Unscripted Joss Byrd

by Lygia Day Peñaflor

Hollywood critics agree. Joss Byrd is "fiercely emotional," a young actress with "complete conviction," and a "powerhouse."

Joss Byrd is America's most celebrated young actress, but on the set of her latest project, a gritty indie film called The Locals, Joss's life is far from glamorous. While struggling with her mother's expectations, a crush on her movie brother, and a secret that could end her career, Joss must pull off a performance worthy of a star. When her renowned, charismatic director demands more than she is ready to deliver, Joss must go off-script to stay true to herself.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Middle Grade, Romance, Young Adult Contemporary

Unknown Binding

First published August 23, 2016

About the author

Lygia Day Peñaflor is the critically acclaimed author of BEAUTIFUL TO SEE YOU (AGAIN), CREEP: A LOVE STORY, ALL OF THIS IS TRUE, and UNSCRIPTED JOSS BYRD. Her novels have been published around the world in over a dozen languages.

She also teaches young Hollywood actors on TV and film sets. Her students have included cast members of GOSSIP GIRL, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, and Spielberg's WEST SIDE STORY.

Lygia lives with her husband on Long Island. She rides horses and flies from a trapeze. Follow her on Instagram @lygiaday.

Reviews

[Laurie Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a fascination with actors. The roles they play, their processes, their lives on and off screen. So when I first heard about UNSCRIPTED JOSS BYRD, I was incredibly excited to start reading. A glimpse into the life of a young actress trying to leave her mark on Hollywood? Yes, please.

In UNSCRIPTED JOSS BYRD, the titular character, Joss, is a twelve-year-old actress who has been praised for her movie roles thus far. But on the set of her most recent movie, The Locals, she struggles with script changes, jealousy, a director who is less than honest, difficult scenes, and her difficult mother. From the outside, Joss has it all. She has a promising career and she's still cute enough to get "kid" roles. But being in Joss's head is a different story. She grapples with playing a character based on a real person who doesn't want her story being told, and feelings of inadequacy-- that she's not smart enough, not pretty enough, not enough. She desperately wants to do the right thing. But is what's right for her right for everyone else-- her mother, her director, her costars?

Joss's voice is absolutely, stunningly real. She's young and inexperienced, but also older than her years. She wants a movie career, but is terrified on a daily basis that she's going to forget her lines. She's afraid her career will end when she hits puberty. At times, she's a mess of contradictions. She's hopeful and confident and scared and insecure. My heart went out to her. I wanted to hug her and tell her everything was going to be okay. But that's the point-- there's no guarantee everything will be okay, especially in the movie industry, when longevity only befalls the lucky ones. There's luck and there's hard work, and Joss is no stranger to either.

UNSCRIPTED JOSS BYRD is deep. It's an honest, unflinching look at the underbelly of Hollywood life from the eyes of a girl trying to make what she has last as long as she can, while simultaneously living in fear of what comes next. I love how Lygia Day Penaflor is unafraid of showing the gritty reality under the sparkling surface. This is a book that will make me think twice the next time I open a magazine and see the beautiful celebrities within. Because all that glitters really isn't gold.

[The Candid Cover (Olivia & Lori) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Review on The Candid Cover

As a big fan of acting books, I was very excited when I received a copy of Unscripted Joss Byrd. This book really takes you behind the scenes of a movie set with Joss, a talented main character who is so sweet. I still really enjoyed this book, but I feel like it would be better suited for a younger audience, since the main character is 12.

Unscripted Joss Byrd is an acting book, which I loved. I haven't read too many of these, but I feel like every time I pick one up, I really enjoy it. Something about learning about the behind the scenes work that goes into making a movie is really interesting for me. What I found really intriguing was the fact that the author actually teaches child actors. It's nice knowing that the book is factually accurate. This books shows the reader what it's like to be on the set of a movie and literally holds nothing back.

