The Luxe - The Official Site :: letters-from-anna

Thursday Jan 29, 2009

Posted at 01:38PM Jan 29, 2009 by Anna in General  |  Comments[56]

Hey out there,

I know this is sort of wrong, but I have been thinking over the past week how—along with all the other reasons to be happy about and inspired by our new president—I feel so much better having such a very good looking family in the White House. Now, I know that a less statuesque foursome than the Obamas could lead us with just as much intelligence and poise, but isn’t there something thrilling and proud-making about the fact that the faces representing us to the rest of the world are really, really attractive ones?

I think about this issue as it relates to books and movies a lot as well. Because isn’t a heroine always the most interesting-looking girl in a room? As I writer, I am very guilty of this crime: I am over-fascinated by the beautiful faces of my female characters. But writing a physical description of your character is maybe a little bit like reporting on your baby to your mother, for of course this fictional creation you’ve been burning to give life to is worthy of superlatives. A personality worth immortalizing in prose would have a striking physical presence, even if it isn’t conventional beauty. I am reminded of the way Henry James dealt with the question of Isabel Archer’s prettiness in The Portrait of a Lady: “Nineteen person’s out of twenty (including [Isabel] herself) pronounced [Isabel’s sister] Edith the prettier of the two; but the twentieth, besides reversing the judgment, had the entertainment of thinking all the others aesthetic vulgarians.” I suppose that is the way authors often feel about their female leads. The passage goes on, by the way, to say that Isabel “saw the young men who came in large numbers to see her sister; but as a general thing they were afraid of her; they had a belief that some special preparation was required for talking with her. Her reputation of reading a great deal hung about her like the cloudy envelope of a goddess in an epic.” Love that.

What do you think, ladies? Are heroines, on the whole, too beautiful? Do beautiful people live more interesting lives, or do the inner lights of personality shine through, so that we turn our heads more at the ineffable qualities of a person than at their objectively measurable attractiveness? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Oh, AND, Envy is out there in the world! Please tell me what you think about that too!

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Comments:

ok first i would like to say: FIRST COMMENT thats never happened to me before and second i think that beautiful people are usually thought of as more interesting/ or mysterious than a normal person and i think beautiful people seem to have the confidence and it makes them glow. idk what it is but dont we find ourselves always looking at them and wishing we were a bit more like them, its the way us girls a built. And BTW ENVY was AMAZING but i really need you to at least consider letting Diana and Henry live happy lives espescially since liz and Will couldnt! that family needs happiniess and to kill either Henry of Diana in the war would be so horendously wrong, and part of me would die alittle (im huge romanttic fyi.) and i love the twists you throw its so beautiful in a different way. (this book is like the beautiful people love and envy at the same time) love your books keep writing

Posted by Amanda on January 29, 2009 at 03:39 PM EST #

sorry but i have to correct myself here: i meant to say: its the way us girls ARE built.

Posted by Amanda on January 29, 2009 at 03:41 PM EST #

I was wondering if there was going to be a 4th book because your books are AMAZING i could not wait till Envy came out! if there is going to be a 4th book when is it going to come out!!!??

Posted by Maddie on January 29, 2009 at 05:11 PM EST #

Maddie- though Anna is obviously the best person to ask... I heard the fourth novel is called Splendor and has Lina on the cover!! As to your question Anna: I do not necessarily think heroines are too beautiful, but some of them certainly are! Take Joan of Arc, the Virgin Queen Elizabeth, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Theresa...not typically none for astounding beauty, and yet women of their eras. Now, I know you are talking about heroines in novels, but using these as examples, I guess one can deduct that beauty does not necessarily equal intelligence and strength. As to, "do beautiful people have more interesting lives"... again, I don't think this is always the case. Though beautiful people are definitely treated differently in curtain circumstances, and are given things others are not at times... I would not go as far to say that others lead monotonous lives in comparison... thoughts? J

Posted by Jane on January 29, 2009 at 06:22 PM EST #

well beauty is truely in yourself.....but yes i do think pretty girls get morwe adventure....beacuse theey have alot of problems and fun....and all the guys want them....but evry one is pretty....ENVY RULED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....whos gonna be n slendor.....make it HENRY!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by JEN on January 29, 2009 at 06:59 PM EST #

