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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Review originally posted on Fluttering Pages
*4.5 stars*
Going into this book, I thought it would be a cute, funny story about a teenage reality TV star. Something Real was so much more. Going into this, you see right away how much Bonnie hates doing the TV show. She is done with it and does not want to be a part of it anymore. You see what a toll this lifestyle has taken on Bonnie. She didn’t ask for this and more than anything, she just wants to be a normal girl. Heather Demetrios made me connect and empathize with Bonnie right away.
Bonnie is such a great person that has been put through so much. Her parents are divorced and she has twelve siblings. I think sometimes that I have a large family. It is nothing compared to what Bonnie deals with. Her mom makes decisions and does things without regard for Bonnie or the rest of the kids. Bonnie’s situation just really spoke to me and made me feel so angry, hurt and outraged right along with her. Normally, I don’t get really emotionally invested in a book – even if it’s really sad, I won’t cry. Heather Demetrios made me connect emotionally so much to these characters and this story. Sometimes, this book was really paining me to read because of how much I wish Bonnie’s situation could have been different.
The main problem was Bonnie’s mom. She did things without talking to any of the kids about them or asking how they felt. She has all of these kids, but never even really spends any time with them or does what is best for them. Throughout the book, Bonnie’s mom did so many emotionally hurtful things to Bonnie – without regard to how she feels about it (especially considering it’s all on TV). She is pretty much unapproachable, and is never someone you can rationally talk to. She never listens to anything Bonnie has to say without twisting it or talking over her. She is so horribly mean to Bonnie and sometimes I just couldn’t stand it. I absolutely hate Bonnie’s mom, and she is completely unredeemable in my eyes.
There were so many things I loved about this book. Through all of this, Bonnie always had one person she could count on – her brother, Benny. I loved the wonderful brother/sister relationship between Bonnie and Benny. There aren’t nearly enough wonderful sibling relationships in YA and this one was amazing. Benny is always there for Bonnie when she’s feeling down or needs someone. He sides with Bonnie and stands up for her. It’s hard for me to even really explain how wonderful Benny was – you’ll just have to read it to find out.
I also really loved the strong friendships in this novel. Her best friends, Tessa and Mer are so incredibly supportive through all of the craziness that Bonnie’s facing. Even when there was a reason for them to be upset with Bonnie, they accepted it and forgave her. They have a true friendship that really lasted despite all of the obstacles. The love interest, Patrick was so cute too. So many things in Bonnie’s life were so complicated, but he didn’t care. He liked her for her and was willing to accept everything that came along with it. Their relationship definitely had obstacles to overcome, but they faced them together.
This book really just blew me away. I loved all of it despite the fact that it was very hard to read at times. I appreciate so much how Heather Demetrios was able to make me feel so many real emotions. I can’t remember the last time I felt so connected emotionally to a story. Any book that can do that is a success to me. This book really provides a completely new look at reality TV shows and made me look and think about them in a way that I hadn’t before. It made me feel so grateful for my kind, loving and supportive family, despite the hard times. Heather Demetrios is a wonderful author and I cannot wait to read more books by her.
*4.5 stars*
Going into this book, I thought it would be a cute, funny story about a teenage reality TV star. Something Real was so much more. Going into this, you see right away how much Bonnie hates doing the TV show. She is done with it and does not want to be a part of it anymore. You see what a toll this lifestyle has taken on Bonnie. She didn’t ask for this and more than anything, she just wants to be a normal girl. Heather Demetrios made me connect and empathize with Bonnie right away.
Bonnie is such a great person that has been put through so much. Her parents are divorced and she has twelve siblings. I think sometimes that I have a large family. It is nothing compared to what Bonnie deals with. Her mom makes decisions and does things without regard for Bonnie or the rest of the kids. Bonnie’s situation just really spoke to me and made me feel so angry, hurt and outraged right along with her. Normally, I don’t get really emotionally invested in a book – even if it’s really sad, I won’t cry. Heather Demetrios made me connect emotionally so much to these characters and this story. Sometimes, this book was really paining me to read because of how much I wish Bonnie’s situation could have been different.
The main problem was Bonnie’s mom. She did things without talking to any of the kids about them or asking how they felt. She has all of these kids, but never even really spends any time with them or does what is best for them. Throughout the book, Bonnie’s mom did so many emotionally hurtful things to Bonnie – without regard to how she feels about it (especially considering it’s all on TV). She is pretty much unapproachable, and is never someone you can rationally talk to. She never listens to anything Bonnie has to say without twisting it or talking over her. She is so horribly mean to Bonnie and sometimes I just couldn’t stand it. I absolutely hate Bonnie’s mom, and she is completely unredeemable in my eyes.
