Schreiber, Ellen. Comedy girl

Kliatt, July, 2004 by Claire Rosser

SCHREIBER, Ellen. Comedy girl. HarperCollins. 275p. c2004. 0-06-009338-2. $15.99. JS

Schreiber is the author of Vampire Kisses, which also reveals the author's abilities as a comic--Comedy Girl tells how Trixie, a shy high school student, becomes a professional stand-up comic. The story itself is humorous, and the comedy routines Trixie performs are funny. In the information about the author, Schreiber is described as "an actress and a stand-up comedienne before becoming a full-time writer."

Trixie is somewhat of a wallflower, shy and hiding behind her more vivacious friend Jazzy, watching the world go by, including a most-attractive guy named Gavin. Jazzy knows how funny Trixie can be and pushes her into a talent show, where Trixie freezes up and bombs. Is this the beginning of a career? Well, sort of.

Trixie gets a chance to use her routine at a local comedy club, where she is a big success. Her regular work there puts her in the way of a successful comedian who asks her to open for him in Vegas one weekend. Gavin has gotten interested in Trixie along the way and has invited her to the senior prom--but wait, it's the very same weekend as Trixie's chance to work in Vegas! Trixie gives up her romantic dream and takes advantage of the Vegas offer instead. She postpones her college plans to go on the road, and the story ends one year after graduation when she returns home to see Jazzy and Gavin and her family again.

This is a story that will literally amuse YA readers, and the believable details of life as a performer will appeal to many. Claire Rosser, KLIATT