The Truth About Diamonds: A Novel

The Truth About Diamonds: A Novel
by Nicole Richie

The Truth About Diamonds: A Novel
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Book Summary Information

Author: Nicole Richie
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2006-10-03
ISBN: 0061137332
Number of pages: 226
Publisher: Regan Books

Book Reviews of The Truth About Diamonds: A Novel

Book Review: Stranger Than Fiction
Summary: 3 Stars

I picked this book up for two reasons. One, I have been a fan of Nicole's since her days on the Simple Life. Two, I wondered if she could actually pull this off. Well, obviously. I mean, if she could get published, she obviously has some writing talent, right? Well...maybe.

The book begins with an introduction by Nicole, telling us about her "friend" Chloe. She explains that the story is about her, told from Nicole's perspective. Sounds confusing, right? It is. It takes a while to get used to this brand of storytelling, especially since the reader can infer that Chloe is actually Nicole. Not only does this distract the reader, but it robs them of making any sort of connection with the main character. Emotional or otherwise. In some ways, this is a biased novel. It's as if we're supposed to like Chloe just because Nicole hints at what an amazing person she is (even though she spends the majority of the book on drugs and hanging out with the evil Simone).

As mentioned earlier, another distracting element is that Nicole tells Chloe's story from her own point of view even though we know it's about Nicole (it's more like an episode of 'Melrose Place' than a book). This is supposed to be fiction, yet she breaks the fourth wall by adding numerous tidbits about scandals that have surrounded her and a certain hotel heiress since their arrival, which causes the reader to break into a game of 'Guess Who and What.' But she leaves nothing to the imagination, slamming her ex-best friend, however, this is one of the more entertaining part of the books. Richie depicts Paris -- I mean, Simone -- as a drugged-out socialite, famous for making "home videos" on her signature phone, which was stolen and had all the phone numbers leaked to the press. Sounds familiar. And there is an odd tale about a disturbed childhood. Of course, this is the fiction part. And the main storyline that Chloe is asked by Simone to be a part of a national campaign, automatically informs the reader that this is in reference to Paris asking Nicole to be a part of the Simple Life.

Now, on the writing, Nicole has a very strong voice that is present with the one-liners that she has become famous for. But at times, it seems as if she's trying to make the reader laugh than telling her -- or Chloe's -- story. And there are many parts where she loses the reader within her wordy sentences. And she tends to go off on tangents, telling a story and switching over to another. But, she does admit that she is ADD in the introduction.

Entertaining? Sure. But that entertainment only lasts for so long. It's clear that this book was rushed. She has a strong story to tell, and she has great characters, but she should've spent more time tweaking the novel than writing it. For a first go, it isn't that bad. Don't pick this book up if you want direct dirt from Nicole's life. Think of this as a semi-autobiography. Half true, half fiction.

Summary of The Truth About Diamonds: A Novel

In her electrifying first novel, Nicole Richie tells the sensational story of Chloe Parker, a rock royalty princess and a card-carrying member of Hollywood's inner circle. At the age of seven, Chloe was adopted by a music superstar and his wife, transforming her life from rags to riches. What followed was a wild childhood distinguished by parties with movie stars and rock idols, run-ins with the press and the police, and a subsequent stint in rehab.

Suddenly Chloe shoots to instant fame as a spokesmodel for a national ad campaign. When her long-lost birth father appears out of nowhere and her best friend betrays her, she must struggle to keep it all together -- her sobriety, her friendships, and her integrity despite the betrayals of those around her. Ultimately, Chloe comes spectacularly into her own, achieving stardom in her own right and finding true love.

Through the eyes of the captivating Chloe and the talented voice of Nicole Richie, we are given a no-holds-barred look at Hollywood's new elite, behind the velvet ropes, inside star-studded premieres and parties. Whether they're doing the "circuit" (begin with shopping at Barneys New York, Marni, and Fred Segal, then end with the grilled vegetable salad at the Ivy), or ending up on the front page of your favorite weekly magazine, Chloe Parker and her fellow A-listers never fail to dazzle, their larger-than-life dramas more riveting than any reality show.

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