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Starring Me

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Kara McKormick is told she's auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. It's what she isn't told that could change her life.

The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she'll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn't know who it is.

Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning America's Next Star, but he doesn't want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do—like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they'll be spending so much time together.

Acting is high on Kara's priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. But God is after Kara's heart and He's put people in her life who are showing her there's far more to Christianity than rules and judgment.

And just when it seems that Kara's going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all—in a story so big only He could write it.

334 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 2012

21 people are currently reading
1030 people want to read

About the author

Krista McGee

11 books606 followers
Krista writes for teens, teaches teens, and more often than not, acts like a teen. She and her family have lived and ministered in Texas, Costa Rica, and Spain. Her current hometown is Tampa, FL.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 174 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls).
2,171 reviews5,141 followers
June 7, 2019
About this book:

“Kara McKormick is told she's auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it's what she isn't told that could change her life.
The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she'll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn't know who it is.
Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning America's Next Star, but he doesn't want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do-like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they'll be spending so much time together.
Acting is high on Kara's priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. In fact, she's tried to stay away from anything religious. But God is after Kara's heart and He's put people in her life who are showing her there's far more to Christianity than rules and judgment.
And just when it seems that Kara's going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all-in a story so big only He could write it.”



Series: It’s not officially part of a series, but it’s connected to “First Date” and “Right Where I Belong”. “First Date” is first and “Starring Me” is second! ;)


Spiritual Content- Scriptures are mentioned; Many Prayers; Lots of being witnessed to & Witnessing; Many talks about God, Christians, & praying; ‘H’s are not capitalized when referring to God; Chad has a faith; Kara doesn’t believe in prayers or God, but says she’s open to spirituality *Spoiler* *End of Spoiler*; Many mentions of God & His will; Many mentions of prayers & praying; Many mentions of faiths & Christians; Mentions of Bibles, Bible reading, & Bible studies; Mentions of those & events in the Bible; Mentions of churches, church going, pastors, & helping others in need; Mentions of Heaven & Hell; Mention of missionaries & ministries; Mentions of testimonies; Mentions of sins & sinners; A couple mentions of miracles; A couple mentions of choirs; A mention of thanking God; A mention of C.S. Lewis’s conversion of atheism to Christianity;
*Note: Mentions of Greek gods & Kara thinking Chad is one; Mentions of myths of gods; Mentions of luck & the universe; A few mentions of other religions; A mention of the “gods of television”; A mention of positive thoughts.


Negative Content- Minor cussing including: an ‘idiot’, a ‘suck’, a form of ‘suck up’, two forms of ‘shut up’, two ‘wimp’s, four ‘stupid’s, and six ‘dumb’s; A couple mentions of curses (said, not written); Sarcasm & eye rolling; Chad gets pummeled by a female fan, Injuries, & Pain (barely-above-not-detailed); Mentions of the mafia, gangs, killing, murderers, & prisons; Mentions of criminals, drugs, & alcohol; Mentions of lies & lying; Mentions of running over a squirrel & it dying; A few mentions of Addy’s parents who were missionaries that were killed overseas; A few mentions of jealousy; A few mentions of gossip; A few mentions of tattoos; A couple mentions of smoking; A couple mentions of throwing up; A mention of poker;
*Note: Mentions of celebrities, TV shows, TV channels, movies, & fictional characters; Mentions of authors & books; Mentions of vampires & aliens; A few mentions of a singer & song; A couple mentions of car brands; A couple mentions of social media platforms; A mention of someone being called a ‘brownnose’.


Sexual Content- Imagining kisses (barely-above-not-detailed); A few Touches & Embraces (barely-above-not-detailed); Noticing (barely-above-not-detailed); two forms of ‘hot’ and three ‘baby’s; Mentions of a script of a girl trying to steal another girl’s guy & kiss him; Mentions of kissing, kisses, & an almost kiss; Mentions of dating, girlfriends, boyfriends, break-ups, & cheating; Mentions of flirting; A few mentions of temptations for a teen boy & hormones; A couple mentions of girls ripping off Chad’s shirts in the past; A mention of someone not being a pimp; A mention of a line in a script about a couple having babies that crawl out of her belly;
*Note: A few mentions of girls wearing bikinis that leave little to the imagination; A mention of a mom having difficultly conceiving; A mention of a bug bite on a girl’s rear.

