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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Which I could give zero stars so boring and the main character was annoying. I was so disappointed
Well, I sort of all kinds of loved this one. It's another high concept YA, but boy does it manage to underline the perils and issues of growing up on reality TV. Our narrator, Chloe, feels real and gave me all the feels. She's broken in such poignant, horrific ways, and some of the choices that she has to make are pretty difficult.
Almost reads like a Dugger or Jon & Kate Plus 8 homage, but in the best way possible.
Almost reads like a Dugger or Jon & Kate Plus 8 homage, but in the best way possible.
4.5/5
Well, let's just say it was really stupid to wait so long before reading it.
I'd avoided reading despite loving Heather Demetrios's other novel, I'll Meet You There, because I don't really like reading about celebrities. Authenticity is one of the qualities I value the most, so I was afraid I would be faced with characters that didn't have any, but I couldn't have been more wrong. While I can't say that with Chloe's mom and her stepfather, the rest of the family and their friends were some of the most realistic and amazing characters I've read about. Some, such as Lexie, start off as superficial characters, but I realized later that it was just a way to protect themselves from the horrible life they're living. I sincerely love all of them and I'm going to start reading The Lexie Project right now to see more of them.
I loved seeing Chloe grow. I loved her from the beginning, but it was evident that she had issues bigger than her anxiety and depression (which are both portrayed very realistically). She struggles to be brave and she has a tendency to run away from her problems, which she grows out of in this book. I absolutely loved her determination at the end of the book, which made her such a fierce and inspiring character. While it might sound crazy, there were times when I could really relate to her, even though I'm the farthest from being a celebrity you can be. I understood her and I despised so many character that this was probably an unheathly read for me, but I guess we all love to channel our anger into fictional characters once in a while.
The only slight issue that I had with this book was the love aspect. While I loved Patrick's determination, his protection and his love for Choe, I struggled to seize him as a character. He was very confusing to me and although I loved him for how important he is to the main character, I couldn't like him as an individual. Since this isn't a love story, it's not that important in this book, but after loving the romance in I'll Meet You There, I couldn't help but be disappointed a little.
I got much more out of this book than I expected, so I would absolutely recommend it to everyone. Don't wait so long like I did!
Well, let's just say it was really stupid to wait so long before reading it.
I'd avoided reading despite loving Heather Demetrios's other novel, I'll Meet You There, because I don't really like reading about celebrities. Authenticity is one of the qualities I value the most, so I was afraid I would be faced with characters that didn't have any, but I couldn't have been more wrong. While I can't say that with Chloe's mom and her stepfather, the rest of the family and their friends were some of the most realistic and amazing characters I've read about. Some, such as Lexie, start off as superficial characters, but I realized later that it was just a way to protect themselves from the horrible life they're living. I sincerely love all of them and I'm going to start reading The Lexie Project right now to see more of them.
I loved seeing Chloe grow. I loved her from the beginning, but it was evident that she had issues bigger than her anxiety and depression (which are both portrayed very realistically). She struggles to be brave and she has a tendency to run away from her problems, which she grows out of in this book. I absolutely loved her determination at the end of the book, which made her such a fierce and inspiring character. While it might sound crazy, there were times when I could really relate to her, even though I'm the farthest from being a celebrity you can be. I understood her and I despised so many character that this was probably an unheathly read for me, but I guess we all love to channel our anger into fictional characters once in a while.
The only slight issue that I had with this book was the love aspect. While I loved Patrick's determination, his protection and his love for Choe, I struggled to seize him as a character. He was very confusing to me and although I loved him for how important he is to the main character, I couldn't like him as an individual. Since this isn't a love story, it's not that important in this book, but after loving the romance in I'll Meet You There, I couldn't help but be disappointed a little.
I got much more out of this book than I expected, so I would absolutely recommend it to everyone. Don't wait so long like I did!
Although it's been a few years since I read a book having to deal with child stars (fictionally, of course), this book was very intriguing as a premise and I was super excited to read it. It was very easy to understand Bonnie's feelings about the show, and it was so well done. I could not stand Bonnie's mom or Chuck, I felt like they both deserved to be punched many a time during the book. Bonnie's journey felt real and her feelings and relationships all seemed plausible and especially with Patrick. Who was completely perfect in ever way, and I understood his frustrations too.
The second YA book about reality television I've read this year! While A.S. King's Reality Boy was more about the lingering emotional trauma caused by a childhood reality show experience, Something Real is an under-the-hood look at what teen life might be like under the constant reality spotlight.
This is a really thorough, thoughtful execution of a sensational "what if..." scenario, but also a rather traditional friendship/independence/romance story with a side dish of torturously fraught family stuff. Horrific adult characters! Why are children even allowed to be filmed for reality television? Ick. Ack. Gross.
This is a really thorough, thoughtful execution of a sensational "what if..." scenario, but also a rather traditional friendship/independence/romance story with a side dish of torturously fraught family stuff. Horrific adult characters! Why are children even allowed to be filmed for reality television? Ick. Ack. Gross.
Check out my full review at WhatSarahRead.com
First thoughts: Ugh...you guys there were times when I wanted to throw this book across the room. Let's be real, I absolutely loved this book, it's AMAZING, but I absolutely hated the main character's mother. Thankfully, my hatred for her desperate attempt at fame was totally overshadowed by my admiration for Chloe and my love for one Patrick Sheldon.
When we first meet Chloe she's in the midst of her senior year of high school and finally feeling like things are falling into place after the cancellation of the reality show that brought her family fame and notoriety. She's managed to stay under the radar and made a few close friends who have no idea about her infamous past. For the first time in her life she's feeling cautiously optimistic but still struggles with trying to keep her famous upbringing a secret. Unfortunately, all that changes in an instant when her mother announces that the cameras are coming back for a second round.
