All that Glitters... (Dreams That Glitter: Our Story - Girls Aloud)

Member Name: angel_at_birth

Product:	Dreams That Glitter: Our Story - Girls Aloud
Date:	12/05/09 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Entertaining, informative and full of personal photos.

Disadvantages: Can feel a bit 'poor me, im in girls aloud' at times!

Cheryl Cole, Sarah Harding, Nicola Roberts, Kimberly Walsh and Nadine Coyle - arguably the five most recognisable British girls of the last 6 years, and all because of a Saturday night television show! Now their autobiography 'Dreams That Glitter' lifts the lid on their whirlwind transformation from the five 'girl next door' types seen on Pop Stars: The Rivals to the international glamour pusses the girls are today.

I am, like many people, a closet Girl's Aloud fan. I don't own their albums, yet know the words to all the songs. I have never seen them live but scream with drunken joy when their songs come on when I'm out! So rather intrigued by the idea of their autobiography, and tempted by the rags to riches tale I finally got around to reading it this week.

The format of this book is really reader friendly, unlike many autobiographies, Dreams That Glitter is broken down into easily digestible chunks with each girl giving her two pence worth on topics ranging from the Popstars experience to their stage style to coping with the media pressure. The text is broken up with high quality pictures that aren't just the typical press release images which lends more personality to the book, and the in-depth profiles written about each of the girls really give a personal insight into their lives.

The book is surprisingly well written and the girls don't shy away from more difficult issues, like Cheryl's relationship with Ashley and the long standing 'feud' with Charlotte Church. It also lifts the lid on the Popstars process and reveals what really happened when the cameras stopped rolling, forcing those who think Girls Aloud had an easy ride to think again. However, in places it can feel a bit like the girls are whinging about their struggles, which can make it hard to relate to them on a more personal level.

The book itself is finished to a high quality in it's hardback edition, with an attractive and eye-catching glittery cover and thick glossy pages throughout which really gives the sense that it is £14.99 well spent.

All in all, a great read that's not too taxing - great for lazy days on the beach this summer!

Summary: Great for anyone who has even a remote interest in Girls Aloud.