-Kara McKormick, age 17
-Chad Beacon, age 17
P.O.V. switches between them
328 pages

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Pre Teens- Two Stars
New Teens- Three Stars
Early High School Teens- Four Stars (and a half)
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars (and a half)
I will try not to squee and squeal over yet another Krista McGee book, but I make no promises. 😉 This is my second or third time reading this hilarious sequel to “First Date”. I think I enjoyed it a bit more when I was younger, but it was still such a great read with the fun main characters and all of the faith content! Some of the parts were a bit coincidental, but I like happy endings. Definitely considered a favorite and a classic in my eyes for Christian teen girls!


Link to review:
https://booksforchristiangirls.blogsp...


*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
July 4, 2025
Awhhh too cute. Def a new fav! I only docked off a star bc although I loved Kara's conversion it didn’t include baptism which was a little disappointing. But I still loved it overall and the talk of faith and seeing her journey from the first story to this one was worth the 300 something pages for sure. Super funny and enjoyable! Onto the next one! 🙃
Profile Image for H.M.R..
112 reviews12 followers
January 11, 2016
Starring Me by Krista Mcgee

So, wow. Where do I start? Starring Me was so super awesome!

I just love Kara so much! She has such an awesome, perky, lovely personality. If you don’t love Kara….You must have a few screws loose. And Chad! A little fresh, but he was super cool.

Okay, Flora!!!!! I love her book nerd ness, her spunky, playful personality, and I loved that she totally didn’t get sarcasm. I’m serious. I felt a connection. ;) She was soooo cool! I feel in love with her right away.

Can we just have a moment of silence for Johnathan and Addy! They are so adorable! They are so perfect for each other! I loved to see more of them in this book. As you can tell I loved the characters. ;)

I loved the scripts written throughout the story. Starring Me was a super fun read, and I think one of Krista Mcgee’s best book yet. I’m not one to get emotional in books, but I seriously almost cried at the end of this one.

One thing that was really the only thing I had bad to say about it, is that Addy seemed a bit different in Starring me than she was in First Date. (The first book) Though since you aren’t in Addy’s brain, and she seems to be a kind of closed person, it makes sense
Profile Image for Abigail.
Author 2 books205 followers
March 18, 2019
*squels forever* THIS BOOK WAS SO CUTE! Why have I never read a Krista McGee book before?!? This book was pure perfection. Everything from the characters to the spiritual content to just the plot in general...it had me flipping page after page.

I had many favorite characters that I could not choose two. I loved Chad (oh my gosh, can I just find a guy like him?!?!), Flora, Jonathan, Addy, and Kara. I loved them all so dearly. They were phenomenal characters. I wish there was more to this story honestly.

I cannot wait to read more of Krista McGee's amazing books!!! *starts to squel again*
Profile Image for Alivia.
30 reviews
June 22, 2024
Where do I even start?

First of all, round of applause to the author Krista McGee! 👏


I would stay up late every night because it was getting so good!

Kara McKormick lives in New York City with her parents. She gets a call from a producer about her auditioning for a new teen version of “Saturday Night Live.” Meanwhile Chad Beacon the winner of “Americas Next Star,” Chad has had the opportunity to be one of the co-stars on the new teen verity show. His parents want Chad to have a girl co-star who is a Christian. He wants to be able to have a friendship with his co-star on and off the show. Chad and his parents decided to have the audition cut down to ten girls they don’t want these ten girls to know that Chad will be the other co-star. So Flora, Chads assistant will be a house mother for these ten girls in Orlando to get to know these ten lucky actors. After making it through the biggest auditions of Kara’s life. She makes it into the top ten! Kara heads down to Orlando for a month long of auditions. Addy Kara’s friend, lives in Orlando. Flora and Addy are helping Kara grow in her relationship with God. But Kara really never felt like God was real. Now I’m not going to go and spoil the whole book! This is a MUST READ!!!!


