Sheer Bliss: Confessions of a
(Reluctant) Celebrity Spawn
by Frances O'Brien

    SHEER BLISS by Frances O'Brien
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  10/12/06
    Publisher:  Troubador
    Reviewed by:  Jocelyn Pearce
    Rating:  5 Stars


    SHEER BLISS is a ton of fun to read. I've noticed a trend in tween/teen books lately; a lot seem to be about life in
    the spotlight. Sometimes, they're about teen celebrities. Other times, the main characters are, like Bliss Drew, famous
    because of who they're related to. Another book I enjoyed about the daughter of a famous celebrity was MY LIFE
    STARRING MUM by Chloe Rayban; that one was quite enjoyable, and, coincidentally, the daughter's name was
    Hollywood Bliss Winterman! Apparently, fictional celebrities love the name Bliss!

    These inside-looks at Hollywood are always a lot of fun, and this one even more so than most. Besides her movie
    star mother Angel Drew, Bliss has another family member who loves to be in the spotlight: her grandmother, Ellen.
    When she becomes engaged to a much, much younger man named Enrique, Bliss's grandmother, who has had pretty
    much every known cosmetic procedure to make her look younger, actually schedules a photo shoot at Bliss's house
    to advertise her engagement!

    In her family, Bliss is a little unusual. Far from craving the spotlight, Bliss goes out of her way to avoid it. She likes her
    privacy, which is unfortunate, as Angel Drew is her mother.

    This love of privacy, among other things, can get Bliss into a little trouble. Her mother believes that what she needs to
    straighten her out is Moyra, a pricey "parent/teen consultant" who seems determined to ruin Bliss's life. Bliss is sure
    she can get rid of what she feels is just one more in a long line of nannies--but Moyra is a lot more determined (and a
    lot more evil) than the rest!

    On top of having a lot to deal with as the daughter of a celebrity, Bliss also has to handle the problems of a normal
    twelve-year-old girl. She doesn't get along with the popular girls at school. Her best friend, Coco, has become super
    boy-crazy since she turned thirteen. And Bliss's other best friend, J.K., is recovering from leukemia.

    SHEER BLISS is a quick read, and a funny one. It's real, entertaining, and told in Bliss's fresh, realistic voice. It's
    sure to be a hit with readers! I can't wait to read the upcoming sequel, A VERY BRITISH SORT OF BLISS!