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17th out of 95 books
—
66 voters
Model: A Memoir
Every year, hundreds of the most beautiful people in the world come to New York to become models. At age fourteen, Cheryl Diamond was one of them. Living on her own in a run-down apartment, Cheryl spent her days on go-sees, runways, and shoots, surviving hand-to-mouth, while taking in everything she could about the tough and sleazy modeling industry. She watched other girl...more
Paperback, 368 pages
Published
May 20th 2008
by Simon Pulse
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Dec 09, 2011
Alex
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone, but mostly people interested in NYC, modeling, fashion, etc.
Recommended to Alex by:
A friend
Shelves:
favorites
I'm such a strange review writer-I'll read a book and then won't write the review until several weeks later. Oh well. Here goes:
Okay, so overall this was a pretty freaking amazing book. I guess if you're not all that in to fashion and modeling then you will probably think it is the most boring book ever. But I personally loved it! It was Cheryl Diamond's autobiography about her career (she's a model, obviously). I find it amazing that she started modeling at the age of 14, and started living alo...more
Okay, so overall this was a pretty freaking amazing book. I guess if you're not all that in to fashion and modeling then you will probably think it is the most boring book ever. But I personally loved it! It was Cheryl Diamond's autobiography about her career (she's a model, obviously). I find it amazing that she started modeling at the age of 14, and started living alo...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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I absolutely loved this book! I've thought about modeling, but now that I've gotten insight on the modeling business . . . I'm not so sure about it. I think I'll stick with a job in Investigation. I can't believe that her parents let her move to New York at the young age of sixteen, I couldn't imagine moving to New York alone at my age.
I think that this book is a must-read for any young woman wanting to become a model. Cheryl Diamond really lets us in on all of the dirty secrets and how that mo...more
I think that this book is a must-read for any young woman wanting to become a model. Cheryl Diamond really lets us in on all of the dirty secrets and how that mo...more
I did not like this book at all.
Essentially, I suppose I don't know what I expected. Another memoir written by an average/less-than-average writer. Beginning modeling at a young age, living in an apartment by herself in NYC, having a job modeling...I don't know why I expected to read something deep and profound. The back of the book set me up for a huge event that would almost shatter her career, and I suppose that's what I was looking for.
Throughout the book, Cheryl is constantly pointing out h...more
Essentially, I suppose I don't know what I expected. Another memoir written by an average/less-than-average writer. Beginning modeling at a young age, living in an apartment by herself in NYC, having a job modeling...I don't know why I expected to read something deep and profound. The back of the book set me up for a huge event that would almost shatter her career, and I suppose that's what I was looking for.
Throughout the book, Cheryl is constantly pointing out h...more
With a blurb that read ‘There are 6.5 billion people on this planet. 16 of them are supermodels. Each year, hundreds of the most beautiful people in the world come to New York to become models. At age 14, Cheryl Diamond was one of them. Pretty girl, ugly business,’ how could an ANTM junkie resist?
So it was only after I got home and was sorting my loot from the sale, much like a crazed pirate who’s pillaged way more than he could carry that I realize that the author is a blonde model who is at th...more
So it was only after I got home and was sorting my loot from the sale, much like a crazed pirate who’s pillaged way more than he could carry that I realize that the author is a blonde model who is at th...more
If you had told me I wouldn't be able to put a book about modeling down, I wouldn't have believed you. But Cheryl Diamond's (yes, her actual birth name) memoir of spending her late teens as a high-fashion runway model in New York was riveting. When it comes to drive and gutsiness, Cheryl, who has a good head for business and refuses to get sidetracked by drugs, alcohol, or creepy guys, could stand up with Alanna the Lioness any day. I'm a little too old to be the actual target audience for this...more
This book was not enjoyable. The back of the book mentions a career altering event. I read about 330 pages before the career altering event happened. I realize it was a big deal to a model, but really, it was nothing earth-shattering. This book had a small conflict toward the end of the book. It appears to be written as an attempt at a narrative style biography, but falls flat. It does not follow the story arc, nor does it give compelling events causing the reader to continue reading. This book...more
Well, I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I was concerned about it having too much sexual content -- not at all. It was a fun read, and I think I was surprised how much I identified with Cheryl (the author & protagonist).
