Franco American Dreams

by Julie Taylor

Overview

In a style so fresh and original that it seems to practically reinvent prose, first-time novelist Julie Taylor succeeds with Franco American Dreams in bringing to life characters that defy you not to love them, no matter what your age.

Her name is Abbie. She is nineteen and she has had it with guys. Especially the wrong guys. 'Cause that's all she ever seems to meet. And then she meets Franco.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780684830926
Publisher:	Simon & Schuster
Publication date:	07/03/1997
Edition description:	Original
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Julie Taylor is a Simon & Schuster author.

Editorial Reviews

Plucked from the slush pile, 25-year-old Taylor's first novel revels in the chatty puppy-angst of Gen-Xers groping their way into adulthood and through the final semester of fashion design school in Dallas. Narrating and looking for love is 19-year-old Abbie MacPherson. The novel captures the lives, loves and wardrobes of Abbie and her convivial group of friends as they try to reconcile their hopes and dreams to the real world. No sooner does Abbie swear off dating boys who do drugs than she falls in love with Franco, who is infamous for his drug habit. She struggles, gives in, struggles again and finally must make a decision. Around her spins an entourage fit for a sitcom: her roommate, Georgette, who goes from schoolgirl to showgirl by getting breast implants and renaming herself Gigi; her best friend, Pat, who's gay and having man problems; and Fredrique, design instructor from hell. Lighthearted and riddled with pop-culture references, the book is being compared by the publisher to Clueless, and indeed the similarities to that film are blatant. Abbie even says that when the movie of her life is made, Alicia Silverstone should play her part. Abbie's world is about being seenpreferably with the good-looking guy: "Cruising with Franco in the passenger's seat," she says, "I felt about as tasty as a frosted Pop-Tart." Abbie is Everygirl as seen through the lens of an MTV camera, and although the story has a surface charm, when you're done you half-expect to look up and see the credits rolling. Film rights to Horizon Pictures and Fox 2000. (July)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

A fun, frantic, and energetic first novel that shows genuine promise.

Fledgling fashion designer (and Dallas Design Institute student) Abbie McPherson, who narrates, is 20, single, and ready—after the usual bad experiences with the wrong kinds of men—to tackle life as a "free woman." Unfortunately for her resolution, however, she quickly meets a wasted but utterly hot guy named Franco Richards at a New Year's party. Abbie knows Franco's not what she's promised herself she'd look for in her next relationship, but she's smitten hard and therefore willing, yet again, to overlook Franco's neglect, boozing, and lack of ambition. Meanwhile, her final project—a 30-outfit fashion show—is due by the end of the semester; Georgette, her roommate, has decided she's now "Gigi," complete with breast implants, a wardrobe transformation, and a whole new look; and her best friend, the flamboyantly gay Pat, is being cheated on by his gorgeous boyfriend Sal. It doesn't help that Abbie is still a smidgen hung-up on her Franco-like ex, Parker, or that Franco turns out to have a deep, dark secret in his own closet. With flair, gumption, and a lot of hard work, Abbie manages to be there for Pat and Gigi, maintain her close family ties, come up with a to-die-for collection, and deal with Franco, ultimately, in the way he deserves.

Taylor's debut is rough in spots and trite in others, but her voice is honest and refreshing and her whirlwind, conversational style a breath of fresh air.

Kirkus Reviews