This was an odd book for me. The beginning was so trite I almost gave up on it..it was painful in the way it followed formula. And then somthing strange happened. The middle of the book, when she's talking about the past, how she got "here", it was a great story, well written. I loved the middle and couldn't believe the same person wrote both parts. The we came to the end, and it reverted back to form, and I was annoyed. It was for the enjoyment I got out of the "middle" portion of the story that this book gets as many stars. There was just something magical about the author bringing you into Georgias past. You knew who Georgia was, and her mother. That was a great story. The speed bumps of the begining and end being poorly written are an annoyance when you discover what the author is capable of all along. ( )

Young, witty, bitchy read of behind-the-scenes glamour as small-town girl Georgia Watkins climbs the ladder of hairdressing success in New York. I liked that the main focus wasn't finding love like many other chick lit books I've read before, but more of becoming a success no matter one's humble beginnings.

And of course, you can't beat the sharing of inner trade secrets by the author (a celebrity colorist herself of the well-known Salon AKS) of the habits and eccentrities of the coddled clientele. While Georgia's challenges are real, her clients can be just plain ridiculous -- from the clients who bring in the children to match their hair color to the client who needs her hand held while a small strand of her hair is highlighted. Some clients will bring laughter to the reader, while some will just disgust or annoy. Georgia categorizes her clients by neighborhoods they live in:
- The Manhattan (socialite)
- The Manhattan (working woman)
- The Bedford
- The Greenwich
- The Five Towns
- The Short Hills
- The Beverly Hills

But like the best dye jobs, the salon's artifice of amity conceals the darkness beneath. Ups and downs ensue—from workplace romance to blithe betrayal—all hidden behind the glamour. A surprisingly good read which went beyond my expectations.

Book Details:

Title Beyond The Blonde
Author Kathleen Flynn-Hui
Reviewed By Purplycookie ( )

Beyond the Blond by Kathleen Flynn-Hui is the story of Georgia Watkins, who grew up as the daughter of a hairdresser in a small town in New Jersey and went on to become a stylist to the rich and famous at a top salon in NYC. She runs into obstacles along her journey, from wacky clients to ticked off coworkers and eventually finds love and happiness. Georgia is a likable, refreshing depiction of a hairdresser who is smart and genuine. Her friends, coworkers and customers are also believable characters. The overall story was a light, easy read. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who likes chick lit. I look forward to further books by Flynn-Hui. 4 stars. ( )

Cute book! Fun to read. ( )

Georgia tutored under her mother's salon in Weepeekeemie, New Hampshire and then became a star colorist in New York at Jean-Luc's. She fell in love with another employee, Massimo and they set out on their own to open their own shop. Her insecurities almost blew the opportunity. Jean-Luc sued and when many of their ex-elite clients got wind of the misjustice, they arrived to save the day (and shop) ( )