There were so many things I loved about this book. Through all of this, Bonnie always had one person she could count on – her brother, Benny. I loved the wonderful brother/sister relationship between Bonnie and Benny. There aren’t nearly enough wonderful sibling relationships in YA and this one was amazing. Benny is always there for Bonnie when she’s feeling down or needs someone. He sides with Bonnie and stands up for her. It’s hard for me to even really explain how wonderful Benny was – you’ll just have to read it to find out.
I also really loved the strong friendships in this novel. Her best friends, Tessa and Mer are so incredibly supportive through all of the craziness that Bonnie’s facing. Even when there was a reason for them to be upset with Bonnie, they accepted it and forgave her. They have a true friendship that really lasted despite all of the obstacles. The love interest, Patrick was so cute too. So many things in Bonnie’s life were so complicated, but he didn’t care. He liked her for her and was willing to accept everything that came along with it. Their relationship definitely had obstacles to overcome, but they faced them together.
This book really just blew me away. I loved all of it despite the fact that it was very hard to read at times. I appreciate so much how Heather Demetrios was able to make me feel so many real emotions. I can’t remember the last time I felt so connected emotionally to a story. Any book that can do that is a success to me. This book really provides a completely new look at reality TV shows and made me look and think about them in a way that I hadn’t before. It made me feel so grateful for my kind, loving and supportive family, despite the hard times. Heather Demetrios is a wonderful author and I cannot wait to read more books by her.
This book was very cute. I abhor reality TV so this was definitely a cool read for me -- reading from the perspective of someone who hates reality TV as much as I do was refreshing and hilarious. I read it in less than a day and really enjoyed it. Chloe's a little irritating at times but not more than her mother — her mother's the real MVP here. Her brother, though, Benton, I love him. Him and Matt were my favourite parts of the book, to be honest.
I give it 4 stars because there were a lot of things that were left completely unresolved. Didn't see what happened with MetaReel. Didn't see any big explosions with producers. Nothing about Kirk and the crappy thing he did, nothing about how their mother is coping, nada. It just sort of.... ended. But overall, it was still very cute.
I give it 4 stars because there were a lot of things that were left completely unresolved. Didn't see what happened with MetaReel. Didn't see any big explosions with producers. Nothing about Kirk and the crappy thing he did, nothing about how their mother is coping, nada. It just sort of.... ended. But overall, it was still very cute.
This really had me thinking about reality TV and how the world see celebrities. It's made me rethink the way I see actors and actresses and reality TV kids. I enjoyed getting my perception challenge and Bonnie/Chloe getting over her fear. I really liked the sibling bond with her and Benny especially.
(Longer review to come)
(Longer review to come)
Just as heartwarming and full of depth as the first book of hers that I read ([b:I'll Meet You There|21469068|I'll Meet You There|Heather Demetrios|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1403897439i/21469068._SX50_.jpg|24893471]) with two things that really struck home with me: the reality of "reality" TV and large families. Both were portrayed perfectly (as one who comes from a large family, that part was gloriously and most realistically written) and shouted out powerful messages. I could blather on about this book, but I shall keep this review short and sweet.
Some things I loved:
- Chloe aka Bonnie (such a strong and real character - this is how teenage MC girls need to be written all the time)
- Patrick (he was perfect. So much love for him!)
- Benny (almost every time he talked I laughed)
- the use of scripts and blog posts interspersed throughout to tell the story
Some favorite quotes:
“After graduation, we can just … ride into the sunrise,” he says.
“The sunrise?”
His lips twitch. “If we ride into the sunset, we’d wind up in the middle of the Pacific.”
“Why would you get a cat?”
“Because it’s my destiny.”
“I'm not Bonnie™ or Chloe. I'm the essence of her, the nontrademarked person the camera can never capture and my parents have no right to sign over. There is a sovereign nation encased in this skin that MetaReel can never trademark.”
“I’m sitting here on the Kaye Gibbons Show, and all I can think is that the whole country is sick. Sick with the idea that it’s good to be known as seen by as many people as possible, to show every part of our lives to the public at large. Whether it’s Facebook photos, blogs, or reality TV, it’s like nobody is content to just live life. The worth of our existence seems to be measured in pixels and megabytes and “likes.” Those of use whose lives can be downloaded seem to have the most value – until someone outrageous comes along to claim their time in the spotlight.”
