Although I felt this left a little to be desired as far as development, I liked the premise and the dual narration. The obsession with youth and the disregard for anything that isn't accepted by the masses provides a lot to think about, especially when careers top out at age 17. Marla and Ivy give readers two very different views of life in a world where you're only as good as the popularity of your next decision.
I don't think it's accurate to call this a dystopian novel, either. No, things weren't perfect and kids are blatantly taken advantage of by the world at large, but no one's being threatened with death, there is no one character who can do something no one else can, and there is no crazy vision of world domination. This can be labeled ageist, at worst.
However, I did like Marla and Ivy. Some of their character development seemed rushed in places, but I found them both to be sympathetic. The other characters were also good, whether they were naughty or nice. Some of them made me cringe and some made me smile, but all were well drawn.
The writing could use a little more tweaking in places to eliminate unnecessary story lines, such as one of Ivy's nymphs being used to spy on her- which ultimately amounted to nothing and was never mentioned again.
Material Girls was ultimately a good story. You might be frustrated with the fashion talk in a few places, but the characters and plot provide many topics of thought and conversation.
Material Girls by Elaine Dimopoulos: It's not going to start an uprising to end government tyranny, but it is a good story about two girls who begin to question everything they've always accepted as the norm. Available from libraries and booksellers now.
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