Joss is such an original main character! She is clever and talented, but also a child actor. I felt so bad for her because her mom is so rude and keeps all the money Joss makes from her movies for herself. Joss also has a big secret that is pretty difficult to hide, making her career so much more difficult. Joss's ability to stay calm and be so sweet even though others don't necessarily treat her that way is admirable and made me appreciate her so much more.

Though I enjoyed this book, I feel like it would be better for a younger audience. Joss is actually 12, which was kind of unappealing for me. However, she does have a very mature voice and honestly could pass for a teen. There's also no romance in Unscripted Joss Byrd, unless you count Joss's crush on another actor. There are some more mature themes in the book, though, making it kind of hard to put an age on it. I would say that a 12 or 13 year old would probably enjoy this book more.

Unscripted Joss Byrd is a book all about acting and contains a compassionate main character. While I still enjoyed reading the book, I would say that a younger audience would connect more to the story. I would still recommend this if you're fine with the young age of the main character.

[Victoria Coe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a character! What a story! Joss Byrd is a rising young film star with loads of natural talent, a desperate need to work, and a secret. While on location of her latest movie, she panics over the script - that changes daily - until the plot thickens off-screen and she's faced with the biggest decision of her career. UNSCRIPTED JOSS BYRD is a story of family, friendships, and Hollywood, and most importantly, a fresh, lovable character who finds a way to be true to herself. Highly recommend!

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Margot Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was twelve, I had the misfortune of wanting to be an actress. I took drama classes with adults and had some strange (and occasionally sketchy) experiences with theater people. Lucky for me, perhaps, I wasn't good enough to make it in the biz. But now, thanks to this absorbing novel, I have a window into the lives of those child stars I used to envy.

This is not a Hollywood wish-fulfillment novel. Joss is a twelve-year-old actor who has been to the Oscars, but her life is anything but glamorous, and her media acclaim doesn't translate into riches or excitement. She's worked her butt off to be where she is — and continues to do so every day. At the same time, she must grapple with the moods of an unstable stage mom who is, in many ways, less mature and more star-struck than her daughter.

Joss narrates in a matter-of-fact, unjudgmental style that reminded me of vintage Judy Blume. She's older than her years, with more responsibilities than many present-day teenagers take on. (Because her life is anything but sheltered, I think teens will identify with Joss despite her age.) Yet she still has a youthful enthusiasm and frankness that make her endearing.

We've all seen the salacious tabloid exposés on misbehaving former child stars, or the embarrassing photos of washed-up ones whose fame is behind them. I don't think anyone who reads this book will ever be able to see that kind of media coverage again without feeling dirty, and perhaps angry. Unscripted Joss Byrd tells us a lot about the pressures on young performers and why they do indeed sometimes flame out in spectacular fashion. And it makes us root for Joss to be one of the ones who make it to a healthy adulthood.

I read this book as part of an ARC tour.

[Neil Franz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what to say. Anyway, review to come.

[Kathleen Glasgow · Rating 5 out of 5]

UNSCRIPTED JOSS BYRD is a compelling (and often humorous) behind-the-scenes look at the life of an up and coming young Hollywood star. Joss Byrd is a whip-smart, engaging young girl with a secret (no spoilers, here!) and talent to burn. Led by her powerhouse stage mom, Viva, Joss is a star on the rise, filming a movie with the legendary director Terence Rivenbach. I can't tell you anymore than that--to do so would ruin Lygia Day Penaflor's crafty, spunky plot--full of Hollywood lore, tales, and travails. Suffice to say that this book doesn't skirt the issue of the dangers facing young kids in the limelight (Penaflor examines this for both male and female stars) and the ways in which they can be consumed by the system. Above all, this novel is a rollicking, fast-paced, and at a times, heartbreaking story of a girl on the rise--and what she must do to stay true to herself.Unscripted Joss Byrd

[Jasmine Pearl Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I would like to thank Lygia Day Peñaflor for sending me an ARC of this book.

