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Everybody Knows Your Name
Meet Magnolia.
Her father’s dead, her boyfriend’s ditched her to commit himself more fully to surfing, and her mother’s depressed because she can’t get cast on The Real Housewives of Orange County. All Magnolia wants is to reinvent herself.
Meet Ford.
Half his family is in jail, the other half probably should be, he shoplifted his way into a job at a record store, and his brother pawned his 1953 Telecaster for a quick buck. All Ford wants is to reinvent himself.
Ford, meet Magnolia.
When the two teens are cast in Spotlight, a reality TV singing competition, both see it as their chance to start anew. With each episode, as they live together in a Hollywood Hills mansion and sing their hearts out, Ford and Magnolia fall in love. But how genuine can that love be when a television audience is watching their every move—and when their pasts are catching up them so much faster than they can run?
Perfect for fans of Pitch Perfect, and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, Mindy Kaling, and Meg Cabot, Everybody Knows Your Name is a romantic comedy that delivers an unforgettable cast of characters (and way more laughs than any episode of American Idol).
Her father’s dead, her boyfriend’s ditched her to commit himself more fully to surfing, and her mother’s depressed because she can’t get cast on The Real Housewives of Orange County. All Magnolia wants is to reinvent herself.
Meet Ford.
Half his family is in jail, the other half probably should be, he shoplifted his way into a job at a record store, and his brother pawned his 1953 Telecaster for a quick buck. All Ford wants is to reinvent himself.
Ford, meet Magnolia.
When the two teens are cast in Spotlight, a reality TV singing competition, both see it as their chance to start anew. With each episode, as they live together in a Hollywood Hills mansion and sing their hearts out, Ford and Magnolia fall in love. But how genuine can that love be when a television audience is watching their every move—and when their pasts are catching up them so much faster than they can run?
Perfect for fans of Pitch Perfect, and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, Mindy Kaling, and Meg Cabot, Everybody Knows Your Name is a romantic comedy that delivers an unforgettable cast of characters (and way more laughs than any episode of American Idol).
352 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2015
11 people are currently reading
934 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Seigel
9 books98 followersANDREA SEIGEL is the author of two novels for adults, Like the Red Panda and To Feel Stuff, as well as the YA novel, The Kid Table, and the forthcoming YA novel, Everybody Knows Your Name, co-written with Brent Bradshaw. In September 2014 A24 will release the film Laggies, written by Seigel, directed by Lynn Shelton, and starring Keira Knightley, Chloe Moretz, and Sam Rockwell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
April 7, 2015
I'm almost 40. I shouldn't be staying up until 2 AM reading a YA novel. However, I did and I'm not ashamed. This book is much better and more thoughtful than one would assume. The characters are complex and compelling. The story is engaging. I gave a copy to one of my high school students to read after standardized testing and she loved it so much she insisted on buying her own copy rather than borrowing mine. Another of my students was sneak reading it today in class. I can't blame her. It's that good.
June 8, 2017
Everybody Knows Your Name was an okay read. I kept trying to get myself interested in it, but it just wasn't working. towards the end, it felt as if I was forcing myself to finish it.
the book was actually kind of funny, with small witty remarks here and there, especially between Magnolia and Ford. the concept of Spotlight was also kind of cool; it was the clever blend between a singing competition and reality TV.
I didn't really feel the connection between Magnolia and Ford too much at the beginning. it felt as if there was really nothing between them and their relationship was just them kissing. but then there was a scene where they were talking and sharing and expressing themselves to each other, which was a nice point. it felt like they had more of a connection after that, but I still didn't really see it.
I also liked how Magnolia was able to reinvent herself, just like she wanted to do. I believe she realized that she didn't want to completely change her person, but I'm glad she wasn't known as the "dark and gloomy" person as much anymore.
the book was actually kind of funny, with small witty remarks here and there, especially between Magnolia and Ford. the concept of Spotlight was also kind of cool; it was the clever blend between a singing competition and reality TV.
I didn't really feel the connection between Magnolia and Ford too much at the beginning. it felt as if there was really nothing between them and their relationship was just them kissing. but then there was a scene where they were talking and sharing and expressing themselves to each other, which was a nice point. it felt like they had more of a connection after that, but I still didn't really see it.
I also liked how Magnolia was able to reinvent herself, just like she wanted to do. I believe she realized that she didn't want to completely change her person, but I'm glad she wasn't known as the "dark and gloomy" person as much anymore.
June 10, 2015
Plongée au cœur d'une télé-réalité on découvre la vie de 2 adolescents issus de milieu différent et qui tombe amoureux dans un contexte difficile. C'est mignon, ça fait réfléchir sur ses choix, pas mal du tout !
Ma chronique : https://luxnbooks.wordpress.com/2015/...
Ma chronique : https://luxnbooks.wordpress.com/2015/...
July 20, 2015
I read this into the wee hours of the night, wanting to know what would happen to Magnolia and Ford. The storyline was anything but predictable. The characters were complex and well-developed. This world felt authentic. And the book concludes in a highly satisfying way. I loved it.
March 8, 2015
Everybody Knows Your Name revolves around a reality TV Singing Competition called Spotlight. Think The Voice and American Idol plus The Real World (omg is that show even still on?) But don’t let that fool you, it’s not quite as light-hearted as I expected it to be.
Magnolia isn’t sure exactly who she is in life. Her father died and she has no one to talk with about it… especially her mom who is more concerned with making it in Hollywood than worrying about the emotional well-being of her daughter. A recent split from her boyfriend has made the idea of joining Spotlight even easier.
Ford, struggling to find himself and get out of the dead end life he has at home is determined to win. Emancipated from his family, he starts the show with a lie that allows him a connection to Magnolia that he never expected.
The producers of Spotlight want a story though, and when they find out that Magnolia and Ford are falling for each other, they focus on how to get the public as invested in them as they can. But when your every move is being taped and watched and your past can come back to bite you at any time, how can you focus on getting to know someone and really fall in love and is it real or is it just for show?
I guess when I went into this, I was expecting something a bit lighter. I mean that cover screams fun! But what we get is something on the other end of the spectrum - both Magnolia and Ford are struggling in their lives… they are both looking at Spotlight as something that could change everything for them.
For Magnolia, it keeps her mom happy. It gives her an outlet for her ‘being famous’ obsession, and she’s willing to give up her happiness in place of her moms. Her struggles though come in the form of loneliness. When her father died she caved into herself, isolating herself from her friends and leaning solely on her boyfriend. But they’re no longer together and when Ford shows an interest and when she finds they share the things in common, she makes the effort to get to know him.
Ford needs Spotlight. He’s a reformed bad boy who needs to get out of the dead end town working a dead end job where his last name is associated with drugs and alcohol … and jail. Most of his family has been in trouble with the law in some way or other, and the only way he feels like he can make it on Spotlight is if no one finds out about them. He’s emancipated from them anyway, so telling people they died on national TV isn’t a big deal right? He never meant for it to hurt Magnolia though and I really understood why he didn’t want anyone to know about them, but thinking that the truth would never come out was a little short sighted.