Some things I loved:
- Chloe aka Bonnie (such a strong and real character - this is how teenage MC girls need to be written all the time)
- Patrick (he was perfect. So much love for him!)
- Benny (almost every time he talked I laughed)
- the use of scripts and blog posts interspersed throughout to tell the story
Some favorite quotes:
“After graduation, we can just … ride into the sunrise,” he says.
“The sunrise?”
His lips twitch. “If we ride into the sunset, we’d wind up in the middle of the Pacific.”
“Why would you get a cat?”
“Because it’s my destiny.”
“I'm not Bonnie™ or Chloe. I'm the essence of her, the nontrademarked person the camera can never capture and my parents have no right to sign over. There is a sovereign nation encased in this skin that MetaReel can never trademark.”
“I’m sitting here on the Kaye Gibbons Show, and all I can think is that the whole country is sick. Sick with the idea that it’s good to be known as seen by as many people as possible, to show every part of our lives to the public at large. Whether it’s Facebook photos, blogs, or reality TV, it’s like nobody is content to just live life. The worth of our existence seems to be measured in pixels and megabytes and “likes.” Those of use whose lives can be downloaded seem to have the most value – until someone outrageous comes along to claim their time in the spotlight.”
I initially picked up this book because the cover intrigued me and the story seemed like something I'd never really read about before. We're surrounded by reality television all the time, but its rare to read about a fictional depiction of it (for me, at least). As this was my first time reading a book on this subject, I was slightly nervous about whether or not I would enjoy it. Thankfully, I was not disappointed and found myself seriously immersed in the story.
I really only had two problems with this book: slight insta-love and repetitiveness. While the two leads' love story starts out slow, it quickens at a somewhat unrealistic (ha, pun) pace. In addition, the novel began to become more and more repetitive towards the end.
Despite these issues, I was still extremely pleased with this novel due to its story-telling and message. While "Baker's Dozen" isn't a real reality show that I could tune in to watch right now, the story Demetrios illustrates around it connects back to the way we conduct ourselves when watching actual reality television and discussing real reality stars. I don't think I'll ever look at reality entertainment the same way again.
I really only had two problems with this book: slight insta-love and repetitiveness. While the two leads' love story starts out slow, it quickens at a somewhat unrealistic (ha, pun) pace. In addition, the novel began to become more and more repetitive towards the end.
Despite these issues, I was still extremely pleased with this novel due to its story-telling and message. While "Baker's Dozen" isn't a real reality show that I could tune in to watch right now, the story Demetrios illustrates around it connects back to the way we conduct ourselves when watching actual reality television and discussing real reality stars. I don't think I'll ever look at reality entertainment the same way again.
Actual Rating: 4.5 Stars
I hadn’t initially requested Something Real, because, much as I actually love the scenario, there were so many ways such a plot could go to places that I did not want to be. Thanks to reviews from friends and the awesome MacKids publicist, I was able to come to this one belatedly. Something Real is indeed something really good and not to be missed. Lovers of contemporary fiction will definitely want to check this out, even if, like me, you would never ever watch this reality TV show.
Read the full review at A Reader of Fictions.
I hadn’t initially requested Something Real, because, much as I actually love the scenario, there were so many ways such a plot could go to places that I did not want to be. Thanks to reviews from friends and the awesome MacKids publicist, I was able to come to this one belatedly. Something Real is indeed something really good and not to be missed. Lovers of contemporary fiction will definitely want to check this out, even if, like me, you would never ever watch this reality TV show.
Read the full review at A Reader of Fictions.
Another one of the things I like fiction about but don't like otherwise: reality tv.
I am guilty of liking fame-centric books and it was interesting to watch Chloe's evolution throughout the book. It was also nice to see friends who were realistic but loved her anyway. This was a great story with a lot of life-quotable moments. I would definitely recommend this to anyone dealing with anxiety, as well.
Something Real by Heather Demetrios is an eye opener to the other side of the camera of reality tv shows that many people are drawn to today. Heather Demetrios’ debut novel tackles a subject that many authors are scared to even dip their toes into. Something Real focuses on Bonnie Baker, who was born live on her family’s tv show Baker’s Dozen. Bonnie’s mom, Beth Baker, has always dreamed of having thirteen children and sets out to complete this goal all while doing the reality tv show. The show got cancelled after several events occurred: Beth and her husband got divorced and Bonnie tried to commit suicide. Beth then decides to cancel the show and move to California, far from the New Hampshire house, and begin anew. At the beginning of Something Real, we meet Chloe Baker, Bonnie’s new, made-up name, who is trying to make a life out of a lie. Chloe and her brother Benton have created friendships at their new high school four years after the cancellation of the show. Little do they know that their mom and step-father, Kirk, are having financial problems, which contributes to the need to start up Baker’s Dozen once again. Throughout the book readers are introduced to many characters, such as Patrick Sheldon, who help Chloe and Benton fight MetaReel, the producers of the show.