This doesn’t affect nor influence my review.*

Here’s a backstory for you…

Last year, while I was scrolling my twitter timeline, I ended up following Lygia (@lygiaday). First impression? I was quite sure that she’s a Filipina or at least Asian. Also, her surname is the same with my closest friend’s surname. Coincidence? I bet not. I also knew that her book would come out this August because I did some stalking. There’s this program for bloggers where we should write a letter for one author and guess who I’ve written to? Yup, I wrote her a letter. To my surprise, she told me that THAT letter was her first fan mail or something. On the 22nd of November 2015, she sent me an email. That was one of the most unforgettable emails that I’ve received in my entire life. And it all came down to this PH blog tour. Lygia, you don’t know how much this tour helped me. Thank you for being so wonderful. I can’t wait for Joss to be officially out in the wild!

Here’s a recap before I proceed with my review. These awesome bloggers were also on board for the PH tour. Again, thank you with all my heart! You guys are the best.

Fay of Bibliophile Soprano
JM of Book Freak Revelations
Raffy of Eccentric Everything
Nicka of Read by Nicka
Nikka of Paper & Trees
Inah of The Bibliophile Confessions

“This book was amazingly crafted and written. Each chapter left me in awe. The realistic element of this book was on point. Thumbs and toes up for Lygia!”

Joss Byrd is a very rare name. I’ve never heard something like this before until now. The thing I really liked about this book was its realistic plot. It doesn’t mean that if you’re a celebrity, your life is perfect. The conflict between Joss and her mother made me love this book. Weird? NOPE. Also, the way Joss handled the situation was a plus point for me. Just remember, if there are some people who will let you down at the peak of your success, there are still those who will support you to grow further.

I cannot think of the right words to fully describe this one. It was indeed a roller coaster of feelings. I was in awe, in shock, everything…. Lygia needs to write more books because she is really talented. I’m so happy for you, Lygia! Thanks for bringing Joss here in the PH.

Bookworms, this book comes out on the 23rd of August and you need to pre-order it ASAP.

Actual Rating: 4.5 stars

[Tehlor Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

(disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. my opinions are all mine :))

Wow. What an incredible achievement.

I didn't quite know what to expect when I jumped into Joss's world. I had expected something full of drama, celebrity teens and their love lives on set.

Boy, was I underestimating this book.

Unscripted Joss Byrd was beautiful, poignant, sad, and triumphant. The main character was absolutely fierce, relatable while still feeling like she could stand up off the page and sit down beside you at any moment. Her story was (in my uneducated opinion) a realistic look inside what it means to be a child actor, the struggle of being expected to be a professional while still largely being denied control over your own life.

While I loved everything about this book, the most vivid part for me was the flawed, yet beautiful relationship between Joss and her mom, Viva. I'm not sure I've ever seen the complex nature of the mother-daughter experience so perfectly captured. The dawning realization that your parents have flaws, the anger when those flaws come into conflict with your growing sense of yourself and what you want out of the world - but underneath it all, the fierce love and devotion that wins out even in the hardest times. So well done. Just, wow.

The other thing I loved about this book was the fact that - while it was a very relatable and enjoyable read for me - it reads as a book that was absolutely written FOR teens, and not just for their market demographic. This book is a love letter to what's temporal and fleeting and solar-bright about those years, and that was deeply refreshing to me.

5/5 enthusiastic stars for this one, will definitely be recommending it.

[Cori Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars

I have mixed feeling about this one. I had never heard of it before, but ended up buying it after filming a silly video for our YouTube channel in the YA section of Chapters (coming soon!)

The main character is 12, which isn't something I've experienced in YA before. I can definitely understand why it isn't marketed as Middle Grade, as a lot of the topics covered are a little more grown up (for example, our main character is a child actor, and her mother has an affair with the director of the movie they're currently filming.) That said, it definitely felt like something was missing.

I feel the writing itself was decent, but overall I felt like I didn't quite get the full picture. The ending was lacklustre.

