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Fame, Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List
A PC school principal turns West Side Story into a comedy of errors. Sixteen year-old Jessica dreams of Hollywood fame, and when Jordan moves into her small town, she dreams of him too. He's a movie star's son, and hey, he's gorgeous to boot. Jordan has always wanted to get out from the shadow cast by his superstar father, but now that he and his mother have moved so far away from LA, how can he get his divorced parents back together? Jessica convinces Jordan the way to get his father to come for a long visit is to be a part of the school play. And if she's "discovered" in the process, all the better. Things go wrong when she lets Jordan's secret identity slip, and grow even more disastrous when the principal tries to change West Side Story into a gangfree, violence-free, politically correct production. In the same romantic and sharply witty spirit of Life, Love, and the Pursuit of Free Throws, Janette Rallison delivers another comic gem that teen readers are sure to love.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
137 people are currently reading
1222 people want to read
About the author
Janette Rallison
74 books1,999 followersCheck out my awesome book trailers!
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...
Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.
Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007
"
My Unfair Godmother:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AlRg0...
My Fair Godmother: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1jF8...
Just One Wish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP1Nce...
My Double Life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuswp...
Janette Rallison has five children who keep her well supplied with plot ideas, sometimes even making cameo appearances in her novels. She likes to write romantic comedy because there is enough angst in real life, but theres a drastic shortage on both humor and romance.
Playing the Field was named Society of School Librarians International Best Book Award Honor Book, and both Alls Fair In Love, War, and High School and Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Free Throws were included on YALSAs Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults list. Fame Glory, and Other Things on My To Do List, was just chosen for IRAs YA Choices list for 2007
"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews
August 7, 2018
This has always been one of my favorites of Rallison's. The names especially are endearing to me, Jessica and Jordan. Jessica, who works where I work, thinks the way I think, and is clumsy the way I'm clumsy, bless her heart. And Jordan who loses his man earring to impress her. I ship that.
December 23, 2023
Hilarious!
Jessica wants to be an actress. When Christopher Hunter’s son, Jordan, moves into her small town, she convinces him to audition for the school play. But when there’s a chance the play will be cancelled before it’s even cast, she shares a secret that wasn’t hers to tell. Can she show Jordan that she’s sorry and that fame isn’t all that matters?
I LOVE this book so much. Their rendition of Westside Story is a train wreck, and I love every minute of it!
Jessica wants to be an actress. When Christopher Hunter’s son, Jordan, moves into her small town, she convinces him to audition for the school play. But when there’s a chance the play will be cancelled before it’s even cast, she shares a secret that wasn’t hers to tell. Can she show Jordan that she’s sorry and that fame isn’t all that matters?
I LOVE this book so much. Their rendition of Westside Story is a train wreck, and I love every minute of it!
December 18, 2017
3.5 stars
Okay, so one of my favorite things about Janette Rallison is that she writes about these shallow characters (most of whom are regulation hotties) and makes me root for them.
Anyway, this book had me laughing out loud on the plane, so yay for that.
Okay, so one of my favorite things about Janette Rallison is that she writes about these shallow characters (most of whom are regulation hotties) and makes me root for them.
Anyway, this book had me laughing out loud on the plane, so yay for that.
Read
May 20, 2019Another read at the request of my daughter who loves Janette Rallison's books. Super funny voice in this one. Very cute.
November 13, 2014
November 2011: I was looking for something light-hearted to read today and this was the perfect fit. A fun read with a little romance thrown in.
August 2009: So, the first chapter was probably the funniest I’ve read in a long time. Rallison is the queen of coming up with and writing awkward situations. She probably topped the first chapter with the second to last chapter, in which I was literally laughing out loud. This was a fun story, I’m not much of a “drama” person, but I really enjoyed this setting. Jordan is a great lead, but he was absent for a good chunk of the story. It would be fun to have a two-person point of view for one of her books. Anyway, Jessica was a fun lead; I really liked her character and thought she had a fun, witty personality. Her and Jordan were fun together and had good chemistry. I really enjoyed this book and would totally recommend it!
August 2009: So, the first chapter was probably the funniest I’ve read in a long time. Rallison is the queen of coming up with and writing awkward situations. She probably topped the first chapter with the second to last chapter, in which I was literally laughing out loud. This was a fun story, I’m not much of a “drama” person, but I really enjoyed this setting. Jordan is a great lead, but he was absent for a good chunk of the story. It would be fun to have a two-person point of view for one of her books. Anyway, Jessica was a fun lead; I really liked her character and thought she had a fun, witty personality. Her and Jordan were fun together and had good chemistry. I really enjoyed this book and would totally recommend it!