I wish I could re-live reading this book for the first time!
Profile Image for Sam (The Favorites Shelf).
77 reviews19 followers
August 4, 2025
4.5 stars (rounded up to 5)

(Krista Mcgee's contemporary series: book 2)

I REALLY enjoyed this book, and I'd highly recommend it for teen girls looking for age-appropriate romance stories!

Starring Me continues the television/competition theme from the previous book (First Date). It features Kara, who's competing to be a co-host of a teen variety show. I liked the competition aspect, although not as much as the first book, since some of the skits between chapters didn't quite fit my sense of humor (comedy is usually hit or miss for me).

The romance is also similar to book one (very clean), which is great to note for teen readers. My favorite aspect of this story, though, is the faith content! The characters have some GREAT conversations - about sin, salvation, etc. This is definitely a journey of spiritual growth, which is a major reason I love recommending it!

This also has some similarities to Rebekah's story from the Bible. It would be fun to reread this book and the Bible story together, so I can look for more details they have in common!

*Content to note*
.....May contain minor spoilers.....
Brief skits mentioning vampires/mermaids. Mention of discovering heart attack victim (not graphic); hospital visit scene (not graphic).
Profile Image for Hannah:).
516 reviews18 followers
April 16, 2022
Rating - 3.5 stars

Kara is def bff worthy material - love her! And Flora too:) I just wish she and Chad got to spend more time with each other - they only met like thrice throughout the book and barely talked and SUPRISEE then ended up a couple!

I loved Flora's anecdotes - the cyanide and aspirin story is one i'll definitely be remembering:)
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,680 reviews342 followers
May 12, 2012
I fell in love with this author when I opened her very first book and started reading it , the book was "First Date", it was amazing. When I heard she was writing a second one starring the best friend of the main character Addy in the first book, I just knew I had to read it.
Starring Me is the story of Kara McCormick , she starred alongside Addy in the reality show The Book of Love in which she competed to win a date to the prom with the President's son who Addy is now dating.
In Starring Me, it's time for a new reality show of sorts . New Teen Pop sensation Chad Beacon has been offered his own tv show alongside a female co-star , his parents want the co-star to be a christian female and now unless the studio wants their show with Chad to be a no-go they must find a Teenage Christian girl who can act, sing and laugh and one who doesn't mind the cameras. Fast forward and Kara is chosen to audition for the show, Kara and ten other girls are to live in a house and prove their skills but what the girls don't realise is that this isn't just a talent show, the housemother will be selecting the right girl based on character . We learn that Kara is a running contestant , but the downside is she just doesn't know the Lord. With the help of the housemother's literary knowledge and Godly wisdom, can she show Kara that God's way is the perfect step of faith ?
Starring Me, is not only a novel about a group of teen girls in competition for a reality show it is also one girl's journey to discovering who she is and her steps to become a Christian.
Starring Me by Krista McGee is also loosely based on the story of Issac and Rebekkah found in Genesis 24 in the Old testament.
I look forward to seeing what other books Krista comes out with in the future as if her first two are anything to go by, she has definitely found her way into my favourite author list.
Profile Image for alittlebitbookish.
177 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2021
Okay so like... why doesn’t Krista McGee write more contemporary romance..? I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!! Everyone was so real. Kara, Chad. (Okay, Chad is such a sweetheart!) Kara was so real because she had a desire to know God, but she was also hesitant. I loved how she wasn’t a Christian, And Flora and Addy helped her to understand God and His Word better. Chad was so real because, He being a Christian, wanted to date a Christian. He wanted to obey God. I loved getting to see the anticipation of Chad and Kara getting to meet each other for the “first” time for the comedy show. Kara thought it was Chad, and Chad thought it was Kara. I LOVEEEDD IT. (I mean. I blew through it in like.. 11 hours!) 5 stars (now I have to read First Date!!!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chelsey with a y.
368 reviews113 followers
November 30, 2019
This book was amazing!!! Loved it so much. I wish there was another one to make it a trilogy. I haven’t read much Christian fiction but I definitely need to. It’s just nice that God is apart of the story.
Profile Image for Jennifer Fluegge.
400 reviews
April 26, 2020
This was a cute story. I really appreciated that the Gospel was clearly presented.
Profile Image for Sierra.
8 reviews
July 19, 2012
I received this book as a First Read.
Minor(ish) spoilers below.

