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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Bonnie is part of a big family that has their own reality show. She cannot emotionally deal with the train wreck that is the show, any longer. Bonnie has decided to fight back.
This book was awesome and made me wonder about how Jon & Kate's older daughters will feel about their show when they turn 17. This novel wasn't as gritty as Reality Boy, but it certainly brings up similar issues.
This book was awesome and made me wonder about how Jon & Kate's older daughters will feel about their show when they turn 17. This novel wasn't as gritty as Reality Boy, but it certainly brings up similar issues.
Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
This review was originally posted on my blog, Daring Damsels.
Truly a unique contemporary, Something Real made me laugh, weep and feel for the characters in such a deep way which is something that I haven’t experienced a lot lately.
Chloe is a fantastic lead. She’s not the strong female protagonist that everyone looks up too, she’s actually quite the opposite. And, I love her for that. She hasn’t been dealt with an easy go at life, and she isn’t the best at coping with her issues. However, she’s very realistic and relatable and the way she grows and changes throughout the story is nothing short of admirable.
Chloe’s brother, Benny is also fantastic – he’s the best big brother. He’s always there for Chloe when she needs him and they are very close – they always know exactly what the other needs. I really enjoyed their relationship and Benny’s personality.
Chloe’s friends, Tessa and Meredith were very true, but I wish we learned more about them. They were present for quite a lot of the novel, so it’s a shame that they were a bit two-dimensional. The same goes for Benny’s boyfriend, Matt.
Patrick was just perfect. Perhaps a little too perfect, but who cares? It’s fiction – we all need a perfect guy to lust after at times, and that’s certainly not going to happen in the real world. Patrick has such a great and unique personality (when compared to the “common” YA contemporary love interest), and it was evident that he truly cared for Chloe. (I also really enjoyed the little snippet we saw of his parents.) Patrick and Chloe’s relationship certainly wasn’t perfect, but it was adorable and realistic. Their relationship moved quickly, but it wasn’t a case of insta-love – they both had wanted to be together for some time before it was made possible. Once the two of them got together, it was clear that it was a very natural thing for the two of them.
Chloe’s family was certifiably crazy…that’s all I have to say about the matter. Although, I will say that I was glad Chloe and Lexie became closer towards the end of the novel.
The storyline of the novel was something that I found very unique and interesting to read about. It was very enjoyable and I honestly didn’t want the book to end. I’d totally be up for a second book following Chloe, Patrick and Benny over the next year or so.
To be honest, the pacing of this novel is really the only problem I have, and even that’s something that’s a minor issue; I found it a bit slow and a little bit hard to get into at the start, and the ending felt a little rushed.
Something Real is a book that I truly adored, and is one that I already want to re-read. If you’ve been thinking about picking it up, I wouldn’t hesitate. Also, can I please have my very own Patrick Sheldon?
This review was originally posted on my blog, Daring Damsels.
Truly a unique contemporary, Something Real made me laugh, weep and feel for the characters in such a deep way which is something that I haven’t experienced a lot lately.
Chloe is a fantastic lead. She’s not the strong female protagonist that everyone looks up too, she’s actually quite the opposite. And, I love her for that. She hasn’t been dealt with an easy go at life, and she isn’t the best at coping with her issues. However, she’s very realistic and relatable and the way she grows and changes throughout the story is nothing short of admirable.
Chloe’s brother, Benny is also fantastic – he’s the best big brother. He’s always there for Chloe when she needs him and they are very close – they always know exactly what the other needs. I really enjoyed their relationship and Benny’s personality.
Chloe’s friends, Tessa and Meredith were very true, but I wish we learned more about them. They were present for quite a lot of the novel, so it’s a shame that they were a bit two-dimensional. The same goes for Benny’s boyfriend, Matt.
Patrick was just perfect. Perhaps a little too perfect, but who cares? It’s fiction – we all need a perfect guy to lust after at times, and that’s certainly not going to happen in the real world. Patrick has such a great and unique personality (when compared to the “common” YA contemporary love interest), and it was evident that he truly cared for Chloe. (I also really enjoyed the little snippet we saw of his parents.) Patrick and Chloe’s relationship certainly wasn’t perfect, but it was adorable and realistic. Their relationship moved quickly, but it wasn’t a case of insta-love – they both had wanted to be together for some time before it was made possible. Once the two of them got together, it was clear that it was a very natural thing for the two of them.