So there’s a lot going on in this story, and like I said, not much of it is light and fun… I think my biggest issue here was the insta-love. I can get on board with it in some instances for sure, but it just didn’t work here for me. I never felt the connection between these two characters and I struggled to understand them both apart and as a couple. I normally love seeing such completely different people with completely different backgrounds both economically and family-wise come together and make a connection, but I think I needed to see more bonding and relationship building to make their relationship believable.
I also really struggled with the depiction of family here. Magnolia’s mom is never there for her. She won’t even let her talk about her dead father with her. Every time she was on a page I wanted to throw the book. She’s simply more infatuated with the idea of being famous, even if it’s just by relation or friendship and that frustrated me to no end. And when she finally does something motherly at the end I felt it was just too little too late. And Ford’s family. UGH. I know that there are families like this out there. I know that they exist, and knowing he at least had his boss to depend on (and occasionally his sister) was wonderful, but it was just so sad. It made his desire and need to get out clearer, but I just really hated that there was no positive family representation here.
I will say that the story was interesting and definitely a behind the scenes look at what some of the negative side effects of fame and reality TV. – I’d have liked a bit more relationship development before these two fell in love though… I think that may have changed my final outlook on it in the end.
Thanks to Viking for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Magnolia isn’t sure exactly who she is in life. Her father died and she has no one to talk with about it… especially her mom who is more concerned with making it in Hollywood than worrying about the emotional well-being of her daughter. A recent split from her boyfriend has made the idea of joining Spotlight even easier.
Ford, struggling to find himself and get out of the dead end life he has at home is determined to win. Emancipated from his family, he starts the show with a lie that allows him a connection to Magnolia that he never expected.
The producers of Spotlight want a story though, and when they find out that Magnolia and Ford are falling for each other, they focus on how to get the public as invested in them as they can. But when your every move is being taped and watched and your past can come back to bite you at any time, how can you focus on getting to know someone and really fall in love and is it real or is it just for show?
I guess when I went into this, I was expecting something a bit lighter. I mean that cover screams fun! But what we get is something on the other end of the spectrum - both Magnolia and Ford are struggling in their lives… they are both looking at Spotlight as something that could change everything for them.
For Magnolia, it keeps her mom happy. It gives her an outlet for her ‘being famous’ obsession, and she’s willing to give up her happiness in place of her moms. Her struggles though come in the form of loneliness. When her father died she caved into herself, isolating herself from her friends and leaning solely on her boyfriend. But they’re no longer together and when Ford shows an interest and when she finds they share the things in common, she makes the effort to get to know him.
Ford needs Spotlight. He’s a reformed bad boy who needs to get out of the dead end town working a dead end job where his last name is associated with drugs and alcohol … and jail. Most of his family has been in trouble with the law in some way or other, and the only way he feels like he can make it on Spotlight is if no one finds out about them. He’s emancipated from them anyway, so telling people they died on national TV isn’t a big deal right? He never meant for it to hurt Magnolia though and I really understood why he didn’t want anyone to know about them, but thinking that the truth would never come out was a little short sighted.
So there’s a lot going on in this story, and like I said, not much of it is light and fun… I think my biggest issue here was the insta-love. I can get on board with it in some instances for sure, but it just didn’t work here for me. I never felt the connection between these two characters and I struggled to understand them both apart and as a couple. I normally love seeing such completely different people with completely different backgrounds both economically and family-wise come together and make a connection, but I think I needed to see more bonding and relationship building to make their relationship believable.
I also really struggled with the depiction of family here. Magnolia’s mom is never there for her. She won’t even let her talk about her dead father with her. Every time she was on a page I wanted to throw the book. She’s simply more infatuated with the idea of being famous, even if it’s just by relation or friendship and that frustrated me to no end. And when she finally does something motherly at the end I felt it was just too little too late. And Ford’s family. UGH. I know that there are families like this out there. I know that they exist, and knowing he at least had his boss to depend on (and occasionally his sister) was wonderful, but it was just so sad. It made his desire and need to get out clearer, but I just really hated that there was no positive family representation here.
I will say that the story was interesting and definitely a behind the scenes look at what some of the negative side effects of fame and reality TV. – I’d have liked a bit more relationship development before these two fell in love though… I think that may have changed my final outlook on it in the end.
Thanks to Viking for the advance copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
August 27, 2015
2 stars
Vide, surperficiel et irréaliste.
Avant d'appendre que ce roman allait être publié dans la nouvelle collection New Way, je n'en avais jamais entendu parler et je comprends maintenant pourquoi. Mettre 2 étoiles à un roman, je ne fais pas ça souvent. En fait, c'est la toute première fois que ça m'arrive.
Dans ce roman, on rencontre les personnages de Ford et Magnolia. Tous les deux ont décidé de participer à l'émission de télé-réalité Spotlight, mais pour des raisons totalement différentes. Ford le fait pour fuir sa famille et Magniolia pour rendre sa mère fière. Ils souhaitent tous les deux changer de vie, mais ils ne s'attendaient pas à tomber amoureux.
Je vous l'accorde, le résumé donne envie au premier abord. J'ai moi-même commencé ce roman immédiatement après l'avoir reçu. Je m'attendais à une histoire d'amour mignonne et le contexte de la télé-réalité me semblait bien intéressant. Seulement, je me suis vite rendu compte que ce n'était pas du tout ça. Je ne suis pas seulement descendue de mon nuage, j'en suis carrément tombée. Et je suis tombée de haut.
Tout d'abord, j'ai trouvé l'histoire d'amour superficielle à souhait. À un moment, les personnages se détestent et l'instant d'après, ils sont en train de s'embrasser. Les auteurs ne prennent pas le temps de faire monter la tension, de développer les sentiments et de faire prendre conscience à leurs personnages (et aux lecteurs par la même occasion) qu'ils sont attirés l'un par l'autre. Et dès le premier baiser, ils sont en amour par dessus la tête? Permettez-moi d'en douter... Toute cette histoire était superficielle de la première à la dernière page.
Ensuite, l'aspect de la télé-réalité a été très mal développé. Certains passages ne sont pas très clairs et on saute souvent du coq à l'âne. On s'attarde souvent sur des détails alors que les points plus importants sont totalement oubliés. Ça donne une histoire qui n'est pas fluide et qui manque beaucoup de profondeur.
En somme, même si le résumé donnait envie, le résultat à final n'était pas du tout à la hauteur de mes attentes. J'ai vraiment dû prendre sur moi pour lire ce roman jusqu'au bout . Je ne me suis pas attachée aux personnages et l'histoire d'amour ne m'a pas du tout emballée. Bref, c'est une lecture à oublier.
Merci à Interforum Éditis Canada pour l'envoi de ce roman !
Vide, surperficiel et irréaliste.
Avant d'appendre que ce roman allait être publié dans la nouvelle collection New Way, je n'en avais jamais entendu parler et je comprends maintenant pourquoi. Mettre 2 étoiles à un roman, je ne fais pas ça souvent. En fait, c'est la toute première fois que ça m'arrive.