September 15, 2012
I read this in one sitting (on the day I read two other books as well. Yes, I have a book problem.) and had fun-ish.
Jessica's selfishness and manipulation made me a little squeamish. I almost skipped to the end after the first thirty pages, but I didn't. I was glad that I didn't later, but it was rough for me for a while there.
I'm still not sure if Jessica changed, really, and am not entirely sure the resolution with Jordan made sense.
I also really liked how fun Jessica's mind was. Janette Rallison has a fun writing voice. How Jessica met Jordan is one of my top three favorite ways a heroine has met a guy in a novel. Seriously HILARIOUS.
Great book. I wasn't a huge fan of Jessica's choices, but I liked it enough to read back over some of my favorite parts.
Jessica's selfishness and manipulation made me a little squeamish. I almost skipped to the end after the first thirty pages, but I didn't. I was glad that I didn't later, but it was rough for me for a while there.
I'm still not sure if Jessica changed, really, and am not entirely sure the resolution with Jordan made sense.
I also really liked how fun Jessica's mind was. Janette Rallison has a fun writing voice. How Jessica met Jordan is one of my top three favorite ways a heroine has met a guy in a novel. Seriously HILARIOUS.
Great book. I wasn't a huge fan of Jessica's choices, but I liked it enough to read back over some of my favorite parts.
August 15, 2008
This book is surprisingly LOL funny in the closing sequence. And the main character is a likeable PRETTY girl, which you don't see very often in YA lit. I would highly recommend this book for Brynn (even though it is just another boyfriend/girlfriend plot). Janette Rallison is an LDS author, so it is perfectly teen-appropriate.
April 10, 2011
This was definitely not my favorite Rallison book. I didn't like that the guy and the girl liked each other so fast, broke up so fast, and then spent much longer not talking. Then after they got over their fight, they were in love and they hardly knew each other before! Plus, there was a little too much high school drama without enough of the funny writing that I like
August 6, 2025
Hilarious, G-rated, YA, romantic comedy of errors
There are endless laugh-out-loud moments in this hilarious comedy. There is also a sweet, HFN romance plot.
I have read this book multiple times over the years. I always have a terrific time whenever I revisit it.
There are endless laugh-out-loud moments in this hilarious comedy. There is also a sweet, HFN romance plot.
I have read this book multiple times over the years. I always have a terrific time whenever I revisit it.
April 21, 2019
🤣🤣🤣 That sure was a play.
January 27, 2019
Algunas veces necesitas que las cosas vayan mal en orden para que las cosas resulten bien. Después de todo el timing es todo.
Linda frase que (mal) traduje del final de esta novela que no es de auto ayuda aunque las comedias deberían calificar como respiro para la mente.
Es una novela corta con una protagonista un tanto superficial a la que todo le va resultando mal y que no deja de entretener con ocurrencias sobre una producción de teatro escolar.
Jessica y Jordan son ideales para Disney Channel y no sé cómo no hay adaptación a la tv de esta novela del 2005. Rallinson es muy buena para la comedia y la adoré.
Espero recordar todo para el especial de Romance de Febrero en el blog en donde ampliaré la reseña.
Ideal para algo ligero y enredado que no va por los carriles habituales.
Linda frase que (mal) traduje del final de esta novela que no es de auto ayuda aunque las comedias deberían calificar como respiro para la mente.
Es una novela corta con una protagonista un tanto superficial a la que todo le va resultando mal y que no deja de entretener con ocurrencias sobre una producción de teatro escolar.
Jessica y Jordan son ideales para Disney Channel y no sé cómo no hay adaptación a la tv de esta novela del 2005. Rallinson es muy buena para la comedia y la adoré.
Espero recordar todo para el especial de Romance de Febrero en el blog en donde ampliaré la reseña.
Ideal para algo ligero y enredado que no va por los carriles habituales.
May 20, 2013
One thing I wanted to complain about was the main character's best friend Kate.
Kate is a liberal. She argues about equal rights for both genders, and she insists on things being politically correct. In the eyes of the viewers, she is probably considered a feminist. But why does she hate men?
