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Beautiful Americans
While studying abroad during their junior year of high school, friends Alex, Zack, and PJ take full advantage of all the glamorous events and parties taking place in their host families' apartments and on the city streets, but when their personal secrets are revealed, the revelers face challenging predicaments as the lies start to fade away.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 8, 2009
17 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Silag
7 books101 followersLucy Silag is the author of the Beautiful Americans novels for young adults (Razorbill/Penguin) and has written for many publications including Salon, Allure, New York magazine, Real Simple Travel, The Iowa Review, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Globe and Mail in Canada, and the Independent on Sunday magazine in the UK. She is a graduate of the Women’s Studies program at UC Santa Cruz and holds an MFA in Fiction from the Iowa Writer’s Workshop.
Lucy works in book publishing and can be found on Twitter @lucysilag.
Lucy works in book publishing and can be found on Twitter @lucysilag.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
September 2, 2008
This is my book, coming out in January 2009! Please read and enjoy!
July 14, 2016
From the blurb: Pretty Little Liars meets My So-Called Life in this story of four American teens in Paris and the scandals that haunt each of them. Given that I have zero experience with My So-Called Life and just a minimum of Pretty Little Liars - gave up after watching the first season, haven't read the books - I'd like to say this: Beautiful Americans is basically Gossip Girl minus the money, and set in France. It's the same bratty, woe-is-me characters living it up in France, never considering there might be consequences for their actions.
Some basic plot: Alex, PJ, Olivia, and Zach, four high school students are spending a year studying in France. Alex is moving away from her mother to the country in which her parents met, and where her father now lives. She's spoiled, whiny, and wants everything to be like the movies. Olivia is the dancer who hopes this trip will help her get into college (the same college her boyfriend attends), but she's leaving her family back in the States, and she struggles especially with leaving her autistic brother behind. Zach comes from a small(ish) town where he feels the need to hide his sexual orientation (gay), and hopes a year in France will help him find himself, or at least live out his desires. PJ is running from something, something unknown to the reader for most part of the story. She doesn't know where her sister is, and she isn't in contact with her parents. These four people form relationships, some stronger than others.
There's no solid plot here except for PJ's, and it's a secret almost until the end (it's a cliffhanger, by the way). Most of the story is Alex and Zach living it up in France, drinking wine, partying, gossiping about boys. Olivia joins them sometimes whenever she isn't doubting herself and all her (or her parents') plans. PJ, who is the most interesting (which isn't saying much, trust me), is barely in the story at times. Instead we're stuck with Alex, who's biggest issue is when her American Express Card is declined because her mother decides to cut her off since Alex has spent almost all her money after a few months. Then there's also the instance where Alex sexually harasses a boy, but since she's a girl, it isn't portrayed for what it is.
The characters aren't well fleshed out due to the fact that there are four different POVs. They get about 80 pages each, which is far too little to make these characters stand out as individuals; it's sometimes hard to tell them from each other. Alex was the least interesting character, but everyone treats her like the special snowflake that she is. Olivia should've had a bigger role, explore her sense of guilt and also liberation in being away from her family, of not having the pressure breathing down her neck at all hours. PJ's story should've moved faster (and not use it as a cliffhanger). Zach, unfortunately, is stereotypical and his presence in the book feels more like he's only there to fill up some non-straight characters quota.
All in all, it's a good idea for a story, with four young confused people struggling, but the execution makes it come off as some poor soap opera with bratty and spoiled kids gossiping, partying, and only caring for themselves with a single thought about consequences.
Some basic plot: Alex, PJ, Olivia, and Zach, four high school students are spending a year studying in France. Alex is moving away from her mother to the country in which her parents met, and where her father now lives. She's spoiled, whiny, and wants everything to be like the movies. Olivia is the dancer who hopes this trip will help her get into college (the same college her boyfriend attends), but she's leaving her family back in the States, and she struggles especially with leaving her autistic brother behind. Zach comes from a small(ish) town where he feels the need to hide his sexual orientation (gay), and hopes a year in France will help him find himself, or at least live out his desires. PJ is running from something, something unknown to the reader for most part of the story. She doesn't know where her sister is, and she isn't in contact with her parents. These four people form relationships, some stronger than others.
There's no solid plot here except for PJ's, and it's a secret almost until the end (it's a cliffhanger, by the way). Most of the story is Alex and Zach living it up in France, drinking wine, partying, gossiping about boys. Olivia joins them sometimes whenever she isn't doubting herself and all her (or her parents') plans. PJ, who is the most interesting (which isn't saying much, trust me), is barely in the story at times. Instead we're stuck with Alex, who's biggest issue is when her American Express Card is declined because her mother decides to cut her off since Alex has spent almost all her money after a few months. Then there's also the instance where Alex sexually harasses a boy, but since she's a girl, it isn't portrayed for what it is.
The characters aren't well fleshed out due to the fact that there are four different POVs. They get about 80 pages each, which is far too little to make these characters stand out as individuals; it's sometimes hard to tell them from each other. Alex was the least interesting character, but everyone treats her like the special snowflake that she is. Olivia should've had a bigger role, explore her sense of guilt and also liberation in being away from her family, of not having the pressure breathing down her neck at all hours. PJ's story should've moved faster (and not use it as a cliffhanger). Zach, unfortunately, is stereotypical and his presence in the book feels more like he's only there to fill up some non-straight characters quota.
All in all, it's a good idea for a story, with four young confused people struggling, but the execution makes it come off as some poor soap opera with bratty and spoiled kids gossiping, partying, and only caring for themselves with a single thought about consequences.
January 3, 2009
Honestly, when I started Beautiful Americans I was a little skeptical. I’d saw mixed reviews... the synopsis really didn’t completely catch my interest, but by the end of the novel I was ready for more!
I loved the set up of the novel. The chapters alternate between the four characters, so you get to see inside their head as well as how everyone else perceives them. That in itself really made the novel for me. The writing was also extraordinary, I loved Silag’s flow. It was easy to read and entertaining, with out being superfluous.
