track of, but the ones that are prominent have made this enjoyable enough that, despite having so much trouble getting through the story, I never quit, though at times I really wanted to.

With that said, I think this book calls for a certain readership. An older generation who loves perpetual references and an over the top lavish lifestyle (and vocabulary) may just be the perfect audience for this novel.

--
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.

For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads

(less)

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Jul 25, 2012 Preet rated it 4 of 5 stars

Happy fourth you wonderful people! What better way than to bring in the day with a little New York socialite fun, right? Semi-Charmed Life was such a fun read! Though it took a bit of time to get properly started for me, I loved being thrown into the New York posh life while still being an outsider. I will always be a hardcore West coast/California lover, but after hearing so much about New York life it's like you're walking the streets with Beatrice as she tries to figure out life.

I was actuall...more Happy fourth you wonderful people! What better way than to bring in the day with a little New York socialite fun, right? Semi-Charmed Life was such a fun read! Though it took a bit of time to get properly started for me, I loved being thrown into the New York posh life while still being an outsider. I will always be a hardcore West coast/California lover, but after hearing so much about New York life it's like you're walking the streets with Beatrice as she tries to figure out life.

I was actually surprised to end up really liking Beatrice. At the beginning I really thought I wouldn't, but her personality is so likable that I loved being in her head. Though I do think her tangents at times were a little long to the point I kind of skimmed through them, I enjoyed being able to see her train of thought to events. I really liked that she was just as lost in life even if at first glance it would seem she has everything together. Zelevansky also writes a nice group of side characters throughout the story that definitely kept me reading. Veruca was kind for the most part, but always had that somewhat controlling undercurrent that kept me wary of her. Ben is so adorable that I really couldn't wait to see his shirtless bod with Beatrice in non-shirtless situations. (Get that head out of the gutter, gosh.) I also continually imagined him with a stake like Buffy...Yeah, I know you're intrigued.

My only real issue with the book was the slight magical touch in the story. It kind of threw the story off for me at times because I'd start contemplating what was behind events instead of the story. It isn't anything that ruins the book, but I don't really think it added much for me so I could've lived without it.

Not only is Nora Zelevansky's Semi-Charmed Life that perfect summer read to whisk you away to trips you've only dreamed about, but it's also about finding and being true to who you are. I look forward to seeing more by Zelevansky in the future because she's definitely made me a fan. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me a copy for review.

Soundtrack:

Runaway - Mat Kearny
When Did Your Heart Go Missing - Rooney
Beat of My Own Song - Meme
Where You're Coming From - Matt and Kim(less)

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Jan 14, 2013 Tim Jones rated it 3 of 5 stars

If you're looking for a new DEVIL WEARS PRADA, this is for you. I pits you into situations that Bea and the reader long to have: the glamorous life of designer clothing, the cream of the crop phone book contacts, and the notion that anything and everything is completely possible. The one thing I enjoyed the most about the book was a sense of mystery and paranormal activities that surrounded our heroine, though when things were revealed, I felt Zelevansky could have kept that unique tension going...more

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Aug 28, 2012 Jeanbooknerd rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

Semi-Charmed Life is the debut novel from Nora Zelevansky which tells the story of a college senior, Beatrice Bernstein, seeking for a change in her life. Her parents are adamant about her not leaving New York as they claim everything they need is there. Beatrice on the other hand is very curious about the outer boundaries of New York and wants to experience what the world has to offer. She finds Veruca Pfeffernoose, a socialite who she helps ghost write for Veruca’s blog. Attending all of the e...more

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Jul 21, 2012 cupcake rated it 4 of 5 stars

There are some things I just do not understand about people. For instance, why are there Kardashians? Why do we allow them to exist outside of their home? Why do we allow those Jersey Shore cretins to make more money than an entire platoon of troops? Why do people watch crap like that on television?

It isn't that Nora Zelevansky answers those questions in Semi-Charmed Life, but she does get to the essence of why we so willingly follow these idiots off cliffs: fame, fortune and free swag.

College s...more There are some things I just do not understand about people. For instance, why are there Kardashians? Why do we allow them to exist outside of their home? Why do we allow those Jersey Shore cretins to make more money than an entire platoon of troops? Why do people watch crap like that on television?

It isn't that Nora Zelevansky answers those questions in Semi-Charmed Life, but she does get to the essence of why we so willingly follow these idiots off cliffs: fame, fortune and free swag.