The definition of feminism:
fem·i·nism
/ˈfeməˌnizəm/
Noun
The advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.
So therefore a feminist is someone who supports feminism.
It does NOT states that feminists are people who hate men.
Lemme teach you another word really quickly:
mis·an·dry
/misˈandrē/
Noun
The hatred of men by women
So a misandrist is a person who hates men. THIS IS NOT THE SAME AS A FEMINIST.
And although it never says in the book that Kate is a feminist, she is someone who wants things to be politically correct, as well as wants equal rights for both genders.
This was not the only thing that bothered me in the book. For example, I never noticed this in Janette Rallison's previous books but the main character Jessica kept differentiating between the two genders. We're all human, Jessica, we're not a different species.
Also, I could not feel the chemistry between Jessica and the love interest Jordan at all. I couldn't feel anything between anyone, including friendship and family relationships. In fact, it seemed like Jessica hated her best friend. She's your best friend. I don't think you're supposed to hate her.
And lastly the book didn't make me laugh. That's what I expect the most from Janette Rallison--that, and kick-ass female protagonists. In fact, the plot wasn't very well thought out at all.
I think this was one of Janette Rallison's earlier books, which is why it may have been weaker than the other ones I've read by her, my favorite being It's a Mall World After All. So I haven't given up on you at all, Ms. Rallison. I hope to see more stuff from you.
Kate is a liberal. She argues about equal rights for both genders, and she insists on things being politically correct. In the eyes of the viewers, she is probably considered a feminist. But why does she hate men?
The definition of feminism:
fem·i·nism
/ˈfeməˌnizəm/
Noun
The advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.
So therefore a feminist is someone who supports feminism.
It does NOT states that feminists are people who hate men.
Lemme teach you another word really quickly:
mis·an·dry
/misˈandrē/
Noun
The hatred of men by women
So a misandrist is a person who hates men. THIS IS NOT THE SAME AS A FEMINIST.
And although it never says in the book that Kate is a feminist, she is someone who wants things to be politically correct, as well as wants equal rights for both genders.
This was not the only thing that bothered me in the book. For example, I never noticed this in Janette Rallison's previous books but the main character Jessica kept differentiating between the two genders. We're all human, Jessica, we're not a different species.
Also, I could not feel the chemistry between Jessica and the love interest Jordan at all. I couldn't feel anything between anyone, including friendship and family relationships. In fact, it seemed like Jessica hated her best friend. She's your best friend. I don't think you're supposed to hate her.
And lastly the book didn't make me laugh. That's what I expect the most from Janette Rallison--that, and kick-ass female protagonists. In fact, the plot wasn't very well thought out at all.
I think this was one of Janette Rallison's earlier books, which is why it may have been weaker than the other ones I've read by her, my favorite being It's a Mall World After All. So I haven't given up on you at all, Ms. Rallison. I hope to see more stuff from you.
July 3, 2009
Fame, Glory, and other things on my to do list by Janette Rallison was a funny book. I finished it in one day and i really enjoyed it. Well kind of.
This book was about Jessica, a teen living in a small town craving to be a celebrity living in Hollywood. She met a dude named Jordan, who was a celebrity's son. But she didn't know that until later. Jessica met Jordan in a very awkward way, but that didn't stop them to be friends, and maybe even more.
Jessica was the only person that knew Jordan was Christopher Hunter's son, and Jordan trusted her with that secret. But it all went BAM! when Jessica accidentally slipped it out to Mrs. Shale, their drama teacher.
When everyone thought being a celebrity's son was the most perfect thing in the world, Jordan was having a hard time getting his dad with his mom. So he decided to take drama class, and perform a play when his dad visits him. After all, his dad was a movie star.
But everything fell apart when his secret was out. People were siding, and liking Jordan not because he's Jordan, but because he's Christopher Hunter's son. And that was a horrible thing to Jordan.
Jordan didn't talk to Jessica for 2 months, but stuff happened later. I mean, love conquers all, so you wouldn't expect them to ignore each other throughout the whole book.
Overall, the book was fine, but predictable. That was the only flaw. People who enjoy teen books would like this one.
This book was about Jessica, a teen living in a small town craving to be a celebrity living in Hollywood. She met a dude named Jordan, who was a celebrity's son. But she didn't know that until later. Jessica met Jordan in a very awkward way, but that didn't stop them to be friends, and maybe even more.