Throughout this whole novel, I wanted to reach through the pages and shake Chloe's mom. The woman had literally NO redeeming qualities and what she makes her children endure was beyond redemption. She never once considers the mental health or happiness of her children, and continues to push them further and further in the world of reality television. No privacy, no genuine quality-time together and certainly no lives outside of the confines of their 24/7 broadcast home.
Chloe starts off as a victim of circumstance but as the book goes on she finds strength from the loving and supportive relationship she has with her brother and the people she is closest to at school. It was so heartwarming to see how they rally around her to give her the strength she needs. Chloe has seen some dark days in her past and they help her to stay positive and move forward as she tries to overcome her (pardon my language) shitty surroundings. I absolutely adored the relationship Chloe had with her brother. The love and concern they had for each other made me connect with the characters even more...if I were in the same situation I'd be totally protective of my siblings too!
So we need to just take a moment to discuss Patrick Sheldon, Chloe's long-time crush who turns out to be so much more than she ever imaged he could be. Throughout everything Patrick remains her constant and faithful friend. Unfazed by the cameras and constant attention, he connects with Chloe in such an honest and open way that allows her to truly explore what she wants out of life for the very first time. Patrick is one of those guys who just knows exactly what to say or do in the most awkward or tense situations. He's such a perfect balance to the craziness that is Chloe's life and I want to thank him for being exactly what she needed. You go boy!
This book was everything I expected it to be and more. I'd heard so much great buzz about it and was completely wrapped up in Chloe's story after the very first chapter. Even though I never starred on a reality show (thank god!!), her character was so relatable that I couldn't help but sympathize with her. I mean, could you imagine your ENTIRE life televised? Your most private, intimate and embarrassing moments caught on camera for the whole world to see?
Final thoughts: Run NOW to your local bookstore, library, online retailer...borrow it from a friend. Whatever you do, you must get your hands on this book ASAP! It's an instant classic and is going to go right on my favorites shelf next to Open Road Summer, Anna and the French Kiss and Fangirl!
First thoughts: Ugh...you guys there were times when I wanted to throw this book across the room. Let's be real, I absolutely loved this book, it's AMAZING, but I absolutely hated the main character's mother. Thankfully, my hatred for her desperate attempt at fame was totally overshadowed by my admiration for Chloe and my love for one Patrick Sheldon.
When we first meet Chloe she's in the midst of her senior year of high school and finally feeling like things are falling into place after the cancellation of the reality show that brought her family fame and notoriety. She's managed to stay under the radar and made a few close friends who have no idea about her infamous past. For the first time in her life she's feeling cautiously optimistic but still struggles with trying to keep her famous upbringing a secret. Unfortunately, all that changes in an instant when her mother announces that the cameras are coming back for a second round.
Throughout this whole novel, I wanted to reach through the pages and shake Chloe's mom. The woman had literally NO redeeming qualities and what she makes her children endure was beyond redemption. She never once considers the mental health or happiness of her children, and continues to push them further and further in the world of reality television. No privacy, no genuine quality-time together and certainly no lives outside of the confines of their 24/7 broadcast home.
Chloe starts off as a victim of circumstance but as the book goes on she finds strength from the loving and supportive relationship she has with her brother and the people she is closest to at school. It was so heartwarming to see how they rally around her to give her the strength she needs. Chloe has seen some dark days in her past and they help her to stay positive and move forward as she tries to overcome her (pardon my language) shitty surroundings. I absolutely adored the relationship Chloe had with her brother. The love and concern they had for each other made me connect with the characters even more...if I were in the same situation I'd be totally protective of my siblings too!
So we need to just take a moment to discuss Patrick Sheldon, Chloe's long-time crush who turns out to be so much more than she ever imaged he could be. Throughout everything Patrick remains her constant and faithful friend. Unfazed by the cameras and constant attention, he connects with Chloe in such an honest and open way that allows her to truly explore what she wants out of life for the very first time. Patrick is one of those guys who just knows exactly what to say or do in the most awkward or tense situations. He's such a perfect balance to the craziness that is Chloe's life and I want to thank him for being exactly what she needed. You go boy!
This book was everything I expected it to be and more. I'd heard so much great buzz about it and was completely wrapped up in Chloe's story after the very first chapter. Even though I never starred on a reality show (thank god!!), her character was so relatable that I couldn't help but sympathize with her. I mean, could you imagine your ENTIRE life televised? Your most private, intimate and embarrassing moments caught on camera for the whole world to see?
Final thoughts: Run NOW to your local bookstore, library, online retailer...borrow it from a friend. Whatever you do, you must get your hands on this book ASAP! It's an instant classic and is going to go right on my favorites shelf next to Open Road Summer, Anna and the French Kiss and Fangirl!
A Receipt to screw up a dissent book: End it 3 chapter too late.
Up until that point it was a solid 3 (maybe even 4?) star book.
The main plot ended and than for a few chapter she was just deciding whether to go to college or not. It made her indecisive cow and made me loose my respect for the character and my enjoyment of this book.
for a more coherent (and nice) opinion, read Jasna's review on the blog:
Up until that point it was a solid 3 (maybe even 4?) star book.
The main plot ended and than for a few chapter she was just deciding whether to go to college or not. It made her indecisive cow and made me loose my respect for the character and my enjoyment of this book.
for a more coherent (and nice) opinion, read Jasna's review on the blog:
Definitely a cute, easy read. I really loved the brother/sister connection throughout the whole book.
I loved this story. I really liked the take on what it's like to grow up as a reality star, particularly one that had no say in the manner. Of course, a lot of the issues that the MC has to deal with are not exclusive to those few in that situation, but are often exacerbated by it.