College senior Beatrice Bernstein finds herself caught up in the whirlwind known as Veruca Pfeffernoose, a blonde socialite (think Paris Hilton, another parasite whose fame is beyond all rational thought) who hires Beatrice to ghost write a blog detailing Veruca's high flying lifestyle. Of course Beatrice falls in thrall with private planes, facials and Balenciaga bags. She even finds herself copping Veruca's attitude.

To the unknowing onlooker, Beatrice might easily have been the crew's queen bee. She was now a fully indoctrinated member of Veruca's gang. In observing the media princess so closely she had unconsciously picked up some habits, including the socialite's coy crinkling of the nose whenever she was digging in her heels. She'd also perfected the blank stare, which Veruca - and now Beatrice - used to avoid communicating an actual opinion, perhaps about a given reality TV star or gossip columnist.

Yes, poor Beatrice. all of that free designer footwear and top shelf champagne is like the serpent in the Garden of Eden: nothing good can come of it. Beatrice compromises her credo, not to mention warps her moral compass. She ditches friends and family, while coveting Veruca's hot boyfriend Ben.

Can Beatrice be saved?

Well, of course she can. What might have made this a better book is if she COULDN'T. But ... just because this is predictable does not mean it is not enjoyable. There are a few zigs when you think Zelevansky will zag, and Beatrice is someone we really do want to rescue. We can't leave her with Veruca and her pals, aka the Axis of Evil.

Zelevansky take us around the world with Beatrice, Veruca and their hangers-on, and we can understand why Beatrice cannot resist the pull of Veruca's orbit. Yes, you easily an predict the outcome. But this is a fun, escapist book that might even cause you to question the popularity of real-life Verucas. If we are so stupid as to condone their fame, can we blame them? Or ourselves?

This review is published on cupcake's book cupboard. @VivaAmaRisata
Thanks to NetGalley for the preview.(less)

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Jul 11, 2012 Khelsey Jackson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Beatrice Bernstein is sick of her sheltered life and wants a change. She wants to make her own choices like an adult. Her senior year of college because she would be living in off campus housing with her best friend Dolly. Her new places turned out to be below her expectations, she is forced to take Veruca Pfeffernoose's offer. She would be ghost writing for the socialite's blog and in exchange she would be living in Veruca's extravagant loft. Writing Veruca's blog also means Beatrice has to fol...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Ashley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley-e-arc

My Thoughts: First, Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for letting me review an early e-arc of Nora Zelevansky's debut novel. Second, I just want to point out the gorgeous cover. I love the water color effect of it. If for nothing else, get the book just for the cover.
This book grew on me while reading. It was a little hard to get into, but the middle part really hooked me in and I became engaged in the story.
I really liked the character of Beatrice. She really illustrated that feeling o...more

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Jul 31, 2012 Catherine rated it 2 of 5 stars

Beatrice Bernstein, of the art world Bernsteins, is faced with a difficult decision: spend her senior year living in a roach and mold infested basement apartment or ghost-write a blog for the chic and mysterious socialite, Veruca Pfeffernoose. Balancing her ethics against sleepless nights fully clothed to avoid any contact with anything in her closet-apartment and Beatrice’s ethics beat a hasty retreat. She cheerfully embraces Veruca’s world where whatever is desired will appear and at a moment’...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Mw rated it 1 of 5 stars

Initially, I thought it was a cute read, almost like "Clueless" meets the "Devil Wears Prada" but on a more juvenile level.

The protagonist, Beatrice, was a poor little rich girl who felt she was overshadowed by the fame of her family members. And like most sheltered individuals, she would like to "experience the world" and "find herself" rather than being a "Bernstein." Fair enough.

Her trials and tribulations were unrealistically amusing, but then three quarters way through the novel, things t...more

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May 30, 2012 Stephanie Cowart rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
I absolutely loved this book! I didn't want to put it down. It was just so fun and hilarious!
Beatrice is so excited to start her senior year of college and live in off campus housing. She has a great family - an older sister and very loving parents - but they can be a bit smothering at times. They've never been anywhere outside of New York (even though they are internationally recognized art dealers) and Beatrice is ready for some i...more

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Oct 10, 2012 InkBitten rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sarah

Sarah's review of Semi-Charmed Life by Nora Zelevansky

Judged by the Cover: THIS IS NEW!!!
Time of Day: Sure, Why Not?
Head Over Heels: Possibly, Kinda
Bonus Features: Makeup, Travel
Anti-Bonus Features: WTH MomentFinal Flavor: Shirley Temple
This book was an ARC given to us by the lovely people at St. Martin's Griffen. It was released July 3, 2012.