This book was cute, very cookie-cutter though. I think I would have liked it more when I was 13!

I was put off by Chad’s parents, any scene they were in had me cringing. I almost put the book down after chapter one due to his parents. The parents were pushy and controlling. They were off putting and I am so glad my parents were not like these characters. I did enjoy the character of Flora. She was fun and seemed like a real person who would make a great role model for any young Christian. The main character Kara was the most “real” feeling character in the book. Her doubts about religion seemed honest and true to the real world. But, she was to perfect- pretty, tall, talented, well off and loving family. It would have been easier to connect with her if she had one flaw besides not being a Christian.

I enjoyed reading the scripts the characters were performing for their auditions rather than just reading a description of the auditions. That was a great idea and I’m glad the author did it. I was fairly impressed with how the author handled bringing the main character to Christ. It seemed fairly realistic and wasn’t overly forced since the novel built up to that point.

The world was very black and white. There really wasn’t any real struggle the characters had to go through, it was such a given from the beginning what would happen in the plot.

I would recommend this book to young teen girls who are looking for a Christian fluff book with a happy ending. It is cute, but isn’t all that memorable.
Profile Image for Emma.
496 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2020
This was hilarious and such a fun read!!

This is my first Krista McGee book and it didn’t disappoint! I was laughing 95% of the time because these characters. My goodness!

Kara is so awesome. Her sense of humor and energy is soo fun! I loved her. And I loved the others too... Addy, Jonathan, Flora, Chad... those are the ones that come to mind. (P.s. Why can’t more guys view dating like Chad does??? That guy has got it down, on point!!!)

So I didn’t start with First Date, which is the first book, before I read this one... so I’d recommend you reading that one first because it kinda spoiled it for me... oops.😅 But, I still definitely want to read that one because I already know I’m gonna really like the characters!!

The messages of faith was beautiful! A major highlight of the book for me.❤️

So my rating is probably about a 3.5 stars. While not my favorite, I still enjoyed it a whole lot!
If you’re looking for a lighthearted, contemporary YA that is completely clean and isn’t all romance, this one would be great!
Profile Image for Best.
275 reviews252 followers
June 30, 2012
THIS REVIEW ON B'S BOOK BLOG!

I received the digital version of this book from the publisher for review.

This book isn't really what I expected it to be. Of course, I wasn't expecting anything religious. My first impression was that this is a story of a girl who's chasing her dream. This kind of stories always gets me. It fascinates and inspires me to see people fight so hard to get to where they want to be and become who they are. I thought that was what this book would be about. But no, it's far from it, actually. I don't know why I didn't see it coming, seeing now that this book is in the "religious" category in my book catalog. Maybe I did know it and already forgot that I knew. All the more reason to be careful with choosing books from now on.

As I'm not a big fan of religion-based books, this one didn't leave that much of an impression. But don't get me wrong. It's not bad. The story is kind of fun, and it remains light throughout the whole book. Too light, in fact. I have to say that I find it a little disappointing. There isn't much conflict going on here, nor surprising twists and turns. There's also very little excitement. This is a very forgettable book for me.

I find the characters in this book so very incredibly flat, even the main characters. Kara, who's a sweet girl, good at heart, and an aspiring actress, remains that way till the end. And so does Chad, perfect boy. Eternally good. The evil characters remain evil. While I can see how a normal girl can be attracted to a pop star, Chad's attraction to Kara doesn't feel believable to me. It's accurate to say that I'm not very impressed with the characters.