Chloe’s family was certifiably crazy…that’s all I have to say about the matter. Although, I will say that I was glad Chloe and Lexie became closer towards the end of the novel.
The storyline of the novel was something that I found very unique and interesting to read about. It was very enjoyable and I honestly didn’t want the book to end. I’d totally be up for a second book following Chloe, Patrick and Benny over the next year or so.
To be honest, the pacing of this novel is really the only problem I have, and even that’s something that’s a minor issue; I found it a bit slow and a little bit hard to get into at the start, and the ending felt a little rushed.
Something Real is a book that I truly adored, and is one that I already want to re-read. If you’ve been thinking about picking it up, I wouldn’t hesitate. Also, can I please have my very own Patrick Sheldon?
This is a trimmed down version of my review, to view the full review visit The Book Ramble.
Bonnie™ Baker grew up on TV, but she's been off reality tv for 4 years now, and suddenly her mother wants them to start a new show. She's been trying to hide her past from everyone she knows and the new show is going to ruin that. It's also going to ruining her budding romance with fellow student Patrick. The show also drags up bad memories and brings the father that abandoned her, and her 12 siblings, back into the picture. Bonnie™, who calls herself Chloe, has to try and fight her way out of the cage that has become her life.
I was a huge fan of Demetrios after reading I'll Meet You There, which was one of my favourite books of the year so far, so I was a little let down when I didn't love Something Real. That's not to say that I didn't like the book, I just think it didn't have the emotion and bang of I'll Meet You There. I liked the concept but I don't think I really connected with the content or the characters in quite the way I would have hoped to. I felt like the voice was a little off-putting for me, while the content itself was interesting, but I just couldn't connect to it. I think I would have liked it more if this was the first book by Demetrios that I had read.
Something Real follows 17 year old Chloe/Bonnie as she struggles to balance private and personal lives while living on a reality TV show. I think the concept of getting an inside look at reality television and seeing the process from the inside, particularly the sort of destructive power of the situation was fascinating. What I think really lacked was the feeling that I felt in Demetrios's other work. I didn't feel for the characters. So while their story was interesting, the content just missed me completely because the heart wasn't there.
I didn't really connect with Chloe the way I thought I should. There's some introspection but it lacks any depth, it felt sort of shallow and lifeless compared to characters in Demetrios's other work. I liked. Chloe just fine, but I didn't really connect with her. I don't think there was a single character I really got to understand or care about at all in the whole book which was disappointing. The romantic interest, Patrick, didn't really do it for me.
The writing was fairly good. I had some trouble with the narration, I wasn't a huge fan of Chloe's voice so it made the book a little difficult to read. I think overall, there were times where I was impressed and times where I really wondered why I was reading this book. The tone was often a bit whiny valley girl and not so great for me.
I think Demetrios made some great points in this book about reality TV but it just sort of missed the mark in the long run. probably would recommend reading this first and then I'll Meet You There.
Bonnie™ Baker grew up on TV, but she's been off reality tv for 4 years now, and suddenly her mother wants them to start a new show. She's been trying to hide her past from everyone she knows and the new show is going to ruin that. It's also going to ruining her budding romance with fellow student Patrick. The show also drags up bad memories and brings the father that abandoned her, and her 12 siblings, back into the picture. Bonnie™, who calls herself Chloe, has to try and fight her way out of the cage that has become her life.
I was a huge fan of Demetrios after reading I'll Meet You There, which was one of my favourite books of the year so far, so I was a little let down when I didn't love Something Real. That's not to say that I didn't like the book, I just think it didn't have the emotion and bang of I'll Meet You There. I liked the concept but I don't think I really connected with the content or the characters in quite the way I would have hoped to. I felt like the voice was a little off-putting for me, while the content itself was interesting, but I just couldn't connect to it. I think I would have liked it more if this was the first book by Demetrios that I had read.
Something Real follows 17 year old Chloe/Bonnie as she struggles to balance private and personal lives while living on a reality TV show. I think the concept of getting an inside look at reality television and seeing the process from the inside, particularly the sort of destructive power of the situation was fascinating. What I think really lacked was the feeling that I felt in Demetrios's other work. I didn't feel for the characters. So while their story was interesting, the content just missed me completely because the heart wasn't there.