Judged by the Cover: THIS IS NEW!!!
This is one of those wonderfully rare occasions where I can confidently say that this cover is in no way even close t...more

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Jul 26, 2012 Nicole Sobon rated it 5 of 5 stars

My rating 4.5/5 Stars.

I love it when a book surprises me, and that is exactly what SEMI-CHARMED LIFE did. I hadn’t heard much about this novel before being contacted by St. Martin’s to review the title. Had they not contacted me, I probably would have missed out on this one, which would have been a shame because I genuinely enjoyed Zelevansky’s debut.

SEMI-CHARMED LIFE is about Beatrice Bernstein, a college senior desperate for change. She ends up finding that change with the help of Veruca Pfeff...more

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Jul 30, 2012 Thalia rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Adults Looking for Somethnig Light

Recommended to Thalia by: Krysten Powell

Shelves: i-own, contemporary

Before we get started, my rating is, obviously, reflective of my own enjoyment from the book. However, I think this book is more suited towards adults, and I think if I was in the generation or age range to understand the billions of references thrown around in the course of this novel, I probably would have given it a four, or at least a three. My main frustration with the book was being unable to understand the Zelevansky was even talking about most of the time, as this book is a big name drop...more

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Oct 08, 2012 Lu Ann rated it 3 of 5 stars

Young Beatrice was discouraged with her life. Although she was entering her Senior year of college, she felt unsettled and not certain what her true career would be. After suffering a bout of the flu, she arrived at her new university apartment only to experience a nightmare from the 'twilight zone'. This opens a 'universe' of bizarre situations and an opportunity or a new and enticing career move. This could lead to exciting adventures and fulfill dreams she didn't realize she had.
This is a sto...more

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Aug 21, 2012 ~Kate~ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks, 2012, funny-in-parts, romance, 3-stars, arc, dont-own, ya

I was sent an email from the publishers to see if I wanted to review this book which sounded like something that I haven't tried before and it sounded good so I thought I would give it a try. I am glad I did as it was a likable book just not a great book.

This cover I love and to be honest it would have sold me the book if I actually had seen it before I started reading it. I love that it looks like the cover has been drawn which is fitting to the actual story as there is a lot of art influence...more I was sent an email from the publishers to see if I wanted to review this book which sounded like something that I haven't tried before and it sounded good so I thought I would give it a try. I am glad I did as it was a likable book just not a great book.

This cover I love and to be honest it would have sold me the book if I actually had seen it before I started reading it. I love that it looks like the cover has been drawn which is fitting to the actual story as there is a lot of art influence throughout the book. I do think the title should have been more bolder as the rest of the cover over powers it.

This is a debut novel from Nora Zelevansky which I think she has done a good job as I did find it funny and I think she will only get better with time. I did get confused to some of the things she had written as at the beginning I thought that it was set in the past but then when I went further into the book I found that it was actually set in the present time.

I did find it a bit too shallow for my liking as I was expecting a bit more from this book. When I got the email telling me about this book they said if I liked Gossip Girl then I would love this and yes I love Gossip Girl and yes this book was similar I just didn't love it as much because the characters was annoying. I did get a bit lost at times as I just didn't get what was happening even when I finished the book I felt lost. Some of the time when I picked the book up to read a bit more I didn't like it but there was a lot of times when I would pick it up and think it was a good book. There wasn't any action in any shape of form it just lacked that sparkle that I love to see in a contemporary book.

Beatrice was a bit annoying in the way that she just dropped her close friends for 'friends' that she had just met I just didn't get why she would do that. I also found her very naive and just let everyone walk all over her. Towards the end she did grow on me and found she started to act more like her age which was 21 instead of someone a lot younger. Veruca I didn't like throughout the book as she seemed like she just uses everyone but then there is a huge twist at the end which made me re-think her character. Ben I liked he was funny and I loved the interaction between him and Beatrice.

Overall a likable read but there was times when it was good and then other times when I just didn't get on with it. It was a light read with nothing too heavy going on.(less)

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Oct 10, 2012 Fox rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, fiction, fantasy, ya-lit, chick-lit, humor, 2012

I won this book through the first-reads program.

Semi-Charmed Life is Nora Zelevansky's authorial debut, and also a novel that she wrote during NaNoWriMo if I'm not mistaken. The book is a well-done satire on how obsessed we are as a culture with the concepts and trappings on fame, and how hollow a pursuit it truly can be. Wrapped up in all of this commentary is a dash of magical realism, well placed humor, and an air of mystery. That's quite a lot for a first novel to contain.

