This is such a classic novel, however, I'd never even heard of it if I hadn't surfed by it here. It's a real coming-of-age story about a woman who wants more out of life, to be an actress. It was written in the 1950s, but reads very modern. If you're looking for a good read, this is a good bet. I also recommend "Take Your Shirt Off", which is kinda like this one, but more modern and more Hollywood. However, this is a great read, too.

I do take exception with "A Reader" who is shocked at the double standards regarding sex depicted in this book. It wasn't double standards - it was The Standard. When you read a book that is about the 1930s or written in the 1930s, you need to remember the times and THAT WAS THE WAY IT WAS. There are a lot of things in it that don't particularily pertain to the way things are now. It wouldn't be the story it is if it was written in and about the 1990s. So read it for the excellent writing, the excellent story and remember the era that it is talking about. Consider it a history lesson as well as to how things were. The times were different. The thinking was different. The standards were different. The culture was different. One cannot compare a story set in the 30s to one set in the current. And to focus on the sexual climate where this reviewer thinks it's such a shame they didn't behave the same way the currect culture does. There are a lot of differences - wages, technology, schooling. Not only is it a terrific book - it is a lesson on how we got to where we are today and how things change. For good or bad.

I was suprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It was engaging because of its timeless theme of growing up, and growing wiser which don't always happen at the same time. The characters were very well developed and I felt genuine love and compassion for some of them.