The only thing that changes in this book is Kara's belief in God. She starts out as a non-believer, but people she hangs out with (Addy and Flora) are Christians, so they try to influence her. Is "brainwashing" too harsh? Maybe. But it really did feel that way for me. There's no reason for you to shove your belief in people's faces and try to convince them to share the same belief. It was irritating for me. Despite the brainwashing and God talk, Kara still remains skeptical for some time. She asks all the questions atheists ask, and that's good, because it seems believable. I was happy that she doesn't jump into it right away and convert, at least not then. But of course, something happens and then she changes her mind in an instant. I guess her change of faith is to be expected, since this is a christian book, but the manner in which it is done is so sudden and in no way believable.

To me, neither is this book inspirational nor interesting, but it's not bad either. It's a little fun, an overall okay read, and that's that.
Profile Image for Anna.
Author 20 books326 followers
June 23, 2016
Kara McKormick was born to be on the stage. It’s been her dream for as long as she can remember. When she is called back for the role of co host on an all new teen talk show, she is off the walls with excitement. Literally, her family and best friend, Addy, could barely hold her down

Chad Beacon became an overnight popstar sensation once we won America’s Next Star. Now, with his new talk show on a new teen channel, he’s eager to find his co-host. Except for one little problem. His parents insist on her being a Christian. Not that Chad disagrees. But the stress is awful.

When both Chad and Kara meet at Jonathon’s house (which just happens to be the White House), they form a bond. But Chad knows that Kara isn’t a Christian. And if only Chad Beacon could be the star she might be playing opposite!

Starring Me is an amazing sequel to First Date and show what happened after The Book Of Love finished!

♥♥♥

(This review is for both First Date and Starring Me! Just wanted everyone to know!)

Okay, so. These books were so so so SO good! I finished First Date the day I got it. Same for Starring Me. They are both so hard to put down once you start reading them!

Addy and Kara were both so real! I could totally relate to Addy, being angry and frustrated with God when His plans don’t match up to what I want. But, like Addy, ultimately I realize that I am where I am for a reason and God’s not going to just make my problems or my situation disappear.

While I related with Addy, I am much much MUCH more like Kara. I love acting. Though admittedly I’m not as outgoing nor as outspoken. But she was so spunky and fun that I just ended up laughing and crying with her.

I also really liked how these stories are based roughly on Biblical narratives! As my summary says, First Date was based off Esther. I love that story (Veggietales does an amazing parody of it by the way. Great songs) so this book grabbed me thanks to that. Starring Me, however, took some thinking on my part to find the Biblical parallel. I thought Chad’s parents wanting a Christian for the costar sounded familiar and then it hit me. Issac and Rebekah! It’s so cool to see that unfold in the book.

So, my rating? 5 out of 5! For sure! I highly highly HIGHLY recommend these books for a quick, lighthearted read! I will for sure be picking up more of Mrs. McGee’s books in the near future!
Profile Image for Amy.
560 reviews9 followers
July 29, 2012
Kara McCormick is a Long Island teen who dreams of seeing her name in lights. She loves performing and making others laugh, so when she receives a call about auditioning for a new show in Florida, she hops on the first plane out.

Chad Beacon is a young singing sensation who's tired of being tackled by adoring females. Ready to transition into television and use his acting talent, he's found the perfect show to host - but his parents won't give him permission unless they approve of his female cohost. Can they find a fun, talented girl - who's also a Christian?

Starring Me is a fabulous, lighthearted read! This book sparks with perkiness the whole way through. Even though Kara is not a person of faith in the beginning, she is surrounded by them, and her openness to discuss new things is refreshing. Her kindness and compassion definitely make her the star of the book, and in this regard she is held up as a shining example of how we should all behave. The contrast between Kara's behavior and that of her housemates is a stark reminder of how to and not to be.

