Book Review: Even in Paradise by Chelsey Philpot

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Even in Paradise
Author: Chelsey Philpot
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Released: October 14th 2014
Review Source: HarperCollins

When Julia Buchanan enrolls at St. Anne’s at the beginning of junior year, Charlotte Ryder already knows all about the former senator’s daughter. Most people do... or think they do.

Charlotte certainly never expects she’ll be Julia’s friend. But almost immediately, she is drawn into the larger than-life-new girl’s world—a world of midnight rendezvous, dazzling parties, palatial vacation homes, and fizzy champagne cocktails. And then Charlotte meets, and begins falling for, Julia’s handsome older brother, Sebastian.

But behind her self-assured smiles and toasts to the future, Charlotte soon realizes that Julia is still suffering from a tragedy. A tragedy that the Buchanan family has kept hidden … until now.

Even in Paradise, the new age of The Great Gatsby? Umm.. SIGN ME IN! I was all over this while at BEA ’14. After making the line, I was lucky enough to meet Chelsey Philpot and I couldn’t wait to read this… And I am glad I did.

Even in Paradise is the story of Charlotte Ryder. Told in her perspective, Charlotte tells us how her life completely changed when she befriended Julie Buchanan, daughter of the current Senate.  It begins when Charlotte cares after a drunken Julie. This is the night that changed them. The night that will turn Charlotte’s world upside down. Julie and Charlotte become inseparable. Since Julie is wealthy, she lives a life of a celebrity and she brings Charlotte into this world. After few weeks of their friendship, Julie introduces Julie to her family. As the Buchanan learns more of Charlotte, they fall in love with her. And Charlotte becomes completely compel with their lives and lifestyle. Most of all she is drawn to Julie’s older brother, Sebastian. But the Buchanan is keeping a secret from Charlotte. And this secret can shatter this illusion of this perfect world.

How I wish I were Julie… well not really. But who wouldn’t want to be rich, famous and live the ravenous life? Hello, imagine all the books you could buy with all that money! LOL. But even in this world, one is human. And all humans suffer. No matter if you are rich or poor, life is life and it will throw lemons. This is what Charlotte is trying to tell us with this story. And the best way to overcome tragedies is by facing them. Even in Paradise is fun and entertaining, but also emotional. It is a great contemporary novel that will take you to the world of the rich and famous. Fans of this genre will enjoy this read.