Elli Adamson is a level-headed, conscientious and pragmatic teenager. Unlike most of her peers, she has no interest in Romy and Anouschka, the vapid and self-obsessed ‘stupid girlz’ who tour the world contriving adventures for ‘Rich Girls’, their highrating reality television program. But when her mother is hired to cook for the production, Elli is thrust into a world she neither understands nor cares for. Elli’s perceptions of normality and reality gradually change as she befriends the cast and crew, and learns that even those considered most fortunate face difficult decisions and unexpected challenges. Allison Rushby has already enjoyed considerable success among teenage girls with her ‘Living Blonde’ trilogy. Although Blondetourage is insubstantial, it will appeal to its target audience. The book touches lightly upon a wide array of issues that preoccupy most teenage girls these days, successfully portraying the inevitable conflict between frivolous teenage dreams and old-fashioned reality. The premise is topical, the sassy protagonist is easy to warm to, the cover art is appealing and Alison Rushby definitely knows her teen jargon. This book made me feel old and out of touch, which should ensure its success. 

Gavin Jones is the literature librarian at Melbourne Girls Grammar

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