Dans ce roman, on rencontre les personnages de Ford et Magnolia. Tous les deux ont décidé de participer à l'émission de télé-réalité Spotlight, mais pour des raisons totalement différentes. Ford le fait pour fuir sa famille et Magniolia pour rendre sa mère fière. Ils souhaitent tous les deux changer de vie, mais ils ne s'attendaient pas à tomber amoureux.
Je vous l'accorde, le résumé donne envie au premier abord. J'ai moi-même commencé ce roman immédiatement après l'avoir reçu. Je m'attendais à une histoire d'amour mignonne et le contexte de la télé-réalité me semblait bien intéressant. Seulement, je me suis vite rendu compte que ce n'était pas du tout ça. Je ne suis pas seulement descendue de mon nuage, j'en suis carrément tombée. Et je suis tombée de haut.
Tout d'abord, j'ai trouvé l'histoire d'amour superficielle à souhait. À un moment, les personnages se détestent et l'instant d'après, ils sont en train de s'embrasser. Les auteurs ne prennent pas le temps de faire monter la tension, de développer les sentiments et de faire prendre conscience à leurs personnages (et aux lecteurs par la même occasion) qu'ils sont attirés l'un par l'autre. Et dès le premier baiser, ils sont en amour par dessus la tête? Permettez-moi d'en douter... Toute cette histoire était superficielle de la première à la dernière page.
Ensuite, l'aspect de la télé-réalité a été très mal développé. Certains passages ne sont pas très clairs et on saute souvent du coq à l'âne. On s'attarde souvent sur des détails alors que les points plus importants sont totalement oubliés. Ça donne une histoire qui n'est pas fluide et qui manque beaucoup de profondeur.
En somme, même si le résumé donnait envie, le résultat à final n'était pas du tout à la hauteur de mes attentes. J'ai vraiment dû prendre sur moi pour lire ce roman jusqu'au bout . Je ne me suis pas attachée aux personnages et l'histoire d'amour ne m'a pas du tout emballée. Bref, c'est une lecture à oublier.
Merci à Interforum Éditis Canada pour l'envoi de ce roman !
June 16, 2015
This was okay. I know GoodReads says two stars is okay, but three seems more okay to me.
It got closer to what I want from a reality tv show book in that reality tv wasn't demonized and you got to see more of the behind the scenes stuff and a bit of the fame that goes along with it. But I still want more! I want more nitty-gritty details and more dealing with sudden fame.
With this book in particular, I also wanted more about what music and singing meant to the characters. Especially Magnolia. It was hard to buy she'd end up on this show when she was so ambivalent about singing. Did it mean ANYTHING to her? Apparently she is good at it??? But my only evidence for that is her making it on the show.
I also wish we got to know the other characters more. There were great little glimpses, but it wasn't enough.
But the biggest problem was the characters fell for each other so quickly that I didn't believe there was a solid enough foundation for them to get beyond the conflict.
It got closer to what I want from a reality tv show book in that reality tv wasn't demonized and you got to see more of the behind the scenes stuff and a bit of the fame that goes along with it. But I still want more! I want more nitty-gritty details and more dealing with sudden fame.
With this book in particular, I also wanted more about what music and singing meant to the characters. Especially Magnolia. It was hard to buy she'd end up on this show when she was so ambivalent about singing. Did it mean ANYTHING to her? Apparently she is good at it??? But my only evidence for that is her making it on the show.
I also wish we got to know the other characters more. There were great little glimpses, but it wasn't enough.
But the biggest problem was the characters fell for each other so quickly that I didn't believe there was a solid enough foundation for them to get beyond the conflict.
January 30, 2018
This book had to much that was to unbelievable, it should have been cataloged as a fantasy novel. The end was wrapped up with little information and wasn't particularly satisfying.
May 25, 2021
this one was ok. it was another classic case of the book would’ve been better if it was in one perspective. i liked ford’s perspective a lot but magnolia’s not so much. she was really boring. the romance and chapters were overall fine. the plot was interesting, but again it would have been better if it was just ford. it kept me captivated most of the time, but it was pretty slow at parts. it did have a cute ending though. so overall ok read!
December 24, 2015
Book overlap! In Ruby Reinvented, which I also read this week, Ruby pretends her parents are dead because she doesn't want to deal with the baggage that comes along with being related to them...and in Everybody Knows Your Name, Ford does the same thing for the same reason. (Also, in both cases the lie comes more or less accidentally.) Also, our heroine here is named Magnolia, and guess what I'm reading right now? That's right—Magnolia. File under Things That Please Me.
Erm. Right. I was pretty eager to read this one, considering that I find reality-TV books weirdly fascinating (more so than actual reality TV, most of the time) and I love the cover. And for a while I really loved the book, from Ford and Magnolia getting off on the wrong foot but promptly making amends (rather than going at each other's throats for weeks on end) to The Outsiders references.* I'm intrigued by Mila and by her relationship with her twin.** I'm curious about Magnolia's inability to brand herself as peppy despite the upbeat songs and clothing and hair. There's lots to like here.
But...somewhere along the line, I started to find myself more and more disenchanted. In a book about reality TV, I really, really wanted more of the details. What are the performances like? What are the other contestants like as performers? Honestly, Mila and Felicia's story could have been a book all its own (although I wouldn't have liked that, because it probably would have all come down to a boy, and I would have been cranky. Picky, picky, I know!). So could Jazz's. And...I don't know what to make of Ford's family. Or rather, I know they're not written to be likable, but cripes, could they be any more stereotypically redneck trash? I wanted more depth from the supporting cast, I guess. I do appreciate the way Magnolia's mother is portrayed—she could be made into a villain, but she's not; instead Magnolia pretty much accepts her the way she is.
High marks for potential but lost me somewhere in the middle. Interesting to note that Seigel's also the author of Like the Red Panda, though—read that as a teenager and it left an impression.
*"Dad's been in jail before, mom's been in jail before, siblings been in jail before..." He looked up at me. "Well, shit, it's like you came straight from The Outsiders."
"Something like that," I said. He told me we'd have to have a discussion later about whether I wanted to come off as a Ponyboy or a Johnny. (65)
**"...a couple of years ago they were going to do The New New Mickey Mouse Club. I learned how to do backflips for the audition. Felicia's personality is a double layout triple tuck whatever whatever that's followed by ten double pikes. So they cast her. I can't compete in a room." She shrugs to herself. (84)
Erm. Right. I was pretty eager to read this one, considering that I find reality-TV books weirdly fascinating (more so than actual reality TV, most of the time) and I love the cover. And for a while I really loved the book, from Ford and Magnolia getting off on the wrong foot but promptly making amends (rather than going at each other's throats for weeks on end) to The Outsiders references.* I'm intrigued by Mila and by her relationship with her twin.** I'm curious about Magnolia's inability to brand herself as peppy despite the upbeat songs and clothing and hair. There's lots to like here.
