Review Detail

Lexa Donovan's wish to be a part of her high school musical Bus Stop comes true, but when she finds out she's to play Cherie, the lead? She wonders if maybe she shouldn't have put her name in the jar to be picked. She's nothing like Marilyn Monroe. Or so she thinks. Then one day something strange happens. The ghost of Marilyn appears. Seems she's there to help Lexa with the part that made her famous. Marilyn wants to be Lexa's acting coach, but she ends up being much more than that.

What worked: Fun coming-of-age story with a paranormal twist. The ghost of Marilyn Monroe appears and wants to coach Lexa with her leading part in Bus Stop. Who wouldn't want that?

What was fun had to be the interactions between Marilyn and Lexa. She helps Lexa get out of her comfort zone in more ways than one. That includes upping her style and confidence around a cute boy. Those scenes were engaging. The author nails the angst and panic someone in high school might feel when stepping out of their comfort zone.

I loved the interaction between Lexa and her dad. There's also Em, her best friend, who pushes Lexa to think outside the box. Em's supportive and won't let Lexa be down on herself.

The nemesis, Hilary, who is the leading actor Brian's girlfriend, came across at times as the stereotypical mean girl. It's only till the end that she has her own moment where her character shows growth.

The story does start slow and only picks up once Marilyn pops into Lexa's life. Then the added excitement of a former movie star icon with her own attempts to help a reluctant Lexa makes this story shine. Added kudos for following a theater backdrop.

The novel is basically a love story to Marilyn Monroe and a theater set during a high school musical. Some parts show what's behind the high school teacher's goals for all the students. Mostly though, it's a story of a teen who takes action and decides what she really wants with a little nudge from Marilyn Monroe.