I didn't really connect with Chloe the way I thought I should. There's some introspection but it lacks any depth, it felt sort of shallow and lifeless compared to characters in Demetrios's other work. I liked. Chloe just fine, but I didn't really connect with her. I don't think there was a single character I really got to understand or care about at all in the whole book which was disappointing. The romantic interest, Patrick, didn't really do it for me.
The writing was fairly good. I had some trouble with the narration, I wasn't a huge fan of Chloe's voice so it made the book a little difficult to read. I think overall, there were times where I was impressed and times where I really wondered why I was reading this book. The tone was often a bit whiny valley girl and not so great for me.
I think Demetrios made some great points in this book about reality TV but it just sort of missed the mark in the long run. probably would recommend reading this first and then I'll Meet You There.
Family stuff was very good; could feel the fury and slighted helplessness of those poor exploited kids. Resolutions were very realistic but satisfying in an iddy way, and the mother's behavior was all too real. Romance was bleh; would much have rather seen the court case.
I loved this book!! It really surprised me and has ended up being my favorite book of the year so far! I went in expecting a cute story about a girl on a reality tv show when it is so much more than that! All of the characters are amazing and have so many different sides to them. Chloe/Bonnie is a great main character and while she has many flaws, you completely understand her and can't help but root for her throughout the book! Patrick has, of course, been added to my book boyfriend list. He is basically perfect. Do not even get me started on how much I love Benton and Lex. This is definitely a must read for me and I will probably reread it in the future!
Omg. I am seriously loving this book to bits right now. The percentage of feels keep increasing. I can't fathom into words my feelings at the end of the book. Heather Demetrios, wherever you are, I give you a kiss on the cheek and an official and congratulatory salute of my admiration toward you.
This book was such a pleasant surprise. I picked this book up expecting it to be just an average read, but yet fun at the same time. I was wrong. This novel is such a heartbreaking and beautiful story. I could not believe the things the Baker children had to be subjected while their lives were being chronicled on reality TV. Most of all, I could not believe the lack of sympathy their mom had toward her own children especially Benton and Chloe. I really began to hate her by the time I finished the book. I often found myself tearing up during the fights with her & Chloe. I could imagine how any mother could treat their daughter the way Beth treated Chloe. Chloe was dealing with so much emotional trauma from the reality show and all Beth would do is say she was overacting & make her get in front of the camera. I cried the most when none of the Baker family except Lexie showed up at Benny's & Chloe's graduation. This was such an important moment in their lives and their own parents didn't want to be there to support them.
I loved all of the kids and teenagers in this book. Benny was by far my favorite. I loved the close brother/sister relationship that him & Chloe had together. I also really loved Lexie by the end of the book and the relationship she was developing with Benny & Chloe. It warmed my heart when Lexie hugged both Benny & Chloe for standing up to their mother and moving out. I wish that we got see more of her bonding with them.
The only issue I had was I wanted to see how the lawsuit went down before the book ended. I don't feel that there was enough closure there. I wanted to see Chuck pay for all of the horrible things he did to Chloe. I also wanted to see the show get cancelled for the sake of the younger Baker kids. Overall, this book was such an informative look into reality TV and how it's not all real. I truly loved this book and it's one I'll probably think about for a long time.
I loved all of the kids and teenagers in this book. Benny was by far my favorite. I loved the close brother/sister relationship that him & Chloe had together. I also really loved Lexie by the end of the book and the relationship she was developing with Benny & Chloe. It warmed my heart when Lexie hugged both Benny & Chloe for standing up to their mother and moving out. I wish that we got see more of her bonding with them.
The only issue I had was I wanted to see how the lawsuit went down before the book ended. I don't feel that there was enough closure there. I wanted to see Chuck pay for all of the horrible things he did to Chloe. I also wanted to see the show get cancelled for the sake of the younger Baker kids. Overall, this book was such an informative look into reality TV and how it's not all real. I truly loved this book and it's one I'll probably think about for a long time.
I hate to admit this, but I am a sucker for reality TV. While I know a lot of it is staged and altered, I can get sucked into the stories so easily. This book is definitely going to be in the back of my mind while watching them in the future.