But...somewhere along the line, I started to find myself more and more disenchanted. In a book about reality TV, I really, really wanted more of the details. What are the performances like? What are the other contestants like as performers? Honestly, Mila and Felicia's story could have been a book all its own (although I wouldn't have liked that, because it probably would have all come down to a boy, and I would have been cranky. Picky, picky, I know!). So could Jazz's. And...I don't know what to make of Ford's family. Or rather, I know they're not written to be likable, but cripes, could they be any more stereotypically redneck trash? I wanted more depth from the supporting cast, I guess. I do appreciate the way Magnolia's mother is portrayed—she could be made into a villain, but she's not; instead Magnolia pretty much accepts her the way she is.
High marks for potential but lost me somewhere in the middle. Interesting to note that Seigel's also the author of Like the Red Panda, though—read that as a teenager and it left an impression.
*"Dad's been in jail before, mom's been in jail before, siblings been in jail before..." He looked up at me. "Well, shit, it's like you came straight from The Outsiders."
"Something like that," I said. He told me we'd have to have a discussion later about whether I wanted to come off as a Ponyboy or a Johnny. (65)
**"...a couple of years ago they were going to do The New New Mickey Mouse Club. I learned how to do backflips for the audition. Felicia's personality is a double layout triple tuck whatever whatever that's followed by ten double pikes. So they cast her. I can't compete in a room." She shrugs to herself. (84)
January 5, 2022
https://www.my-bo0ks.over-blog.com/20...
Je ne me souviens plus quand Les étoiles en moi est arrivé dans ma PAL. Je me souviens l'avoir acheté lors d'une virée à Gibert, bien décidée à le lire rapidement et... finalement j'ai repoussé sa lecture de plusieurs années. Mais comme on dit, mieux vaut tard que jamais.
Les étoiles en moi, c'est l'histoire de Magnolia et Ford. Deux jeunes que tout oppose, si ce n'est le chant. Alors qu'ils vont tout deux participer à la nouvelle téléréalité, leur rencontre va tout changer. Avec ses airs de Star Academy (bonjour le coup de vieux), Les étoiles en moi, avait tout pour me plaire sur le papier. Malheureusement, ça ne s'est pas passé comme prévu.
Tout d'abord, je n'ai pas tellement réussi à accrocher aux personnages. L'alternance des points de vue est une bonne idée et permet d'en apprendre plus sur nos deux héros. Ce qui est un point positif, mais je n'ai pour ma part, pas réussi à apprécier Magnolia ou Ford. Je ne saurais vraiment l'expliquer mais je les ai trouvé assez simplets et pas tellement intéressants. Il faut dire que les auteurs ne prennent pas le temps de développer suffisamment leurs caractères et leur propre histoire. Magnolia change d'avis comme de chemise et ne s'impose pas. Quant à Ford, il se laisse totalement avoir par sa famille... Je trouve qu'on passe rapidement à autre chose et notamment à la romance.
Le côté téléréalité est assez intéressant, dans le sens où on voit un peu l'envers du décor de toutes ces émissions surjouées et peu réalistes. Mais là encore, je trouve qu'on ne fait que rester en surface, sans aller plus loin dans le développement. C'est dommage car finalement c'est le sujet central de l'histoire et il n'est à mon sens pas assez exploité. Vient alors la romance. Je suis assez mitigée là aussi. Elle arrive rapidement et n'a pas su me convaincre. Comme je vous le disais, les auteurs ont de bonnes idées, mais l'accent n'est pas suffisamment mis sur les éléments intéressants et donc on a la sensation de passer à côté de la romance et des personnages.
Finalement, arrivée à la moitié du roman, j'ai décidé d'arrêter les pots cassés et ai abandonné ma lecture. Je reste très déçue de cette lecture avec laquelle j'étais persuadée de passer un bon moment. D'autant que pour un New Way, je suis habituée à voir aborder des sujets forts et ça manque clairement ici. La fin (que je suis allée lire, pour tenter de me donner envie) m'a paru sans queue ni tête et n'a fait que confirmer mon envie d'arrêter là.
En conclusion, Les étoiles en moi n'a pas su me convaincre. Un pitch prometteur mais des personnages trop plats et un manque d'approfondissement qui auront eu raison de moi. Enfin, je n'ai pas particulièrement accroché aux styles des auteurs ayant trouvé ma lecture peu fluide. Dommage, ça aurait pu être une bonne lecture pour l'été.
Je ne me souviens plus quand Les étoiles en moi est arrivé dans ma PAL. Je me souviens l'avoir acheté lors d'une virée à Gibert, bien décidée à le lire rapidement et... finalement j'ai repoussé sa lecture de plusieurs années. Mais comme on dit, mieux vaut tard que jamais.
Les étoiles en moi, c'est l'histoire de Magnolia et Ford. Deux jeunes que tout oppose, si ce n'est le chant. Alors qu'ils vont tout deux participer à la nouvelle téléréalité, leur rencontre va tout changer. Avec ses airs de Star Academy (bonjour le coup de vieux), Les étoiles en moi, avait tout pour me plaire sur le papier. Malheureusement, ça ne s'est pas passé comme prévu.
Tout d'abord, je n'ai pas tellement réussi à accrocher aux personnages. L'alternance des points de vue est une bonne idée et permet d'en apprendre plus sur nos deux héros. Ce qui est un point positif, mais je n'ai pour ma part, pas réussi à apprécier Magnolia ou Ford. Je ne saurais vraiment l'expliquer mais je les ai trouvé assez simplets et pas tellement intéressants. Il faut dire que les auteurs ne prennent pas le temps de développer suffisamment leurs caractères et leur propre histoire. Magnolia change d'avis comme de chemise et ne s'impose pas. Quant à Ford, il se laisse totalement avoir par sa famille... Je trouve qu'on passe rapidement à autre chose et notamment à la romance.
Le côté téléréalité est assez intéressant, dans le sens où on voit un peu l'envers du décor de toutes ces émissions surjouées et peu réalistes. Mais là encore, je trouve qu'on ne fait que rester en surface, sans aller plus loin dans le développement. C'est dommage car finalement c'est le sujet central de l'histoire et il n'est à mon sens pas assez exploité. Vient alors la romance. Je suis assez mitigée là aussi. Elle arrive rapidement et n'a pas su me convaincre. Comme je vous le disais, les auteurs ont de bonnes idées, mais l'accent n'est pas suffisamment mis sur les éléments intéressants et donc on a la sensation de passer à côté de la romance et des personnages.
Finalement, arrivée à la moitié du roman, j'ai décidé d'arrêter les pots cassés et ai abandonné ma lecture. Je reste très déçue de cette lecture avec laquelle j'étais persuadée de passer un bon moment. D'autant que pour un New Way, je suis habituée à voir aborder des sujets forts et ça manque clairement ici. La fin (que je suis allée lire, pour tenter de me donner envie) m'a paru sans queue ni tête et n'a fait que confirmer mon envie d'arrêter là.