McGee writes quirky scenarios and fun vignettes, all of which add to the charm of this book. The mood of the story, even when Kara's facing hard things, just makes the reader happy, and that's rare today.

By far the best aspect of this story to me was the example set by the Christian characters. Being exceptionally kind, speaking of their faith often, and sharing their beliefs without pushing are things that we can all do to live like Jesus, but one other stood out. Chad and Kara are friends with two other teens who are attracted to each other and are considering a relationship, and that's what's so wonderful: they're teens who are considering it. They're going slow, getting to know each other, and deciding what they want out of a relationship before ever moving forward at all.. That's rare in the world today, and even more so to find played out in our media today. To see such a relationship held up as an example in a new book was wonderful.

All in all, Starring Me is a perky read that should make any teen laugh. As a mom, it's the kind of book I want my kids to read when they hit their teen years. You can't go wrong with Starring Me.


I received a free copy of Starring Me from the BookSneeze Program in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for Hannah-rose Russell.
446 reviews44 followers
February 1, 2022
Updated review 2022: Kara McKormick dreams of being a superstar. After competing to go to prom with the President's son, her thirst for acting and television has only increased. Going from audition to audition, Kara is beyond excited when she is invited to compete for a lead role in a new teen variety show that will be co-hosted with a big celebrity; however, God has more in store for Kara than she could ever imagine. A proclaimed atheist, Kara's beliefs will be challenged as she travels to Orlando and encounters people who will show her that Christianity is more than judgment and limitations. Will Kara accept Jesus as her savior and land the role of her dreams, or will everything come crashing down?

Chad Beacon is a national pop star who longs to do more than sing. With a passion for acting, Chad is ready to accept the lead role in a teen variety show; however, his parents are adamant that his co-star be a believer. Sending their assistant to scout the girl's auditioning for the role, Chad must give his future into the Lord's hands, but doubt and anticipation plague his mind as he patiently waits to meet his co-star. Will the right girl be chosen, or will Chad have to turn down the opportunity he's longed for?

“The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances.” ~ Krista McGee

Starring Me is a perfect complement to First Date. After meeting Kara and falling in love with her spunky energy, it was awesome to read her story and watch her heart expand as she learned more about God and the Bible for the first time. We are so used to teen books that center on romance, but the way Krista McGee leads with prayer and faith is revolutionary! Influenced by the story of Isaac and Rebecca, there was something so sweet about reading Kara and Chad's perspectives and watching as their journeys unfold before the finale. God wants to meet all of us and have a relationship with each of His children, but not everyone welcomes the love and joy He wants to give. Especially in Hollywood, the entertainment industry is competitive and dirty; nevertheless, through it all, God's light will always shine through!

Review from 2014: LOVED IT! It complimented First Date so well!! And it helped me want to draw closer to God :) thanks Krista for writing such an amazing book
Profile Image for Amanda.
325 reviews
June 28, 2015
3.5 stars

It was okay. The problem? Previously, I've read Anomaly and Luminary by this author, and immediately after beginning this book I knew the writing was not on par with those others. It makes sense, because this book is one of the author's earlier works, but honestly it bugged me throughout the story. If this was my first encounter with the author's work, I don't know that I would've ever read Anomaly (which would've been sad! Seriously, go read it!). It seemed like the writing needed some polishing. But unfortunately it wasn't even just the writing style that affected my rating, here. The plot was somewhat interesting, but it dragged a bit and felt awkward/forced or underwhelming at times. I hate to say this, because I appreciate the attempt and the morals behind it, but the whole thing about the parents picking the girl for the show and their constant insistence that "she has to be a Christian!" paired with the conversion side plot...it didn't work for me. It didn't feel realistic. Too much telling, not enough showing.

And while I'm being a complainer, I have to mention that in ironic contrast to the "she has to be a Christian" thing was Chad and Kara's infatuation with each other (especially on Chad's side), specifically concerning physical appearance. It was frustrating to read, okay? There was the telling thing again, and it seemed contradictory to the other message.

