Nicola Kraus

Emma Mclaughlin

When Hampton High senior Jesse O'Rourke is cast in a reality television show along with five other, more popular students, drama on and off screen reveals that what the audience and producers want is not the same as what Jesse wants.

The Real Real

Lacy W

tw: use of word r*tarded, sexual assault, targeted bullying and harassment, underage drinking

I'm not quite sure these authors are for me. The first two books I have read by them are from the Nanny Diaries. I enjoyed the first one but I wasn't super keen on the second one. The Nanny Diaries were silly so I was hoping this one would be a bit more serious. 

It wasn't. It wasn't as serious as it could have been. It could have really showed the ugly side of reality TV. In ways it did with the bullying Jesse faced but I wanted more. I wanted more of the backstage back stabbing and everything that comes with reality TV. 

I also wasn't the biggest fan of the writing. It was very high school esque. There was always so much going on. There were so many side characters. It was all just too much at one time. I'm old, man. I can't keep up with the times or teenagers anymore. 

Speaking of characters, I liked Jesse. She was real and acted like every teenager does. She overacted to things that didn't need to be overreacted too. She had troubles with friendships and made dumb mistakes. While I didn't like the writing, I liked Jesse hence why the book got 3 (three) stars instead of 2 (two).

Overall, this wasn't great but it was a quick and easy to read book. If you are looking for a book between heavy reads and need something light, then this is the book for you.

The Real Real

Reviews