What do you think?
Rate this book
Violet #1
Violet on the Runway
A wallflower in the spotlight can do one of two things: wilt, or blossom...
Violet Greenfield's life changes forever when a lady in giant Chanel shades tells her she could be IT, the next Kate Moss-but taller, and without the PR problems. That's how Violet winds up with a business card in the front pocket of her jeans on her first day as a senior in high school. Angela Blythe from Tryst Models in New York City wants to put Violet on a plane and whisk her into the world of high-heeled boots and oversized sunglasses. Tall, skinny Violet, who's been P-L-A-I-N practically forever.
And guess what? She's going.
Violet Greenfield's life changes forever when a lady in giant Chanel shades tells her she could be IT, the next Kate Moss-but taller, and without the PR problems. That's how Violet winds up with a business card in the front pocket of her jeans on her first day as a senior in high school. Angela Blythe from Tryst Models in New York City wants to put Violet on a plane and whisk her into the world of high-heeled boots and oversized sunglasses. Tall, skinny Violet, who's been P-L-A-I-N practically forever.
And guess what? She's going.
220 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2007
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
Read
December 2, 2010Dear Reader,
Violet on the Runway is a book I would recommend to anybody. Reading the first book, and then continuing to read the rest of the series really must tell you that these books by Melissa C. Walker are very interesting. Out of five stars, I would rate this book a four and a half. For the most part, it held my attention and kept me interested. And you must read this book if you feel as though you have dreams you'd like to acomplish. You could really connect with Violet.
"You are beautiful and confident and wise. You handle all things with finesse and aplomb."
That quote was on the first page of the book, and I can say that's what really snagged my attention. This had much significance to the book. They were talking about how your beautiful no matter what, and it's possible to do anything. So I knew this book was about a girl's dreams, and I really wanted to read it. Showing that I had dreams of my own to be destined what I was made to be, I felt as if I could have a look inside someone else's life with dreams that are hard to accomplish, I could realize I'm not on my own.
A reason to read this book is if you like books where the character is a big dreamer, someone who wants to achieve. And if you are the type of person who has those dreams where they strive for greatness, and success.
Another reason to read Violet on the Runway is because it keeps you entertained and attentive. It really is an attention-snagger. Personally, I love to read books about how the girl is in love, but she has to move away to try to achieve a goal, and while she's away some other girl snags the boy that she loved, and everything is messed up. So, if you're anything like me, you'd enjoy this book. I admit, their are a few pages that aren't that entertaining, but other wise, it's worth it.
If I were you, I would put Violet on the Runway as a MUST read book. It shows that you can achieve any dream when you put your mind to it, and that anything is possible as long as your heart is in it. It's also entertaining and keeps hold on your attention. So go and add this book to your must read list!
Violet on the Runway is a book I would recommend to anybody. Reading the first book, and then continuing to read the rest of the series really must tell you that these books by Melissa C. Walker are very interesting. Out of five stars, I would rate this book a four and a half. For the most part, it held my attention and kept me interested. And you must read this book if you feel as though you have dreams you'd like to acomplish. You could really connect with Violet.
"You are beautiful and confident and wise. You handle all things with finesse and aplomb."
That quote was on the first page of the book, and I can say that's what really snagged my attention. This had much significance to the book. They were talking about how your beautiful no matter what, and it's possible to do anything. So I knew this book was about a girl's dreams, and I really wanted to read it. Showing that I had dreams of my own to be destined what I was made to be, I felt as if I could have a look inside someone else's life with dreams that are hard to accomplish, I could realize I'm not on my own.
A reason to read this book is if you like books where the character is a big dreamer, someone who wants to achieve. And if you are the type of person who has those dreams where they strive for greatness, and success.
Another reason to read Violet on the Runway is because it keeps you entertained and attentive. It really is an attention-snagger. Personally, I love to read books about how the girl is in love, but she has to move away to try to achieve a goal, and while she's away some other girl snags the boy that she loved, and everything is messed up. So, if you're anything like me, you'd enjoy this book. I admit, their are a few pages that aren't that entertaining, but other wise, it's worth it.
If I were you, I would put Violet on the Runway as a MUST read book. It shows that you can achieve any dream when you put your mind to it, and that anything is possible as long as your heart is in it. It's also entertaining and keeps hold on your attention. So go and add this book to your must read list!
September 24, 2007
Do you love America's Next Top Model? Perfectly on-point pop culture references? Are you young enough to remember that being a girl in high school kinda sucked, but now you can look back at it and laugh (albeit sympathetically)? You will then love Violet on the Runway. Not only did I love this book in its own right, but my friend Melissa is the author. Am I biased, you ask? Well, as I was reading it I was so wrapped up in the book that I often forgot that I actually know the person who wrote it! I was just so impressed with Melissa's talent. So I recommend it, ok??
November 14, 2008
There was a point in the middle of reading this book – a clump of about 50 pages – where I was genuinely enjoying it. Then Walker slathered on a ridiculous(ly boring) ending and the whole thing just caved in on itself. To say that Violet On the Runway is merely predictable is too kind: it’s so predictable that it becomes a big fat dollop of cliché.
It has been suggested that there are certain subjects that – despite an author’s (lack of) talent – will hold a reader’s attention easily. For me (and, I’m sure, any number of likeminded others) modeling is one of those subjects. All the drama, glamour and intrigue is hardwired into the industry. In short: it’s hard to screw up. That this book manages to be boring is a feat in and of itself.
The character development of Violet, who goes from an insecure nobody to a famous model (and, ultimately, stronger person) is well done. Unfortunately, none of the supporting characters are given more than 2 dimensions, let alone any real development. Roger is a lackadaisical wannabe-hipster; Julie is the overenthusiastic school newspaper editor. They’re such lazy caricatures that it’s impossible to connect with them. (Oh and, of course, Roger is sekritly in love with Violet. Eurgh. Can we please get an “unpopular” heroine who’s not secretly adored by her surprisingly-handsome male best friend?)
Despite the clichés, the boring characters and the poor pacing, the thing that really bugged me about this book was how completely Walker appeared to be walking on eggshells as she constructed this strangely moralistic tale. Violet becomes distant from her family, pisses off her friends, gets a few hangovers and begins dieting – but she does not do anything that a parent might be genuinely concerned about. I mean, come on! This is modeling, one of the most callous and potentially poisonous professions around! Even Veronica, the character constructed as the “bad version” of Violet – the one with a drug problem and eating disorder – is lacking in nuance and believability. I can only repeat this sentiment: how did Walker manage to make a story about modeling so banal? The fact that Violet, at the age of eighteen, seems completely un-preoccupied with sex is another rant for another day.