En conclusion, Les étoiles en moi n'a pas su me convaincre. Un pitch prometteur mais des personnages trop plats et un manque d'approfondissement qui auront eu raison de moi. Enfin, je n'ai pas particulièrement accroché aux styles des auteurs ayant trouvé ma lecture peu fluide. Dommage, ça aurait pu être une bonne lecture pour l'été.
July 6, 2015
This book started out so promising. I loved the idea of it; getting glimpse into the world of Hollywood reality show. But I think it just skimmed the surface. Not only of the reality show theme, but just the entire book in general. It skimmed the surface of the TV show (there aren't many scenes of them performing or them preparing). It skimmed the surface of the romance (They're not together longer than they are). Because of this, there doesn't seem to be a plot, just a bunch of subsequent events. The characters feel like caricatures instead of real people. Everything was so exaggerated that it just seemed unreal. All their actions and conversations just seemed so fake and forced. The story just seemed to drag on and on. Very round about and not to the point.
I wish I liked this book more because I was so excited about it. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.
I wish I liked this book more because I was so excited about it. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.
June 29, 2015
I thought this would be a fun fictitious glimpse of a reality singing show, but in actual reality...the show seemed to bypass weeks and weeks with hardly a mention of what was going on or any details. Also, the characters felt like total strangers at the end, even the main two. And I didn't hugely love the ending.
October 17, 2015
Je suis vraiment mitigée. Le résumé nous dépeint une histoire d'amour en pleine télé-réalité: au final, on parle très peu de cette émission et la relation entre les deux personnages principaux est peu approfondie, comme leur caractère. Ce roman pourrait sans doute satisfaire des adolescents mais pas la jeune adulte que je suis...
December 8, 2015
I thought this book was going to be lame, but it was really funny and well written. The reality TV show angle didn't appeal to me, but it really worked with the theme of trying to start fresh and change people's opinions of you.
November 16, 2017
This book is a great example of something that is better on the screens than on pages. Honestly speaking, as a book, everything about Everybody Knows Your Name is average. Do not get me wrong, I kinda enjoyed the book when I was reading it but I just had the same thought while reading the whole book. All those while I just thought “this book would be better as a movie or TV show than a book”.
Read the full review @ Thoughts from 65.
Read the full review @ Thoughts from 65.
June 26, 2020
I like this book, but it took a while for me to really get invested in it. The first half of the book was slow, it took about 100 pages for it to start to get interesting, which is longer than I would’ve liked. Once I got past that slow beginning, however, I found myself wanting to keep on reading non stop. I also like endings that tie off a lot of loose ends, which I feel like this book didn’t really do. All-in-all, though, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.
March 12, 2021
This book was a nice change of pace from the darker, more intense books I have been reading lately. I really liked Magnolia, especially how she was so headstrong and would not let anyone stand in the way of her dreams and goals. I was not the biggest fan of Ford for most of the book; however, I did see him in a more positive light by the end. It was a cute storyline but wasn't one of my favorites. I am glad I read it, though.
December 12, 2017
I don't know what to think of this book. I did enjoy it, I thought the idea was intresting, and I got invested in this book, but I don't know how I feel about this one. The writing was good, the plot line was cute, everything was fine, but it just didn't grab me. I don't know, I think I'll have to read it again to actually form an opinion of it. hope I'll get around to it...
3.5 stars?
3.5 stars?
November 1, 2021
uh, honestly this book is quite ok
the ending was quite confusing, with , and then .
overall, i would rate it a 3/5 review
the ending was quite confusing, with , and then .
overall, i would rate it a 3/5 review
January 8, 2018
Another book for my famous shelf!
August 4, 2018
The plot was all over the place to say the least. The transition between scenes was awkward and there seemed to be holes in the plot. The ending was not very satisfying. The chemistry between Magnolia and Ford was pretty much non existent, so the romance seemed really forced. I think this book could have worked if it had gone through more editing to polish the plot.
June 7, 2015
http://blue-moon.fr/spip.php?article1...
Ce roman partait avec un handicap pour moi. L’histoire se déroule dans le milieu de la télé-réalité américaine, pas de quoi me passionner et si les deux auteurs sont de façon évidente très au courant de ce dont ils parlent, ce contexte ’na rien d’attirant pour moi. Ceci dit, le roman est réussi, pose quelques questions intéressantes même si on n’évite pas quelques platitudes et longueurs.
Le roman tient surtout grâce aux deux héros. Magnolia a été présentée par sa mère, à son insu, au casting d’une nouvelle émission sorte de mélange entre la star academy et d’autres émissions où les candidats sont enfermés dans une somptueuse maison. L’autre héros est aussi membre du casting. Ford a lui misé beaucoup dans cette émission. Issu d’un milieu très défavorisé et flanqué d’une famille genre dalton qui passe son temps en prison, il n’a que peu de chance d’échapper à la misère et à la justice. Magnolia et Ford vont se croiser, se remarquer et converger l’un vers l’autre au milieu du cirque c’est ce genre d’émission.
La romance est bien présente dans ce roman mais elle est à la limite, moins importante que l’a maturation des deux héros tous deux âgés de dix sept ans et en pleine recherche sur eux-mêmes. Magnolia aime chanter mais ne sait pas trop quoi faire de sa vie et Ford y voit plus une planche de salut qu’un métier. Les courts mois de l’émission serviront à trouver ce que chacun veut et cela est très bien vu, écrit de façon sensible et intelligente. Peu à peu, on se laisse émouvoir par ces deux adolescents qui tombent amoureux et s’affirment devant leur famille. Ils deviennent adultes avec un grand message certes assez classique qui dit que finalement rien n’est simple, ni manichéen dans la vie et que tout est dans la nuance. Si c’est banal c’est néanmoins vrai et la façon dont cela est démontré est intéressante.
Evidemment, les coulisses de ce genre d’émission sont très présentes avec là aussi un message facile à décoder : tout est factice et une histoire d’argent. Ces très jeunes gens lancées comme des savonnettes dans le monde des media deviennent des stars en quelques heures, aussi vite oubliées qu’elles sont apparues. Parmi les dix candidats, en dehors des héros, il y a d’autres spécimens qui ne sont pas sans rappeler d’autres étoiles filantes de la télé américaine et de la télé réalité. Ce contexte peut intéresser surtout qui’l y a fort à parier que les auteurs s’appuient sur des exemples véridiques. Cela induit aussi quelques longueurs car les stratégies diverses des producteurs pour capter plus de public et gonfler les audiences ne passionnent pas tout le monde.
Ce roman est donc plutôt une bonne surprise et même si vous êtes autant que moi rebutés par le milieu de la téléréalité, vous pourrez découvrir surtout les deux trajectoires de Magnolia et Ford, ils sont très attachants et illustrent bien les adolescents d’aujourd’hui, au moins, une partie d’entre eux, dans leur quête de maturité et de l’âge adulte.