[Dani (Dani Reviews Things) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimers:
- I received an ARC copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my rating nor the content of my review.
- This book may be triggering to some people. It contains cheating and references to child and sexual abuse.

Joss Byrd started acting at the age of 6 thanks to her mother promising her a day off school to go to an audition. From that day on, Joss worked and worked, determined to stay out of school and do what her mom wanted, all the while hiding a secret about herself that made being an actress a lot harder. She has dyslexia.

From the beginning, I straight up HATED Joss’ mom, Viva. SHE pushed Joss into acting and then acted like she’d given up so much for her. If this is what the parents of child stars are like, no wonder they go off the rails. In fact, my hatred was so extreme that I couldn’t actually enjoy the book. I just felt uncomfortable the whole time. I almost gave up numerous times, the strongest urge being at the halfway point where Joss walks in on her mother sleeping with her married director. And I still hated her at the end. So much.

I feel like it should have been clearer before I started the book that it was about a 12-year-old. The heaviness of the book makes it possibly not suited for MG, and younger readers might actually find it boring. Because of that, I can see why it was slotted into the YA range. At the same time, not all YA readers will want to read about 12-year-olds, especially without warning. I imagine the publishers found this a very difficult book to position in the market.

I’m not going to lie; I felt weird reading this one because I went in expecting a YA with some romance. I also expected something lighter. This book was HEAVY. And with a 12-year-old main character, romance would feel wrong. It didn’t help that Joss came across as 15/16 at times. In fact, it would have maybe helped if she was 15/16.

The end was… I don’t know. It was depressing. I think it was framed to be happy enough, but I just felt sad and angry at the end. I guess the point was that it was real?

Ultimately, I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I knew from the beginning the following things:
- This is not a light contemporary. It’s heavy and real and dark. The point is to show what life is like on set for child actors.
- Joss is 12.
- There is no romance. I’m not even going to hide that. There is a crush, but there is really no romance, and it’s not the point of the book.

But because I went in under false pretences and never quite recovered from the shock of realising the book was not what I was expecting and was, in fact, a lot darker than I was looking for, I have to say I’m not sure I’m happy I’ve read it now. I’m just frustrated.

Did I say the end was depressing? Yeah. I’m left feeling frustrated and depressed and need to read something more satisfying and cheery now.

[Rebecca]

Having an interest in acting, I was very excited to read this. There are cute YAs that feature acting and film sets that focus on glamour, fame and cute co-stars, but I loved the gutsy realistic vibe I got from this one. It certainly delivered in that aspect, but disappointed me in others. Probably because I went it thinking it was something, when it was someone else entirely. See, I imagined this was going to be about a young girl who has a passion for acting and the ups and downs she goes through. When in fact, it's her mother, Vida, who pushes her into these acting roles to make them money and to get out of debt and understandably, Joss is far from happy about it. Of course, those are two completely different premises, so there's reason behind my disappointment.

First off, I also wasn't expecting such a young MC - Joss is 12 . There are some mature scenes, which I think best for older readers, but overall it wavered towards reading more like a Middle-grade for me. I struggled through the first half, and must admit I skimmed in parts, trying to become more invested and hoping it would pick up. For a 224 page book, I expected pacing to be tighter, but thankfully the second half was stronger, as Joss finds her footing and inner strength.

It was an enlightening read in that it focuses on the struggles and pressure that come with being a young actor, something that isn't touched on because likely it's assumed people who want to act, want to be there, when what if that's not the case at all?

Overall, it was realistic, which is always a plus in book - especially Vida's pressure on her daughter and the ending - but I didn't love it like I'd hoped.

[Hazel (Stay Bookish) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one heck of an unflinching story and I really applaud Lygia for writing it. Joss Byrd's narrative as well as the portrayal of acting and flawed mother/daughter relationships were gritty and realistic. The story read like an equivalent of an indie film. However, I personally wasn't fond of the flashbacks and feel like some themes and characters could've been explored better. But would I recommend it? Yes! Because this book isn't what you expect it to be. It's not about the drama or romance or glamor of Hollywood. It's about life, unscripted.