YA novels should not be so “careful” about the message they might be sending to young readers that they lack realism and nuance. This is, unfortunately, exactly the trap Walker falls into. In short: Violet manages to be mediocre in content and moralistic in tone. Not a great combination.
P.S. I also feel the need to point out nepotism wherever I spy it in the publishing world. (Though nepotism-in-publishing is so rife that it’s hardly worth getting bitter about.) The fact that Walker previously edited a teen magazine (which, undoubtedly, gave this book a glowing review when it was published) is fairly obviously the reason such a mediocre writer has found a readership. [/bile]
It has been suggested that there are certain subjects that – despite an author’s (lack of) talent – will hold a reader’s attention easily. For me (and, I’m sure, any number of likeminded others) modeling is one of those subjects. All the drama, glamour and intrigue is hardwired into the industry. In short: it’s hard to screw up. That this book manages to be boring is a feat in and of itself.
The character development of Violet, who goes from an insecure nobody to a famous model (and, ultimately, stronger person) is well done. Unfortunately, none of the supporting characters are given more than 2 dimensions, let alone any real development. Roger is a lackadaisical wannabe-hipster; Julie is the overenthusiastic school newspaper editor. They’re such lazy caricatures that it’s impossible to connect with them. (Oh and, of course, Roger is sekritly in love with Violet. Eurgh. Can we please get an “unpopular” heroine who’s not secretly adored by her surprisingly-handsome male best friend?)
Despite the clichés, the boring characters and the poor pacing, the thing that really bugged me about this book was how completely Walker appeared to be walking on eggshells as she constructed this strangely moralistic tale. Violet becomes distant from her family, pisses off her friends, gets a few hangovers and begins dieting – but she does not do anything that a parent might be genuinely concerned about. I mean, come on! This is modeling, one of the most callous and potentially poisonous professions around! Even Veronica, the character constructed as the “bad version” of Violet – the one with a drug problem and eating disorder – is lacking in nuance and believability. I can only repeat this sentiment: how did Walker manage to make a story about modeling so banal? The fact that Violet, at the age of eighteen, seems completely un-preoccupied with sex is another rant for another day.
YA novels should not be so “careful” about the message they might be sending to young readers that they lack realism and nuance. This is, unfortunately, exactly the trap Walker falls into. In short: Violet manages to be mediocre in content and moralistic in tone. Not a great combination.
P.S. I also feel the need to point out nepotism wherever I spy it in the publishing world. (Though nepotism-in-publishing is so rife that it’s hardly worth getting bitter about.) The fact that Walker previously edited a teen magazine (which, undoubtedly, gave this book a glowing review when it was published) is fairly obviously the reason such a mediocre writer has found a readership. [/bile]
October 26, 2008
Violet is your everyday teenager. She is insecure with her body and unsure of the person she is. But all that changes when she is "discovered" working at the local movie theater. Angela her modeling agent is sure Violet is the next big thing!
Modeling comes easily for Violet, she simply can’t help being herself, and the designers love it. The other models however don’t particularly like being shown up by a newbie. When Violet takes the big step and moves to New York, she finds out modeling is more that walking around with pretty clothes. Violet tries to resist being swallowed whole by this new world, but in response she has turned into someone else. Will the new Violet win out, or will the old shine through?
When I started reading Violet on the Runway, I was hesitant. I didn’t want another one of those books where the girl goes from zero to IT and all her dreams come true. I was for certain I had the storyline pegged, and I wasn’t thrilled. Luckily for me I kept reading, because I didn’t have this story pegged after all! Sure Violet gets the modeling gig, but it isn’t a walk in the park. I know how she felt in the beginning, when she had to have people like her, because I was the same way. I was so happy to see her grow! She did make me mad when she ditched her true friends, but she made it up to them in the end. I actually enjoyed reading this book and I am totally looking forward to reading Violet by Design. I just hope I see some more Violet and Roger action! I can’t believe you (yes you Melissa Walker!) kept that hanging! You are killing me!
Modeling comes easily for Violet, she simply can’t help being herself, and the designers love it. The other models however don’t particularly like being shown up by a newbie. When Violet takes the big step and moves to New York, she finds out modeling is more that walking around with pretty clothes. Violet tries to resist being swallowed whole by this new world, but in response she has turned into someone else. Will the new Violet win out, or will the old shine through?
When I started reading Violet on the Runway, I was hesitant. I didn’t want another one of those books where the girl goes from zero to IT and all her dreams come true. I was for certain I had the storyline pegged, and I wasn’t thrilled. Luckily for me I kept reading, because I didn’t have this story pegged after all! Sure Violet gets the modeling gig, but it isn’t a walk in the park. I know how she felt in the beginning, when she had to have people like her, because I was the same way. I was so happy to see her grow! She did make me mad when she ditched her true friends, but she made it up to them in the end. I actually enjoyed reading this book and I am totally looking forward to reading Violet by Design. I just hope I see some more Violet and Roger action! I can’t believe you (yes you Melissa Walker!) kept that hanging! You are killing me!
October 26, 2011
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!
Violet on the Runway is a fun book about a shy quiet girl named Violet. I really liked it because to me it says that I can stand up for myself and that I can be confident. Violet grew up wishing she were confident enough to wear the cute clothes or to be the popular girl at school. One day a woman named Angela who worked for Tryst Models saw Violet and told her that she could be the next “It Girl.” Violet then goes to New York to find the inner model in her.
She learns to be confident in herself and that if she puts her mind to something it she can do it. She barely has any friends there and her roommate hates her but she learns to cope with them and even ends up Gaining a friend in her evil roommate Veronica Trask. In the end she decided that she is not ready to become a model and that she belongs with her friends in her little town.
From this book I learned that I shouldn’t have to let people push me or other people around and that I can be myself no matter what. I love this book.
Violet on the Runway is a fun book about a shy quiet girl named Violet. I really liked it because to me it says that I can stand up for myself and that I can be confident. Violet grew up wishing she were confident enough to wear the cute clothes or to be the popular girl at school. One day a woman named Angela who worked for Tryst Models saw Violet and told her that she could be the next “It Girl.” Violet then goes to New York to find the inner model in her.