Don't get me wrong--I don't regret reading this. It was interesting enough. And points for the surprise of an accurate homeschooler representation! That made me so happy. It wasn't mentioned much, but the times it was were done well. I really appreciate that.

If the premise appeals to you, give it a go. But if not, I'd recommend trying Anomaly instead.
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,532 reviews179 followers
January 18, 2013
Starring Me is such a refreshing story about learning to let go and let God in. I have to say that I have not read many Christian books but this one was one I just had to read. I had to know where Kara's mind was at and where she was willing to take it. I want to say that for young adults choosing God is not always the most popular thing to do but if you are a Christian and you love the Lord NEVER EVER compromise! God will never leave you nor will he forsake you as long as you are his child.

Kara has always been a good girl and she loves acting. When she gets a chance to audition for a new show in sunny Orlando she is excited. She will be with nine other girls and a house mother and will have to prove she is worthy of this part. She is excited because there is a big twist in it if she does get the job and a secret person is going to be on the show but no one knows who it is.

Chad is a great guy who loves to sing and loves the lord but he wants more out of life than singing. He wants to act he wants to act so bad he decides to audition for the same show as Kara. He is so excited because he loves singing but he wants more out of life than just singing. When he meets Kara things change for him and he wants to get to know her. Kara wants to know him to but one small thing keeps them apart. Kara is not a Christian she does not put God first and Chads parents insist he have a Christian girl in his life.

Will Kara ever seek God out? Will she and Chad have a relationship? How can God change Kara's life? This is a must read for teens having to face the age old question of who to date and how much are they willing to ignore God's warning about the person they are dating.
Profile Image for Carissa.
1,016 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2012
first reviewed here

http://belovedgraceful-carissasbooksh...

Title: Starring Me

Author: Krista McGee

Series: the main character in Starring Me was in First Date also by Krista McGee

Pages: 320

Genre: Teen Christian Fiction

Rating: 4 ½ stars

Kara McKormick thought that she was auditioning for a teen reality show, but she ends up finding some much more. She has a chance to star on a teen reality show opposite of Chad Beacon who has become a star, Chad’s Christian faith is as strong as Addy’s was in First Date. Being around other Christian’s shows Kara that the Christian Faith is about a relationship not rules. You are first introduced to Kara as the only girl who befriends Addy in First Date. Will Kara learn that starring in God’s story for her life is the greatest role of her life?
I enjoyed Starring Me I loved Kara’s bubbly attitude and her refusing to give up. I love how Krista McGee uses humor and life issues to bring a story to life. Reading her novels are like stepping into the characters shoes. Krista McGee’s books show teens and adults that Christian’s aren’t prefect but saved by Grace. I enjoyed Starring Me and look forward to Krista’s next book.
I received a copy of Starring Me from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts in this review are my own.
Starring Me releases from Thomas Nelson Publishers on July 10, 2012
Profile Image for Leah.
136 reviews11 followers
February 26, 2013
Starring Me was a superb book! When I got it I was expecting it to be a very light almost shallow read. (No offense to anyone.)However, in the first chapter Chad's parents are saying the girl that will co-star with Chad on the new TV show has to be a Christian. Chad and his family had very strong convictions about dating. Which I was pleasantly surprised to read in a YA book. Reading Starring Me was a wonderful change from most of the YA books I have read. (Even though they have all been Christian.) I found it refreshing to read about kids my age that share the same belief's and convictions that I do.

Don't get me wrong, Starring me was packed cover to cover with humor and comedy.(I mean they are trying out to be on a comedy show!) But it was also wonderful to read so much about God. God was in almost every conversation, not in a corny way though. The way Krista McGee wrote God in was wonderful! I learned so much more about God and myself reading this book!

Now Chad and Kara. There was some chemistry! They both liked each other but Chad knows she is not a Christian, so he can't date her; and he doesn't want to be "just friends". Chad was one romantic guy and I enjoyed reading about him! Kara, wow, did she have to spunk! She had so much energy! I LOVED her! Her and Flora both made me laugh so much!

