The X Factor: Confessions of a Naive Fashion Model by Ivan Sivec

The X Factor: Confessions of a Naive Fashion Model Reviews

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  Bookish Indulgenges with b00k r3vi3ws

  Personally I couldn’t care less about fashion or the fashion industry. It is one thing I do not understand at all and whenever I ‘discover’ the latest trends I just shake my head and move on. However, it is the size zero craze that caught my attention as frankly size zero models always looked like they were malnourished and on the brink of death and never sexy to me. Anyway, my point was that I did wonder what went on the minds of these fashionistas and this book seemed to offer a glimpse. So I picked up this book with the hopes of understanding how it all works.
  
  Maja used to be an average girl till she is introduced to an agent from the fashion industry. Charmed by the glamour and allured by the promise of fame and name, Maja soon finds herself in the industry. Her life becomes full of strict diet and long tiring days. The glamourous life, the money and fame came with a price – Maja loses herself in the world of rat races and sharks have her cornered.
  
  The X Factor is based on a true story and that fact makes it really hard to read some parts of the book and to believe some of the things. This is a really brutal story and I felt really bad for Maja. The worst part was all the betrayals from the people she counted as friends. Toughest times can be handled if one has friends around and Maja was alone. The characters in the book will touch you – you will either love or hate them. They have been well developed throughout and it was not possible to remain indifferent towards any of the characters who played a significant role in the story. The narrative seemed to falter once or twice – but I do not know if it is because of the translation or not.
  
  I am however in two minds about recommending this book to young minds. On one hand this is like an expose on the fashion industry that could help aspiring models to get into the industry with their eyes open. On the other hand this could be quite a disturbing read as well. So, pick this up with caution. Overall, this book felt uncompromisingly direct and honest and as such made an impression on me.
  
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  Jordan (pagetravels)

  Wow. This book was tough to get through, yet was incredible (I finished it in one sitting… Oops). It demonstrated the aspect of today’s society that is disgusting and completely corrupt, the one that Louise O’Neill exaggerated (although after reading The X Factor, I realized just how slight the difference between Only Ever Yours’ society and today’s world truly is). However, there was something that held it back from being 5 stars. It’s the first time I’ve read a novel and not been able to pinpoint what I thought could’ve been better (I know, I’m not being helpful at all), but oh my god, it’s KILLING me not being able to figure out what was missing.
  The characters, although there weren’t that many, were mostly amazing. I loved Maja and could completely relate to some of her insecurities. Sometimes I didn’t understand her decisions (ok, most of the time I wanted to SCREAM at her and ask her what the heck she thought she was getting herself into), but I absolutely loved how she learned from her mistakes and became less naïve by being exposed to the cringe-worthy views of those around her. The one character I didn’t quite understand was Svetlana. She was just there and then gone, and I didn’t think she added anything to the story except that she started Maja’s drug addiction. I wish we had found out what happened to her: whether she succeeded, whether her and Maja ever found each other again, and just in general how she turned out. Also, similar to Louise O’Neill in Only Ever Yours, I wish Sivec had shown a nicer side to some of the people. Yes, we did see Monica’s, and trust me, I was absolutely ecstatic, but other than that, everybody was so self-interested and no one ever really demonstrated that they cared about ANYONE other than themselves. It was only slightly upsetting, but other than that, my applause goes to Sivec for creating characters who were relatable and who fit the picture I think he was trying to create.
  The plot: OUTSTANDING. It twisted and turned at just the right moments, and the ups and downs had me cringing and screaming… repeatedly. There wasn’t any suspense, but this novel didn’t need any to keep you turning the page: there was something truly compelling and intriguing about Maja’s story, and it was impossible to just stop in the middle. You were constantly shocked and utterly disgusted, but you just had to keep reading… I think for me it was because I was always hoping that something would give, that someone would prove to be completely genuine. Were my hopes fulfilled? Well, you’ll have to read to find out ;).
  The writing style: nearly perfect. I think this was the thing I couldn’t pinpoint the problem with, because it was great, but the writing quality just wasn’t quite there. This frustration is likely just a personal problem because I’ve never read a book that’s been so close to my favorites shelf but that I just can’t quite imagine being there.
  Overall, this book was totally shocking and educational. The characters were mostly incredible, the plot was one-of-a-kind and absolutely jaw-dropping, and the writing quality was so close to perfect. I recommend this book to all teens, but especially those who spend a lot of time on social media. This book will change your life and completely affect your opinion the next time you see any kind of ad or billboard. I can’t even look at them without thinking of the absolute horror those models must be going through.
  Happy reading!
  Jordan
  The Wednesday Blog for Books
  