Personally, I found...more I won this book through the first-reads program.

Semi-Charmed Life is Nora Zelevansky's authorial debut, and also a novel that she wrote during NaNoWriMo if I'm not mistaken. The book is a well-done satire on how obsessed we are as a culture with the concepts and trappings on fame, and how hollow a pursuit it truly can be. Wrapped up in all of this commentary is a dash of magical realism, well placed humor, and an air of mystery. That's quite a lot for a first novel to contain.

Personally, I found the book a bit difficult. Primarily, I think that's more my problem than it is a reflection on the book. Not being too engaged in the TMZ culture the book is talking about, some of the references were lost on me and I think a fair bit of that humor missed me. I felt a bit late to the party, but I can think of a few friends of mine who would be caught right in the middle of it all.

The jokes that I did get were unanimously hilarious. In particular the line about Jackson Pollock was great, and some of the jabs at both the Goth culture and poetry culture were great. I think if the book had been more focused on literary figures and the like I would have had an easier time of it. Actually, Fifty Shades of Louisa May comes to mind, though these books are leagues apart.

The writing was solid, though bit too reference heavy for my taste. The actual story was well done, and once I passed the 73 page mark the book really began to flow for me as a reader. I enjoyed the fact that she took a magical realism approach to the book, and would actual push to emphasise that aspect of it next time around. The no-holds barred approach to the fantastic element reminded me of Jonathan Carroll's sheer weirdness, though as a first novel, the writing lacked some of the confidence needed to truly pull off something of Carroll's stature.

All in all, I did enjoy the book and am curious to see what happens next. Nora Zelevanksy is an author that I'm hoping to see more of, and I'm hoping will keep up the irreverent air shown in this first novel. Now, if only I could conjure up a Veruca for my own life!(less)

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Sep 19, 2012 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I received this book as part of a Goodreads First reads giveaway in exchange for my honest review.

Beatrice is the main character and like most college age kids, she has no idea where she is going with her life and feels like she isn't as cool or important as her sister. She meets a celebrity and immediately becomes one of her entourage via being the blog writer of said person. She is whisked into this other world where it shows money can get you what you want when you want it. But alas, it all c...more

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Nov 14, 2012 Marci rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-goodreads-challenge, first-reads

Beatrice Bernstein has a problem. Housing has goofed up and placed her in the basement of her University’s off-campus housing apartment complex. Luckily for her, hest best friend Dolly pulls her into the fabulous apartment of socialite celebrity Veruca Pfeffernoose. In an attempt to escape killer cockroaches and an overbearing intellectual family, Beatrice accepts an offer to ghost write Veruca’s blog. In order to do so, Beatrice must live in Veruca’s shoes and become a member of her inner circ...more

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Sep 27, 2012 Livvy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs, chick-lit, ya, 2-stars

I was stepping out of my comfort zone in picking up another ‘Chick-Lit’ novel particularly because my experiences with them have never been very good and they are not books I like. Generally I really ABHOR ‘Chick-Lit’. However, I felt that Zelevanksy’s novel deserved a chance and it could be one to make me fall in love with a genre that I do not like. I think that feat was a little too much to expect.

I want to emphasise now this book was NOT BAD at ALL. It just really wasn’t for me. It was well...more I was stepping out of my comfort zone in picking up another ‘Chick-Lit’ novel particularly because my experiences with them have never been very good and they are not books I like. Generally I really ABHOR ‘Chick-Lit’. However, I felt that Zelevanksy’s novel deserved a chance and it could be one to make me fall in love with a genre that I do not like. I think that feat was a little too much to expect.

I want to emphasise now this book was NOT BAD at ALL. It just really wasn’t for me. It was well-written, it contained humour, even some that I could appreciate, but ultimately I found myself thinking ‘why am I reading this?’ when Beatrice started getting involved in Veruca’s high-fashion life, I couldn’t cope with the next reference to a party or a new outfit.

The start had enthralled me, when poor Beatrice had been stuffed into a basement room under the housing association at college and there were horrible, beastly bugs and a knight in shining armour to save the bugs who Beatrice thought was coming to kill her. It was all rather amusing, sadly, this novel didn’t take a direction that would gather my personal interest.

There was an element of romance developing between Beatrice and her “knight in shining armour” although I’m not sure about the direction of the romance since I didn’t finish the book, but I think it would certainly make for an interesting read. The romance wasn’t overpowering the story-line, but in this novel, I think with me I would have read more if I had seen a stronger thread of that romance. However it is there and I think a lot of people could enjoy it.