She learns to be confident in herself and that if she puts her mind to something it she can do it. She barely has any friends there and her roommate hates her but she learns to cope with them and even ends up Gaining a friend in her evil roommate Veronica Trask. In the end she decided that she is not ready to become a model and that she belongs with her friends in her little town.
From this book I learned that I shouldn’t have to let people push me or other people around and that I can be myself no matter what. I love this book.
December 14, 2008
Violet on the Runway is the story of Violet Greenfield. She's very very tall and very thin and because of this insecure. One day while working at her local movie theatre (I would love that job!) Violet is discovered by Angela Blythe of Tryst Models. This begins her whirlwind journey into modeling in New York City.
I really enjoyed this book. You get to put yourself in the shoes of someone realizing every girl's fantasy. What would it be like to become a model in New York City? I really looked forward to enjoying the luxurious life with Violet, being pampered and fussed over and going out on the town. I also liked the pop culture references. I just started reading the next book in the series, Violet By Design. Violet reveals that her "public" favorite movie is The Royal Tenenbaums! That is my favorite movie!
I did miss Violet's friends Julie and Roger (I think I have a crush on him!) while she was away in New York and lost touch with them. Eventually they find each other again and for that I was very glad. I wanted to pinch Violet but nobody is perfect and she soon realizes her mistake.
I really liked watching Violet grown into a young adult. She learns a lot through her experiences. Not everything she encounters in the modeling world is a dream come true. But Violet handles it and becomes a better person for it. She also becomes a more confident person that can stand up for herself.
I really enjoyed this book. You get to put yourself in the shoes of someone realizing every girl's fantasy. What would it be like to become a model in New York City? I really looked forward to enjoying the luxurious life with Violet, being pampered and fussed over and going out on the town. I also liked the pop culture references. I just started reading the next book in the series, Violet By Design. Violet reveals that her "public" favorite movie is The Royal Tenenbaums! That is my favorite movie!
I did miss Violet's friends Julie and Roger (I think I have a crush on him!) while she was away in New York and lost touch with them. Eventually they find each other again and for that I was very glad. I wanted to pinch Violet but nobody is perfect and she soon realizes her mistake.
I really liked watching Violet grown into a young adult. She learns a lot through her experiences. Not everything she encounters in the modeling world is a dream come true. But Violet handles it and becomes a better person for it. She also becomes a more confident person that can stand up for herself.
April 6, 2008
I genuinely loved this book. Violet wasn't one of those mean girls, the sterotype model. There was a moral, a good one at that. But don't let me spoil it.
August 27, 2008
Oh, I love this series already. It's a quick read, but packed with so much that I adore - fashion, teens, New York, models with problems - all without making me slightly worried that this is what our young girls are reading. This is no world of Gossip Girl, seriously, and yet there's still the coke-addicted bulimic supermodel and insecurities and Prada boots.
Total kudos and props to Melissa Walker for managing to create a book that appeals to that crowd but still has morals and reality instilled in it.
(Plus, the reference to Natalie Maines won my heart in two seconds.)
So Violet gets discovered and goes to New York, where she both loses herself and finds herself. The secondary characters are divine - Roger, especially - the sordid tales of her clubbing period manage to remain sordid but not skanky or uncomfortable. I love Veronica and Sam.
But I love Violet most - her strength of character and her decisions and her willingness to do the right thing. She is beautiful and flawed, and you can't help but love her. Really, this is a great series, one that I would happily and proudly give to anyone I know.
Total kudos and props to Melissa Walker for managing to create a book that appeals to that crowd but still has morals and reality instilled in it.
(Plus, the reference to Natalie Maines won my heart in two seconds.)
So Violet gets discovered and goes to New York, where she both loses herself and finds herself. The secondary characters are divine - Roger, especially - the sordid tales of her clubbing period manage to remain sordid but not skanky or uncomfortable. I love Veronica and Sam.
But I love Violet most - her strength of character and her decisions and her willingness to do the right thing. She is beautiful and flawed, and you can't help but love her. Really, this is a great series, one that I would happily and proudly give to anyone I know.
November 26, 2018
I thought this book was exactly what I needed right now. It was cliché and extremely middle-grade, but I kind of loved it. I found this book years ago and I put off reading it, but I've recently experienced a big life change and I wanted to remember what life was like in the mid-2000s. And it was fabulous! This book had me laughing out loud, reminiscing for flip phones, tube tops, and 13 Going on 30 vibes, and missing my high school years. (Which, by the way, I'd never thought I'd miss.) Violet's all-too-fast senior year made me nostalgic. The drama of her Chapel Hill High School was petty and lame, but it was better than the New York City Modeling world. It was pretty typical that a tall girl who's felt out of place all her life would bump into a high-and-mighty modeling agent at her local theater job and get "discovered," therefore becoming a model. The premise was a little unoriginal, but like I said, I ended up loving this book. And even through all the euphemized language and sugar-coated situations, I could hear Melissa C. Walker's voice: and it was one I wanted to listen to. I mean, the lack of adult content almost made me upset. Violet is 18 for God's sake! Throw some expletives in there, some dangerous settings, or a little bit of drug/alcohol abuse. I have a feeling, at least for celebrities in New York City, those sorts of things would be totally commonplace. Almost all models have eating disorders, but it wasn't addressed as much as I would have liked it to be. When Violet woke up in the model apartment with a fuzzy memory and an even fuzzier head, it's not because she stayed up too late. When Veronica was laying out on her bed, unresponsive, and she had to be rushed to the ER, it wasn't just because she was emotionally unstable. I'm sure that in a real-life situation, they would have been drinking, getting high, or binge eating. So I could have done without the kiddie version of the story, but I still liked the author's voice. It was like she had been a small-town girl turned superstar herself. I thought it was somewhat strange that Violet had been this nobody for her entire life, but as soon as she got to New York, she was pampered and built up from scratch. She was all of a sudden someone and I'm not sure that a new hairdo and some makeup and better clothes can do that so magically. It was still pretty easy to get swept up into the story and believe every word of it, though. I still wonder about that one conversation that Angela had the night she went out to eat with Violet and Mrs. Greenfield where she was talking about a pampered princess turning into a slaughtered lamb. It could've been Violet, but having read the whole book, I know