Bonnie/Chloe Baker is the protagonist of this contemporary novel, and she is a bit of an annoying one. Right away in the beginning of the book, after she finds out that Baker’s Dozen is coming back to television, she runs away to an orchard. This was totally okay, and I was hoping to see more of this orchard appear in the book. However, this Chloe never went back despite having multiple occasions where she could have. Readers were told that Chloe went to the orchard all the time in the past, but there was no evidence in the present book to support that fact. We are quickly introduced to Benton Baker, Chloe’s brother, who also found out about the show occurring in much the same fashion Chloe did. Readers loved the banter between the two siblings, but more on that later. As the story unfolds, readers learn more about Chloe’s history of the show that she was born on. They discover that one of the reasons Baker’s Dozen got cancelled was due to Chloe trying to commit suicide by swallowing pills, which got brought up multiple times throughout the book. I felt like Chloe didn’t want to drag out the fact that she tried to swallow a ton of pills, but every single other person in her family wanted the exact opposite. I get that you can be worried for a while after the incident, but four years afterwards? That’s extensive and annoying. However, the few times that other characters did mention her past attempt, Chloe would drag out her thoughts on the matter. Readers do agree with Chloe’s thoughts of MetaReel and begin under the spotlight being the prime purpose of the attempt. Throughout the book Chloe fights for her rights, and keeps up her relationships. She also develops greatly as a character and helps other characters develop as well.
A prime example of a character developing with Chloe’s help is her brother Benton. Benton Baker is a homosexual who is still in the closet to his family. His boyfriend, Matt, is also in the closet to his family due to religious reasons. Readers absolutely loved Benton and his ways of not holding any of his opinions back. Benton was a prime example of a protective, big brother while still being a best friend that cared about Chloe’s wild actions. His recurring problem of being gay, and not being able to come out of the closet due to Matt’s begging, was one that teenagers could relate to. In some ways, Benton is more relatable than Chloe is in Something Real. Benton brings many people into Chloe’s life, but she doesn’t always seem grateful. However, in her teasing and bantering way readers could see that she does in fact care about Benton’s emotional state as well. There’s not many ways to describe Benton because he’s just Benton.
Patrick Sheldon is a favorite secondary character for almost every reader everywhere. Patrick was the reason why I kept on reading the book after Chloe started to annoy me. His dry humor and teasing eyes pulled me along. Readers would have loved to have more of his input on situations in the book. I have no idea why Chloe didn’t date Patrick sooner than when she did. He’s amazing and cares deeply for Chloe despite what he has to go through just to see her due to the paparazzi that swarms around her family. Patrick deserves more than he can get from Chloe, but that doesn’t stop him. Every girl deserves someone who cares about her like Patrick does for Chloe. I think Patrick should get his own special book from Heather Demetrios.“He looks like the kind of boy who would jump trains, strum guitars, and pass a joint.” is how Chloe’s character internally describes Patrick, and it is spot on with what we learn about him. Not that he actually does drugs because Patrick is secretly a genius. Patrick Sheldon, ladies and gentlemen!
There were very few things that actually annoyed readers with Something Real, and Beth Baker and her second husband Kirk were two of them. Kirk was introduced as a laid-back kind of stepfather/guy. This theory is quickly unraveled as he gladly lets Beth startup Baker’s Dozen again, just because they need the money. Sure, you can have financial problems, but when you start exploiting your children so you can get an income, then something is wrong with you. This was easily one of the most backwards character developments in the history of character developments. Kirk doesn’t even apologize about anything that happens in the course of the book despite his quick understanding to why Chloe and Benton don’t want to do the show. Beth Baker was never as awesome as Kirk was, and her character was the definition of a static character. There was literally no character development despite the minimal times that she smiled for pleasure and not the cameras. Not one reader was rooting for Beth Baker’s character, and that says a lot about her.
Overall Something Real shows readers that cameras and uploading your life onto technology and social media isn’t the best thing one can do at that moment. Spend your life with the people you love, and don’t worry about what other people you’ve never met will say about it. The most important motif that Heather Demetrios emphasizes in Something Real is this: stay true to yourself despite your constantly changing surroundings and experiences.
