Violet was leaving the modeling business for good, but she went back because of the promise of a trip to Brazil.
This is how “Violet by Design” starts. It is the second book in a series written by Melissa Walker, author of “Violet on the Runway.”
Former book columnist Kassandra Perez wrote a review in the Feb. 25, 2008, edition, available online at the newspaper’s Web site.
At the end of “Runway” Violet has a weakness for international travel. However, she has never been off the East Coast.
This is where “Design” begins.
Violet has decided to model in Brazil and goes to the city of São Paulo, where she meets Paulo.
Here, the story becomes involved.
After modeling for her agent Angela, then behind her back for Paulo, Violet becomes romantically involved with him before finding out about his girlfriend and goes back home to North Carolina, where she gains five pounds from eating lots of ice cream.
A heavier Violet then takes a modeling job in Spain, but is dismissed after the job due to her extra weight. However, Mira Bella, a fashion designer, wants her to model dresses, so Violet takes that job but faints during the show due to dieting to try losing the five pounds.
After all that, Violet then found out her best friend Roger had a crush on her but on her return to New York City cannot find him so returns home to North Carolina.
“Violet by Design” is a believable account of the difficulties models face during their careers. We see that models have to be very careful of their figures, and what they eat.
In addition, some young girls see them as role models, but do not know what models face during an often brief career.
Violet is believable because her character is somebody that most girls could be friends with. She has to deal with a series of problems in modeling situations and relationships, including the discovery that Roger has special feelings for her.
Roger and Julie, her best friends in North Carolina since childhood, have stood by her despite all Violet’s difficulties.
Angela, Violet’s agent, is almost her second mother, giving advice and guiding her in the modeling world. They have a business-like relationship in front of others but in private Angela can be harsh.
They clash after Violet takes a modeling job with Paulo in Brazil and again when she has to lose five pounds after the job in Spain.
Paulo shows he is like some guys in that he leads her on in believing they are a couple before she finds out he has a girlfriend.
Finally, Veronica and Sam, Violet’s roommates in New York City, also modeled in Spain and kept an eye on her while she was trying to lose the extra five pounds.
“Violet by Design” is a good follow up to “Violet on the Runway.” Written mainly for an audience of teenage girls, some guys who are into modeling may also find the book interesting.
The look into the world of modeling is worthwhile for anybody considering the field.