it's not. I hope that's at least mentioned in one of the sequels. Honestly, Julie and Roger were pretty great friends (especially Roger), so I don't see how on earth Violet ever wanted to be a BK or be friends with the BKs. There was no sustenance with them. Tina and Jasmine were mindless drones and Shelley was an airhead that fed on fame and beauty. In short, they were all wannabes. Pretty apropos for their time period. And the "Bee's Knees?" I'm pretty sure that term was outdated by the 50s, even more so by 2006. I'm still contemplating whether or not Roger wrote that anonymous "I <3 Violet Greenfield" on her locker. I feel like that should also be brought up in one of the sequels. In fact, there's a huge cliffhanger at the end! Sure, it's a good stopping point where Violet has come back home, she's gone to the prom, she's made up with Julie, and she's dancing with Roger, but she was obviously developing feelings for her best best-guy-friend she could ever ask for. And don't even get me started on the Epilogue. She was going to go to UNC at Chapel Hill like the boss-ass chick she is, but then Angela just had to call to tell her that a foreign designer in Brazil wants her to model his clothing. Good Lord, Angela, get a life! Everything's coming up Violet Greenfield, but you just have to have your Vivacious Violet to keep your career spinning. Whatever even happened to Veronica? By the end, I was truly on her side. She was a sad, pitiful creature in the beginning, what with giving Violet bad information about go-sees, putting her down with verbal abuse, talking about her mental health to Page Six, and even pretending to be her friend, but I finally saw past it. She was just hurting. She always has been hurting. She just needs someone to be there for her so that she can become a good person. Someone like Dubleve. I support their friendship, though I feel like, if Sam was at their apartment more than she had been, Violet would have had a stronger relationship with Sam, too. I think one of my favorite characters was Mario the Chauffeur. He was super cool, and he was there to tell Violet that she was strong. And the Violet at the end of the book was strong, and I was proud of her. For overcoming the trashy person that she became as a model. Someone who totally blew off her real friends and accused anyone who was the least bit concerned about her of being jealous. That version of Violet was someone I hated and had no empathy for. The more I got into the book, the more confused I became about the boy situation. Obviously, Roger liked her, but she didn't like him. Brian was one of those guys that says hey to you once and you feel like you'll be married within the year, but nothing ever really comes of it and it turns out you only liked the idea of him. Peter was by far the worst, however. He did indeed badmouth Violet in the tabloids and only was with her to build her up, making himself more famous. He was inevitably cannon fodder and sooo not worth it. He may have made her feel special and pretty, but it became evident that he was always bad news. Julie and Jake were a little surprising at first, but I do believe there was some foreshadowing back in the very beginning of the book that I had forgotten about. I'm excited for the sequels, and I definitely liked this novel. I recommend it to anyone who wants to read a cliché, but it's a good cliché and it's better than the others.
August 26, 2008
This is so far what i have read in this book, it is about a girl or i can say a young girl name Violetshe was working in a theater. And soon a woman walked in and spoke angry to one of the staffs. And then when she the woman saw Violet and didn't even blink. Soon the woman said you can be it! Violet didn't know what it means she is going to become the next top model! And guess what she is going!
February 3, 2009
I really like this book so far. At first I was like oh please, because this book was about models and I just thought it would be like this dumb book. But it is actually pretty amazing!! It's great I love how she totally transforms!! Also I think Violet and Roger should totally hook up but thats just me!!! :0)
March 2, 2008
My thoughts are on my blog: "Thoughts of Joy..."
February 28, 2008
A cut above many teen books...a realistic depiction of the teenage modeling scene in New York but not too dark in its portrayal of the pitfalls awaiting young fashion proteges.
September 1, 2016
I know I only have myself to blame, but ... *snores*
January 23, 2018
Walker, Melissa Violet on the Runway, 228 p. Special Scholastic Edition (originally released by Penguin), 2008.
First - please be aware that you SHOULD NOT confuse the Penguin original edition with the Special Scholastic Edition of this book. Here is a link to my review of the original. That being said, here is the review for this edition.
Violet Greenfield is super tall, super skinny and super not-fitting-in at her high school. Oh, she has her friends, but not much more than a couple. At her movie theater job, one night, she catches the eye of a high fashion model agent, who hands Violet her card and starts her on the road to supermodel-dom. Violet makes a huge splash on her very first trip down the runway and as soon as possible she heads off for a life in the big city to see if she can really make it. Violet is dazzled by the bright lights, hurt by her callous model roommates and drawn into the party life of seeing and being-seen. Then an ugly confrontation with last best friend wakes Violet up to the fact that she had better make some hard choices, or the model lifestyle may very well eat her up.
Scholastic has managed to scrub away every swear word, drug and alcohol reference in the book. Though the book lost its "edginess", it didn't lose its main message about the model lifestyle. The cover is ultra pink, a bit sparkly and definitely attention-catching. If you choose this particular edition for your school library, you can do so without wincing and know that it will make the rounds. I don't think you can get in anywhere except at the Scholastic book fairs, so you'd better find your closest warehouse and pick up a couple today!
MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.
First - please be aware that you SHOULD NOT confuse the Penguin original edition with the Special Scholastic Edition of this book. Here is a link to my review of the original. That being said, here is the review for this edition.
Violet Greenfield is super tall, super skinny and super not-fitting-in at her high school. Oh, she has her friends, but not much more than a couple. At her movie theater job, one night, she catches the eye of a high fashion model agent, who hands Violet her card and starts her on the road to supermodel-dom. Violet makes a huge splash on her very first trip down the runway and as soon as possible she heads off for a life in the big city to see if she can really make it. Violet is dazzled by the bright lights, hurt by her callous model roommates and drawn into the party life of seeing and being-seen. Then an ugly confrontation with last best friend wakes Violet up to the fact that she had better make some hard choices, or the model lifestyle may very well eat her up.
Scholastic has managed to scrub away every swear word, drug and alcohol reference in the book. Though the book lost its "edginess", it didn't lose its main message about the model lifestyle. The cover is ultra pink, a bit sparkly and definitely attention-catching. If you choose this particular edition for your school library, you can do so without wincing and know that it will make the rounds. I don't think you can get in anywhere except at the Scholastic book fairs, so you'd better find your closest warehouse and pick up a couple today!
MS - ESSENTIAL. Cindy, Library-Teacher.