I wasn't expecting much from this read from the beginning, but I really grew to care about Bonnie's experiences over the course of the story. I felt for her and spent most of the book furious with her negligent parents, reality TV, and a world where things like this go unnoticed or unremarked upon. You root for Bonnie and her search for love, happiness and acceptance. I couldn't put it down. I devoured Something Real in less than 24 hours.
Heather Demetrios's book is a study in total family dysfunction, the harm of reality TV shows, and escapism in all its many faces. It describes how damaging these shows can be, especially to children who find themselves being taped 24/7. I can't imagine being in the spotlight at the most crucial times in a child's life.
Very well written and a really honest look at families we get and the families we make.The characters were very well written and easy to relate to. And I absolutely LOVE the relationship between Bonnie and Benton. In my opinion Benton deserves his own book. :)
There is no insta-love in this book. It was beautiful to see a teenage love story played out in an honest and beautiful way. Bonie and Patrick's relationship was very nicely done. I loved how quirky they both were and how these quirks seemed to forge a bond between them. It
For a book about reality TV, this one has a lot of heart. This story was amazing and would be eye-opening for any fans of reality TV. If you choose any contemporary book this year- THIS is the book you need to read!
THIS BOOK WAS ADORABLE. It was so, so sweet. Yeah, it was twisted and messed up to levels that almost can't be comprehended, but it was also sugary perfection. I love Patrick Sheldon. I love Benny. Matt too! Ahh, even Lexie. I was rooting for Chloe right until the end. I left feeling hopeful. At the same time, I'm glad I got to see the perspectives of others. I understood their motives, so I didn't blindly hate them. It was more like... rational hate. Well, except Chuck. MetaReel was depicted like a big-bad corporation, and I wish Chuck wasn't such a smooth-talking, manipulative scumbag. I guess that was the point though. I felt so sorry for the Baker kids. Chloe's actions were annoying at times, but her situation was seriously screwed up.
This book is about family. Honestly, we didn't get to know all the Baker kids too much. It was more about Chloe's chosen family (which still included her brother). Chloe and Patrick were a bit too idealistic and innocent. It was so cute to go through the honeymoon stage with them, but I wonder if it'll be sustained in the future. The die-hard romantic in me wants to say yes-yes-yes, but there's still that chance that they'll grow up in different directions. Who knows?
I have to admit that I'm a total reality show junkie. But wait! I'm not for keeping up with anyone or following exploits on some shore. I love shows like The Amazing Race and Big Brother (which was totally fitting with the whole 1984 thing in gov class—Demetrios was smart to juxtapose that with the storyline, while simultaneously depicting that feeling of finding a book that really resonates with you). The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle was fascinating, although inaccurate. I ended up looking it up, and it had more to do with quantum mechanics (and was incorrect at that) than a social experiment on human interactions. But the way it was used made sense anyway.
Overall, Something Real was a super cute, fluffy read. One page I'd be laughing out loud, another I'd be wiping away tears, and on another I'd be cheering (Benny and Chloe! Benny and Matt! Chloe and Patrick! YAAAAAS.) Even the unsavoury issues were handled with ease.
This book is about family. Honestly, we didn't get to know all the Baker kids too much. It was more about Chloe's chosen family (which still included her brother). Chloe and Patrick were a bit too idealistic and innocent. It was so cute to go through the honeymoon stage with them, but I wonder if it'll be sustained in the future. The die-hard romantic in me wants to say yes-yes-yes, but there's still that chance that they'll grow up in different directions. Who knows?
I have to admit that I'm a total reality show junkie. But wait! I'm not for keeping up with anyone or following exploits on some shore. I love shows like The Amazing Race and Big Brother (which was totally fitting with the whole 1984 thing in gov class—Demetrios was smart to juxtapose that with the storyline, while simultaneously depicting that feeling of finding a book that really resonates with you). The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle was fascinating, although inaccurate. I ended up looking it up, and it had more to do with quantum mechanics (and was incorrect at that) than a social experiment on human interactions. But the way it was used made sense anyway.
Overall, Something Real was a super cute, fluffy read. One page I'd be laughing out loud, another I'd be wiping away tears, and on another I'd be cheering (Benny and Chloe! Benny and Matt! Chloe and Patrick! YAAAAAS.) Even the unsavoury issues were handled with ease.