  www.thewednesdayblogforbooks.blogspot...
• 
  Ailyn

  Confessions of a Naive Fashion Model is an interesting book with a different writing style. Ivan Sivec writes X Factor as a third person POV, and inserts Maja's journal to give a glimpse of the model's inner thoughts as she navigates her new life on her own. I had received this book from author for a fair review.
  
  Betrayal seems to be the common theme of the book, the word Naive spells out Maja's vulnerability against those who seek to take advantage of her trust. First came the job offer, which she took without consulting proper channels. Defying her family for her dream job came at a high cost, because Maja was not privy to the ugliness of the industry.
  
  We are all lured by the promise of beautiful things, fame and fortune. One look at Gisele Bundchen, Kate Moss and many other top models will tell you that beauty is not the only currency these ladies have. The modeling world exploits not only looks, but hints of sexuality and trust.
  
  Why trust? Because if we trust someone, we are more likely to believe what they say. Liking a person is the basis of trust (have you ever trusted someone you do not like at first glance?). Which is why we have spokesperson promoting items for a brand, because it sells. Same thing with X Factor: the promise of being loved by many.
  
  I do not have to tell you that Maja is in trouble, because it is in the synopsis. The deception is what makes the book unique, a glimpse of the horrific ordeals young models go through on their way up in modelling world. That is probably why these scouts love innocent young meat, they are like sweet delicacy for the sharks to have for lunch
  
  You can cringe, but that is the message of the story: go into the ocean clueless and you would not even know that you are in a belly of a shark. Worse, you might even thank that shark for eating you. Maja is one of the luckier ones, having managed to escape the dangerous spiral, but not unscathed.
  
  Is this a book you would give to a young girl with dreams to become a model? Definitely not, unless you really have to. This is a pretty brutal story, a lot of suffering for a young girl who wanted nothing more than to be a model. Having said that, it is a good wake up call to girls and boys who think that modelling is an easy job for easy money.
  
  I loved X Factor for many reasons, but mainly for Maja's strength to stand up to what she believes to be right. Her sufferings hopefully will inspire a young person to be more careful in life, not to be sucked in by ephemeral promises.
  *this review also appears in my blog. Penny for My Thoughts
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  Peggy

  **SPOILER FREE**
  
  
  This was a completely different type of writing style that I normally read. But yet I found myself enjoying the book even more. I think more of the uniqueness of really kept me intrigued. The plot of the story as well as the character were enjoyable. I believe I will have to search out more books from this author just to see what else has been written.
  
  
  *Received for an honest review*
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  Janie

  "The X Factor: Confessions of a Naive Fashion Model" by Ivan Sivac is my first read by this author. We get to know Maja who is a 17 year old girl has dreams of becoming an actress (her role model is Marilyn Monroe.) It takes the reader through her world of modeling, trusting the wrong people, and trials of making it big in the industry. Well worth the read.
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  Trang Tran

  
  Full review here:
  https://bookidote.wordpress.com/2016/...
  
  WHY I GAVE IT A 2,5 STARS?
  
  Maja, the main character, is what people called a Cosmo Girl. She had the face, the figure to become a model and eventually she dreamed of becoming a famous actress. Her character development was not amazingly done. I wanted to see more insight on her mental state, how she dealt with the changing environment around her.
  
  Some dialogues were very cliché and stereotypical. It looks like some of them were forced on the reader and that was not necessary. I couldn’t connect with any of the characters because of the way they were interacting and I was not feeling the chemistry or even the hate/irony when they were supposed to sound hypocrite.
  There were side notes, remarks and definitions included in the novel. The sidenotes were to direct the readers to the main points of the story : her consumption of drugs. Okay, I think I get it without the need to rub it in my face every two lines. The definitions were also not pertinent in my opinion. I think different point of views and structures do not help the story in this context.
  