August 30, 2018
I've had this book on my want to read list basically since I joined Goodreads, so for four years, and I finally got to read it because I got Kindle Unlimited this year. I just finished going through my want to read list, which I like to do every few months, and stumbled across Violet on the Runway.
Violet on the Runway is pretty cliche, but it is good. There's the usual "gets a taste of fame and fortune and leaves those who truly care about her behind" trope, but whatever. I liked the book. I wish we'd had more explanation on Violet's frenemyship whatsit with Veronica, and I did feel like the end to this book was a bit rushed and tied up too nicely. I might read book two. 3.5 stars.
Violet on the Runway is pretty cliche, but it is good. There's the usual "gets a taste of fame and fortune and leaves those who truly care about her behind" trope, but whatever. I liked the book. I wish we'd had more explanation on Violet's frenemyship whatsit with Veronica, and I did feel like the end to this book was a bit rushed and tied up too nicely. I might read book two. 3.5 stars.
January 26, 2018
This book was awesome! It is about this girl who is a fashion model. Violet Greenfield's life changes forever when a lady in giant Chanel shades tells her she could be IT, the next Kate Moss-but taller, and without the PR problems. That's how Violet winds up with a business card in the front pocket of her jeans on her first day as a senior in high school. Angela Blythe from Tryst Models in New York City wants to put Violet on a plane and whisk her into the world of high-heeled boots and oversized sunglasses. Tall, skinny Violet, who's been P-L-A-I-N practically forever.
October 26, 2018
2.5 en realidad.
Violet es una protagonista desesperante cuya razón para pelearse con la gente (especialmente con los amigos que la aceptaban como era) es por que quiere ser amiga de las chicas populares... y luego toda la historia se transforma en un The Simple Life meets American Next Top Model with Mean Girls.
Estuvo entretenido como lectura ligera, nada más.
Violet es una protagonista desesperante cuya razón para pelearse con la gente (especialmente con los amigos que la aceptaban como era) es por que quiere ser amiga de las chicas populares... y luego toda la historia se transforma en un The Simple Life meets American Next Top Model with Mean Girls.
Estuvo entretenido como lectura ligera, nada más.
December 28, 2021
I really liked Violet. She was an interesting character to read about and throught the series you can tellhow she is developing as a woman. The modeling world was also super fun to read about, so overall great book!
January 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Violet is a very relatable character - a teenager struggling with her self image, longing to be popular and worthy, who becomes a fish out of water as a model in NYC. I am really looking forward to the next book!!
September 2, 2018
2.5 stars
This was a fast read, but I think it's one of the YA books that I've grown out of. So, not really for me.
This was a fast read, but I think it's one of the YA books that I've grown out of. So, not really for me.
June 24, 2019
4 stars
Read
February 13, 2022just found these in my attic i forgot i read them
June 11, 2010
Violet is a beautiful tall young woman, who goes for something new that she has never experienced before. Becoming a model deals with a lot of obstacles, and I mean a lot, because you wear all sorts of fashion wear and your face being cover with a lot of cosmetic to make you look more beautiful, and in the end, if something is still not perfect enough yet, more photo-shopping helps top it off to make you look even more of a beautiful figure, and the reason why I say figure instead of person is because, it's not the real you, it's like you are being replaced with all the materials on yourself to make you look prettier to attract the outsiders, and this is the part where obstacles come in. They will talk a lot of bad stuff about you, especially if you show a lot of skin or wear something tight, a woman's chest all the way down to her thighs are always the area where they are being judged most. For example, "she's so fat, or she's so skinny," and it's like the face was never there in the first place, and that was what Violet dealt with, but she still managed to make more friends, but they weren't her friends for long, and this is also the reason why I said she dealt with a lot of obstacles. I'm a really soft heart person, and sometimes when someone says something bad about me, it gets me but being able to stand up for yourself and believing that what ever they are saying is not true, makes you a more of a comfortable person to yourself, because whatever bad stuff they say wont make you look bad, it will only make them look bad for being the obstacle, enemy, and so on. The author did a wonderful job of writing this story, because I always thought what would be like to become a model, and just reading what Violet is going through, makes me feel like I am in her shoes, and I can picture every scene that is happening around her, for example: "I sit down hunching over and trying not to make eye contact with anyone so i can't read on their faces that i don't belong there."(pg.67)and it's also crazy too, because I seldom get nervous when I read like a dramatic part of the story, and I get so into it that I, just can't stop reading and it's like watching those drama t.v shows, for example: "Everyone is drinking so much that I feel obliged to take a few sips of the pink concoction Peter sets in front of me." (pg.107) so it was pretty cool. A lot of the modeling takes place in New York, and so Violet was far away from home, family and friends, and its hard to keep in touch when you are really busy with what you have to do, and sometimes situations at the wrong place and wrong time triggers the spot to the point where you argue with friends, "I smile and excuse myself. It's like I have to pretend that I am going to call Julie so that Mom and Dad won't realize we've grown apart." (pg.128) and "Roger behaves as I'd expect, really - he makes snide comments about the fashion world... I guess its really Julie who's disappointing me. She says she's happy for me, and... but lately talking to her is like talking to Bee's Knees girls... emptiness to her words." (pg.77) so it made me thought about myself, if i was to really become a model, can I handle moving out of state, so far away that I wont see any of my peers for a year or two, and am I strong enough to face what ever stands in my way. It's like Violet, was also talking to me, and telling me about her present life, and it made me understood that, this and this can happen, but my experience may be different, but 100% obstacles from across the world, will be there to judge you by your image, so be prepare if your planning to take that road. So to me this can apply to any kind of dream, like sports, jobs est. You just have to be ready and show that you are the good guy.
November 11, 2014
Sadly I did not finish this book. After the second F word I decided to quit it. :( I was really enjoying this book, I might buy it and take my white out pen to it. :)
**Update**
I now have a copy and am finishing it with a white pen.
**Update**So... I got this book and was enjoying it (with my white out handy)
I am so mad at Melissa C. Walker. I mean come on. I am reading this book because I like modeling, not because I like stupid underage drinking in night clubs. Not to mention the jerk boyfriend that all he wants is to sleep with the MC.
I am so angry that this is geared towards girls my age. I am 15 and I think this book is trash. I am really sorry to say that, I was enjoying it, but I think it is dumb to encourage teenagers to BREAK the law by drinking underage. I mean is this what we want to tell our teens is okay?