[Janet McNally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book. I loved Joss's voice, and found it completely compelling and real. Joss is only twelve, but like a lot of young actors, she's mature beyond her age. Still, when she was faced with the puzzling and hurtful behavior of the adults around her, we're reminded that she's a kid, and this broke my heart. Lovely writing and a fresh, vivid look at a fascinating world.

[Ruth Lehrer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh, interesting take on a young actor in Hollywood. The voice of Joss Byrd will stick with me for a long time. I'd love to see them turn this book into a movie!

[Ashley Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unflinching look at a Hollywood kid, this book is heart wrenching, empowering, and beautiful!

[Bridget Hodder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A standout!

It's no surprise that the author of UNSCRIPTED JOSS BYRD has spent years working in the movie business and knows her way around stars, sets and scripts. Because this book lifts the veil of false glamour that's so carefully draped over the harsh realities of what it actually means to be a "child star". But not in a gritty way, or a simplistic one. This book is delicately balanced and told in a true, clear voice.

The story takes us through the final days of a movie shoot, and into the world of
Joss Byrd, a talented twelve-year-old actress who somehow manages to rise above the harsh lessons life keeps teaching her. Time and again, she's used by the adults around her for profit or as an emotional prop, but she hangs on to her sense of self and keeps going.

Joss holds herself apart from the other kids on set (including the very interesting 14-year-old guy who plays her older brother in the film) in order to keep her secret: she's dyslexic, and has terrible trouble memorizing scripts and dealing with last-minute changes in her lines. Her single mother, Viva, has manipulated Joss by subtly disability-shaming her, to keep her obedient and stuck working nonstop at acting in order to keep them financially afloat. (Shockingly, we learn that the parent of a child actor can keep all but 15% of that child's earnings. And guess what Joss's infuriating mom has done with all Joss's pay so far? Yup.) The character of Viva in this book made me glad that I'm not the kind of person who would hunt someone's mother down and beat the crap out of her. (And I'm lucky Viva is fictional, so even if I were tempted, I couldn't.) Can you tell how real these characters became to me as I read this? Not a single one is over-drawn or stereotyped. For example, Viva didn't blow all Joss's money on champagne and the high life; she lost it in a lame-ass investment scheme that anyone with half a brain would have known was doomed from the start.

The author manages to withhold judgment on this and a host of other strange, Hollywood-specific behaviors, letting us make the judgments ourselves. There is plenty of dramatic material in this book, but the author doesn't dramatize it: a nuanced difference that's key to what makes the story shine so brightly. And shine it does.

Slowly, Joss comes to some empowering realizations over the course of the novel. She takes realistic action--circumscribed by her age and her inherent niceness--that lets the reader know Joss is going to make it. She's going to be more than all right; she's going to grow out of the people around her and triumph in life.

A fast-paced, immersive read with a protagonist you can love and root for! I highly recommend it for Upper Middle Grade through Young Adult. (14 and up)

[Casey Lyall · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There's nothing brighter than what might be ahead-" UNSCRIPTED JOSS BYRD

Movies, like many things in life, look like an exciting adventure until you dig a little deeper to reveal the complicated dynamics required to make them work. UNSCRIPTED JOSS BYRD takes the reader behind the scenes of a movie set, revealing all of the drama, excitement, tension, sweat and tears a production has to offer.

Joss Byrd and her mother, Viva, have been hard at work on her film career for the past six years. They're building a new life on the foundation of Viva's ambition and Joss' talent.

"The Locals", Joss' latest film, is providing her with a number of new opportunities: the chance to work with other young actors, surfing lessons, and a possible visit to a lighthouse. But it's the unexpected experiences that cause her to re-evaluate the course her life is taking.

Joss is weary, old beyond her years, but vulnerable. She's surrounded by people looking to capitalize on her talent without much thought of the cost to her emotional well-being. My heart broke for this character, stuck living in a world where the line between reality and fiction is constantly getting blurred.

