REVIEW: The Intern by Gabrielle Tozer

January 30, 2014

Edition: Harper Collins Australia W&B Paperback
Release Date: February 1st 2014
Pages: 336
Series: The Intern #1
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Source: Received as an ARC from Harper Collins Australia (Thank you)
Links: Goodreads | Author's Website | Buy the book
Josie Browning dreams of having it all. A stellar academic record, an amazing career in journalism - and for her current crush to realise she actually exists. The only problem? Josie can’t get through twenty-four hours without embarrassing her sister Kat or her best friend Angel, let alone herself.

Josie’s luck changes though when she lands an internship at the glossy fashion magazine Sash. A coveted columnist job is up for grabs, but Josie’s got some tough competition in the form of two other interns. Battle lines are drawn and Josie quickly learns that the magazine industry is far from easy, especially under the reign of powerful editor, Rae Swanson.

From the lows of coffee-fetching and working 10-hour days, to the highs of mingling with celebrities, scoring endless free beauty products (plus falling for her cousin’s seriously gorgeous flatmate James) this is one year Josie will never forget.

Totally fresh and funny, this debut novel from industry insider Gabrielle Tozer reveals just what is behind the seeming glamour and sparkle of the magazine industry.
The Intern by Gabrielle Tozer is a debut you don't want to miss. It's funny, it's real and very hard to fault. You know when you pick up a book and you're on page 1 and then suddenly and all too quickly you are turning the last page? Well that's what happened with The Intern. I couldn't put it down and because of this, I read it in less than 6 hours. Sometimes you'll read a book and your heart will flutter with feels and you have to use every bit of will power not pick up the book and give it a big hug whilst looking like a crazy person. Yep, The Intern checks that box as well.

The Intern is the coming of age story about a accident prone girl named Josie Browning who is offered an incredible internship at Sash magazine. Josie may have the academic skills to be a writer but being no stranger to moments of utter embarrassment could be problamatic. Josie discovers the truth of the magazine industry and the high and lows that come with it. The result a real and fascinating look at the magazine industry and a heartwarming tale of self discovery.  Oh and did I mention it's an Australian YA Contemporary novel? That just makes it even more awesome.

Josie is such a lovable protagonist. She was caring, clumsy, hilarious, down to earth and so easily relatable. She was intelligent but also a bit clueless about her new lifestyle. I feel as though she was quite responsible despite always finding herself in embarrasing situations (and there were plenty). I was both sympathetic for her and laughing. I wanted to give the poor thing a hug. I loved how she built new relationships while on her internship. Steph, Tim and James were so supportive and welcoming to Josie and I loved the relationships she shared with each of them. I was actually surprised by the subtle romance that played part in The Intern and it was just so sweet. I'm quite fond of James myself. It was a nice surprise. I also enjoyed seeing the dynamics between Josie and her younger sister Kat as well as Josie and her friend Angel. I was really glad she didn't ignore them and in the end stuck together. 

It's been marketed for fans of 'The Devil Wears Prada' which it bares resemblance to. But I want to get across that it's such a real and honest book. It deals with more than fashion and glamour. I loved the combination of magazine glitz but also the hard times that came in hand. Seeing Josie find a place in all of that was really lovely.

The Intern had so many laugh out loud moments and is a fast paced book making it hard to put down. There weren't any boring bits and it was just such a fun read. It was realistic but sweet and it left me with a warm and gooey feeling inside. I think fans of Geek Girl by Holly Smale would enjoy this. The thought of reading a sequel to The Intern (which I believe is being edited) makes me a very happy fangirl. I just loved this book so much and it's such a great debut. Be sure to check out the amazing comp they have going for whoever finds the special Red copy (details here). The Intern officially hits Australian stores tomorrow.

PS. The launch is tonight!


8 comments

  1. I love this book as well! Such a hilarious debut, and I can't wait to read whatever Gabrielle Tozer writes next :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've literally seen so much hype about this on Twitter! I really really want to read it now. I mean 6 hours?! It has to be a good book! Hopefully by April? Too many books to read ~

    ReplyDelete
  3. As soon as I'd read the synopsis of this, it reminded me of The Carrie Diaries TV show. And that's a good thing, because I love that show! I really like kicking back with a lighter, not as heavy novel as this sounds perfect! I'll be sure to pick it up! I'm glad the MC is loveable and not irritating or anything. I do have to admit though, I hate the name Angel for a character. :3

    Anyway. Great review! I hope you had fun at the launch! :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. It seems a bit like Bridget Jones. But, the girl chasing her dreams is always a good topic in book. I loved this review! :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. It does remind of The Devil Wears Prada being set in the fashion industry! Yay that's it's by an Aussie author, that's the best. Lovely review Sunny!

    Jeann @ Happy Indulgence

    ReplyDelete
  6. You know how I feel about this book! It was hilarious and I'm so glad I requested it! You're right it was a nice quick read!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Flipping heck, this sounds fantastic! Thanks for the heads up, Sunny :D Hadn't heard of The Intern before but it looks hilarious. Glad you loved it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Why I haven't I heard of this before? WHY? Because this sounds RIGHT up my alley, I want it in my hands NOW. The protagonist does sound absolutely lovable and I adore the fact that it's about interns and that it's fast-paced AND it's hilarious. Such a great review!

    ReplyDelete

Thank for stopping by my small corner of the web, I hope you enjoyed your time here. Feel free to leave a comment, I love reading them. Sending you a thousand lovely days x

© A Sunny Spot. Design by FCD. Header using graphics from Freepik.