You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
I was actually pleasantly surprised by this book. I thought it was an interesting lok at what our culture is/is becoming.
I've never really read a book based on reality TV shows especially that of a young adult novel. I'd like to say the last one I really read and is also a key element of the novel was 1984 by George Orwell as part of my dissertation. That seems like a long time ago. Granted I've never been much of a classic reader either but the whole camera following you around purpose sparked an emotional if not erratic response out me, thinking why on earth would you subject yourself or have a world built of prying eyes. When I saw that Something Real was going to be my next club read, I jumped at the chance to read it and see that the emotions that welled out of me where ones of love and inspiration of people that Heather created.
Based in a world that very few of us really know we see into the life of a girl, whose life has been shamed in front of a camera since she was a baby. You see the happiness and the ugliness of someone with such vibrancy dulled in comparison behind a lens. This girl is no different from anyone else, her name is Chloe but her stage name is Bonnie Baker. Bakers Dozen, a TV show best known in the states about a family of a dozen children who's life is recorded day in day out of the life they lead. Bonnie Baker is the star of the show, when she little, her mum could really only have her, Lexie and Benton and due to complications. These three kids were the originals stars, but now more have joined the family. Once the show ended seven seasons into the show, it was time for a reality check and one Chloe fully intended to embrace. She changed her, her identity really as she didn't want to be that person behind a camera, I mean who could really blame her. Chloe has never had a real life, a childhood, it was full nannies and homeschooling and peeing little toms on the studio set. So when her mum finally decides, or more forces on the kids that Bakers Dozen is returning once again. Thus ending her dream and enter the nightmare.
Chloe has finally managed to build a life for herself outside of the show. Her identity is completely unknown to the school and even to her best friends, she is invisible to the naked eye for once. Like any normal teenager you want to revise, pass your exams with flying colours, have crush on a boy and also have him ask to you to prom. His name is Patrick, Patrick Sheldon. It's just bad luck that when they start getting to know each other that the Baker Dozen returns to live TV. She is afraid of the consequences and the media getting their grubby hands into something that is hers to have and hold, that isn't for the public eye. Can't she have anything in her life that is sacred to her. Patrick is completely unfazed by Chloe's status in the world and on TV. But her certainly doesn't want to give up on her either. That is what is so lovable about his characters, you fall hard for the boy who is going to love and protect her. I can imagine him saying, "I'll save you" but that is the humour and comedy that Heather really entwines with characters. Their romance throughout the book hits some walls but they jump over them, it's a romance that I felt connected too on a deep level myself, Patrick for me was just the perfect boy for Chloe and also for me. hehe. You can't do anything apart from fall head over heels in love with him.
“Hate is a lot like love. It's warm and fills you up until every part of you is tingling to release it.”
Her family was a beautiful and ugly affair, do not get me started on her mother. God I really wanted to bash her head against the wall. That is why I wanted to throw the book in the first place. Clearly being a celebrity really does strip the good out of you, all you see is this shell of person, twisted and cold. Especially in front of the camera. Mix her mum and the director of the show and you for yourself a time bomb for Chloe and for yourself. The one genuine character in the family is Benton Baker. He is the truest soul in the book and one that can know your deepest, darkest feelings and secrets just with a glance. He is pure ball of light and he just melt s your heart. What I also came across was that this was classed a LGBT novel, which in all fairness I haven't really read that many but I was surprised that it made me love it even more.
Something Real was a passionate book for me. Like I said it can drive you up the wall with anger. and annoyance. It's a book you want to throw at the wall because of such a diverse plotline that it is. It confronts the audience from indulging them in a literary version of Big Brother. But forces you to realise the reality of how a camera can corrupt yourself and ruin your life from such an early age. I'm elated to say that Chloe came out of it with a much more stronger approach to her life as well as a new start...
Rating - 5
This review can also be found on my blog
Based in a world that very few of us really know we see into the life of a girl, whose life has been shamed in front of a camera since she was a baby. You see the happiness and the ugliness of someone with such vibrancy dulled in comparison behind a lens. This girl is no different from anyone else, her name is Chloe but her stage name is Bonnie Baker. Bakers Dozen, a TV show best known in the states about a family of a dozen children who's life is recorded day in day out of the life they lead. Bonnie Baker is the star of the show, when she little, her mum could really only have her, Lexie and Benton and due to complications. These three kids were the originals stars, but now more have joined the family. Once the show ended seven seasons into the show, it was time for a reality check and one Chloe fully intended to embrace. She changed her, her identity really as she didn't want to be that person behind a camera, I mean who could really blame her. Chloe has never had a real life, a childhood, it was full nannies and homeschooling and peeing little toms on the studio set. So when her mum finally decides, or more forces on the kids that Bakers Dozen is returning once again. Thus ending her dream and enter the nightmare.