Jessica was the only person that knew Jordan was Christopher Hunter's son, and Jordan trusted her with that secret. But it all went BAM! when Jessica accidentally slipped it out to Mrs. Shale, their drama teacher.
When everyone thought being a celebrity's son was the most perfect thing in the world, Jordan was having a hard time getting his dad with his mom. So he decided to take drama class, and perform a play when his dad visits him. After all, his dad was a movie star.
But everything fell apart when his secret was out. People were siding, and liking Jordan not because he's Jordan, but because he's Christopher Hunter's son. And that was a horrible thing to Jordan.
Jordan didn't talk to Jessica for 2 months, but stuff happened later. I mean, love conquers all, so you wouldn't expect them to ignore each other throughout the whole book.
Overall, the book was fine, but predictable. That was the only flaw. People who enjoy teen books would like this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2010
I'm still not sure if this is a 3 star or 4 star book...
I like Janette Rallison's books, but she does have the annoying habit of putting her characters in the most embarressing and unbelievable situations possible. This book is not big at all, but it literally took me a week to read because I had to keep putting it down because I couldn't believe what was happening to the main character, Jessica. I don't know if I just felt so bad for Jessica, or if I just couldn't believe how many problems and awkward situations Rallison kept creating for Jessica, but whatever it was, it prevented me from reading more than a chapter at a time!
All in all, it was a cute and fun book. Maybe just a little over the top...?
I like Janette Rallison's books, but she does have the annoying habit of putting her characters in the most embarressing and unbelievable situations possible. This book is not big at all, but it literally took me a week to read because I had to keep putting it down because I couldn't believe what was happening to the main character, Jessica. I don't know if I just felt so bad for Jessica, or if I just couldn't believe how many problems and awkward situations Rallison kept creating for Jessica, but whatever it was, it prevented me from reading more than a chapter at a time!
All in all, it was a cute and fun book. Maybe just a little over the top...?
January 4, 2010
I just love this author! It is rare to find an author that everytime you read her books you LITERALLY laugh out loud. She is so funny. The first moments of this book were so good. The last few chapters however I was laughing so hard my kids were looking at me like I was insane.
Jessica was obsessed with becoming an actress and her dream might actually become a reality. When she meets Jordan a good looking guy from L.A. who might just be a dream come true. Unless the dream to be an actress wins out??
It was cute, funny and so nice to read. I think EVERYONE should read this author!
Jessica was obsessed with becoming an actress and her dream might actually become a reality. When she meets Jordan a good looking guy from L.A. who might just be a dream come true. Unless the dream to be an actress wins out??
It was cute, funny and so nice to read. I think EVERYONE should read this author!
February 4, 2016
Jessica wants more than anything to be an actress, so when she meets Jordan and finds out his father is a famous actor, her mind stars spinning. The problem is: she's not supposed to let anyone know about Jordan's father, but when the drama teacher threatens to cancel the fall play, it slips out.
As things like this do, soon the whole school knows the 'secret.' And just as Jordan and Jessica are becoming a couple, he finds out--end of relationship.
The book is full of fun, quirky characters. It's a laugh-out-loud read as Jessica tries to heal relationships and just gets herself in more and more trouble. You'll love the play at the end of the book. I'm laughing just thinking about it.
As things like this do, soon the whole school knows the 'secret.' And just as Jordan and Jessica are becoming a couple, he finds out--end of relationship.
The book is full of fun, quirky characters. It's a laugh-out-loud read as Jessica tries to heal relationships and just gets herself in more and more trouble. You'll love the play at the end of the book. I'm laughing just thinking about it.
August 10, 2010
Jessica lives in a small town in New Mexico and meets the new boy in town in a very interesting (aka embarrassing) way. She wants to be an actress and when she realizes she has a chance at stardom, she comes up with a "brilliant" plan.
I think Janette Rallison does a fabulous job with her books. The characters always find themselves in hilarious situations and always say the most insane things. The characters aren't ever perfect, which humanizes them and makes me totally able to relate to them. And that really personalizes the story for me and makes it a very enjoyable story. Cute, clean, funny, and just a great all-around read.
I think Janette Rallison does a fabulous job with her books. The characters always find themselves in hilarious situations and always say the most insane things. The characters aren't ever perfect, which humanizes them and makes me totally able to relate to them. And that really personalizes the story for me and makes it a very enjoyable story. Cute, clean, funny, and just a great all-around read.