The characters are really what made this novel. It seems that all the reviews I’ve read had a problem with Alex, but I loved her. Yeah she was a bitch, but for some reason that attracted me to her character. The poor girl just wants someone to love her, sure she has a completely warped way of showing it, but that’s all she knows.
Zach, was by far my favorite. I just want to wrap him up in big hug and tell him everything is going to be okay and that he’s going to find the man of his dreams one day. Zach is by far the most honest character and has his moral compass set due north. I just wish the poor guy could have found a little love!
Olivia.... I thought I had her story pegged from the introduction, but I didn’t! I thought for sure Vince was going to be a cheating whore while his girlfriend was a whole continent away, but no he was a good boy. I guess Vince was different from all the those losers I dated. I will admit that I did like the outcome of Olivia’s story a lot better then the one I had thought up for her.
And then there is Penelope or PJ. Now this is the character that I found annoying. Cry me a freaggin river. Let me get out the worlds smallest violin and play PJ her little sob story song. The girl drove me freaggin insane. Here is some advice for you PJ, DEAL WITH IT. Obviously the girl went to Paris to “runaway” from all the bad stuff at home, but then she just dwells on it, instead of trying to forget it. Honestly, I didn’t expect her to just up and forget everything that happened to her, I mean what person would, but the girl really needs to deal with some issues. By the time to story got around to something really disturbing happening to her, I was beyond the capacity to care at that point. I really hope she doesn’t annoy me so much in the next novel.
Overall, it was better than I expected. I’m really looking forward to reading the next novel!
I loved the set up of the novel. The chapters alternate between the four characters, so you get to see inside their head as well as how everyone else perceives them. That in itself really made the novel for me. The writing was also extraordinary, I loved Silag’s flow. It was easy to read and entertaining, with out being superfluous.
The characters are really what made this novel. It seems that all the reviews I’ve read had a problem with Alex, but I loved her. Yeah she was a bitch, but for some reason that attracted me to her character. The poor girl just wants someone to love her, sure she has a completely warped way of showing it, but that’s all she knows.
Zach, was by far my favorite. I just want to wrap him up in big hug and tell him everything is going to be okay and that he’s going to find the man of his dreams one day. Zach is by far the most honest character and has his moral compass set due north. I just wish the poor guy could have found a little love!
Olivia.... I thought I had her story pegged from the introduction, but I didn’t! I thought for sure Vince was going to be a cheating whore while his girlfriend was a whole continent away, but no he was a good boy. I guess Vince was different from all the those losers I dated. I will admit that I did like the outcome of Olivia’s story a lot better then the one I had thought up for her.
And then there is Penelope or PJ. Now this is the character that I found annoying. Cry me a freaggin river. Let me get out the worlds smallest violin and play PJ her little sob story song. The girl drove me freaggin insane. Here is some advice for you PJ, DEAL WITH IT. Obviously the girl went to Paris to “runaway” from all the bad stuff at home, but then she just dwells on it, instead of trying to forget it. Honestly, I didn’t expect her to just up and forget everything that happened to her, I mean what person would, but the girl really needs to deal with some issues. By the time to story got around to something really disturbing happening to her, I was beyond the capacity to care at that point. I really hope she doesn’t annoy me so much in the next novel.
Overall, it was better than I expected. I’m really looking forward to reading the next novel!
December 27, 2008
Summary: Penelope Jane or PJ as she likes to be called is an enigma to everyone from the start. But what is she really hiding behind that gorgeous face?
Olivia, a born dancer, is aiming for a scholarship in this stunning city. Dancing is her passion and dream but what is she willing to give up as the result?
Alex has what all the girls want—beauty, wealth, passion and strive. But can this cool calm and collected fashionista survive in this bustling city?
Zack, a regular boy from Memphis, has captured the eyes and hearts of many girls but who really is his type?
Review: Told in four different points of view, this novel showcases Lucy Silag’s versatility in manipulating her characters. Each one has their own unique personalities that will never get you confused on who’s who.
Olivia: She was definitely not one of the stronger characters. Gave no real lasting impression whatsoever but I did quite enjoy reading her relationships. It gave a little scandal and excitement to the book. I also like her determination, I think she may be the only one who gave an actually reason to be in France!
Alex: Okay so I DID NOT like reading about her. I had to force myself to just read her, a real pain in the butt. From her thievery to her whiny/bitchy attitude to almost everything in general, I wanted to just rip the pages from the book. That’s how much I didn’t like reading about her.
At the very beginning she wanted to find love that was understandable. But as it progressed, I got all the feeling that all she wanted was sex. It was plainly obvious that he held no interest in her emotional but her conceitedness blind sighted her and she resorted to thievery of clothing. So I felt no pity towards her when she got dumped.
PJ: Annoying. That’s all I can sum her up as. As self-dependent as she tried to be I find her needing more help than anyone else. Her constant want for her sister, her sister’s boyfriend, and to be liked gave me another character that I had to force myself to read. I also thought that the mystery aspect of her, in her sister’s disappearance and her parent’s arrest, were both unneeded. I guess it gave PJ depth and reason to be in France but after reading the entire book, we’re still stuck with the same information from the very beginning of the novel!
Zack: I LOVE Zack. If any of you have ever watched Project Runway season 4, he is so much like Christian Siriano! And I adore him! From his snarky/spunky attitude and his critiques to all that is fashion to his emotional baggage of his sexuality, I wanted more! I even enjoyed reading Alex more through his point of view, that is how much I love him! He alone made reading this book so worthwhile.
Overall: I was expecting fireworks in the skies of the night but instead I got sparklers in the glow of the afternoon. Very disappointed with the book since I had such high expectations. I’ll be looking forward to the sequel but I probably won’t rush out to get it once it’s been released.
Olivia, a born dancer, is aiming for a scholarship in this stunning city. Dancing is her passion and dream but what is she willing to give up as the result?
Alex has what all the girls want—beauty, wealth, passion and strive. But can this cool calm and collected fashionista survive in this bustling city?
Zack, a regular boy from Memphis, has captured the eyes and hearts of many girls but who really is his type?
Review: Told in four different points of view, this novel showcases Lucy Silag’s versatility in manipulating her characters. Each one has their own unique personalities that will never get you confused on who’s who.
