I read the blurb for this book and thought it sounded like something I wouldn't enjoy. I resisted buying it for quite a while, but I had loved several other books by this author and finally succumbed to its call. This book was not what I was expecting at all, with a storyline that went places I had not imagined. Ms Osterkamp's writing had me turning pages for more, rather than setting the book aside. I was completely won over by the realistic characters and their complex motivations, all revealed through the mature and accomplished writing of the author. Loved it. ( )

Samantha is married to Nathan Linden. She is also 10 years older than Nathan. Melody is 18 years old and a senior in high school. Nathan Linden is her teacher. Melody falls for Nathan or
"Mr. L," after he saves her from being raped at a school dance. This is the story of their lives, and is told from alternating points of view between Samantha and Melody, each telling their own story. Samantha has her own issues, but she is very likable. She is still insecure in her relationship with Nathan, and the age difference bothers her, even if she won't admit it. On top of that, there are secrets about her past she hasn't told him about either, one being that Collin, the manager of the apartment complex they live in, is also her ex-husband. If that's not bad enough, Samantha still has feelings for Collin, even if she won't admit it. Melody on the other hand is extremely manipulative. She has grown up in a broken home with an alcoholic mother who has given her little if any affection. Melody plots and plans, and doesn't care who she hurts in the process, as long as she gets what she wants......and she wants Nathan Linden.

I enjoyed this book. It was interesting hearing the story told from both Samantha and Melody's point of view. I liked Samantha, despite her hangups, she is a really good person, though quite impulsive. She harbors a lot of guilt from mistakes and situations in her past and she desperately tries to earn redemption for her mistakes. I really did not like Melody much. I felt sorry for her, but she was very conniving, even using her best friend to help her achieve her "5-step plan" to get Mr. Linden, and when that doesn't work out, she turns downright evil in her attempt at revenge. I was glad to see that she developed a conscience near the end of the book and did the right thing, and she had started to make better choices. I kind of felt sorry for Nathan, he kind of got the short end of the stick in everything. I really did like Collin, who despite everything that had happened, still loved Sam. I found their relationship both amusing and romantic. The characters in the book deal with real life issues, some of which are very difficult, and they all go through the process of growing and changing, as life's circumstances mold and shape them. Starring in the Movie of My Life was a very enjoyable read and it ended very well. The characters were believable and well written, and the issues they deal with are issues that most people can relate to in some way. I enjoyed Laurel Osterkamp's writing and look forward to reading more of her novels. ( )

This story fluctuates between two female characters points of view. Melody an 18-year old high school senior who is manipliative and seeking attention from others because she lacks that comfort at home, and 35 year old Samantha, who wears her heart on her sleeve and makes rash decesions but the best of intentions. Both of their worlds collide and both have the power to dramatically alter the story of each others lives, but will they do that, or will they make the right decisions for themselves.

I honestly really enjoyed this story, I had a love-hate relationship with Melody because of her malipliative and cold acts that she commits against others including her best friend Kelsey. I did sympathize with her though because of the horrible home live she had to deal with, and i'm sorry but anyone with a mother like hers is point to have emotional problems for sure.

Samantha I had more compassion for, I was rooting for her and her ex, Collin honestly. I liked their relationship and although they had some rough patches in their past, I still could feel their deep-rooted connection.

Laurel has a beautiful writing style, it was fun, sad, and entertaining the whole way through. I got super-invested in the story and didn't want to put it down most of the time, because I simply had to know which way the story was going, and what was going to happen next. If you like chick-lit and contemporary dramas, I would definitely recommend this book to you, it was entertaining from start to finish. ( )