June 23, 2011
I know I can never go wrong with a Janette Rallison book. I know I can buy her books without reading them before hand. I always know that her books will be fun and clean. This was another book.
The first 16 pages were laugh out loud funny for me. I have to admit I was a little frustrated with Jessica for a little while. I love her comments throughout the book. I often had a smile on my face. Who knew West Side Story, Wal-mart, and a Honda Civic with starter problems could be so humorous and enjoyable.
Thank you Janette! Keep them coming!
The first 16 pages were laugh out loud funny for me. I have to admit I was a little frustrated with Jessica for a little while. I love her comments throughout the book. I often had a smile on my face. Who knew West Side Story, Wal-mart, and a Honda Civic with starter problems could be so humorous and enjoyable.
Thank you Janette! Keep them coming!
July 18, 2010
Ok, let me just say the 2 janette rallison books I've read have been PAINFUL for me because the main characters and their voices are eerily similar to someone I see in the mirror everyday! LOL!! It's like Janette has read my diary from my awkward teenage years! holy smokes! Anyways, besides that, this book was great! loved the writing and the whole story with it's twists and turns! Good fun Summer read!
September 21, 2009
I laughed so so so hard during this book. Then when i finished, i kept thinking about the characters and laughing some more!! It is my absolute favorite Janette book i have read thus far. I really wish there was a sequel to this book because i am so curious how things worked out for the characters. Don't get me wrong, I was happy with the ending, it offered resolution, but i am still curious about some things...
April 29, 2010
All I can say is, it was pretty good. I don't remember it that much, but i remember hiding behind the massage chair in the living room to finish reading before bed time, which is always a good sign. I also remember flipping out from excitedness over something the character did (i can't remember what), so with these small memories, and the fact that it's by Janette Rallison, It's safe to say this this book must've been good.
September 28, 2007
This book made me laugh, quite literally, out loud. I've been in several high school plays, and it epitomized pretty much everything that you can experience in one. Really great. I love Rallison's voice in her writing, and the way the characters are absolutely humiliate themselves, but still manage to get back on their feet and keep trying. The opening scene was really great, too.
August 16, 2008
I love Janette Rallison (and her books ;) ). They're teen books, which I usually don't read, but they aren't petty teen books. The characters always learn a lesson and it works out in the end. If I need a pick-me-up, I read a Rallison.
More Detailed review here:http://squeakybooks.blogspot.com/2008...
More Detailed review here:http://squeakybooks.blogspot.com/2008...
February 5, 2009
Delightfully written with a strong voice that draws one into the story. The author has a humorous gift with language and a charming way of capturing teenage angst without the usual grit and filth other teen novels are filled with. "Fame" is a family-safe read, but not written safely. There is plenty of satire of society and academia along with poking fun of teenage dilemmas. I recommend it.
January 30, 2009
This was a completely delightful, hysterical story. I loved the first chapter so much, I read it aloud to my husband, and he laughed his head off. Rallison has a way with words and with capturing the unique teenage girl's voice. I highly recommend this book and fully plan to buy a full set of all Rallison's books when my daughter reaches that reading level.
May 4, 2009
Laughed out loud again! The thing I love about Janette's books is that everything that happens in them could have happened to you! I love the characters and how they often make mistakes but always for the right reasons! I heard my daughter laughing in bed last night and knew that she had snuck the book and was reading by flashlight!!! (I was right) :)
February 16, 2010
The School Play (West Side Story) part was HILARIOUS. I was actually laughed out loud. I literally had tears in my eyes. Andre and Tye were so funny. The Mary vs. Lauren cat fight was classic. Jessica is a true hero. I read a whole new rendition of west side story, which i LOVED. Janette Rallison is a GENIOUS.
Love love love this book.
Love love love this book.
September 22, 2008
Cute! I really enjoyed this. I actually laughed out loud! It's a fun teen romance that goes no further than kissing and has no language worse than "crap." Yay! A book I can recommend to my sixth graders.
September 24, 2008
Now that I look back on reading this book...it's probably my second favorite book of hers I've read so far, behind the Mall one. Maybe it's because I like the cover of the Mall one better. Maybe not. Still has a love story...so obviously readable.
June 24, 2015
I like Janette Rallison's books because they are fun, easy reads and they always have a romance :) They are always clean too. You can sit down and read it in one night as well. Good books for vacation. This one wasn't my favorite by her, but still enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 276 reviews