She moves to NYC on her own at 16, which could easily be a recipe for disaster. And she has plenty of difficulties along the way - both in the modeling world and just surviving on meager pay. But somehow she gets through it and her maturity is a huge benefit. I...more
She moves to NYC on her own at 16, which could easily be a recipe for disaster. And she has plenty of difficulties along the way - both in the modeling world and just surviving on meager pay. But somehow she gets through it and her maturity is a huge benefit. I...more
Saw this in the library while I was looking for December's book club selection. I think that it intrigued me because Jon and I are fascinated with ANTM! At any rate, although entertaining and funny, I found it slightly unbelievable. Not really the stories, per se. But rather, her reactions to the stories. I just don't think that a girl in her mid- to late-teens can be that witty, wise, quick on her feet, and able to stand up to people who are much older than she. Of course, maybe I am wrong beca...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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I admit it: I expected to dislike this book, and the author/narrator, wholeheartedly. I'm not even sure why I read the book (and it wasn't a spur-of-the-moment thing; I saw it in a bookstore over a year ago and have been meaning to read it ever since).
But, surprise! It was funny.
Although the author at times comes across as a know-it-all, she also displays a remarkable amount of insight and self-awareness. She doesn't take herself - or the modeling industry - too seriously, interspersing her anal...more
But, surprise! It was funny.
Although the author at times comes across as a know-it-all, she also displays a remarkable amount of insight and self-awareness. She doesn't take herself - or the modeling industry - too seriously, interspersing her anal...more
Honestly, I could not even finish this book. I tried several times to get through it but the whole time it was boring, and the same thing over and over again. Cheryl Diamond is ridiculously self-centered and acts like she's the most gorgeous, smart, sweet, talented model and that everyone just loved her and wanted to kiss her feet. Frankly, her pictures don't look like she's anything that special and I'd never even heard of her. I wanted to read the book because of the promise of a "big downfall...more
An intriguing look at the fashion industry from the point of view of a New York model. Cheryl depicts herself as feisty, smart, and tough, which does make her a likeable focal character, but the structure isn't really there (yes, I get that it's a memoir, not a novel, but there still needs to be some sort of character/story arc instead of just a list of events). Also, the "fall" she has seems a bit silly and happens nearly at the end of the book, and her "rise" isn't really covered at all.
Probab...more
Probab...more
I kind of loved to hate this book. I can't deny that it's interesting to see what life is like as a New York model. And yes, it's as horrible as you might think it is. The thing that annoyed me was the girl writing it. She was only twenty at publication, so she doesn't have the maturity and insight I expect in a memoir. Her moments of deep reflection are very un-deep. And there's a kind of "everyone wants to be me" attitude that she can't quite squelch. Oh, well, I guess that's what I get for re...more
From the viewpoint of an insider’s thoughts on the modeling world, this was interesting enough. The problem was the author (the model) was so terribly over-confident and self-absorbed. I found myself disliking her more and more as I got farther into the book. And, I didn’t even find her particularly beautiful, yet she was successful. I suppose this would be a Bible for someone interested in breaking into the modeling world.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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Ages 12+ (subdued drinking, clubbing, and mentions of drugs - have you heard of shooting heroin between the toes?)
Cheryl Diamond seems to have led a charmed life. She's 20, a model, and has a memoir on the market after what amounts to less than four years of modeling experience. (Her modeling stint at 14 was cut short by 9/11.) On one hand, I detect a bit of Mary Sue-ism: Diamond doesn't drink, doesn't do drugs, has no hint of any reluctance to eat (the opposite, rather), and seems curiously se...more
Cheryl Diamond seems to have led a charmed life. She's 20, a model, and has a memoir on the market after what amounts to less than four years of modeling experience. (Her modeling stint at 14 was cut short by 9/11.) On one hand, I detect a bit of Mary Sue-ism: Diamond doesn't drink, doesn't do drugs, has no hint of any reluctance to eat (the opposite, rather), and seems curiously se...more
Isn't a model suppose to have the best job ever? just walk around, strike a pose and get paid? Not quite.
This memoir talks about the journey that Cheryl Diamond (an inspiring model) took in order to even become known by figures in the modeling industry. She tried to become a model at the age of 14 but gets rejected because of her age and height. She refuses to give up and arrives back in New York City at the age of 16 to become a model. She gets signed into a modeling agency and the fun begins.....more
This memoir talks about the journey that Cheryl Diamond (an inspiring model) took in order to even become known by figures in the modeling industry. She tried to become a model at the age of 14 but gets rejected because of her age and height. She refuses to give up and arrives back in New York City at the age of 16 to become a model. She gets signed into a modeling agency and the fun begins.....more
Reviewed by Lynn Crow for TeensReadToo.com
Cheryl Diamond's memoir, MODEL, offers readers a rare glimpse inside the modeling industry. In her teens, Diamond got a contract with an agency and moved out on her own to pursue a career in modeling. With her striking looks and natural blonde hair, she caught the attention of top designers and talent seekers, getting hired for photoshoots and runway shows most beginning models only dream of.
