Queen of the Universe: A Novel - by Pia Wurtzbach (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

What happens when climbing the ladder of success means compromising everything you believe in...including yourself?

This debut novel by an actress and pageant title holder gives a window into the hidden rungs of that ladder, and on the pain that comes with slipping and falling.

Cleo is young, beautiful, talented and--until lately--lucky in love. But in the cut-throat world of international beauty competitions, she has to make the biggest decision of her life. She passionately wants to see how far she can go and what she can achieve. And to prove her estranged film director father that his family has done better than just survive without him. Her road is riddled with frustrations, dashed hopes and the age-old question--what is the price of fame and fortune?

As the competition heats up, Cleo must navigate the dirty tricks contestants use to turn the odds in their favor. And ultimately, she must ask herself: How much is her own integrity worth?

Set against the rich backdrop of Manila's glittering urban life, Queen of the Universe is about remembering who you are in the dizzying world of beauty contests and celebrity, told by an international influencer, model, actress and former Miss Universe.

Review Quotes

"Actress and former Miss Universe titleholder Wurtzbach's debut novel features young, beautiful, talented Cleo as she makes her way through the cutthroat world of international beauty competitions. Set in Manila's glittering urban life, Cleo has to make the biggest decision of her life as she asks what her own integrity is worth." --inquirer.net

"It was a chance for me to put in little details of my experience...so if you read it, some of it sounds familiar!" --Pia Wurtzbach, discussing her book on CNN Philippines

"Pia emphasized that Queen of the Universe features a handful of Filipino representations as well. "There are Filipino elements to it--when you read; when you're a foreigner," she said, noting that they also fine-tuned the content so that both Filipinos and the global audience can relate. "You can read about the jeep. You will read places around the Philippines, so then you'll know that the setting is here." --Metro Style Philippines

"Pia Wurtzbach, known for her grace and beauty on the global stage, showcases her creative prowess as she enters into the pursuit of writing. Queen of the Universe is her first-ever novel, promising to transport readers to a captivating take on grit and glamour." --The Smart Local Philippines

"Pia's life story already reads like a book, so it only made sense that she turned pageants into pages. Queen of the Universe tells the story of Cleo, a breadwinner and aspiring beauty queen trying to prove her worth despite life's supposed setbacks." --Cosmopolitan Philippines

"The story is similar to Wurtzbach's own journey, from being an actress and TV personality to winning one of the most coveted pageant crowns. However, she stresses that the book is "not a pageant book."...You will relate to [it] even if you don't have any interest in pageants," she said. "I've made it spicier and meatier for the young readers who will [read] it." --Rappler.com

"Amid the glamour and grit of stylish gowns and high-heeled powerwalking, this debut novel is an interesting peek into the Philippines' pageant scene as well as the local way of life portrayed through food, city culture, and familial bonds." --Hazel Ureta, Library Journal

Headstart: Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach on her new book, 'Queen of the Universe' ANC

About the Author

Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2015, is a Philippine actress and model. She appeared in such Philippine films and television series as My Perfect You (2018), All About Love (2016), My Papa Pi (2021) and was awarded the PMPC Star Award for New Actress of the Year in 2018. An advocate for gender equality and right to sexuality, she was named a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador for Asia and the Pacific. Follow her on Instagram at @piawurtzbach.