Anna, Your books are absolutely amazing! I finished Envy in one day!! There are a lot of teen novels out there but your series is so fantastically unique. I can't put them down! The storyline for the The Luxe series is just so deep and you can feel the emotions every character is feeling. Rumors and Envy both made me cry like a baby. I hope in Splendor there will be a happy ending for Diana and Henry their love story is so epic and it would be wonderful if it could end happy. Thank you for writing books with meaning!! Keep it up! and I can't wait till Splendor!!

Posted by Tara O'Brien on January 29, 2009 at 07:05 PM EST #

ENVY WAS FRIGGIN AWESOME!!!!!!!!! Madddie- there is totally gonna be a 4th luxe book, but it is gonna be the last (tears! =[) It is gonna be called Splendor and I'm pretty sure Lina will be on the cover! THE LUXE BOOKS ARE AWESOME! KEEP WRITING ANNA!

Posted by Madison on January 29, 2009 at 07:11 PM EST #

Anna, I just finished reading Envy, and I would just like to congragulate you on another amazing book. I had been so exited about this book for months and it was so much better than I could have expected! I was so happy with the ending, how Henry wrote Dianna a letter explaining everything. Altough I wish that Elizabeth would have been able to marry Teddy. I was just wondering, do you have any idea when Splendor is supposed to come out? I also have a feeling that Lina is going to be on the cover, do you have any idea yet? congrats on Envy and keep writing Anna!

Posted by Anne-Sophie Deman on January 29, 2009 at 07:56 PM EST #

I just finished reading your latest book in the series, ENVY, and i have to say i was inthralled. I started it this morning and fished it this evening. I will tell you that I was a bit upset after finishing RUMORS. I really didn't like how it finished (I mean were the Holland sisters going to ever be happy), so I wasn't so sure about this book. But I am happy to say I enjoyed it. It still didn't have a real happy ending (except Henry leaving Penelope), and I truly hope you can get Teddy and Liz together I think they would do well together. I cant wait to see what happens with Henry and Di, it is an adventure I am dying to see the end of. I just hope it is a good one, with happiness for all the 'good' characters and the 'bad' ones get what's coming to them. Thanks for a grate book and I hope the next one is even better, even more thrilling to read. Best of luck.

Posted by Lindsey on January 29, 2009 at 10:18 PM EST #

I must say that i loved Envy. i finished it in three hours. I so really want to know what happens with Henry and Diana, i have a feeling that they might end up in the same camp, that would be awesome! I can see Di getting into a bit of trouble in the next book. Some parts in the book i could predict what was going to happen like Longhorn's death but it took me a while to firgure out Elizabeth was pregnant, i hope it's a boy and she names him Will. Keep up the good work, i'm not going to ask the same questions as everybody else, but i hope you keep on writing this thrilling series.

Posted by ally lee on January 30, 2009 at 09:22 AM EST #

Envy is finaly here! Ive been waiting for SO LONG. I am going to get it tommorow (!) and im SO excited. Make it into a film please? :P I can't belive the fourth book is going to be the last :( I LOVE THESE BOOKS! x

Posted by Tabby on January 30, 2009 at 11:34 AM EST #

I am very pleased with envy, though whn i came to the part about Henry leaving i was grieve stricken, but when i came to the last chapter where diana decides to follow him, i was exuberant! I thought it was the perfect ending, leaving adventure and suspence. About if beautiful people like more interesting lives, it really depends. sure beautiful people are given more chances, but if normal people are able to go after their dream instead of it being given to them they might live more interesting lives.

Posted by Tessa on January 30, 2009 at 01:35 PM EST #

I love the books! I think a movie would be so cool, but only if you would direct it because I would not want anything in the books to change. I think when someone is beautiful it seems they tend to have more exciting lives, when I and my gorgeous friend are at football games all the guys surround her. And I become totally invisible, but though she is beautiful she is rather vain. I think it does not matter how pretty you are (unless you’re a model then being pretty helps). It's what is on the inside that counts. You won't do great things just because you are beautiful. Thanks Anna for these wonderful and I hope Splendor is not the last in the series. In that case I would be very sad. Keep up the great writing!