Ya sure! Go drink! Go ruin your body! Go sleep with your boyfriend! Oh, and don't tell your parents!
Um, I don't think so.
I enjoyed the modeling parts of this. But was horrified that Melissa threw all this junk in there.
At one point the MC has to wear a see through shirt for a photo shoot, and feels uncomfortable. Instead of standing up for herself, she just sucks it up. Is this what we want to tell our teen girls? That what you think doesn't matter, and that you should just let it happen?
I think that teen books should be encouraging teens to be strong with what they believe in. I think most teens want to be strong, we read about amazing teens in history, who stood up against horrible things (think of Peter from the Hiding Place. He worked with the underground to save Jewish people from Holland. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...)
Teens are strong. That is what we want to be, that is how a lot of fictional teen characters are. And we look up to them. We want to be them. Teens should turn their rebellious spirit in to something great to help the world.(I freely admit that I can be very rebellious. I think it's part of being teen.) I think we would all be surprised at what we could do. Now back to the book, now that I have chased a rabbit trail for a while.
Violet (the MC) was not strong. And she didn't even regret it.
I am so sad that this book wasn't better.
This book had a couple of F words, that is part of the reason I quit it. But I got really fed up, that after her jerk boyfriend tells a newspaper a bunch of crap, she goes back to him and they sleep together.
My anger at her dumb choices makes me want to burn this book.
This book went from 4 stars to 1 star because of how much junk was in it.
It makes me want to write a modeling book about a smart girl. Not one that makes such dumb mistakes.
Well that being said, I think Violet on the Runway we would be a better book with some editing.
I would not suggest this book to a teenager.
Now that my rant is over, I think I hear cheering from the tv, so I think I will go watch the Sochi Olympics with my family. :)
**Update**
I now have a copy and am finishing it with a white pen.
**Update**So... I got this book and was enjoying it (with my white out handy)
I am so mad at Melissa C. Walker. I mean come on. I am reading this book because I like modeling, not because I like stupid underage drinking in night clubs. Not to mention the jerk boyfriend that all he wants is to sleep with the MC.
I am so angry that this is geared towards girls my age. I am 15 and I think this book is trash. I am really sorry to say that, I was enjoying it, but I think it is dumb to encourage teenagers to BREAK the law by drinking underage. I mean is this what we want to tell our teens is okay?
Ya sure! Go drink! Go ruin your body! Go sleep with your boyfriend! Oh, and don't tell your parents!
Um, I don't think so.
I enjoyed the modeling parts of this. But was horrified that Melissa threw all this junk in there.
At one point the MC has to wear a see through shirt for a photo shoot, and feels uncomfortable. Instead of standing up for herself, she just sucks it up. Is this what we want to tell our teen girls? That what you think doesn't matter, and that you should just let it happen?
I think that teen books should be encouraging teens to be strong with what they believe in. I think most teens want to be strong, we read about amazing teens in history, who stood up against horrible things (think of Peter from the Hiding Place. He worked with the underground to save Jewish people from Holland. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...)
Teens are strong. That is what we want to be, that is how a lot of fictional teen characters are. And we look up to them. We want to be them. Teens should turn their rebellious spirit in to something great to help the world.(I freely admit that I can be very rebellious. I think it's part of being teen.) I think we would all be surprised at what we could do. Now back to the book, now that I have chased a rabbit trail for a while.
Violet (the MC) was not strong. And she didn't even regret it.
I am so sad that this book wasn't better.
This book had a couple of F words, that is part of the reason I quit it. But I got really fed up, that after her jerk boyfriend tells a newspaper a bunch of crap, she goes back to him and they sleep together.
My anger at her dumb choices makes me want to burn this book.
This book went from 4 stars to 1 star because of how much junk was in it.
It makes me want to write a modeling book about a smart girl. Not one that makes such dumb mistakes.
Well that being said, I think Violet on the Runway we would be a better book with some editing.
I would not suggest this book to a teenager.
Now that my rant is over, I think I hear cheering from the tv, so I think I will go watch the Sochi Olympics with my family. :)
August 1, 2009
Violet likes to think of herself as a wallflower. She's a senior who's never had a boyfriend and has a grand total of two friends. She just feels plain and ordinary. Nothing about her stands out, except for the fact that she is freakishly tall. So when a representitive from Tryst modeling agency asks her to fly up to New York for a consultation, she agrees. Little does she know that this decision will change her in so many ways. Violet's first trip to New York is a hit, in fact she booked for four shows during Fashion Week! She is overjoyed and is finally seeing herself as just a little bit out-of-the-ordinary. Fashion Week is a hit. Violet can't contain herself and when she walks down the runway she flashes a huge smile, which soon becomes her trademark. She does such a great job that she pushes her nemesis, Veronica, out of the prized closing slot of the show. As Fashion Week draws to an end, Violet rises to stardom. She's finally found a friend, and maybe even a boyfriend. Once Fashion Week finishes she relunctantly comes home to good, old Chapel Hill High School where she is profusely greeted, not just by her 2 best friends, but by the ever so popular BK (bees knees) girls. Violet is loving all the attention, but she let's what's really important slide. Thinking her modeling career has slowed down, Violet is shocked to hear that she is still hot in New York, and Tryst wants her to come live up in New York. After much persuasion her parents agree and Violet graduates high school early and packs her bags for the Big Apple. Busy schedules and sharing a one-bedroom apartment with four other girls, including Veronica, excites Violet at first, but will the spark soon die off.
This was an exceptionally good book. Violet is one of the most down-to-earth characters I've met. Yes, being a model can sometimes make her full of herself, but she seems like such a friendly and honest person. This story makes me realize that we all have our doubts. Whether it be if were good enough, pretty enough, or smart enough. I think Melissa Walker does a great job sharing the message that we all have our talents, and faults. Also that it is important for us to be nice to everyone, because we don't know their circumstances. I also loved all the fashion in the book. I myself am not a fashion-junkie, but I think it's fun to learn something new about pop culture. All the fashion lingo was fun to read and also I was allowed a sneak peak into the world of modelling. This a great book for any teen girl, especially one who has ever thought she was not good enough, but turns out to be superior!