Chloe has finally managed to build a life for herself outside of the show. Her identity is completely unknown to the school and even to her best friends, she is invisible to the naked eye for once. Like any normal teenager you want to revise, pass your exams with flying colours, have crush on a boy and also have him ask to you to prom. His name is Patrick, Patrick Sheldon. It's just bad luck that when they start getting to know each other that the Baker Dozen returns to live TV. She is afraid of the consequences and the media getting their grubby hands into something that is hers to have and hold, that isn't for the public eye. Can't she have anything in her life that is sacred to her. Patrick is completely unfazed by Chloe's status in the world and on TV. But her certainly doesn't want to give up on her either. That is what is so lovable about his characters, you fall hard for the boy who is going to love and protect her. I can imagine him saying, "I'll save you" but that is the humour and comedy that Heather really entwines with characters. Their romance throughout the book hits some walls but they jump over them, it's a romance that I felt connected too on a deep level myself, Patrick for me was just the perfect boy for Chloe and also for me. hehe. You can't do anything apart from fall head over heels in love with him.
“Hate is a lot like love. It's warm and fills you up until every part of you is tingling to release it.”
Her family was a beautiful and ugly affair, do not get me started on her mother. God I really wanted to bash her head against the wall. That is why I wanted to throw the book in the first place. Clearly being a celebrity really does strip the good out of you, all you see is this shell of person, twisted and cold. Especially in front of the camera. Mix her mum and the director of the show and you for yourself a time bomb for Chloe and for yourself. The one genuine character in the family is Benton Baker. He is the truest soul in the book and one that can know your deepest, darkest feelings and secrets just with a glance. He is pure ball of light and he just melt s your heart. What I also came across was that this was classed a LGBT novel, which in all fairness I haven't really read that many but I was surprised that it made me love it even more.
Something Real was a passionate book for me. Like I said it can drive you up the wall with anger. and annoyance. It's a book you want to throw at the wall because of such a diverse plotline that it is. It confronts the audience from indulging them in a literary version of Big Brother. But forces you to realise the reality of how a camera can corrupt yourself and ruin your life from such an early age. I'm elated to say that Chloe came out of it with a much more stronger approach to her life as well as a new start...
Rating - 5
This review can also be found on my blog
Actual rating: 4.5
Wow. This was really great. Though I do feel a pun was missed when the book was titled "Something Real" instead of "Something Reel." ;)
Wow. This was really great. Though I do feel a pun was missed when the book was titled "Something Real" instead of "Something Reel." ;)
Bonnie was raised on TV. From her birth (televised) until her suicide attempt at age 13 (also televised), her life was on the screen for the whole world to see.
Now, at 17 years old, she discovers that Baker's Dozen, the reality TV show her family was on, is being rebooted. Just starting to feel comfortably anonymous, Bonnie is furious. The story that unfolds is what happens as she tries to convince her mother, stepfather, producer, etc that no, she doesn't want to be involved.
Having read ROYCE ROLLS earlier this year, I know that this book could have been just as good without the language and sex. It was a pretty great story, though. Once you get past the first few chapters, anyway.
Now, at 17 years old, she discovers that Baker's Dozen, the reality TV show her family was on, is being rebooted. Just starting to feel comfortably anonymous, Bonnie is furious. The story that unfolds is what happens as she tries to convince her mother, stepfather, producer, etc that no, she doesn't want to be involved.
Having read ROYCE ROLLS earlier this year, I know that this book could have been just as good without the language and sex. It was a pretty great story, though. Once you get past the first few chapters, anyway.
It's a good book and I enjoyed it, though it got quite frustrating in places. What I can't fathom is, the reason for putting romance in this book. I don't get what exactly Chloe and Patrick (I still can't get over the fact that his name's Patrick Sheldon like
Mindblown.)
have in common that makes them fall in love so easily and so fast. Their relationship isn't ventured into much and yet they go utter 'I-love-you's soon after dating each other. I think it was more of an infatuation that happened because of the obstacles (We will concur this together and stuff) thrown upon them. I just don't buy it. And Chloe's behavior to handle her love relationship was immature in my opinion. This book would have been better off without this romance mixed into it.
The other characters (Apart from Benton and to some extent, Lex) were dull. I only liked Benton and his quirkiness for chanting 'Cantaloupe!' during that dreadful dinner.
The ending was somewhat frustrating as well. I get the power of young love and all but since I wasn't invested in their relationship, I don't really agree with Patrick's decision. And I wanted to see MetaReel tumble down along with Chuck, which never happened.