Posted by Emma on January 30, 2009 at 01:59 PM EST #

Dear Anna, I enjoyed Envy, but I'm so sad now =[ Why such a cliffhanger?? whyyyyy *tear* I can't wait for the next book, and am looking foward to future books from you. I love your writing style so I hope you keep it up - Tiana ^.^

Posted by Tiana on January 31, 2009 at 01:40 AM EST #

Ummmm Im not so sure. the women in many stories do seem to be the most beautiful or seem interesting in some way... but that just makes for an even better movie. I'm not trying to be rude, but who would want to see a movie where the main girl looked ugly? I think our world today strives on being perfect, weather it be hair and body, or knowledge, or just socially. So when they read a book, or see a movie, they don't want to see bad habits or hairstyles by a girl who is unknown and not very attractive. They rather see what they, themselves, are striving for so that they can take mental notes on how to achieve this. they may not know it at the time, but most people actually do this.

Posted by Madison on January 31, 2009 at 10:01 AM EST #

Hey! I finished ENVY like three days ago and I still can't stop thinking about it! It's like one of those if only they had done this instead of this books. Please, please PLEASE let Henry and Di have a happily ever after...I would absolutely DIE if something happened to them or if they don't even up being together. And maybe Teddy and Liz too? But the real question on my mind is WHEN IS THEY FOURTH BOOK COMING OUT?!

Posted by lindsey sykes on January 31, 2009 at 02:12 PM EST #

Heyy i just read on wikipedia that Splendor is coming out in 2010!!!!!!!!!!! thats sooooooooooooooooooooooo long! btw if you didnt know splendor is the 4th and final luxe book.

Posted by Madison on January 31, 2009 at 02:43 PM EST #

YAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!! I FINALLY got Envy yesterday!!!! I am trying to stretch it out but that plan is not really working :) And Anna i think that you shouldn't judge a book (or a person) by thier cover.....Thank goodness i didn't judge your book by it's cover !! Ciao bellas

Posted by Aquagrl on January 31, 2009 at 05:44 PM EST #

First of all: I do thnk herions may be a little too done up. However, that is afterall what makes them so likeable, and just plain fabulicious. Second: LOVED ENVY!! got it on the 21st (ty books a million) have had an exchange student here so i finished it yesterday!!! Im really hoping to avoid Carolina's story in the next book (though I know its coming...) and follow Henry's story perhaps. I'm dying to know what happens to Diana!! Please don't kill her or Henry or Teddy off! Elizabeth needs teddy!!! In short, Envy is the best in the soon-to-be-saga so far!!!

Posted by Kaki Clements on January 31, 2009 at 11:57 PM EST #

I finished Envy all in one night (at 1am last night) and I am all strung out on the suspense. Can we please have a semi-happy ending at some point in time? At least one of our lovely heroines needs to end up happy, right? Or is it that pretty girls have more interesting lives but never truly get what they want?

Posted by Erin on February 01, 2009 at 11:21 AM EST #

Envy was absolutely amazing. I almost cried when Henry walked in on Diana and Grayson and then after when Diana came home from Elizabeth's wedding. Pleasepleaseplease don't kill off Henry and Diana! And I'm hoping that Penelope doesn't find some way to get pregnant without Henry. I was happy with the ending, but I wish it was less of a cliffhanger since Splendor is soso far away...

Posted by Ivana on February 01, 2009 at 03:41 PM EST #

I think that heroines are perfectly fine being beautiful. Because, when we walk into a room, we want to be the one that turns the heads. We want to be like our favorite character in out favorite book - smart, fun, and beautiful. I think that pretty heroines are good sources of confidence.

