QUEEN OF THE ROSES

The Pasadena Tournament of the Roses becomes the arena on which is tested the stamina and character of three highly dissimilar girls. There is retiring Debbie, appealing in her lack of aggressiveness; beautiful, gracious Marie, who has always considered the crown her birthright; and blonde Sylvia, a dedicated actress who can project an aura of beauty at will. Romance, catastrophe, and conflict evolve from the yearly competition with the fundamental aspirations of each girl emerging from the ordeal with dramatic clarity. A campus microcosm of the Best of Everything minus the licentious overtones, this book employs stock but moderately interesting characters in a situation designed to appeal to the socially inclined high school reader.