Olivia: She was definitely not one of the stronger characters. Gave no real lasting impression whatsoever but I did quite enjoy reading her relationships. It gave a little scandal and excitement to the book. I also like her determination, I think she may be the only one who gave an actually reason to be in France!
Alex: Okay so I DID NOT like reading about her. I had to force myself to just read her, a real pain in the butt. From her thievery to her whiny/bitchy attitude to almost everything in general, I wanted to just rip the pages from the book. That’s how much I didn’t like reading about her.
At the very beginning she wanted to find love that was understandable. But as it progressed, I got all the feeling that all she wanted was sex. It was plainly obvious that he held no interest in her emotional but her conceitedness blind sighted her and she resorted to thievery of clothing. So I felt no pity towards her when she got dumped.
PJ: Annoying. That’s all I can sum her up as. As self-dependent as she tried to be I find her needing more help than anyone else. Her constant want for her sister, her sister’s boyfriend, and to be liked gave me another character that I had to force myself to read. I also thought that the mystery aspect of her, in her sister’s disappearance and her parent’s arrest, were both unneeded. I guess it gave PJ depth and reason to be in France but after reading the entire book, we’re still stuck with the same information from the very beginning of the novel!
Zack: I LOVE Zack. If any of you have ever watched Project Runway season 4, he is so much like Christian Siriano! And I adore him! From his snarky/spunky attitude and his critiques to all that is fashion to his emotional baggage of his sexuality, I wanted more! I even enjoyed reading Alex more through his point of view, that is how much I love him! He alone made reading this book so worthwhile.
Overall: I was expecting fireworks in the skies of the night but instead I got sparklers in the glow of the afternoon. Very disappointed with the book since I had such high expectations. I’ll be looking forward to the sequel but I probably won’t rush out to get it once it’s been released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2009
this surpassed my expectations, and that's saying a lot, given how much i love Lucy Silag.
there were a lot of things i think that were done brilliantly, and a lot things that i've read review about that i don't agree with - the characterization of alex, for one. maybe you just have never met an alex, but i definitely have, and she's very, very believable. (also, from a psychological stand-point, it *completely* makes sense why she behaves the way she does.) i don't know if we are actually supposed to feel super-sympathetic for her right now - i have a feeling that will come in the later books, but i definitely had my moments of sadness for her. anyway.
1. it was written for YA and it felt that way, without being either too much, or too little. by this i mean, lucy chose to write "boobs" instead of "breasts" or whatever, which is perfect, because when you're 17 they are definitely boobs. little things like this just made it all the more authentic.
2. there was name-dropping in terms of clothing brands, etc. but it wasn't over the top. (i can't tell you how much it irritates me in some books how clearly they are just trying to do product-placement. this felt more organic, especially since most of the observations came from zach or alex - the two who would both know, and care.)
3. a smart, scared gay character dealing with issues of coming out! written thoughtfully, but not in that over-handed "lifetime story of the week" way. zach also had good development throughout, which was nice.
4. you felt like you were in paris. the use of french was just enough - and if you don't know french, you can still figure out what's going on. the descriptions of the city and the whole country were amazing. LOVE.
5. madame bovary!!!! oh, emma.
6. i really liked olivia. and, i was pretty on board with brian too, which tends to be hard for me, since i work with autistic kids. but lucy handled it in a way that was both true to the disorder, and true to how olivia felt about it.
7. ballet! i haven't danced really in years, and man, this made me want to dig out my pointe shoes. not to mention olivia on a whole - i loved the development of her character and the realization that life doesn't have to be completely planned out yet.
8. PJ. PJ with her hair and her sad family story. i do hope we get more of her story in the next installment, or at least clarification on what exactly went down. i loved how strong she was for other people, and so weak for herself.
9. PJ's host family reminded me of something straight out of an {author: Isabel Allende] novel. totally creepy and something not quite right, and poor PJ trying so. hard.
10. it left me satisfied, but wanting more. which is perfect for a book in a series.
i identified a little with all the characters - even ones like vince (oh, vince) - and i'm telling you, lucy wanted to capture that group of kids that studies abroad, and i thought she did fantastic. it made me think of high school (in so many ways) and how everyone made sense. the characters weren't cliche because they were constantly evolving (alex, i would say, made the least progress so far), and the structure of the book itself made for interesting reading. each character had a very specific POV, and finding out different things from different perspectives really moved the plot along while still allowing for character development.
can't wait until september!!
there were a lot of things i think that were done brilliantly, and a lot things that i've read review about that i don't agree with - the characterization of alex, for one. maybe you just have never met an alex, but i definitely have, and she's very, very believable. (also, from a psychological stand-point, it *completely* makes sense why she behaves the way she does.) i don't know if we are actually supposed to feel super-sympathetic for her right now - i have a feeling that will come in the later books, but i definitely had my moments of sadness for her. anyway.
1. it was written for YA and it felt that way, without being either too much, or too little. by this i mean, lucy chose to write "boobs" instead of "breasts" or whatever, which is perfect, because when you're 17 they are definitely boobs. little things like this just made it all the more authentic.
2. there was name-dropping in terms of clothing brands, etc. but it wasn't over the top. (i can't tell you how much it irritates me in some books how clearly they are just trying to do product-placement. this felt more organic, especially since most of the observations came from zach or alex - the two who would both know, and care.)
3. a smart, scared gay character dealing with issues of coming out! written thoughtfully, but not in that over-handed "lifetime story of the week" way. zach also had good development throughout, which was nice.
4. you felt like you were in paris. the use of french was just enough - and if you don't know french, you can still figure out what's going on. the descriptions of the city and the whole country were amazing. LOVE.
5. madame bovary!!!! oh, emma.
6. i really liked olivia. and, i was pretty on board with brian too, which tends to be hard for me, since i work with autistic kids. but lucy handled it in a way that was both true to the disorder, and true to how olivia felt about it.
7. ballet! i haven't danced really in years, and man, this made me want to dig out my pointe shoes. not to mention olivia on a whole - i loved the development of her character and the realization that life doesn't have to be completely planned out yet.
