Franco American Dreams

Plucked from the slush pile, 25-year-old Taylor's first novel revels in the chatty puppy-angst of Gen-Xers groping their way into adulthood and through the final semester of fashion design school in Dallas. Narrating and looking for love is 19-year-old Abbie MacPherson. The novel captures the lives, loves and wardrobes of Abbie and her convivial group of friends as they try to reconcile their hopes and dreams to the real world. No sooner does Abbie swear off dating boys who do drugs than she falls in love with Franco, who is infamous for his drug habit. She struggles, gives in, struggles again and finally must make a decision. Around her spins an entourage fit for a sitcom: her roommate, Georgette, who goes from schoolgirl to showgirl by getting breast implants and renaming herself Gigi; her best friend, Pat, who's gay and having man problems; and Fredrique, design instructor from hell. Lighthearted and riddled with pop-culture references, the book is being compared by the publisher to Clueless, and indeed the similarities to that film are blatant. Abbie even says that when the movie of her life is made, Alicia Silverstone should play her part. Abbie's world is about being seen--preferably with the good-looking guy: ""Cruising with Franco in the passenger's seat,"" she says, ""I felt about as tasty as a frosted Pop-Tart."" Abbie is Everygirl as seen through the lens of an MTV camera, and although the story has a surface charm, when you're done you half-expect to look up and see the credits rolling. Film rights to Horizon Pictures and Fox 2000. (July)