Dreams Are Not Enough

This novel is another rags-to-riches novel from the 80s, reminiscent of Jackie Collins and Danielle Steel. It's about a poor, migrant girl, Alice Lopez, who is so beautiful and desirable that she becomes a famous movie star. When Barry Cordiner, a student at UCLA, meets Alice, who is living on the streets, she claims to be fifteen but is actually eighteen. Barry takes one look at her voluptuous figure and decides to take his newfound love to Vegas, where they are quickly married. Of course, Mom and Dad disapprove and never accept Alice (who is now Alicia). However, Barry happens to be a writer, with cousins who are in the movie business. Maxim is a director, Hap is a film editor, and their uncle, Desmond Cordiner, manages Magnum show more Studios. Alicia, eventually Alyssia del Mar, the actress.

At first, this story was interesting. Alicia has a witty mouth and a spunky attitude. However, her husband, Barry, turns out to be an insecure alcoholic. There's plenty of who-is-sleeping-with-who drama until Hap and Alicia become the "epic" love story within the story. What I couldn't tolerate was Alicia's misplaced loyalty to Barry, who cheats on her, uses her to finance his career, and continues to be ashamed of her heritage. Instead of divorcing him and moving on with her life, she holds Hap at arm's length and ruins both their lives. It's frustrating and didn't make sense to me. The book slightly redeems itself with a surprise ending that I won't reveal. If you enjoy romantic angst, nonsensical plots, and drama, drama, drama, this book is for you. show less