  If I gave it a 2,5 stars that must mean that there are a few good sides in this book, right? Of course, it was fun and entertaining enough for me to finish it in a few hours and, I believe, if I can finish it, then it was a decent book (see my rating system on my blog).
  
  Trang- Book Blogger and Book reviewer
  
  http://bookidote.wordpress.com
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  Mave

  It 's a story very strong and very intense on the ruthless world of fashion. Many girls are very young and without the right maturity fascinated by the easy success, often are not able to manage themselves well. They dream of becoming famous and are willing to almost anything and sometimes do not realize that not worth it. Not all have the strength of Maja to get out. And there's always a price to pay.
  Maja is seventeen, is a beautiful girl and she likes to have fun. His boyfriend Klemen is a photographer and one evening she participates with him a Valentine's Party that his newspaper has organized. Here she is noticed by a modeling agency that offers her a contract. Her only flaw is small breasts but she is willing to make an intervention to make it perfect. She leaves school and goes to live in Milan. Her parents hope that her boyfriend Klemen aid and protect her. Instead she is alone, without money, forced to make long fasts to keep the line and take drugs in order to meet all the contracts that are offered her. She's entered into a ruthless world, where everyone is ready to use her and to abandon her, she doesn't know about who to trust. How can she get out of this hell where she is hunted?
  
  I like the style of this author. The sentences are short, the pace fast and flowing. Some terms and definitions are explained during the narration by changing the character of the text: this expedient make reading more understanding and do not disturb the flow of the story. The plot is well developed, it is realistic, although there are many elements of fantasy is inspired by a true story.
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  Sarah Roberts

  Maja is your normal, everyday 17-year old. She dreams of becoming a an actress, and her role model is Marilyn Monroe. So when things take an interesting turn at a celebration party for her boyfriend, Maja doesn't quite know how to handle it. One minute she is an average teen, and then the next minute she is at a test modeling photo shoot because some guy thinks she could have 'The X-Factor'.
  
  But things don't go the way they should have.
  
  Maja becomes exhausted from the countless photo shoots, diets, and a always being in the public eye. So what does Maja do? Well she turns to some "friends" that get her into a lot of trouble. When it all explodes in her face, Maja is left with a drug addiction, no self-esteem,and no true friends. She now is left with one question: How far will she got to reach her dream and land among the stars?
  
  
  I really thought this book was well written and enjoyed it immensely. I enjoyed how this book touched on subject matter that others would have been afraid to write. That is why I gave this book a 4 and 1/2 star rating. The characters were well developed and I felt almost everything that Maja felt. The lack of self-esteem that Maja had felt like it would have been experienced by teens today. He book really gives you an inside view of what the modeling industry really is, the it isn't all the glamour and beauty it's made up to be. So all in all, this book was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it to my friends and family.
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  Julia Damatto

  It's the modeling world like The X Factor portrayed it? Terrifying.
  Our main character, Maja, is a normal teenager, until one day a big door opens for her, but it's the door to heaven or to hell?
  Ivan Sevic show us the ugly side of the fashion world, how girls must struggle with her weight, drug problems, betrayal and low self-esteem.
  Really, this is a hard reading, it's impossible not think on how many girls are suffering right now? Written in different POVs and with some glimpses of Maja's diary, with complex characters and rough situations, that make the reading highly enjoyable.
  If I'd recommend this to YA readers? Only if you have a daughter who wants to be a Victoria's Secret Angel.
  
  *I received a Free Copy in exchange for an Honest Review*
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  Margaret

  I won a copy of this book from the good reads giveaway.
  
  Overall, this was a good book and definitely worth a read. I enjoyed the story and found it easily grabbed my attention. Is that really what the fashion world is like? The negatives are that there were certain elements that simply took me out of the story such as unnecessary explanations of common words and phases.
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  Spunky N Sassy

  SNSBAH Rating: No Rating
  
  ~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's Review~~~~~~~~~~
  
  Could not review as this book jumped around way too much for me and I could not finish it.
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  Tracy Arnett

  I tried several times to read this book and I could not finish it. This book just jumped around too much and the writing was hard to follow. So I will not be rating this book due to that.