Mindblown.)
have in common that makes them fall in love so easily and so fast. Their relationship isn't ventured into much and yet they go utter 'I-love-you's soon after dating each other. I think it was more of an infatuation that happened because of the obstacles (We will concur this together and stuff) thrown upon them. I just don't buy it. And Chloe's behavior to handle her love relationship was immature in my opinion. This book would have been better off without this romance mixed into it.
The other characters (Apart from Benton and to some extent, Lex) were dull. I only liked Benton and his quirkiness for chanting 'Cantaloupe!' during that dreadful dinner.
The ending was somewhat frustrating as well. I get the power of young love and all but since I wasn't invested in their relationship, I don't really agree with Patrick's decision. And I wanted to see MetaReel tumble down along with Chuck, which never happened.
I really enjoyed this book! One of the best contemporaries I've read recently. The main character was easy to relate to, and I found myself frustrated and irate on her behalf at some of the situations she was in. The plot was unique. I also loved the side characters especially Patrick ❤️
I want to start this off by thanking Kathleen Breitenfeld, who, if I'm not mistaken, designed the cover/jacket of this book as well as [b:I'll Meet You There|21469068|I'll Meet You There|Heather Demetrios|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1403897439s/21469068.jpg|24893471]. I bought both those books because of their incredible covers, and I just want to say that, ma'am, you are a true genius.
As for the book itself. It's only the second book I've read by Ms. Demetrios, but she's officially one of my favorite authors. This women just has the ability to get me so invested in her plots and characters. Parts of this book made me so angry and frustrated, parts had me rejoicing, some parts had be emotional. There was also some swooning in there (I'm looking at you, Patrick. I mean, whoa!) It took some getting used to, what with the whole trademark symbol next to the characters' names, but I liked that in the end!
Great sibling dynamic between the 3 oldest Bakers- I loved the progression of Bonnie and Lexie's relationship, as well as the constant awesomeness of Bonnie and Benton's.
I couldn't get over how clever the T.V show title was, which is stupid of me. But, come on, Baker's Dozen is clever on several different levels!
I loved the ending. Not everything was perfect, but I was left with a satisfying sense of closure, like all the characters are getting they deserve.
Finally, I absolutely love the way the author can infuse this laugh-out-loud humor every once in awhile to lighten the mood of a book that often made me homicidal. (Chuck, Kirk, Beth, Sandra, Andrew- watch your backs. Mostly you, Chuck!)
Side note, Bonnie's Government teacher, Schwartz, was a big highlight of the book for me. Also, how serendipitous (I loved the favorite word part between Bonnie and Patrick!) that I should be reading [b:1984|5470|1984|George Orwell|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348990566s/5470.jpg|153313] at the same time as Bonnie, so I totally was into that aspect.
Another side note, Heather Demetrios makes good musical reference decisions. I read the sentence of Benton singing California Girls by the Beach Boys just to make sure it was real! That's my favorite band, right there.
In the coming days, I'll probably remember a million things to add to this review so that I personally do not forget everything I loved about this thing.
As for the book itself. It's only the second book I've read by Ms. Demetrios, but she's officially one of my favorite authors. This women just has the ability to get me so invested in her plots and characters. Parts of this book made me so angry and frustrated, parts had me rejoicing, some parts had be emotional. There was also some swooning in there (I'm looking at you, Patrick. I mean, whoa!) It took some getting used to, what with the whole trademark symbol next to the characters' names, but I liked that in the end!
Great sibling dynamic between the 3 oldest Bakers- I loved the progression of Bonnie and Lexie's relationship, as well as the constant awesomeness of Bonnie and Benton's.
I couldn't get over how clever the T.V show title was, which is stupid of me. But, come on, Baker's Dozen is clever on several different levels!
I loved the ending. Not everything was perfect, but I was left with a satisfying sense of closure, like all the characters are getting they deserve.
Finally, I absolutely love the way the author can infuse this laugh-out-loud humor every once in awhile to lighten the mood of a book that often made me homicidal. (Chuck, Kirk, Beth, Sandra, Andrew- watch your backs. Mostly you, Chuck!)
Side note, Bonnie's Government teacher, Schwartz, was a big highlight of the book for me. Also, how serendipitous (I loved the favorite word part between Bonnie and Patrick!) that I should be reading [b:1984|5470|1984|George Orwell|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348990566s/5470.jpg|153313] at the same time as Bonnie, so I totally was into that aspect.
Another side note, Heather Demetrios makes good musical reference decisions. I read the sentence of Benton singing California Girls by the Beach Boys just to make sure it was real! That's my favorite band, right there.
In the coming days, I'll probably remember a million things to add to this review so that I personally do not forget everything I loved about this thing.