8. PJ. PJ with her hair and her sad family story. i do hope we get more of her story in the next installment, or at least clarification on what exactly went down. i loved how strong she was for other people, and so weak for herself.
9. PJ's host family reminded me of something straight out of an {author: Isabel Allende] novel. totally creepy and something not quite right, and poor PJ trying so. hard.
10. it left me satisfied, but wanting more. which is perfect for a book in a series.
i identified a little with all the characters - even ones like vince (oh, vince) - and i'm telling you, lucy wanted to capture that group of kids that studies abroad, and i thought she did fantastic. it made me think of high school (in so many ways) and how everyone made sense. the characters weren't cliche because they were constantly evolving (alex, i would say, made the least progress so far), and the structure of the book itself made for interesting reading. each character had a very specific POV, and finding out different things from different perspectives really moved the plot along while still allowing for character development.
can't wait until september!!
April 3, 2009
To be honest, I was a bit hesitant to read this book because I don’t really like books that come in multiple perspectives. However, Beautiful Americans made me rethink that thought and now, I’m definitely ready to read the sequel.
What I loved about this book was the plot, the very idea of following four teens to the most romantic city in the world and following them as they as they spend their first semester in the prestigious Lycee de Monceau. I loved the secrets and the scandals involved and how the four teens, despite their differences and the past they have left behind, somehow bond to form a somewhat awesome friendship.
The writing was wonderful as well. It had a nice flow and rhythm to it without hurrying or slowing down. Lucy did an awesome job with making the words interesting and entertaining.
Olivia, the notorious good girl, with her boyfriend, Vince, in the States. When I first read about her in the description, I assumed that she would be this girl who gets her heart broken by Vince who would cheat off of her. And when she first called Vince and I heard – read – his voice, I assumed the worst that he had cheated and that’s why he sounded so groggy. However, he turned out to be the opposite. Olivia, on the other hand, did not end up the way I had thought. Instead of being the good girl and staying in love with her boyfriend, she did all these things such as dancing on a table even when she was sober and falling in love with a different boy. Though her actions weren’t that great, I still liked her because it showed that she had different sides and different personalities and that she wasn’t the perfect girl that everyone had dubbed her for.
Alex, on the hand, kind of annoyed me. All she wanted was to get things her way and when she didn’t, she stole to get them. She got PJ in trouble with her homestay owners and she even stole from this religious place. She was slightly redeemed when I found out that all she really wanted for a guy to truly love her. She wanted to feel loved instead of the useless girl that her ex-boyfriend had made her feel.
Zach was so cute. If he didn’t have a different sexual preference, I would totally make him mine. He’s honest, definitely, and, like Alex, was looking for some love. Though he didn’t find it in this book, I hope that he will in the sequel…or eventually! He’s a bit shy about his orientation, however, with the help of Alex, became more outspoken about it and even confessed to the guy he liked. He’s probably my favorite out of the four.
Sigh. PJ. What should I say? Well, she had this secret that was never really revealed throughout the book. There were snippets about it but no real information. What I didn’t like about her was the fact that she kept going back to think about her past. It was obvious that she came to Paris to escape her past, yet, she kept dwelling in it. She was by far my least favorite character.
Overall, this book was great and I can’t wait until the next book. :)
What I loved about this book was the plot, the very idea of following four teens to the most romantic city in the world and following them as they as they spend their first semester in the prestigious Lycee de Monceau. I loved the secrets and the scandals involved and how the four teens, despite their differences and the past they have left behind, somehow bond to form a somewhat awesome friendship.
The writing was wonderful as well. It had a nice flow and rhythm to it without hurrying or slowing down. Lucy did an awesome job with making the words interesting and entertaining.
Olivia, the notorious good girl, with her boyfriend, Vince, in the States. When I first read about her in the description, I assumed that she would be this girl who gets her heart broken by Vince who would cheat off of her. And when she first called Vince and I heard – read – his voice, I assumed the worst that he had cheated and that’s why he sounded so groggy. However, he turned out to be the opposite. Olivia, on the other hand, did not end up the way I had thought. Instead of being the good girl and staying in love with her boyfriend, she did all these things such as dancing on a table even when she was sober and falling in love with a different boy. Though her actions weren’t that great, I still liked her because it showed that she had different sides and different personalities and that she wasn’t the perfect girl that everyone had dubbed her for.
Alex, on the hand, kind of annoyed me. All she wanted was to get things her way and when she didn’t, she stole to get them. She got PJ in trouble with her homestay owners and she even stole from this religious place. She was slightly redeemed when I found out that all she really wanted for a guy to truly love her. She wanted to feel loved instead of the useless girl that her ex-boyfriend had made her feel.
Zach was so cute. If he didn’t have a different sexual preference, I would totally make him mine. He’s honest, definitely, and, like Alex, was looking for some love. Though he didn’t find it in this book, I hope that he will in the sequel…or eventually! He’s a bit shy about his orientation, however, with the help of Alex, became more outspoken about it and even confessed to the guy he liked. He’s probably my favorite out of the four.
Sigh. PJ. What should I say? Well, she had this secret that was never really revealed throughout the book. There were snippets about it but no real information. What I didn’t like about her was the fact that she kept going back to think about her past. It was obvious that she came to Paris to escape her past, yet, she kept dwelling in it. She was by far my least favorite character.
Overall, this book was great and I can’t wait until the next book. :)
January 3, 2010
Beautiful Americans is the first of what promises to be an exciting trilogy. It's the story of four Americans and their wild adventures in Paris for 9 months. This book is just the beginning of some crazy nights and even crazier teens.
Beautiful Americans is told from the points-of-view of Penelope Jane(PJ), Olivia, Zack, and Alex. I don't think there could be any four people as different as these. PJ is a Vermont hippie who is running from quite a past. Olivia is a dancer who is in Paris to try to earn a dance scholarship to UCLA. Zack is Zack. He is kind of hard to describe. He is in Paris looking for himself and for love. Then there's Alex. Alex is the spoiled rotten brat of the group. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities for her. She is in Paris just because she wants to be and what Alex wants, Alex gets.