Posted by lindsey sykes on February 01, 2009 at 08:30 PM EST #

Envy was beautifully written. I'm am ecstatic about your next book. =]

Posted by Megan on February 01, 2009 at 08:31 PM EST #

I do find that a lot of heroines are beautiful, but I think that they are portrayed that way to express that people admire them. Although there are some heroines of stories that aren't beautiful, my favorite being Jane Eyre. She is undoubtedly plain, and yet she is so strong, and she lives a very happy life after some misfortunes. But I also have to say that I got Envy yesterday and I have one hundred pages to go which I'm saving for tommorrow. So far it's amazing, and my favorite out of the series, but I am really sad for Diana. I hope that she gets a happy ending because she is so much like myself.

Posted by Kendyl on February 01, 2009 at 09:30 PM EST #

madison.....splenor comes out in 2009.....check bluewillowsbooks.com....

Posted by JEN on February 01, 2009 at 09:32 PM EST #

As an aspiring author, I had always been unsure about having a pretty girl as my main character. I was pretty surprised to read that you felt the same way! I enjoy writing about characters that have beauty, especially when writing romance, because I think it makes it more romantic. However, I was never sure if other people would understand or like that. It's nice to see that a great author like yourself feels that way. :) By the way, I just finished reading Envy and I cannot wait for Splendor! I have to say, after the thrilling romance of Rumors, Envy left me a bit disapointed as it was a little despressing the way Diana and Henry could never seem to get together, but overall I really enjoyed the book and can not wait for the next installment!

Posted by Nikki on February 01, 2009 at 09:46 PM EST #

Please let Teddy Cutting come home! If Elizabeth cannot have Will then let her have Teddy.

Posted by Raquel on February 02, 2009 at 11:01 AM EST #

Anna...even your blog entries are like heaven to read! As long as you keep writing, I will definitely keep reading. Thanks for Envy...it's amazing!

Posted by Kristin on February 02, 2009 at 05:29 PM EST #

hey i wanted to say that the beauty of a character doesnt always matter. sometimes the prettiest ones have the ugliest souls and vice versa but i do like the qualities of beautiful heroines- the confidence, the action (they seem to have more especially with boys), etc. so yes beautiful ones my b more exciting to read about but all heroines can have some amazing stories. also im about half done envy and i LOVE it so far

Posted by jelaina <3 on February 02, 2009 at 05:30 PM EST #

I think that characters in books are always too beautiful, however since many people read novels for entertainment, or as an escape, it works. Who wants to read about ugly characters? Ugly characters, MUST have something twice as interesting about them, i.e. not really ugly just un-conventional lookng.

Posted by AmAnDa on February 02, 2009 at 06:03 PM EST #

Anna, I just wanted to say I absolutely love the Luxe series! I just finished reading Envy and was completely absorbed in it! I didn't put it down until I had completely finished it! The characters are so well planned out and its so easy to underdstand their emotions! Personally, I love the way you've made Elizabeths story! Its so tragically romantic! I absolutely love it! It really shows not everyone can have their perfect happy ending. In fact while I read about Teddy and Elizabeths "romance" I actually started getting frustrated! Haha! Keep up the amazing work! I can't wait for Splendor and I hope you keep writing after it!

Posted by Valarie on February 02, 2009 at 07:17 PM EST #

ok i may sound retarded but i have just read the luxe i havent read rumers and envy but i promise i'll read them so i a question what is Splendor is he henry or what well by the way i'm in love with henry so he better be hot

Posted by cristina on February 02, 2009 at 10:06 PM EST #

one word: WOW!!! i loved Envy, you write so beautifully!!but one question..why why why??(ok so thats 3)???i love the idea of H and D 2gether..and now what? whatever you don't let one of them die..PLEASE!! and hmm...i htink C might have some troubles with all that money! and what happened to Teddy, is he ok in the war?and what happens when he finds out E has married?and all i have to say is poor poor G!! and P has serious issues with power and pride..just saying. But i loved it all read it in like a day! can't wait for Spplendor :):)!! xoxo, sarah p.s the letter the H wrote D was trully sad but sweet :):)

Posted by Sarah on February 02, 2009 at 10:08 PM EST #

I just finished Envy about a minute ago and I just have to say it: WOW! The book was INCREDIBLE! I especially enjoyed the new twists in the story and I can't wait until Splendor comes out! I just recently got into this series (around Christmas) and have fallen in love with it! Keep up the amazing work!