Brilliant writing. Reminds me of [b:Reality Boy|17332968|Reality Boy|A.S. King|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1362502869s/17332968.jpg|24046581].
Este libro es MARAVILLOSO. Aunque sea una historia ficticia, de verdad te hace pensar en cómo manipulan a la gente en la televisión y cómo se deben sentir. Tiene una historia y personajes muy especiales. Te hace sentir la misma impotencia que siente la protagonista al encontrarse por así decirlo entre la espada y la pared, viviendo lo que es para ella una pesadilla y como le ha afectado en su vida ser parte de la televisión practicamente desde que nació. Estoy segura que van a odiar a la madre tanto como yo, porque no entiendo como alguien puede poner a sus hijos en una situación así y seguir diciendo que es por su bien. Léanlo y ójala les guste y les haga pensar que no todo en la televisión es como se muestra.
WARNING:SPOILERS
I did not expect for this story to be this good. Not only is it a great story it's very well written. I just hope that we get a sequel someday!
In this story we meet Bonnie Baker one of 12 who was on the hit reality show Baker's Dozen. The show followed the life of her and her family. But after a big scandal they canceled the show which was like Heaven to Bonnie. So to leave it all in the past and start over Bonnie starts going by a new name. Makes new friends and doesn't tell anyone who she is. Everything is fine until she finds out that the show is back on.
Now I just love Bonnie. She had to go through alot. And even though it was really hard I thought she handled everything the best way she could. I mean she's been on television since she was a baby, her birth was on TV. I've never been in the media but if I was in the media 24/7 I would go a little insane too. I get why she wanted to leave it all in the past and was scared to tell her friends who she was. But I'm glad they stuck beside her and helped her whenever they could.
Now as for her mom. I can't stand Beth Baker!!! I get wanting to do anything for your family and having to pay bills. But she's the one who chose to have 12 kids. She claims she only wants the best for her kids but she forces them to do things they don't want to and puts them in bad situations. She doesn't care how it will affect them just that she gets paid. Her daughter almost killed herself and she thought it was smart to put her back on TV. And to make matters worst she blames her child for her failed marriage (again on television)! She will never be mom of the year in my book. She didn't even listen to Bonnie, every time she tried to talk to her and tell her what being on TV did to her she didn't want to hear it. She'll either tell her that she ruin their family or call her a bitch. And it wasn't just Bonnie what she did to Benton was sad too. I know she didn't tell his secret herself but she might as well did because she didn't even try to help. And then she wonders why her kids won't talk to her and blames her for everything. She pissed me off through this whole book. I know Chuck was suppose to be the bad guy. But Beth let him be the bad guy and she didn't do anything about it.
Anyway other than me hating Beth I truly enjoyed the story. I really wasn't expecting it and I can't wait to read another book by Heather Demetrios.
I did not expect for this story to be this good. Not only is it a great story it's very well written. I just hope that we get a sequel someday!
In this story we meet Bonnie Baker one of 12 who was on the hit reality show Baker's Dozen. The show followed the life of her and her family. But after a big scandal they canceled the show which was like Heaven to Bonnie. So to leave it all in the past and start over Bonnie starts going by a new name. Makes new friends and doesn't tell anyone who she is. Everything is fine until she finds out that the show is back on.
Now I just love Bonnie. She had to go through alot. And even though it was really hard I thought she handled everything the best way she could. I mean she's been on television since she was a baby, her birth was on TV. I've never been in the media but if I was in the media 24/7 I would go a little insane too. I get why she wanted to leave it all in the past and was scared to tell her friends who she was. But I'm glad they stuck beside her and helped her whenever they could.
Now as for her mom. I can't stand Beth Baker!!! I get wanting to do anything for your family and having to pay bills. But she's the one who chose to have 12 kids. She claims she only wants the best for her kids but she forces them to do things they don't want to and puts them in bad situations. She doesn't care how it will affect them just that she gets paid. Her daughter almost killed herself and she thought it was smart to put her back on TV. And to make matters worst she blames her child for her failed marriage (again on television)! She will never be mom of the year in my book. She didn't even listen to Bonnie, every time she tried to talk to her and tell her what being on TV did to her she didn't want to hear it. She'll either tell her that she ruin their family or call her a bitch. And it wasn't just Bonnie what she did to Benton was sad too. I know she didn't tell his secret herself but she might as well did because she didn't even try to help. And then she wonders why her kids won't talk to her and blames her for everything. She pissed me off through this whole book. I know Chuck was suppose to be the bad guy. But Beth let him be the bad guy and she didn't do anything about it.
Anyway other than me hating Beth I truly enjoyed the story. I really wasn't expecting it and I can't wait to read another book by Heather Demetrios.