This was a pretty wild book. It reminded me a bit of Gossip Girl but in Paris and a lot less raunchy. It was way more suitable for younger teens and it had a lot more substance. I can't really say what the plot was to this one except that it was their first semester of schooling in Paris. The second book looks like it will have more of a storyline that this one kind of set it up for. I look forward to starting that one. =]
Overall, Beautiful Americans is a fun read full of lies, scandal, sex, and secrets. I don't think Lucy Silag left any subject untouched. It was a great book and I plan on diving into the next one as soon as possible!
Beautiful Americans is told from the points-of-view of Penelope Jane(PJ), Olivia, Zack, and Alex. I don't think there could be any four people as different as these. PJ is a Vermont hippie who is running from quite a past. Olivia is a dancer who is in Paris to try to earn a dance scholarship to UCLA. Zack is Zack. He is kind of hard to describe. He is in Paris looking for himself and for love. Then there's Alex. Alex is the spoiled rotten brat of the group. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities for her. She is in Paris just because she wants to be and what Alex wants, Alex gets.
This was a pretty wild book. It reminded me a bit of Gossip Girl but in Paris and a lot less raunchy. It was way more suitable for younger teens and it had a lot more substance. I can't really say what the plot was to this one except that it was their first semester of schooling in Paris. The second book looks like it will have more of a storyline that this one kind of set it up for. I look forward to starting that one. =]
Overall, Beautiful Americans is a fun read full of lies, scandal, sex, and secrets. I don't think Lucy Silag left any subject untouched. It was a great book and I plan on diving into the next one as soon as possible!
November 5, 2025
⭐️ 3.5 ⭐️ I think I would’ve enjoyed this book a lot more as a teenager.
November 13, 2009
The most defining feature of this book is the fact that it is American teenagers but set in Paris at the Lycee- a very nice twist on the high school setting. The four main characters all have vastly different but still strong personalities and althought some of them bothered me, I grew to love them all.
Alex is selfish, stuck up, and completely self centered but she still wants love and friendship. Even though many parts of her story were very obvious, it was in that way the reader is almost screaming at her to figure it out but knowing what lies ahead and wishing to protect her. Or maybe that was just me. Her vulnerable side came out in a great way and I certainly look forward to more from her in the next 2 books. She is the character I can see many people disliking the book because they don't like her but truthfully, for me, it made me like the book more because I could see it from her eyes.
Zack is adorable in so many ways- a completely loveable gay. His background and the family he left behind to come study in France lends more drama and angst to his sexual orientation but I really did think he was tastefully done. Not too much but it was still a defining thing about him- many things came back to it but it wasn't in a way where I felt Silag was just trying to remind readers he was gay. His orientation was a true stuggle for him and that came out well in the book.
PJ intrigued me the most and although I thought her character was kind of an idiot sometimes, her particular background grabbed at me. She very much was the girl just trying to put her past behind her, move on, and find her way in the world- and became too distracted by that to really notice much else in a way.
Olivia, finally, was the character I felt grew the most through this book. There was a noticeable difference between when she was first introduced to the girl that was at the close of this first book in the trilogy but it seemed very much like a smooth transition, not rushed and not forced. Although the story only spans the fall semester, that is still a lot of time, especially in a foreign country- and I felt like Olivia showed how big an impact that could have more than anyone.
The ending was a massive cliffhanger, setting things up perfectly for the next installment which comes out Christmas Eve and yes, I am definitely going to be getting it. I am very eager to find out what happens next and where things will go from here.
This is certainly an easy read- filled with drama but because it shifts between the different characters, the reader isn't stuck with one thing for too long and the French setting also makes it refreshing compared to typical high school drama. One thing I did really like about this story was the fact that although it shifts between 4 perspectives, only a few times did I have to stop to think of what the new chapter and new character were doing- the transitions were pretty seamless, overall, with very little backtracking within a character's story to earlier chapters. The four different story lines overlapped in a way to tell a story greater than just them- the reader could see the entire picture and not just one character's focus and view of it, helped along by how the characters interacted with each other within the chapters.
The writing was good- it didn't astound me and take my breath away, but it didn't bore me or turn me off and I actually really liked the cover. The next 2 covers are featured on the back of this one and they all follow the same overall look and fit together quite nicely.
March 18, 2009
Too put it shortly, Beautiful Americans is the first of a trilogy about four teenagers studying abroad in Paris.
There is Alex — the Brooklyn fashionista who is the girl that everyone loves to hate, or like me, just plain hates. She’s spoiled, proud and out of control. Out of the four teenagers, she’s definitely the most dramatic but Lucy Silag’s construction of Alex’s background gives the reader an understanding to why she acts the way she does.
Olivia is the good girl of the bunch - at least in the beginning. Her motivation in Paris is to study ballet and get a good enough scholarship to UCLA. I liked that she wasn’t the stereotypical Californian girl - blonde, ditsy and boy-obsessed.
Zack’s the only boy of the four. He’s from the South - Memphis to be exact. And in Paris, he comes out of the closet for the first time. He’s trendy and hangs out with Alex - but has a semi-cool head on his shoulders that he doesn’t always agree with Alex’s antics.
Penelope Jane or PJ as she’s know in the story is the one with the mysterious past. She comes from Vermont and is quiet, kinda keeps to herself and doesn’t always approve of Alex.
The story is multi-voiced with each character getting to voice their perspective story. It’s very much like Gossip Girl, at times. But there are differences as well - the characters are more likable, the story more well-plotted, less focus on the brand name dropping, etc. Even the still improvement of this being better than Gossip Girl, I honestly have to say I didn’t exactly love it. I felt the whole story was a predictable soap opera. There were times the characters felt like stock characters and not as three-dimensional as I liked.
But, I did love some of the antics going on with the characters especially Alex’s crazy moments. I did also like the character of PJ, despite her brooding moments. It was pure entertainment for me and I’m still going to read the next two books because I want to know if my hunches about PJ’s family is correct. Also, I want to read more about Jay, who I adored because he seem to be the more mature one of the bunch, even though he is a minor character.
Wanderlust is the title of the next novel and it’s coming out Dec 2009.