As glamorous as that sounds, Diamond isn't afraid to reveal th...more
Cheryl Diamond's memoir, MODEL, offers readers a rare glimpse inside the modeling industry. In her teens, Diamond got a contract with an agency and moved out on her own to pursue a career in modeling. With her striking looks and natural blonde hair, she caught the attention of top designers and talent seekers, getting hired for photoshoots and runway shows most beginning models only dream of.
As glamorous as that sounds, Diamond isn't afraid to reveal th...more
Jun 13, 2008
Rebekah
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Rebekah by:
Anica
This book is a memoir written by Cheryl Diamond about her experiences modeling in the high-fashion industry. Cheryl is 16 when she signs a contract with a modeling agency and moves to NYC unsupervised to begin her career. At first I didn't want to like her, because she comes across as a perfect know-it-all. She's pretty, witty, self-confident, smart enough to know when someone's trying to use her and successful (enough) in modeling. But Cheryl won me over with her quirky sense of humor and off-b...more
Modeling is a hard profession.. Cheryl was in new york along yet with her attitude she was able to survive the troubles she came acrosss. She tell her story of her rise to modeling. Cheryl tells how she signs with an agency that is not willing to make her famous. She then tries othjer agencies and she books shows. Cheryl is shocked when she finds out that her first agency was cheating her by hiding her pictures from clients. Cheryl tells her readers of how corrupt the profession can be if u don'...more
it was okay at first but i thought as the story goes on it gets kind of draggy and boring and by the end of the book, i was like, what the heck have i just read?
true, this book give readers a peek in a life of a model, but its not interesting enough.theres no drama in this book, so to say.
and the part that irks me is that i find myself wondering if the author is praising herself on this book or something.
true, this book give readers a peek in a life of a model, but its not interesting enough.theres no drama in this book, so to say.
and the part that irks me is that i find myself wondering if the author is praising herself on this book or something.
This book is a memoir written by model and author Cheryl Diamond. The book takes you to the streets of New York, where teenage Cheryl fights to make a name for herself within the harsh and unforgiving modeling world. Cheryl experiences triumphs, setbacks, laughs, and tears as she grows and matures into a not-so-typical New York Model.
I liked this book because Cheryl's experiences are so intriguing. Her writing style makes you feel as if you are right there experiencing Manhattan right alongside...more
I liked this book because Cheryl's experiences are so intriguing. Her writing style makes you feel as if you are right there experiencing Manhattan right alongside...more
since i have a daughter about to embark on modeling i found this book to be highly informative and entertaining. we both loved it! cheryl is a true role model for young girls - she kept true to her values with a great sense of humour and street smarts which made me want to meet her parents. I also appreciated her willingness to expose the ugly side of modeling as well as share inside lingo and tips.
As a fan of ANTM, I was really hoping this book would give me an insider's view of the modeling business. Unfortunately, all it managed to do was make me think Tyra has competition for having the biggest ego. It is very difficult to believe that Cheryl Diamond was a poised as she claimed to be in Model. How can it be that every other character she talks about is so inferior to her? Hmmmm..... Disappointing!
The memoir of Cheryl Diamond is a great read! Cheryl, the main character, has a very likable personality and she'll start to feel like your friend. People have always speculated what the model life is like, and this will show you that most of your assumptions are wrong. The life of a model has a delicate balance, one that can be tipped with a wrong flick of the scissors.
Personally, I love memoirs. But when I got this through a book club I wasn't too thrilled. I mean a book about modeling? Not exactly my thing. It was, however, so much more than just about modeling ! Cheryl is a strong young woman in the modeling business, which I was happy to see. She went through so many struggles, yet she came out on top. It was a great read.
This book was an interesting look into the rather difficult world of models. I disliked Cheryl's attempt to sound naive and to gain a somewhat undeserved sympathy from the audience. She seemed whiny and the book seems like an attempt to rally support for her case against "Beauty and Business." In the end, the little girl lost in New York never grew up.
It's easy for an 11 year old to read, so you can read it.
Cheryl Diamond writes about e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. a model goes through in New York. This aspiring model is not only a fashion model but perhaps a model for young girls (or maybe boys?) that are leaning into modeling.
Remember, since an 11 year old read it, you can probably read it too :)
Cheryl Diamond writes about e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. a model goes through in New York. This aspiring model is not only a fashion model but perhaps a model for young girls (or maybe boys?) that are leaning into modeling.
Remember, since an 11 year old read it, you can probably read it too :)
I enjoyed this book because it was a first hand account of a life in the modeling industry, not cutting out the brutality and making it seem like a fairytale. Cheryl Diamond wrote with an honesty that was painful at times, but made me feel as if I was actually there. I enjoyed the overall feel of the book, but found a few parts lacking in details that I would have liked to have.
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May 03, 2013 03:32pm