Lygia Day Penaflor has created a beautiful portrait of someone trying to figure out who they are when their job is to be anyone but. Joss is an incredibly engaging main character. I alternated between crying and cheering for her and I find myself still wanting to check in to make sure she's okay. I highly recommend checking out this book.

[Lindsey Klingele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything in this book felt so real, and I found I had a hard time putting it down. I loved getting the insider's glimpse into not just how a movie set works, but what it's really like to be a child actor. Joss's struggles with her stage manager mother are really well-drawn and compelling. I loved seeing her try to find her voice and make her own decisions in a world where she has so little control over her own life. Go Joss!

[Marochka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Обычно я, если ругаю книгу, то всегда привожу аргументы, объясняя, почему она мне не понравилась. Тут же я даже не знаю, как это объяснить… Всю книгу у меня была лишь одна мысль в голове: «Фигня какая-то».
Вот по-другому это и не опишешь. Это крошечная книга непонятно о чем и непонятно для кого. Героине – 12 лет, при этом все вокруг нее какие-то извращенцы, речь постоянно идет о сексе, изнасилованиях и т.д.
И, в итоге, остается весьма и весьма логичный вопрос: «Зачем я это читала и для чего автор это писала?» Выводов особо никаких нет. Героиня всю книгу была недовольна нынешней жизнью и поступками матери, но, в итоге, она уезжает навстречу точно такой же жизни в компании все той же неадекватной матери и почему-то радуется этому. И зачем мы вообще это читали?
Герои отвратительно прописаны, смысла или хотя бы какой-то морали в книге просто нет. Если бы этот текст попался мне на ЕГЭ по русскому языку, я бы зашла в тупик: что хотел сказать нам автор? Для чего он писал это произведение? Какие главные вопросы и проблемы поставил автор? Ответ: «Непонятно».
Собственно, низкий рейтинг этой непопулярной книги вполне объясним. Кто вообще так пишет? О ней и сказать-то толком нечего.

Итоговая оценка: 3/10

[Lauren]

DNF page 28. What's the cut-off age for a book to be middle grade instead of YA? This one is a bit too young for what I'm in the mood for right now. I think the main character is like 12 here.

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginning: 😀
Middle :💀
End: 😭
This book was a roller coaster
It gives an interesting perspective on child actors and is actually the bomb dot com.


Bye
















peter is the best name ever

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unscripted, Joss Byrd is definitely in my wheelhouse. I love YA books about actors/actresses/musicians. I love books where children/teenagers are forced to play the role of adult, especially when dealing with their own parents. And I love books where the character's emotions are so real, that you want to jump inside the book and hug them. Unscripted, Joss Byrd has it all.

The story is told through the eyes of Joss, a twelve-years-old, up and coming actress shooting a movie on Long Island's Montauk Point (a biopic of the director's own life). Movie life and real life are interwoven as Joss navigates her way through dealing with a way-too-involved Stage Mother, a director and producer who see her as their "cash cow" and a co-star who is a little too "method" all while, at the same time, struggling with dyslexia through script change after script change.

Young performers in YA books are sometimes written with a worldliness, or an ennui or an oblivion, that makes it hard to relate or even like them. There is no doubt that the author, Lygia Day Peñaflor, understands child actors, because she writes her characters with the vulnerability of being children, who also possess the maturity of being working professionals. The children are relatable, likable, charismatic, empathetic and engaging.

I was pretty sure I would like this book, even before I started reading it. I did not expect, however to find myself as wrapped up in the story and in Joss herself as much as I did.

Highly recommended for readers 7th grade and up and suggested for adults who enjoy YA fiction as well.