Posted by kristen on February 03, 2009 at 01:02 AM EST #

I am so jealous that all you in america already have Envy. Because I live in the UK i must wait until the 7th of may for it just to be published! I've already read a few chapters from the harperlinks website, hoping to ease myself, although all it's led to is me yearning it even more! Unfortunatly i suppose i must just sit tight and wait : (

Posted by Kristina on February 03, 2009 at 11:41 AM EST #

Splendor comes out 10/1/09 not 2010 just looked it up and Pre ordered it off harper colins

Posted by kaylin on February 03, 2009 at 01:22 PM EST #

Hey Anna! I just finished Envy, and I think it's the best one from the Luxe series yet! I can't wait until Splendor! I finished the book in just one day because it's just so hard to put down! I think the characters are now much more developed, and I just love each and everyone's trials and triumphs. Teddy Cutting has slowly made it to the top of my favorite characters list! I find him refreshing from all the other characters, although he's not really a main one. Out of all the others, he seems like the only one who does what he does without any ulterior motive. And I can't wait what you have in store for the two lovebirds (Henry and Diana) in the Philippines. I was born and raised there so I really want to read what you have written about their adventure there! Well, that's all. Thanks for such a good read from Envy, and best of luck on the upcoming Splendor!

Posted by Siela on February 03, 2009 at 01:26 PM EST #

YAY!!! I just finished Envy, OMG it was soooo good!! I can't believe Elizabeth is pregnanet!!! And i feel bad for Diana & Henry, but i DO NOT LIKE CAROLINA!! Idk why but i just don't like her attudide... Ciao

Posted by Aquagrl on February 03, 2009 at 05:17 PM EST #

When does the 4th book come out?

Posted by jaime on February 03, 2009 at 11:47 PM EST #

dear anna, i absolutly loved ENVY,its so thriliing and suspense-ful, will Diana ever be happy with Henry?Elizabeth needs a little happiness to! please! your last book will be very awesome.i cant wait for it to come out! & as you said are heroins to beautiful, i think it just helps create a scene, iv read a few books were the main, girl character was neither beautiful, or charming and their lives turned out the perfect love story...i do not think beautiful people live beautiful lives only in story does it hapen that way. natural beauty is hard to come by so their perfect lives cant seem as they really are,never. Cant wait for SPLENDOR!

Posted by shianne on February 04, 2009 at 10:29 AM EST #

Dear Anna, I love the Luxe series! It is absolutely amazing and I adore it! I find myself so captivated by the characters and their personalities similar to mine. I absolutely love your writing and cannot wait to read Envy! And after I finish Envy I know I will definitely can't wait for Splendor! Your writing is never boring! The Luxe is now one of my favorite series! Definitely at the top!!!

Posted by Bella on February 04, 2009 at 09:51 PM EST #

OMG!!!!! Anna YOU are a Genius! I love the whole series and I can not believe it is almost OVER!!!! THIS SERIES os so intense =] I LOVE IT!!!!! I can not wait!!!!! <3 Jerilyn

Posted by Jerilyn Martinez on February 04, 2009 at 11:14 PM EST #

I LOVE the book Envy. It was so good. :) I ABSOLUTELY cannot wait until splendor comes out, and i hope that all's well that ends well!

Posted by Angelyn on February 05, 2009 at 01:49 AM EST #

Hey Anna! I love all yours books even though I am only on the second one. I know that Envy will be great! Can't wait for more.

Posted by Rachel on February 05, 2009 at 08:08 AM EST #

I think that if you make The Luxe into a movie then KIERA KNIGHTLY should be Elizabeth Holland!!

Posted by Aquagrl on February 05, 2009 at 04:48 PM EST #

:( Turns out i cant get the book in england! And there so much SNOW that shipping it from america is taking ages! Cross your fingures for me- i hope i get Envy soon! xx

Posted by Tabby on February 06, 2009 at 07:37 AM EST #

I find these books to be amazing! I'm a lot older than your other readers but, I LOVE IT!!! I even identify with Diana and Henry's story. It's like something that happened in my own romance a long time ago. I need a good happy ending to come. Please tell us there is one coming soon. Envy was wonderful but, I need some kind of happiness for Elizabeth and Diana. How many books will there be in all. I definitly have started a buzz in my area about these books to the 20-30 year old girls. They are all loving them. There should be a movie. We could use a good, 1800's chick flick, with beautiful dresses and a great ending.

