Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Booked Books

Despite the wonders of Photoshop, the formidable modeling industry is still as harsh and critical about appearance as ever. Nevertheless, modeling isn't just about pretty girls smiling in front of a camera and earning tons of fame and fortune. It's about dealing with difficult people, including backstabbing competitors (a.k.a. jealous models), harassing managers, and disgruntled bookers. It's about time management, knowing when and where to go to which photo shoot. It's about standing up for yourself and picking your battles. Although models are always depicted as beautiful and divinely perfect, models can sometimes be the girls with the lowest self-esteem. Cheryl Diamond knows this well enough; in fact, she has been a model ever since she was fourteen. Model is a vivid memoir of Cheryl's life in the model industry, a true account about the pitfalls and perks of modeling.


Cheryl is a savvy business woman, who knows what she wants and doesn't let anyone stop her. She's independent and morally-guided she doesn't enjoy clubbing, drugs, or starving herself; she's her own person. As mature as she may sound, she's really lighthearted she never misses an opportunity to make a joke.
At the beginning, I was slightly weary because Cheryl seemed to giggle about pretty much everything. However, as the book progressed, I began to enjoy Cheryl's cheery nature; it makes her resilient regardless of all the condescending remarks and attitudes imparting from her surroundings. She's realistic and down-to-earth; she readily makes friends, yet she's guarded, knowing how unpredictable and traitorous people can be. She doesn't get put down easily by outright insults because she sees right through them.


Model is brimming with fun, honesty, and sarcasm. It is also an informative read; it not only reveals truths about the modeling industry, but it also teaches many important universal truths. Cheryl tells things like as they are. She doesn't try to victimize herself, but she makes no effort to hide the negatives of modeling. Throughout the story, she remains true to herself come what may (even if it means costing her an opportunity). She proves that it's possible to get to the top and make friends along the way.


Cheryl Diamond isn't a typical model or a supermodel. She's even better - she's a role model.