There is Alex — the Brooklyn fashionista who is the girl that everyone loves to hate, or like me, just plain hates. She’s spoiled, proud and out of control. Out of the four teenagers, she’s definitely the most dramatic but Lucy Silag’s construction of Alex’s background gives the reader an understanding to why she acts the way she does.
Olivia is the good girl of the bunch - at least in the beginning. Her motivation in Paris is to study ballet and get a good enough scholarship to UCLA. I liked that she wasn’t the stereotypical Californian girl - blonde, ditsy and boy-obsessed.
Zack’s the only boy of the four. He’s from the South - Memphis to be exact. And in Paris, he comes out of the closet for the first time. He’s trendy and hangs out with Alex - but has a semi-cool head on his shoulders that he doesn’t always agree with Alex’s antics.
Penelope Jane or PJ as she’s know in the story is the one with the mysterious past. She comes from Vermont and is quiet, kinda keeps to herself and doesn’t always approve of Alex.
The story is multi-voiced with each character getting to voice their perspective story. It’s very much like Gossip Girl, at times. But there are differences as well - the characters are more likable, the story more well-plotted, less focus on the brand name dropping, etc. Even the still improvement of this being better than Gossip Girl, I honestly have to say I didn’t exactly love it. I felt the whole story was a predictable soap opera. There were times the characters felt like stock characters and not as three-dimensional as I liked.
But, I did love some of the antics going on with the characters especially Alex’s crazy moments. I did also like the character of PJ, despite her brooding moments. It was pure entertainment for me and I’m still going to read the next two books because I want to know if my hunches about PJ’s family is correct. Also, I want to read more about Jay, who I adored because he seem to be the more mature one of the bunch, even though he is a minor character.
Wanderlust is the title of the next novel and it’s coming out Dec 2009.
February 27, 2009
Four teens, Penelope Jane, better known as PJ, Olivia, Alex, and Zach, find themselves in Paris, the city of love, for a prestigious study abroad program. Alex is a spoiled snob used to living the high life and getting exactly what she wants. For Olivia, dance is everything. PJ’s trip to France is the result of fleeing from her embarrassing past. Zach, the adorable emo kid, is catching all the wrong eyes. But not all is well in this beautiful city: Alex’s out-of-control desires are setting her up for a huge fall, Olivia’s torn between her love for this city and guilt for leaving home, there’s something dysfunctional about the family PJ’s staying with, and Zach can’t help but be shy about his sexual orientation. Together, these four quasi-friends will have to figure out how to survive the semester before one of them finally cracks.
Strangely titled but surprisingly well written, Beautiful Americans is a meaningful guilty pleasure with international flair. I was a little wary to read this book because I thought the whole group-of-kids-stuck-together situation had already been overdone, but the Parisian setting and engaging characters set this novel apart from others told in the same style. With alternating narratives from each of the four friends’ points of view, the reader is allowed insight into their dirty little secrets as well as how they’re perceived by others. This, I fell, really allows the reader to get a better understanding of who each character is. PJ, Olivia, Alex, and Zach are so likable and easy to sympathize with even when they annoy the reader. They face real problems anyone could have to deal with, but these issues seem magnified as the teens are so far from home. As with most novels told from multiple perspectives, all the little details of each character’s life are difficult to keep track of, but the reader eventually gets used to it. Beautiful Americans provides an interesting take on freedom and what it means especially to youth.
Fans of The Au Pairs by Melissa de la Cruz, The Upper Class series by Hobson Brown, Taylor Materne, and Caroline Says, The Alphabetical Hookup List by Phoebe McPhee, and Zeta or Omega? By Kate Harmon will also enjoy this romantically set novel.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
Strangely titled but surprisingly well written, Beautiful Americans is a meaningful guilty pleasure with international flair. I was a little wary to read this book because I thought the whole group-of-kids-stuck-together situation had already been overdone, but the Parisian setting and engaging characters set this novel apart from others told in the same style. With alternating narratives from each of the four friends’ points of view, the reader is allowed insight into their dirty little secrets as well as how they’re perceived by others. This, I fell, really allows the reader to get a better understanding of who each character is. PJ, Olivia, Alex, and Zach are so likable and easy to sympathize with even when they annoy the reader. They face real problems anyone could have to deal with, but these issues seem magnified as the teens are so far from home. As with most novels told from multiple perspectives, all the little details of each character’s life are difficult to keep track of, but the reader eventually gets used to it. Beautiful Americans provides an interesting take on freedom and what it means especially to youth.
Fans of The Au Pairs by Melissa de la Cruz, The Upper Class series by Hobson Brown, Taylor Materne, and Caroline Says, The Alphabetical Hookup List by Phoebe McPhee, and Zeta or Omega? By Kate Harmon will also enjoy this romantically set novel.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
December 3, 2008
Reviewed by Amber Gibson for TeensReadToo.com
BEAUTIFUL AMERICANS by Lucy Silag is the story of four very different American teenagers studying abroad for a year in Paris. For PJ, Olivia, Alex and Zack, Paris is a place to run away, reinvent oneself, find love, and discover what it really means to live. Like the Lost Generation of the 1920s, these Americans escape to the City of Lights with the hope that the joie de vivre of the city will rub off on them.
PJ is fleeing from an embarrassing family scandal and hoping that she can leave her past behind in Vermont. This year is her chance to bury her secrets and emerge as a whole new person.
Olivia comes to Paris to train at a prestigious ballet academy. Her meticulously planned out future hinges on a perfect year, but sometimes life doesn't go according to plan.
Alex is a well-coiffed fashionista - thanks to her Manhattan upbringing - looking to find the perfect guy in the most romantic city in the world. However, sometimes even Alex cannot have everything she wants.
Zack is from Memphis, where being gay was never socially acceptable. Now that he is free from his conservative background, he has the same goals as Alex - to find a boyfriend and maybe even fall in love.
The story is told from alternating perspectives among the four main characters, and Silag achieves a delicate balance between their four individual stories while maintaining a cohesive plot. Four extraordinary stories told in a surprisingly believable manner. Getting to know each character from the perceptions of the others adds a compelling layer of reality to the story, revealing the faults of each character that can only be seen through the eyes of others.