This was an exceptionally good book. Violet is one of the most down-to-earth characters I've met. Yes, being a model can sometimes make her full of herself, but she seems like such a friendly and honest person. This story makes me realize that we all have our doubts. Whether it be if were good enough, pretty enough, or smart enough. I think Melissa Walker does a great job sharing the message that we all have our talents, and faults. Also that it is important for us to be nice to everyone, because we don't know their circumstances. I also loved all the fashion in the book. I myself am not a fashion-junkie, but I think it's fun to learn something new about pop culture. All the fashion lingo was fun to read and also I was allowed a sneak peak into the world of modelling. This a great book for any teen girl, especially one who has ever thought she was not good enough, but turns out to be superior!
May 20, 2009
Violet Greenfield is your average high school girl, well she would love to be average. As it is now she is too tall, too plain, jut your typical wallflower who secretly wishes to be friends with the It-girls of her high school.
Then one day she is approached by Angela Blythe from Tryst Models in New York. She is told that she could be the next it girl of modeling.
"If it's up to me, Violet Greenfield, I'd say you're the next Kate Moss-but, you know, taller and without the PR problems...I hope!"
First day of school and she has a business card burning in her back pocket. And guess what, she is going to go to New York and try to see if she has what it takes to make it. Without telling any of her friends so will take the big step and see if she gets hired for fashion week, because at least Angela believes in her, but is modeling all it's cracked up to be?
I got this book in a contest, and Melissa had written a short message in it how I should always dream. A good message that echoes through the book. It's not a book that portraits everything as perfect. There are ups and downs, but what I loved in it is that it stays sweet. Some YA books have more of sex, drugs and violence that adult books these days, but not this book. This could be read by a teenager, a kid or an adult. And all will enjoy it.
Violet deals with go-sees, and being talked about like she is not there. It's a harsh world where every part of you is wrong even if you are perfect. There are jealous models, upset friends, and learning to know who your real friends are and those that only want a part of your spotlight. She has a few bumps in her road coming and they wont be easy.
But she is a strong girl, and I really like her. I would love to be friends with her, she is funny, strong, kind (well all these things for the most part). She does get a bit full of herself but I forgive her. It's only to be expected.
Great old friends too, bitchy models warning, the high school clique girls who annoys me, funny aunt, and a romantic interest in view. A bit of everything and everyone can be found in this book.
It is a great and funny read. And when it ended it left me hanging and I wanted to know more. What would she do next?
Then one day she is approached by Angela Blythe from Tryst Models in New York. She is told that she could be the next it girl of modeling.
"If it's up to me, Violet Greenfield, I'd say you're the next Kate Moss-but, you know, taller and without the PR problems...I hope!"
First day of school and she has a business card burning in her back pocket. And guess what, she is going to go to New York and try to see if she has what it takes to make it. Without telling any of her friends so will take the big step and see if she gets hired for fashion week, because at least Angela believes in her, but is modeling all it's cracked up to be?
I got this book in a contest, and Melissa had written a short message in it how I should always dream. A good message that echoes through the book. It's not a book that portraits everything as perfect. There are ups and downs, but what I loved in it is that it stays sweet. Some YA books have more of sex, drugs and violence that adult books these days, but not this book. This could be read by a teenager, a kid or an adult. And all will enjoy it.
Violet deals with go-sees, and being talked about like she is not there. It's a harsh world where every part of you is wrong even if you are perfect. There are jealous models, upset friends, and learning to know who your real friends are and those that only want a part of your spotlight. She has a few bumps in her road coming and they wont be easy.
But she is a strong girl, and I really like her. I would love to be friends with her, she is funny, strong, kind (well all these things for the most part). She does get a bit full of herself but I forgive her. It's only to be expected.
Great old friends too, bitchy models warning, the high school clique girls who annoys me, funny aunt, and a romantic interest in view. A bit of everything and everyone can be found in this book.
It is a great and funny read. And when it ended it left me hanging and I wanted to know more. What would she do next?
March 11, 2015
Violet is discovered by a model agent while working at the local movie theater in Chapel Hill, NC. A self-described wallflower, Violet is excited about the possibilities, but scared that this is just a joke. She's invited to New York for a weekend for a makeover and go-sees. She doesn't think it'll amount to much and is totally surprised when she books some shows for NY Fashion Week. Deciding to graduate early and move to New York City to model in the spring of what would be her senior year of high school, Violet learns that modeling is not all glamour and fun.
I almost put this one down in the middle. When Violet chose to be buddy-buddy with the popular girls at her high school, instead of backing up her two friends, I wanted to yell, "How could you?!" at her. But thinking on it, I'm sure there are many girls that would do exactly the same thing. Is it right? Of course not. Is it something that would happen? Sure. I knew then and there that something would happen to Violet in New York that would cause her to come home with her tail between her legs, begging her old friends for forgiveness. They, in turn, would forgive her in a heartbeat and everything would end up perfectly! Voila! Just like many other books or TV movies. I'd seen (or read) it all before.
But that's not what happened. Violet does choose to go to New York over her friends at home. (You knew that just by looking at the cover!) Things aren't perfect in New York, but she doesn't hit rock bottom. I like that she's disillusioned about life as a model, but becomes more realistic. As Violet learns how others treat models at a photo shoot (like they're not human), she knows that she must learn to deal with the pain it causes or become like some of the more seasoned models. Yes, you will read about the mean models who try to trick you, the models with eating disorders, and the ones with drug habits. But does Violet become one of them? Uh, not exactly. She's no angel, but I wouldn't say she's completely a mean girl either.
I know many a teen girl that dream of being discovered like Violet. It seems like a fairy tale come true. With Violet on the Runway, we get a glimpse of the reality that all may not be perfect in the modeling world. C rating.
I almost put this one down in the middle. When Violet chose to be buddy-buddy with the popular girls at her high school, instead of backing up her two friends, I wanted to yell, "How could you?!" at her. But thinking on it, I'm sure there are many girls that would do exactly the same thing. Is it right? Of course not. Is it something that would happen? Sure. I knew then and there that something would happen to Violet in New York that would cause her to come home with her tail between her legs, begging her old friends for forgiveness. They, in turn, would forgive her in a heartbeat and everything would end up perfectly! Voila! Just like many other books or TV movies. I'd seen (or read) it all before.