Posted by April on February 06, 2009 at 01:40 PM EST #

omg! i just finished envy! yahh! its crazy..i cant wait for the nxt book!! :DD ur an amazing author

Posted by Jaime on February 06, 2009 at 07:20 PM EST #

Anna! Envy was amazing i have no words to describe how miraculous this book has been for me. It helped me escape, at least for a few hours (the time it took me to read ur book), from a story in my life not too different from that of Di and Henry's. Please please please give them a happy ending if not i know all hope is lost for me. =( You are an absolutly amazing writer i cant wait for splendor! love from the Domincan Republic!! <3

Posted by Soraya Berges on February 06, 2009 at 10:54 PM EST #

OMG just finished envy!!! it was AMAZING!!! one question tho- in the prologue it talks about a lot of different things happening but they dont all happen, so r they happening in splendor???

Posted by jelaina <3 on February 07, 2009 at 01:15 PM EST #

Envy is soo intriguing!! I love it! it had many unexpected twists and turns for me!! I also can't wait until Splendor comes out; I searched the Internet for the release date and found it for Oct. 1, 2009!! Not that far away!!! Anna, I love your books keep on writing!!

Posted by Teresa on February 07, 2009 at 04:27 PM EST #

I'm not a teen, but love all The Luxe books. I'm now reading Envy and loving it and can't wait for Splendor. Anna, I love your writing style and the characters you create. I love your book covers. You picked such an exciting and interesting era to write about. I love that the setting is in Manhattan, being a New Yorker for many years myself. As I'm reading, I can picture all the characters, what they're wearing and the scenery. What will you do after Splendor? I hope you'll start another series. Thanks for fun and exciting reading!

Posted by Tess on February 12, 2009 at 02:05 PM EST #

Hey anna. i love your books. I got Envy yesterday and just finished it today. I cried at the end with what Diana did. I wish my life was exciting. I go to a boarding school in Cape Cod, Maine and if there is any drama its never scandalous. Well happy Valentine's Day and kept on writing. Love Bella James.

Posted by Bella James on February 13, 2009 at 08:45 PM EST #

I believe that nobody is ugly exactly, just different. I think that when someone is super fun and nice then your perception of them changes, and you also like the way they look. I mean, nobody who gets married ever thinks their spouse is ugly! That is why heroines are usually so pretty. They're heroines because they possess some qualities others lack, so they're bestowed with different physical qualities to set them apart. Humans are very visual creatures and symbolism is important. And I really enjoy reading your books, Anna. Thanks for all your hard work!

Posted by Jenna on March 20, 2009 at 03:54 PM EDT #

I just wanted to tell you, Ms. Godbersen, that I love your books!! And I was wondering if you had a happy ending in store for Elizabeth and Diana? I love the idea that Teddy and Elizabeth are meant to be and that so are Diana and Henry. It was such a powerfully written book!! This series had me hooked as soon as I got an e-mail alerting me that the series would be coming out! I hope that this book is just as amazing as the others!! I love the LUXE!!!

Posted by Ella on July 25, 2009 at 02:15 PM EDT #

Well, Anna, I can't say I agree with your statement about the first family, but that's not the point. I think, in literature anyway, that heroines don't have to be necessarily beautiful but distinctive (though it does help) and unforgettable in some way by their looks or personality. Or their aura. Like Anne from Anne of Green Gables isn't a "traditional, showy beauty" (not sure on the exactness of the quote) but her beauty is her own and is nothing like anyone elses. Oh yes and Envy ruled! I really love Elizabeth now because she decided to keep Will's baby- I may have started hating the book if she had an abortion. And bravo for Henry for leaving Penny and Diana for setting off to find him.

Posted by Jordana Hardin on January 01, 2010 at 05:18 PM EST #

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