All around Starring Me was a wonderful read and I recommend it to both young adult and old.
Profile Image for Atleastreading.
258 reviews
February 13, 2016
Kara captivated my interest with her witty, New York dialog, and fun positive attitude in First Date.

In this novel, you meet some interesting new characters. Chad Beacon, for instance, is a very popular celebrity. Who has been homeschooled for his entire life. I really liked Chad. And I really liked that he didn't feel as if his parents were being overprotective when they insisted on finding a Christian girl to be his co-star in a new T.V. show.
The whole book is about another round of competition, kind of.
Flora, one of Chad's teachers as well as his parents's good friend, volunteers to disguise as a 'housemother' with the final 10 actresses to scout out for the right Christian girl.

Kara fits the part, other than her disbelief in God. Being surrounded by Christians, God begins to show her His true identity and Kara starts wondering if He truly is who He says He is.

Overall, I think the book was very well put together. The story seemed to drag on a bit. But the ending was so worth the wait.
Profile Image for Melmo2610.
3,639 reviews
July 24, 2012
This book is as amazing as it's predecessor "First Date." This book picks up not long after FD and is about Kara who was a central character in FD. Kara who does not have a relationship with God is picked to be part off month long audition for a new show with a major star who is not being named until the actress role is cast. The young man who is to be the co-star and his family want to pick the girl so they devise a month long audition process with a family friend as chaperone to make sure the right girl is cast. I love the way Kara's journey about a relationship with Christ is woven into the storyline. It makes for a great read!

I love this book. It has a lot of humorous scenes in it and I love the interactions of the characters. I can't wait for Krista McGee's next book!
Profile Image for Violet Perry (Just a Bookish Blog).
337 reviews273 followers
September 12, 2020
Man, this is the best book I've read in a long while. It teaches many good, strong values, and is very relevant and relatable to today's teens. Starring Me is the type of book that leaves you with questions and convictions and changes you for the better. Even though this may appear like a romance novel, I can tell you it really isn't. Although it has some small romantic elements, it is all written in a very conservative Christian point if view, and yet still believe.
I really love this book, since it is very entertaining, as well as a convicting read. It was amazing.
Profile Image for Libby May.
Author 4 books85 followers
March 5, 2018
{Third Read}

Y'all. If I read a book for the third time, you gotta know I love it. *sob* I love Kara, and Addy and Jonathon and of course Chad.
It was beautifully written, the gospel evident, and yet it was so much fun! Modern, teen fiction, clean, movie stars, it's all there!
I will have this book on my shelf one day. Mark my word.
1 review
August 21, 2019
Hello everyone my name is Olivia and today I will be reviewing Starring Me by Krista McGee. The story first starts out with a New York girl named Kara McKormick who auditions for a sketch comedy show in Orlando she lives in her audition with several other girls, who are very self-centered except for Jillan who is a Christian. Then we have a Singer named Chad Beacon who recently won a talent show a couple years before. He is looking for his co-star that will be with him on the show with him and who will possibly be the one for him. There is one thing about her that they want she has to be a Christian.

Kara will learn about God throughout the book I don’t want to spoil anything else but that’s what the story is about. I thought the book was heartwarming and sad in some parts. It was an emotional roller coaster for me. It also had a lot of wisdom and plot twists. It was romantic also the way Kara and Chad were hoping to see each other again.

I would totally recommend it if you like acting and romance you would love this book. My rating has got to be 5 stars obviously.
Profile Image for Brittney Crook.
64 reviews6 followers
June 23, 2017
•"God doesn't love you because you are lovable," Addy said. "He loves you because he is love." •

Loved this book! Having read two of the Anomaly books by Krista McGee, I was familiar with the author and her works, but wasn't looking to pick this up until my youth pastor's wife (and good friend) asked if I had read it. (We've also started a summer reading challenge in my youth group.) Yes, it was a little predictable in places and some of the characters were shallow, but they were meant to be that way. Overall it was a story that kept me coming back, wanting to see how it ended. Well done Krista McGee!
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