But that's not what happened. Violet does choose to go to New York over her friends at home. (You knew that just by looking at the cover!) Things aren't perfect in New York, but she doesn't hit rock bottom. I like that she's disillusioned about life as a model, but becomes more realistic. As Violet learns how others treat models at a photo shoot (like they're not human), she knows that she must learn to deal with the pain it causes or become like some of the more seasoned models. Yes, you will read about the mean models who try to trick you, the models with eating disorders, and the ones with drug habits. But does Violet become one of them? Uh, not exactly. She's no angel, but I wouldn't say she's completely a mean girl either.
I know many a teen girl that dream of being discovered like Violet. It seems like a fairy tale come true. With Violet on the Runway, we get a glimpse of the reality that all may not be perfect in the modeling world. C rating.
January 30, 2009
Violet on the Runway
2008, The Berkley Publishing Group
pgs.228 $9.99
Melissa C.Walker
ISBN: 9780425217047
Every girl's dream is dating the most cutest, popular guy in her school. And wearing a size zero jean, being the most popular girl, skinny, tall, beautiful, and smart. Well, Violet Greenfield is a type of girl who is skinny, tall, and smart. But the only thing that she doesn't realize is that she is beautiful. Violet On The Runway is written from Violet Greenfield point of view. The way Melissa Walker write is very descriptive. She describe the scene very well for instance, "Last year, someone actually scrawled I <3 VIOLET GREENFIELD in tiny letters near the top of my locker."
Violet is a girl who is very tall 6"1, wear size 2 and is really smart. She has a crush on the most cutest guy in her school, and she isn't popular. Violet is really beautiful, but she doesn't know that yet. Until a woman gave her a business card where she can model. Because the woman told her that she was so stunning and she should model and do the catwalk. Violet agreed, she went to New York City and do her modeling with many fashion company. She left Julie and Roger, her best friends sicne elementary school. After feeling what it is like to be a famous model, she isn't sure if she really want this life instead of her old life. Violet starts to loose her best friends. She isn't sure if she want a life where thousand of camera follows her and her whole face in front of a magazine.
Violet On The Runway is a series this is the first book, the second book is Violet By Design, and the third book is Violet in Pirvate. I really enjoyed reading this book, my eyes were glued onto the book. It was like my eyes were being crazy glued onto every page until the very last page, 228, my eyes were able to break away from the book. So pick up a copy of Violet On The Runway near your local library your near a bookstore.
2008, The Berkley Publishing Group
pgs.228 $9.99
Melissa C.Walker
ISBN: 9780425217047
Every girl's dream is dating the most cutest, popular guy in her school. And wearing a size zero jean, being the most popular girl, skinny, tall, beautiful, and smart. Well, Violet Greenfield is a type of girl who is skinny, tall, and smart. But the only thing that she doesn't realize is that she is beautiful. Violet On The Runway is written from Violet Greenfield point of view. The way Melissa Walker write is very descriptive. She describe the scene very well for instance, "Last year, someone actually scrawled I <3 VIOLET GREENFIELD in tiny letters near the top of my locker."
Violet is a girl who is very tall 6"1, wear size 2 and is really smart. She has a crush on the most cutest guy in her school, and she isn't popular. Violet is really beautiful, but she doesn't know that yet. Until a woman gave her a business card where she can model. Because the woman told her that she was so stunning and she should model and do the catwalk. Violet agreed, she went to New York City and do her modeling with many fashion company. She left Julie and Roger, her best friends sicne elementary school. After feeling what it is like to be a famous model, she isn't sure if she really want this life instead of her old life. Violet starts to loose her best friends. She isn't sure if she want a life where thousand of camera follows her and her whole face in front of a magazine.
Violet On The Runway is a series this is the first book, the second book is Violet By Design, and the third book is Violet in Pirvate. I really enjoyed reading this book, my eyes were glued onto the book. It was like my eyes were being crazy glued onto every page until the very last page, 228, my eyes were able to break away from the book. So pick up a copy of Violet On The Runway near your local library your near a bookstore.
August 30, 2011
Okay, it was not my typical type of book or series, but I LOVED Meg Cabot’s Airhead series. It was just quirky, fun, and awesome. After finishing that I was looking for a book that had its foot in the modeling world. One day I was browsing Paperback Swap and stumbled across this series. I was really excited when I read the summary and immediately requested it. Then when I got it I was so swamped with books to read that this sat on my shelf for months, but I finally broke down and read it. It was really quite good.
I loved Violet! Although I am not as tall as her I was always the freaky tall girl growing up. For a long time it felt like I was always going to tower over everyone, especially boys, and I hated it. So I found a strong connection to Violet, and I could completely understand her urge to fade into the background. When she gets the chance to go into modeling, it completely changes her. Modeling is a scary, painful world, but slowly Violet begins to find her way through it. All of it does not come without a cost. Violet begins to get swept away in a life of partying and quickly forgets the friends and family she left behind. Of course the ‘good life’ does not last forever and I was heartbroken for Violet when she comes to really understand the world and person she has come to be.
This is a lovely coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the modeling world of New York. I love how the author showcases how tough and non-glamorous that modeling can really be. It is quick, fast-paced just like the city where most of it takes place. The variety of characters was refreshing, and despite her new glamorous life, the shy, awkward girl beneath the facade gives the story a beautiful heart.
Overall I did not love this book quite as much as Airhead, but it is definitely a series to check out if you like books based around modeling. I plan to read the other two books in the series as soon as possible. This was a fun read that you will not regret checking out!
I loved Violet! Although I am not as tall as her I was always the freaky tall girl growing up. For a long time it felt like I was always going to tower over everyone, especially boys, and I hated it. So I found a strong connection to Violet, and I could completely understand her urge to fade into the background. When she gets the chance to go into modeling, it completely changes her. Modeling is a scary, painful world, but slowly Violet begins to find her way through it. All of it does not come without a cost. Violet begins to get swept away in a life of partying and quickly forgets the friends and family she left behind. Of course the ‘good life’ does not last forever and I was heartbroken for Violet when she comes to really understand the world and person she has come to be.
This is a lovely coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the modeling world of New York. I love how the author showcases how tough and non-glamorous that modeling can really be. It is quick, fast-paced just like the city where most of it takes place. The variety of characters was refreshing, and despite her new glamorous life, the shy, awkward girl beneath the facade gives the story a beautiful heart.
Overall I did not love this book quite as much as Airhead, but it is definitely a series to check out if you like books based around modeling. I plan to read the other two books in the series as soon as possible. This was a fun read that you will not regret checking out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews