26 Feb 2014

Review: The Intern by Gabrielle Tozer

The Intern by Gabrielle Tozer
February 1st, 2014 · Harper Collins
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 366

Josie Browning dreams of having it all. 

A stellar academic record, an amazing career in journalism - and for her current crush to realise she actually exists. The only problem? Josie can’t get through twenty-four hours without embarrassing her sister Kat or her best friend Angel, let alone herself.

Josie’s luck changes though when she lands an internship at the glossy fashion magazine Sash. A coveted columnist job is up for grabs, but Josie’s got some tough competition in the form of two other interns. Battle lines are drawn and Josie quickly learns that the magazine industry is far from easy, especially under the reign of powerful editor, Rae Swanson. 

From the lows of coffee-fetching and working 10-hour days, to the highs of mingling with celebrities, scoring endless free beauty products (plus falling for her cousin’s seriously gorgeous flatmate James) this is one year Josie will never forget.

Totally fresh and funny, this debut novel from industry insider Gabrielle Tozer reveals just what is behind the seeming glamour and sparkle of the magazine industry.

The Intern reads like it sounds – cute, fun and entertaining. One thing is for sure, I can’t remember the last book that made me smile so much.

Josie’s authentic, teenage voice rings true. She’s awkward, clumsy and still navigating the walls outside of high school – all in all, I found her to be a likeable main character. I thought Josie and James were perfectly suited and though it was all a bit predictable, it was still lovely and sweet to watch unfold.

The publishing industry (magazines more so then; books now) has always interested me. Years ago, I sometimes had the occasional daydream about working at a magazine and while that isn’t my focus these days, I still really enjoyed reading about the workings that go on behind the scenes and getting an inside look into the industry.

I loved the body image aspect that was slightly touched on (always an age old and ongoing issue) and the quieter family moments. I thought these two parts shined and I would have liked more, especially of the latter which I think the author really nailed.

If the magazine industry has ever interested you or if you’re after a light, quick read, this might be right up your alley. Oh, and good luck choosing between the two covers! I’m still deciding whether the idea is clever or just plain cruel…

3.5/5

Want to learn about The Intern? Find out more about the debut and its author, HERE.

4 comments:

  1. This sounds great, I don't mind a predictable story when it's done well ;)

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  2. I wonder why this is the first book I've ever heard of that deals with an internship. I feel like that is such a common thing this day and age yet it's never in books. I would love to get a behind the scenes peek at the publishing industry so this books going on my TBR =)

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  3. This book sounds so cute, and I've seen it all over the Aussie blogs--I hope it makes it here to the States eventually! I love books that re fun and fluffy and make you smile. The behind the scenes peek at the industry sounds intriguing, too.

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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  4. Haha two covers is cruel! Lovely review, sweetie :)

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