[Jenn Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does life really look like behind the scenes of a future Hollywood hit? Through the lens of the precocious child actor Joss Byrd, we get a glimpse of a movie in the making and a girl on the cusp of understanding her role in the Hollywood machine. The author clearly knows the world she's writing about -- her experience as a tutor to the teenage stars of some of our favorite TV shows and movies shines through in the details that bring Joss's story to life. I loved following the push and pull of Joss's complicated feelings for her mother -- and also the fresh breath of air that is a YA novel not centered on romance! Can't wait to read what this author comes up with next.

[Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unscripted Joss Byrd was a smooth ride. It mirrored parts of myself that often go hidden. It’s always easy to say be true to yourself, but it takes a lot of courage to actually do it.

Full review on my book blog: http://wp.me/p4gfJt-xD (Will be up on March 15!)

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't remember how I originally heard of this book, but the plot sounded fun. Joss Byrd is a young actress in Hollywood, considered one of the best around with a bright future, and she's just been cast in a new movie. While filming, she struggles to live up to her overbearing mom's expectations, tries to understand what's going on around her, and does her best to keep her own secrets safe.

I ended up reading about a quarter of the book, maybe more, before putting it down. I liked the idea behind this book, as I enjoy stories that deal with someone who's basically juggling two lives; in this case, Joss is juggling her public life as a star and her private life as someone who doesn't quite fit into Hollywood yet and can't make her own decisions without letting someone down (mostly her mom).

The idea behind here was cute. The problem, for me, is that it just didn't seem to get any traction. The story felt flat and the characters didn't seem to be particularly well rounded. I felt like the elements were here but it didn't come together in a way that kept me interested. This wasn't really a fluffy book per se, as it had more weight behind the issues addressed, but I never felt entirely sure who the target audience was. This is marketed as young adult, yet the main character was only twelve and it felt really young... yet the crowd that'd likely read about a twelve year old wouldn't necessarily be interested in the darker plot. It didn't work, at least not for me. Not terrible, but not a book that ever really drew me in.

[Hailey Hillman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t like this book because it was not my type to read and there was a little of things in the book I didn’t like. This book is nothing but drama. I like drama books but this book is not my type to read. Unscripted is about how this girl has to go somewhere and she doesn’t want to so she fights with her mother. This book is how the girl is fighting with her mother over crazy stuff. Also, I didn’t like how the girl was in the book to people. This caused a lot of drama for the girl in the book even tho she caused some of it. If you really like a lot of drama this is the book for you. This is a book for you if you like a lot of drama. Also, if you are a person that likes drama and kinda rude to other people this is a book for you. I don’t like this because of the drama and rudeness.

[Nikka | adventuresofnikka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review on my blog, P A P E R & T R E E S!

I thought this book was promising to begin with, but it turned out to be so much better than I thought it would be. The story follows Joss Byrd, a child actress, on the set of her new film The Locals. And no, it’s not that simple.

It was so nice reading about something so familiar. Being on stage, acting, performing, are few of my passions but unfortunately couldn’t do anymore because of college. I remember once, I played the character of a hostage-taking survivor and was reading a eulogy for the policeman who died saving my (character’s) life, and I cried horribly. I couldn’t stop crying, the audience was so worried for me. I didn’t even know what happened, but I remember being determined to put up a good show that I imagined being on the character’s shoes and just connected with her. It was scary and confusing and relieving all at the same time. I’m not sure how actors could constantly keep up with that.

The author, being a private academic tutor for young Hollywood stars, seems to understand the whole situation and has successfully played it out.

What I like about this book is the honest portrayal of the acting industry—it’s not all fun. Especially when your mother is like that of Joss’ who doesn’t embody any characteristic of a mother at all. Unfortunately, it happens in real life. Expectations in this industry can be too much and all cameras are on you, literally following your every move. Judging when you’re wrong, judging when you’re right.

Who cares if bags or gowns or diamonds are real when people are not?

Although it needs a bit more improvement story-wise and character-wise, I thought it was fantastic! I’ve heard stories of actors doing scenes against their will and I’ve heard people criticize them for that. This book was refreshing, giving us a sense of understanding and sympathy towards these people we really know nothing about.