Ce roman partait avec un handicap pour moi. L’histoire se déroule dans le milieu de la télé-réalité américaine, pas de quoi me passionner et si les deux auteurs sont de façon évidente très au courant de ce dont ils parlent, ce contexte ’na rien d’attirant pour moi. Ceci dit, le roman est réussi, pose quelques questions intéressantes même si on n’évite pas quelques platitudes et longueurs.
Le roman tient surtout grâce aux deux héros. Magnolia a été présentée par sa mère, à son insu, au casting d’une nouvelle émission sorte de mélange entre la star academy et d’autres émissions où les candidats sont enfermés dans une somptueuse maison. L’autre héros est aussi membre du casting. Ford a lui misé beaucoup dans cette émission. Issu d’un milieu très défavorisé et flanqué d’une famille genre dalton qui passe son temps en prison, il n’a que peu de chance d’échapper à la misère et à la justice. Magnolia et Ford vont se croiser, se remarquer et converger l’un vers l’autre au milieu du cirque c’est ce genre d’émission.
La romance est bien présente dans ce roman mais elle est à la limite, moins importante que l’a maturation des deux héros tous deux âgés de dix sept ans et en pleine recherche sur eux-mêmes. Magnolia aime chanter mais ne sait pas trop quoi faire de sa vie et Ford y voit plus une planche de salut qu’un métier. Les courts mois de l’émission serviront à trouver ce que chacun veut et cela est très bien vu, écrit de façon sensible et intelligente. Peu à peu, on se laisse émouvoir par ces deux adolescents qui tombent amoureux et s’affirment devant leur famille. Ils deviennent adultes avec un grand message certes assez classique qui dit que finalement rien n’est simple, ni manichéen dans la vie et que tout est dans la nuance. Si c’est banal c’est néanmoins vrai et la façon dont cela est démontré est intéressante.
Evidemment, les coulisses de ce genre d’émission sont très présentes avec là aussi un message facile à décoder : tout est factice et une histoire d’argent. Ces très jeunes gens lancées comme des savonnettes dans le monde des media deviennent des stars en quelques heures, aussi vite oubliées qu’elles sont apparues. Parmi les dix candidats, en dehors des héros, il y a d’autres spécimens qui ne sont pas sans rappeler d’autres étoiles filantes de la télé américaine et de la télé réalité. Ce contexte peut intéresser surtout qui’l y a fort à parier que les auteurs s’appuient sur des exemples véridiques. Cela induit aussi quelques longueurs car les stratégies diverses des producteurs pour capter plus de public et gonfler les audiences ne passionnent pas tout le monde.
Ce roman est donc plutôt une bonne surprise et même si vous êtes autant que moi rebutés par le milieu de la téléréalité, vous pourrez découvrir surtout les deux trajectoires de Magnolia et Ford, ils sont très attachants et illustrent bien les adolescents d’aujourd’hui, au moins, une partie d’entre eux, dans leur quête de maturité et de l’âge adulte.
June 10, 2019
Everybody Knows Your Name is about two very different characters, Magnolia and Ford, who enter a reality tv show singing competition. Although the concept sounded interesting and fun this book had a lot of flaws in it. I was really expecting more from this, which is why I gave it a 3/5.
My first complaint with this book is the characters. Both Magnolia and Ford do incredibly stupid things that annoyed me to no end. Ford lied to national television that his family was dead, and then had the nerve to be upset that Magnolia stopped talking to him afterwards. Magnolia thought she had bonded with Ford over having dead family members, so it makes sense that she would add a little distance to their relationship. However, this seems completely wild and unexpected to Ford. Rather than giving her a little space and then trying to talk to her he just tries talking with her right away. Ugh. Then there is Magnolia, one of ten people who were chosen to be on this show because of there singing yet she throws this all away. Magnolia doesn't want to be on the show anymore, so to be eliminated Magnolia dresses as the American Flag and even sits on one. I get not wanting to be on the show, but seriously how could this be the first idea the writers went to? No one with half a brain would do that. I found Magnolia rather whiny and Ford just another "troubled bad boy that needs fixing" character.
The entire show didn't seem well put together, like the authors didn't bother to research how tv production works. The show wasn't even that relevant in the book, like the characters hardly cared about the show. They never seemed nervous to perform, the hardly talked about their performances, and they hardly explore how this effects this. The entire story just focuses on the romance of Magnolia and Ford- which wasn't even good! The characters are sexually attracted and start making out around page 100. Although there is mention of their emotional depth (such as talking about Magnolia's dad) their entire relationship is just making out. Literally. They kiss a ton, the only difference is that they make out in different places.
Also there is a chapter in the story that covers police brutality, but it is done so poorly that it hurt. One of the police officers is brutal towards Ford, he pepper sprays Ford in his eyes and down his throat. Then he is taken in custody because his car has a broken tail light. This scene is just thrown in, and never thought about again! No one even bothers to report what actually happens. They just move on like this is an everyday thing.
The ending was very unsatisfying. We never get to know who won the competition, Magnolia and Ford's relationship is still as thick as paper, and the entire story feels like the first draft.
Although the story kept me entertained for the most part, it really wasn't a great book. There were tons of issues and things that are not well developed and written well. I was really hoping to enjoy this book, but here we are.
My first complaint with this book is the characters. Both Magnolia and Ford do incredibly stupid things that annoyed me to no end. Ford lied to national television that his family was dead, and then had the nerve to be upset that Magnolia stopped talking to him afterwards. Magnolia thought she had bonded with Ford over having dead family members, so it makes sense that she would add a little distance to their relationship. However, this seems completely wild and unexpected to Ford. Rather than giving her a little space and then trying to talk to her he just tries talking with her right away. Ugh. Then there is Magnolia, one of ten people who were chosen to be on this show because of there singing yet she throws this all away. Magnolia doesn't want to be on the show anymore, so to be eliminated Magnolia dresses as the American Flag and even sits on one. I get not wanting to be on the show, but seriously how could this be the first idea the writers went to? No one with half a brain would do that. I found Magnolia rather whiny and Ford just another "troubled bad boy that needs fixing" character.
The entire show didn't seem well put together, like the authors didn't bother to research how tv production works. The show wasn't even that relevant in the book, like the characters hardly cared about the show. They never seemed nervous to perform, the hardly talked about their performances, and they hardly explore how this effects this. The entire story just focuses on the romance of Magnolia and Ford- which wasn't even good! The characters are sexually attracted and start making out around page 100. Although there is mention of their emotional depth (such as talking about Magnolia's dad) their entire relationship is just making out. Literally. They kiss a ton, the only difference is that they make out in different places.
Also there is a chapter in the story that covers police brutality, but it is done so poorly that it hurt. One of the police officers is brutal towards Ford, he pepper sprays Ford in his eyes and down his throat. Then he is taken in custody because his car has a broken tail light. This scene is just thrown in, and never thought about again! No one even bothers to report what actually happens. They just move on like this is an everyday thing.
The ending was very unsatisfying. We never get to know who won the competition, Magnolia and Ford's relationship is still as thick as paper, and the entire story feels like the first draft.