The writing style flowed well, it was really easy to read and get into and I actually read the first 20% really quickly, but the further in I got with this novel, the more I realised it wasn’t my kind of style. I’ve been putting off writing this review for a few weeks now, thinking I’d be able to try again and get into the novel since I enjoyed the writing style, but unfortunately I haven’t been able to and I’m giving it up as a bad job.

I didn’t understand the modern “fairy tale” element, however I think this will become clearer further into the book. Don’t underestimate this book, because I think Zelevanksy could have a real gem for her debut novel here. She’s also really lovely, since she contacted me and was really friendly about everything and we discussed my lack of enjoyment for the novel and she talked about how the fashion elements was meant to be humorous and whilst I saw this it wasn’t my kind of humour. I thought it was really diplomatic and nice of her and I encourage you all to give this book a chance.

This really wasn’t my cup of tea and I think I’ll be staying far away from ‘Chick-Lit’ to stop any more good authors having me hate their books because of the genre.

Find this review and more at Nerdy Book Reviews.(less)

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Aug 21, 2012 Ruth rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: nano-books

Don't know how this got published by a major publishing house. There were funny moments, but this just wasn't well written.

I read Semi-Charmed Life because I'd heard that Zelevansky's early drafts were written during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). I'm part of an active NaNoWriMo community and I'm interested in the books that start out with the program and make it to a published book. I'm not convinced that this is the best of the crop.

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Aug 16, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

I hadn't imagined I would love this book as much as I did--I feared it would be one of those oh-another-spoiled New York chick (ala HBO's Girls which, um, I know means I'm not hip, but really, why should I care?). But Zelevansky's Beatrice is in all of us, and watching her face down the lure of the sheen inspires.

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Jul 25, 2012 Kaila marked it as to-read

I haven't yet had a chance to read this book, but I did have an opportunity to sit and chat with the author for a bit while she was in town! Please read the interview over at Stumptown Books :D

Interview with Nora Zelevansky.

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Aug 16, 2012 Thb rated it 5 of 5 stars

Great fun. Quick read. Couldn't put the book down. Loved the way the author was able to create a satirical tone without being sardonic. It was light and fun and adorable. A great read for any age. Can't wait to read Zelevansky's next one!

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Oct 11, 2012 Catherine Sumner rated it 1 of 5 stars

I'm on a streak of picking bad books lately. This was twee and irritating. I probably shouldn't bother reviewing/rating since I didn't finish, but I'm going to go ahead and do it anyway because I really didn't like what I did read.

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Aug 06, 2012 Asheley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Semi-Charmed Life is a story of bigger-than-life CHARACTERS that live a bigger-than-life LIFE. What we have here is a story that is a little bit magic and a little bit reality television of the celebrity-lifestyle type.

This excerpt is taken from my review on Into the Hall of Books. Read more here: http://www.intothehallofbooks.com/201...

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Jul 12, 2012 jenn reads fiction marked it as to-read

Recommended to jenn by: My husband?

My husband saw a topic of this book on reddit and pretty much recommended me to read it. This is the first that I've heard about the book, but it sounds really cute...will read VERY SOON.

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Jul 05, 2012 Angela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Couldn't decide if I loved this or hated it -- especially the parts that seemed a little too magical and weird. But by the end, I really liked it and thought Beatrice was a fun character and her experiences were "just beyond" as she would say to Veruca!

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Jun 16, 2012 Shanna rated it 5 of 5 stars

This fun summer read is best compared to a more intelligent, art world Gossip Girl with a dash of magical realism. Nora is definitely going to be an author to watch!

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Jul 17, 2012 Danny rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was odd! But, it was also cute and definitely hilarious at some points! I didn't expect what I found in this book, but I ended up truly enjoying it!

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Jun 13, 2012 Suzanne Palmieri rated it 5 of 5 stars

A delightful, magical romp. Those who loved Eloise as a child will fall in love with this story. Head over heels in love!

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About Nora Zelevansky

Nora Zelevansky was born and bred on Manhattan's Upper West Side. She attended the Calhoun School, studied film and visual art at Scripps College (of the Claremont Colleges) and moved to LA after graduation. Recently, she relocated back to Brooklyn, NYC, where she now lives with her husband, a filmmaker.

When the author is not writing novels, she is a freelance journalist, essayist and features wri...more

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Quotes from Semi-Charmed Life

“But when members of a burgeoning couple invest feelings without confirmed reciprocation, they naturally become irrational, insecure, and just a little bit dumb.” — 2 people liked it

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Semi-Charmed Life

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