This first book in the series leaves readers dangling at Christmastime, halfway through the exchange year, with one member of the quartet running away. For the mysteries and secrets that are not yet revealed, pick up the second BEAUTIFUL AMERICANS book in Fall 2009.
BEAUTIFUL AMERICANS by Lucy Silag is the story of four very different American teenagers studying abroad for a year in Paris. For PJ, Olivia, Alex and Zack, Paris is a place to run away, reinvent oneself, find love, and discover what it really means to live. Like the Lost Generation of the 1920s, these Americans escape to the City of Lights with the hope that the joie de vivre of the city will rub off on them.
PJ is fleeing from an embarrassing family scandal and hoping that she can leave her past behind in Vermont. This year is her chance to bury her secrets and emerge as a whole new person.
Olivia comes to Paris to train at a prestigious ballet academy. Her meticulously planned out future hinges on a perfect year, but sometimes life doesn't go according to plan.
Alex is a well-coiffed fashionista - thanks to her Manhattan upbringing - looking to find the perfect guy in the most romantic city in the world. However, sometimes even Alex cannot have everything she wants.
Zack is from Memphis, where being gay was never socially acceptable. Now that he is free from his conservative background, he has the same goals as Alex - to find a boyfriend and maybe even fall in love.
The story is told from alternating perspectives among the four main characters, and Silag achieves a delicate balance between their four individual stories while maintaining a cohesive plot. Four extraordinary stories told in a surprisingly believable manner. Getting to know each character from the perceptions of the others adds a compelling layer of reality to the story, revealing the faults of each character that can only be seen through the eyes of others.
This first book in the series leaves readers dangling at Christmastime, halfway through the exchange year, with one member of the quartet running away. For the mysteries and secrets that are not yet revealed, pick up the second BEAUTIFUL AMERICANS book in Fall 2009.
April 5, 2009
Beautiful Americans was pretty good. I liked the story and the well-developed characters but I found myself having to take a break from this book every now and then. It is not really a page turner, more like a reality T.V show in writing, sometimes it can get slow.
Even though at times it bored me a bit, I still enjoyed it. I loved how Zack, Alex, Olivia, and P.J have their own secrets. It definitely made the book more interesting to read.
Zack-He's in Paris and he's there to make some friends and hopefully find a boyfriend. I found to be a very likable character, you'd want him as your buddy. :) If you're a guy who's gay, you'd like him as your boyfriend. hehe
Alex-Oh Alex, this poor girl. She's in Paris to have fun! She's the kind of girl who always gets what she wants or is she? Overall she's a great person but...she has issues with guys I guess you could say. You'll like her character too.
PJ-Penelope is in Paris to get away from her troubled life. What is this girl hiding?
Olivia-Olivia is a sweet innocent girl who's also an amazing dancer. She is torn between staying in Paris or going back home with her parents and autistic brother.
I liked the way the book was narrated it was great and the reader comes to understand each character more. The chapters alternate between each of the four main characters point of view. I love it! Though sometimes the author left a cliffhanger which made me go "ahh I want more" haha but it's a good kind of cliffhanger.
I can't wait for the sequel which comes out Fall 2009!! Hopefully it will be much, much better.
Even though at times it bored me a bit, I still enjoyed it. I loved how Zack, Alex, Olivia, and P.J have their own secrets. It definitely made the book more interesting to read.
Zack-He's in Paris and he's there to make some friends and hopefully find a boyfriend. I found to be a very likable character, you'd want him as your buddy. :) If you're a guy who's gay, you'd like him as your boyfriend. hehe
Alex-Oh Alex, this poor girl. She's in Paris to have fun! She's the kind of girl who always gets what she wants or is she? Overall she's a great person but...she has issues with guys I guess you could say. You'll like her character too.
PJ-Penelope is in Paris to get away from her troubled life. What is this girl hiding?
Olivia-Olivia is a sweet innocent girl who's also an amazing dancer. She is torn between staying in Paris or going back home with her parents and autistic brother.
I liked the way the book was narrated it was great and the reader comes to understand each character more. The chapters alternate between each of the four main characters point of view. I love it! Though sometimes the author left a cliffhanger which made me go "ahh I want more" haha but it's a good kind of cliffhanger.
I can't wait for the sequel which comes out Fall 2009!! Hopefully it will be much, much better.
December 22, 2008
Beautiful Americans had a mix of romance, friendship, and secrets. Lucy's writing in this book was extremely well done in the way the book just pulled you right in at the first chapter. Also, Lucy slowly told the secrets of Zack, PJ, Alex, and Olivia instead of just telling everything in the very first chapter. So, I was constantly wondering what was going to happen and guessing everyone's dirty little secrets.
Beautiful Americans characters where three-dimensional in the way that you could feel what they were going through. Also, all of the characters stories are told in alternating first person chapters which I liked and didn't like. I liked it in the way you never got bored with the characters and how you got to see that they weren't as shallow as you would think, but didn't in the way that someones story would be interesting. Though, then it was the next character's turn leaving me wondering what happened in the end.
Overall, I thought this book was excellent. The ending left a bit to wanted, though all the problems will probably be resolved in the next book which comes out in September. (Isn't that a long way away?)
Grade: A-
Beautiful Americans characters where three-dimensional in the way that you could feel what they were going through. Also, all of the characters stories are told in alternating first person chapters which I liked and didn't like. I liked it in the way you never got bored with the characters and how you got to see that they weren't as shallow as you would think, but didn't in the way that someones story would be interesting. Though, then it was the next character's turn leaving me wondering what happened in the end.
Overall, I thought this book was excellent. The ending left a bit to wanted, though all the problems will probably be resolved in the next book which comes out in September. (Isn't that a long way away?)
Grade: A-
November 17, 2009
Beautiful Americans is the story of four teenagers in Paris and how their paths crossed. I wasn't so sure I was going to like it but I was definitely surprised. Each one - PJ, Olivia, Zack, and Alex - has their own individual characteristics, flaws and of course, secrets they're trying to keep hidden. While I enjoyed reading about PJ's insecurities, Zack's difficulty coming to terms with himself or Alex's attention-grabbing antics, I think Olivia, the ballet dancer from California stole my heart. She's a really strong character and I loved her part of the story.