Although the story kept me entertained for the most part, it really wasn't a great book. There were tons of issues and things that are not well developed and written well. I was really hoping to enjoy this book, but here we are.
August 9, 2015
When Magnolia is cast in Spotlight, a reality TV singing competition, all she wants to do is reinvent herself. With a failed romance and a neurotic mother on her hands, she just wants to escape her everyday life. Then there’s Ford, who also wants to reinvent himself, but for totally different reasons. With half of his crazy family in jail and a questionable past, he’s looking for a way out towards a better life. When Magnolia and Ford meet, the attraction is immediate, and as they live together in a Hollywood Hills mansion, they fall in love. But things get complicated with every moment of their lives broadcast for America to see, and their pasts soon come to haunt them. Can the two teens make love last?
This light, romantic comedy was a fun escape and a great look into the wild world of reality television. I loved that we got to see how the pressures of living in the spotlight affected these two teens, who are simply trying to overcome their checkered pasts. I enjoyed the relationship between Magnolia and her mother as well. She is a minor, after all, and I loved that her relationship with her overbearing mother was front and center and not brushed under the rug. Magnolia wants to reinvent herself, but she also wants to make her mother proud, and there’s a great dynamic there.
The romance between Ford and Magnolia unfolded at a nice pace and never felt rushed or forced. The two teens are sweet together, and I loved the conflict that pushes them apart.
The only real criticism I have for this book is that I would have liked to have seen more about the reality competition itself. We do get some scenes featuring the various cast members rehearsing and preparing for the show, plus some awesome moments during the show itself, but I found these so interesting that I was left wanting more. I felt like these sections of the book could have been expanded upon, giving the reader an even more intimate look into the behind the scenes of being on a reality show.
Overall, this book is lighthearted and easy reading, with compelling main characters that readers will love to root for. It is a fascinating behind the scenes look at what goes on in the world of reality television, from the forced backstories of the various cast members, to the complications of actual romance on the show.
This light, romantic comedy was a fun escape and a great look into the wild world of reality television. I loved that we got to see how the pressures of living in the spotlight affected these two teens, who are simply trying to overcome their checkered pasts. I enjoyed the relationship between Magnolia and her mother as well. She is a minor, after all, and I loved that her relationship with her overbearing mother was front and center and not brushed under the rug. Magnolia wants to reinvent herself, but she also wants to make her mother proud, and there’s a great dynamic there.
The romance between Ford and Magnolia unfolded at a nice pace and never felt rushed or forced. The two teens are sweet together, and I loved the conflict that pushes them apart.
The only real criticism I have for this book is that I would have liked to have seen more about the reality competition itself. We do get some scenes featuring the various cast members rehearsing and preparing for the show, plus some awesome moments during the show itself, but I found these so interesting that I was left wanting more. I felt like these sections of the book could have been expanded upon, giving the reader an even more intimate look into the behind the scenes of being on a reality show.
Overall, this book is lighthearted and easy reading, with compelling main characters that readers will love to root for. It is a fascinating behind the scenes look at what goes on in the world of reality television, from the forced backstories of the various cast members, to the complications of actual romance on the show.
March 23, 2015
You can read this review and more on my blog, Caught Read Handed.
Everybody Knows Your Name is essentially about two people who are contestants on a reality show that is basically a mix between American Idol and The Real World, which is more interesting than it sounds, promise.
But that’s not all (or even most) of what this book is about. Rather than giving all of its attention to the reality TV/faux celebrity aspect, this book focuses on real-life developments and the self-discovery that can happen when you’re in the spotlight. Everybody Knows Your Name is way more introspective, thoughtful, and relatable than I was expecting of a book that could easily have been filled with childish, petty, celebrity drama. I was really impressed with it.
The characters are well-developed and distinctive, even the minor characters felt like someone I could run into somewhere out in the real world. Well, some of them were only ones you’d come across in Hollywood, which isn’t necessarily the realest place. Magnolia and Ford, our main characters, were relatable and I found myself really liking Magnolia for her desire to be exactly who she is and no one else. The romance was pretty much instalove, which you guys know I despise, but it didn’t bother me as much for some reason.
One thing I think was missing from the book was a little more from the reality show – I wanted to see how they felt on stage during eliminations and performances. I wanted to see a few more of those performances, even just a few lines about what the minor characters were like on stage. I think a lot of the book just kind of gleamed over all of that, which felt like a strange thing to take out. However, the focus on what it’s like in reality TV and the way that people can obsess with any kind of “celebrity” was so so true.
The bottom line: Everybody Knows Your Name is way more deep and thoughtful than I was expecting, but in the best way. I loved getting to know these characters and I was rooting for them both on the show and in the way they were changing. I liked the open ending (for the most part) and the appendixes really added to the story. This book is perfect for fans of reality television and realistic characters.
Everybody Knows Your Name is essentially about two people who are contestants on a reality show that is basically a mix between American Idol and The Real World, which is more interesting than it sounds, promise.
But that’s not all (or even most) of what this book is about. Rather than giving all of its attention to the reality TV/faux celebrity aspect, this book focuses on real-life developments and the self-discovery that can happen when you’re in the spotlight. Everybody Knows Your Name is way more introspective, thoughtful, and relatable than I was expecting of a book that could easily have been filled with childish, petty, celebrity drama. I was really impressed with it.
The characters are well-developed and distinctive, even the minor characters felt like someone I could run into somewhere out in the real world. Well, some of them were only ones you’d come across in Hollywood, which isn’t necessarily the realest place. Magnolia and Ford, our main characters, were relatable and I found myself really liking Magnolia for her desire to be exactly who she is and no one else. The romance was pretty much instalove, which you guys know I despise, but it didn’t bother me as much for some reason.
One thing I think was missing from the book was a little more from the reality show – I wanted to see how they felt on stage during eliminations and performances. I wanted to see a few more of those performances, even just a few lines about what the minor characters were like on stage. I think a lot of the book just kind of gleamed over all of that, which felt like a strange thing to take out. However, the focus on what it’s like in reality TV and the way that people can obsess with any kind of “celebrity” was so so true.
The bottom line: Everybody Knows Your Name is way more deep and thoughtful than I was expecting, but in the best way. I loved getting to know these characters and I was rooting for them both on the show and in the way they were changing. I liked the open ending (for the most part) and the appendixes really added to the story. This book is perfect for fans of reality television and realistic characters.
November 12, 2021
This one was really good! I love books like these: two people from very different backgrounds somehow meet and fall in love but there's all this drama and they don't know how to handle it. There were definitely cliches, but cliches are cliches for a reason and they can be done really well.
I loved both Ford and Magnolia's characters. Magnolia was very relatable to me, and Ford was not, but I still loved him. I understood them both. The whole televised singing competition was interesting to read about, and it really reminds you that everyone you see on TV are just people, not that different from anyone else. I also liked some of the other contestants, though we didn't get a whole lot of them. I wish we did, and that we got to feel more of the competition. Don't get me wrong, I love reading about the romance and drama between Ford and Magnolia, but it was so focused on them that I sometimes forgot they were also on a televised singing competition. I didn't feel the pressure they were probably feeling, so I wish we got to see more of that. But on the other hand, since the book was so focused on developing Ford and Magnolia, I really got to see their personality grow and change, and I got a good sense of who they were. They felt so real, which is always a good thing.