The blurb sounds like the typical YA book, “struggles, crushes, secrets” but the book itself was different from what the blurb is trying to deliver because it’s more than just that, so I really hope they’d change it. The cover was also misleading; not until about 40 pages in, I thought the story would be about a TEEN but no, Joss is a CHILD. A 12 year old. And you can’t really blame me for assuming that because the girl on the cover looks like a grown-up teenager. I also think the more appropriate (and marketable) title would be The Locals . Just thinking about it makes me so giddy!!! But of course I don’t have a say on that, but wouldn’t that be cool?!

Overall, I recommend this book to readers who are so obsessed with what happens behind the camera! (I’d recommend it to myself.) It’s new and simple, it’s fast-paced, it’s refreshing. Ugh. I’m getting myself a copy when it comes out! And you should, too!

[Nicka Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review is posted on my blog: https://readbynicka.wordpress.com/201...

As I was reading this book all I could think about was myself, yes myself. Well not as the main character but the whole setting of this story gave me nostalgia, as a kid I’ve always dreamed of being on stage acting/singing but enough about me, I just wanted to share a little bit about myself.

I’ve read quite a lot of books that has the same story line but I can definitely say that out of those this book was the best. The way the author wrote every scene was just pure perfection. I really enjoyed reading this since I was in a reading slump, I literally needed a fast-paced book and this book was indeed the best fit. I felt like I was in every scene that was in the script. I can’t believe that I was hooked with the story, I kept on reading and to be honest I read this book in one sitting, that was how great this book was.

Joss was the kind of girl that was behind the shadow of her “mom” and the people around her but as the story continues she learned a lot of things when it comes to the industry that she’s in. She was more than just a talent, she’s a girl that will do big things not because of fame but for herself. I also admired Damon’s character, I liked how he encourages Joss and how he believes in her, how he sees the best in her.

I wouldn’t end this review without mentioning Joss’ mom, I for once will tell all of you THAT I DON’T LIKE HER! She didn’t act like a mother to Joss she’s more like a manager, she keeps on pushing Joss to do this to do that. She acts as if it’s her own career was on the line, but nooo.

“The Locals”, was Joss’ latest film. It gave her a lot to remember, it gave her life lessons and it surely opened a lot of opportunities for her. She crawled out of her shell, she became who she wanted to be and I guess that’s what matters, right?:)

[Parker Peevyhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Joss and felt so protective of her while I was reading her story. She's a child actress famous for her roles in serious films--but there's a lot of trouble on her current set. She can't keep up with the script changes (thanks to her dyslexia), her adult co-star is terribly frightening, and her mom is both flighty and overbearing. Joss goes through some serious ordeals throughout this story, and they all felt very believable. The level of detail really shows that the author has worked on TV/movie sets.

I also really appreciated how much this novel got me thinking about the precarious position of a child actor. Joss is pushed really far to make this film, which has a very serious topic (it's a biopic about the abuse the director suffered as a child). It's clear that no one in the story (expect another child actor) placed Joss's needs above the needs of the movie.

Throughout the heavy situations, I felt a lot of hope for Joss. She's tenacious and resilient, and I loved her grit. This was a fascinating look at what felt like the real experiences of a child actor.

[Sonya Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This started off as an intriguing glimpse into the life of a child movie star with a needy, high-pressure Hollywood mom. As the story progressed, that aspect of the story was always relevant, but it also became something more. Joss is a tough, complicated character, struggling with her close-but-difficult relationship with her mom, with secret learning difficulties, and with fears about her future, all while readily accepting the real-life roles of family breadwinner and serious actress.

The story turned in a somewhat different direction than what the jacket copy and early foreshadowing had led me to suspect. Without giving anything away, I can say that while the direction it took was not precisely what I'd guessed, it connected with similar themes and emotions in new and unexpected ways, and it made me feel very deeply for Joss's predicament and her pain. In the end, I was both moved and inspired by Joss and her story.