This story is told in four different points of views, which admittedly, at first can be a bit confusing but as I continued reading, it became easier to differentiate between all four, and keep track of what was going on. Each chapter is titled after which of the four is about so that helps too. The story definitely has that Gossip Girl feel to it, which makes things even more fun!
Beautiful Americans has it all - friendships, romance, secrets - and I really enjoyed reading it. It is the first in a trilogy, followed by Wanderlust and Experienced.
This story is told in four different points of views, which admittedly, at first can be a bit confusing but as I continued reading, it became easier to differentiate between all four, and keep track of what was going on. Each chapter is titled after which of the four is about so that helps too. The story definitely has that Gossip Girl feel to it, which makes things even more fun!
Beautiful Americans has it all - friendships, romance, secrets - and I really enjoyed reading it. It is the first in a trilogy, followed by Wanderlust and Experienced.
May 4, 2010
'Beautiful Americans' is the story of four American teenagers, PJ, Olivia, Zack and Alex who are spending a year abroad in Paris, studying at the Lycée de Monceau. A prominent theme in the book is secrecy, with each character having a secret. These are revealed in turn as the story progresses.
To be honest, it took me a while to really get into this book. Despite the lovely opening which introduced two of the protagonists in the novel, PJ and Alex, there seemed to me to be just too many characters all too soon. It was hard for me to remember who was who.
Regardless of this minor flaw, I did really enjoy the story. The plot was simple yet really engaging and I felt that the author's description of Paris made the story really come alive.
If you are looking for a romantic story aimed at teens, then I think you will love this; I certainly did. I will definitely be reading the sequel 'Wanderlust' and possibly even the final part of the trilogy 'Experienced' when it is published in the autumn.
To be honest, it took me a while to really get into this book. Despite the lovely opening which introduced two of the protagonists in the novel, PJ and Alex, there seemed to me to be just too many characters all too soon. It was hard for me to remember who was who.
Regardless of this minor flaw, I did really enjoy the story. The plot was simple yet really engaging and I felt that the author's description of Paris made the story really come alive.
If you are looking for a romantic story aimed at teens, then I think you will love this; I certainly did. I will definitely be reading the sequel 'Wanderlust' and possibly even the final part of the trilogy 'Experienced' when it is published in the autumn.
February 27, 2009
Beautiful Americans feels very real and modern (in an up-to-the-minute "now" kind of way). There are many references to current popular culture, and it is obvious that the author has first had knowledge of what life is REALLY like for teens today.
The fact that it's told as a first person narrative, and in the present tense, makes it all the more believable and engaging. I'm looking forward to the rest of this trilogy. This isn't your standard "goody-goody" Young Adult fiction novel.
The fact that it's told as a first person narrative, and in the present tense, makes it all the more believable and engaging. I'm looking forward to the rest of this trilogy. This isn't your standard "goody-goody" Young Adult fiction novel.
January 11, 2010
At first, I thought the book was kind of boring, something I wouldn't be interested in because they're were so many characters to follow. But eventually, I got really into the story and now I know absolutely everything going on! I couldn't believe half the stuff Alex did, and thought she could get away with it. And its killing me not knowing what PJ's parents did that was so bad. Can't wait for Wanderlust!!!
January 12, 2009
Beautiful Americans is an absorbing, compulsively readable, and very funny book, even if you are no longer a young adult and have instead recently entered your 30s. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, and the excitement of living in Paris comes through in each chapter. I look forward to the second and third books!
April 1, 2009
I kind of loved this book. It is one of those entertaining books that you wouldn't really call amazing literature. I love books like that, they are a true escape. I see this book being very popular with the Gossip Girl crowd. I'm excited that this is the first of a trilogy, which made the cliffhanger acceptable.
June 22, 2009
I loved this book. Especially how it kept the rotation of every chapter being the perspective of four different characters. Olivia = my favorite! I can't help but to believe that Lucy better be coming out with a sequel. Otherwise my stars might have to go down! There are so many things I need to know about!
September 5, 2010
American teens spending nine months in Paris for school. Add in all the usual teenage drama and it pretty much sums up this book...
I really liked the characters a lot. Especially Olivia. And Zach. The ending made me mad, such a cliff hanger, I am so stoked to read the second book now. I have to find out what happens to PJ!!
I really liked the characters a lot. Especially Olivia. And Zach. The ending made me mad, such a cliff hanger, I am so stoked to read the second book now. I have to find out what happens to PJ!!
March 19, 2009
Follows four teens as they go to Paris for a study abroad program. They all have problems they want to hide, but of course the problems surface as they interact with others. The characters themselves are a bit cliche; this was a quick light read. First of a trilogy.
March 12, 2009
A young adult coming of age story with twists and turns and interesting viewpoints from the various characters. Lucy Silag is an author to keep your eye on! I've watched Lucy mature into an incredible woman with tons of talent.
May 9, 2009
this was was sooo good - i literally could not put it down. i was very unproductive at work the last few days as i kept wanting to pick it up and read the next chapter! i can't wait until the next one comes out!
August 23, 2009
This book follows the lives of several high school students studying abroad in Paris, France. It gives a look into life with host families, regular students, exchange students, school, field trips, parties, fashion, culture, etc.
August 3, 2016
not a bad book to read. maybe a little too much sex for teenagers. but maybe that's just me. kind of surprised with some of the graphicness of some of the scenes. but also nice to see breast feeding portrayed in a nice way.
October 14, 2008
One of my all time favorites!
February 26, 2009
Super quick read - very entertaining. I enjoyed this and look forward to the nexty two books in the series. Makes me want to go to Paris - and be young again!
An author to WATCH for sure!!!!!!!
An author to WATCH for sure!!!!!!!
Currently reading
March 18, 2009I really do like this book. It goes back inforth between 4 young adults who are living in Pairs. At first I couldnt get into it but now I have & I just cant seem to put it down.
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