The other characters whose personalities I really understood, even if I didn't like them, were Magnolia's mom, ex-boyfriend, and most of Ford's family. I couldn't really get a handle on his sister's personality, but it also felt like Ford didn't fully understand her either. She's his sister and he loves her and she just kinda does whatever she wants is what I got from her. Magnolia's mom really pissed me off, and honestly, her ex was a little annoying too. I felt like neither of them really tried to understand Magnolia, which is kind of a shame since they were like, her entire life.
Overall, I just really loved this book. It's been sitting on my shelf for who knows how long, and I'm glad I finally got the chance to read it.
I loved both Ford and Magnolia's characters. Magnolia was very relatable to me, and Ford was not, but I still loved him. I understood them both. The whole televised singing competition was interesting to read about, and it really reminds you that everyone you see on TV are just people, not that different from anyone else. I also liked some of the other contestants, though we didn't get a whole lot of them. I wish we did, and that we got to feel more of the competition. Don't get me wrong, I love reading about the romance and drama between Ford and Magnolia, but it was so focused on them that I sometimes forgot they were also on a televised singing competition. I didn't feel the pressure they were probably feeling, so I wish we got to see more of that. But on the other hand, since the book was so focused on developing Ford and Magnolia, I really got to see their personality grow and change, and I got a good sense of who they were. They felt so real, which is always a good thing.
The other characters whose personalities I really understood, even if I didn't like them, were Magnolia's mom, ex-boyfriend, and most of Ford's family. I couldn't really get a handle on his sister's personality, but it also felt like Ford didn't fully understand her either. She's his sister and he loves her and she just kinda does whatever she wants is what I got from her. Magnolia's mom really pissed me off, and honestly, her ex was a little annoying too. I felt like neither of them really tried to understand Magnolia, which is kind of a shame since they were like, her entire life.
Overall, I just really loved this book. It's been sitting on my shelf for who knows how long, and I'm glad I finally got the chance to read it.
May 19, 2015
Not a big fan. Too much insta-love, too much annoying teenage angst, and too little plot/character development. As in, I feel like the characters didn't grow AT ALL.
I know this book was supposed to be funny, but it really wasn't. Some built-in humour just got a little awkward.
The parenting was terrible, and I could hardly believe it to be real. The Buckleys were shocking, and I don't know how people are able to get away with that kind of lifestyle. Is that really possible? And Magnolia's mother was pitiful.
We barely got anything from the show. I'll admit, those reality competitions are my guilty pleasure. But there was no Spotlight-related suspense, because Magnolia barely cared about it and Ford had way too many curveballs thrown at him. As Stacey said, what kind of singing competition was this? They barely focused on the singing at all. I wanted to hear about arduous hours spent singing, practicing, dancing, etc. Find out about brutal routines and difficulty picking songs. I didn't want to hear about all the drama surrounding them!
I guess this book just wasn't what I was hoping for.
I know this book was supposed to be funny, but it really wasn't. Some built-in humour just got a little awkward.
The parenting was terrible, and I could hardly believe it to be real. The Buckleys were shocking, and I don't know how people are able to get away with that kind of lifestyle. Is that really possible? And Magnolia's mother was pitiful.
We barely got anything from the show. I'll admit, those reality competitions are my guilty pleasure. But there was no Spotlight-related suspense, because Magnolia barely cared about it and Ford had way too many curveballs thrown at him. As Stacey said, what kind of singing competition was this? They barely focused on the singing at all. I wanted to hear about arduous hours spent singing, practicing, dancing, etc. Find out about brutal routines and difficulty picking songs. I didn't want to hear about all the drama surrounding them!
I guess this book just wasn't what I was hoping for.
August 10, 2015
from James:
Would have gone 3.5 stars, but alas! Thwarted by Goodreads.
I'm not this book's intended audience, but I'm always drawn to books that have pop music as a conceit. Unfortunately, this book didn't really go in the same direction as other YA novels by John Green or Rainbow Rowell. In fact, it reminded me instead of Suzzy Roche's Wayward Saints (a lot actually).
What did keep interest in this book, though was the premise of getting in the cast of an American Idol-type talent show. I'm not afraid to admit that I got sucked into that show's first season way back in 2002, almost before any current teens reading this book were even born (YiKES)! Some of this book's behind the scenes seemed totally plausible.
I enjoyed the book through the various pitfalls until it started to feel too much like a standard romance ready for a screenplay: boy meets girl, boy does something stupid, relationship in doubt, all's well that end's well. It's a formula that works, if that's what you're looking for. If you're looking for a touch more, try Roche's book. And if, like me, you can't get enough pop music references in music, go further with Nick Hornby.
Would have gone 3.5 stars, but alas! Thwarted by Goodreads.
I'm not this book's intended audience, but I'm always drawn to books that have pop music as a conceit. Unfortunately, this book didn't really go in the same direction as other YA novels by John Green or Rainbow Rowell. In fact, it reminded me instead of Suzzy Roche's Wayward Saints (a lot actually).
What did keep interest in this book, though was the premise of getting in the cast of an American Idol-type talent show. I'm not afraid to admit that I got sucked into that show's first season way back in 2002, almost before any current teens reading this book were even born (YiKES)! Some of this book's behind the scenes seemed totally plausible.
I enjoyed the book through the various pitfalls until it started to feel too much like a standard romance ready for a screenplay: boy meets girl, boy does something stupid, relationship in doubt, all's well that end's well. It's a formula that works, if that's what you're looking for. If you're looking for a touch more, try Roche's book. And if, like me, you can't get enough pop music references in music, go further with Nick Hornby.
November 11, 2016
This was a really solid read. I purchased it a few years back because I liked the cover and I couldn't stop singing "Where Everybody Knows Your Name." (As in, the Cheers theme song.)
I always love books about reality TV, and I about so always love books with more than one POV, and this had both. I get an absolute kick out of the fact that this was written by a couple- that's always the best.
Anyway, I really liked this. The banter between Ford and Magnolia when they first meet and even after was hilarious! There were quite a few funny moments. But also, things got serious a few times, and even though being on a singing competition isn't such a common experience, the problems everyone had were pretty grassroot, if that makes sense.
I also really, really liked the ending. It was a whirlwind last few chapters, and if was great.
I always love books about reality TV, and I about so always love books with more than one POV, and this had both. I get an absolute kick out of the fact that this was written by a couple- that's always the best.
Anyway, I really liked this. The banter between Ford and Magnolia when they first meet and even after was hilarious! There were quite a few funny moments. But also, things got serious a few times, and even though being on a singing competition isn't such a common experience, the problems everyone had were pretty grassroot, if that makes sense.
I also really, really liked the ending. It was a whirlwind last few chapters, and if was great.
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