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Reality Check
Sixteen-year-olds Charlie, Keiran, Brooke, and Hallie have just been signed up for their own reality television show. They can't even believe it. "You'll be The Hills meets The Secret Life of the American Teenager ," the Armani-suited executive tells them, "and the hottest thing on our network." How could they say no?
But soon enough, cameras following them everywhere and interfering producers surreptitiously scripting their lives start to affect the four best friends' relationship. Brooke seems to want all the screen time. Keiran is abruptly written out of the show-and consequently the group's friendship-when she doesn't rate well. As soon as Charlie realizes what's going on, she figures out the perfect way to give the studio and her home audience a much-needed reality check.
Because friends don't let friends do reality shows.
But soon enough, cameras following them everywhere and interfering producers surreptitiously scripting their lives start to affect the four best friends' relationship. Brooke seems to want all the screen time. Keiran is abruptly written out of the show-and consequently the group's friendship-when she doesn't rate well. As soon as Charlie realizes what's going on, she figures out the perfect way to give the studio and her home audience a much-needed reality check.
Because friends don't let friends do reality shows.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2010
21 people are currently reading
1267 people want to read
About the author
Jen Calonita
110 books3,661 followersHi Goodreads!
I'm Jen Calonita, a MG and YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).
I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!
I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls, it's companion book, Summer State of Mind and the Belles series.
I've been writing middle grade too and am having so much fun with my series Fairy Tale Reform School! The fourth book in this series about a school run by former villains is called Tricked and will be out March 2018. Ever wonder what it would be like if your parents got a job with someone like Taylpr Swift? My other middle grade series, VIP, follows super fan Mackenzie Lowell as she tours with her favorite band, Perfect Storm.
I promise to give book updates here, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or my website. I hope I hear from you!
xo
Jen
I'm Jen Calonita, a MG and YA author who loves what I do because it lets me connect with all of you (and no, I wasn't intending for that to rhyme!).
I've been writing ever since I can remember, but it was fourth grade when I put my "three wishes" for a genie down on paper. They were:
#1. Buy all the Cabbage Patch Kids in the world and give them away for free (because apparently that was how I rolled).
#2. I wanted a mansion, limo, lake house, pool and speed boat (still sounds quite nice).
#3. I wanted to be an author for young readers, which I am!
I love writing novels for teens (and for savvy grown ups who know that YA rocks at any age). My first series was "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" and it followed a teen star named Kaitlin Burke who struggled with the fame game. I have also written the stand-alone novels Sleepaway Girls, it's companion book, Summer State of Mind and the Belles series.
I've been writing middle grade too and am having so much fun with my series Fairy Tale Reform School! The fourth book in this series about a school run by former villains is called Tricked and will be out March 2018. Ever wonder what it would be like if your parents got a job with someone like Taylpr Swift? My other middle grade series, VIP, follows super fan Mackenzie Lowell as she tours with her favorite band, Perfect Storm.
I promise to give book updates here, and on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or my website. I hope I hear from you!
xo
Jen
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
March 20, 2010
*More like 3 and 1/2 stars*
After reading Jen's previous novel Secrets of my Hollywood Life a couple of months ago, I was ecstatic to read more by her. So when Reality Check ended up in my hands, I jumped right in, eager to see if this novel would live up to her previous one. Sadly enough, while I did overall enjoy it and liked the characters it introduced, I felt that sometimes it lagged a bit when it came to the actual plot.
Charlie is the classic door-next-door type of character since while she does have a great group of friends and a possible chance on having an amazing boyfriend, she isn't exactly what you would call High School royalty. Though, this soon changes when her and her friends Keiran, Brooke, and Hallie are offered an amazing deal filled money, money, and, well, more money. That deal? Well, a reality show, of course!
I really liked Charlie and her friends because each brought a different a side to the story that made in the fun read it was! My favorite character probably would've been Charlie, the narrator of the whole ordeal, because from the start she was sweet, smart, and a good friend, making her a character that was not only very likable, but one that I constantly rooted for. Plus I loved her cutesy type relationsip with Zac!
Adding to this, I also liked how Jen showed the different ups and downs of friendship throughout with Charlie, Keiran, Brooke, and Hallie. Since it not only rang a high point of reality, but it shows to girls out there that have gone through something like the Charlie went through in Reality Check that sometimes no matter what you do to stop it, your best friend can drift away and turn into someone you never thought she would be. And while this can be a hard thing, it does make you stronger and give you a better look on all of your friendships in the end.
I also loved how Reality Check gave you a reality check when it comes to all those reality shows you see on the TV constantly, and showed you that even though it can be a sweet deal, there is a lot of bad aspects that come along too.
Though, as mentioned above, the plot wasn't always filled with action, and because of that it became predictable. Leaving me to be able to tell from about halfway through what was going to happened, but because of the characters this wasn't always the biggest of problems. Plus, it did manage to pick up the speed it had lost in the beginning at the end and became a mostly decent read plot wise in the end. But I did like Jen's writing, I just would've liked to see some more action.
Overall, Reality Check is the perfect read for a lazy summer day that in addition to being a fun and charming read has some great messages thrown in also!
Grade: B-
After reading Jen's previous novel Secrets of my Hollywood Life a couple of months ago, I was ecstatic to read more by her. So when Reality Check ended up in my hands, I jumped right in, eager to see if this novel would live up to her previous one. Sadly enough, while I did overall enjoy it and liked the characters it introduced, I felt that sometimes it lagged a bit when it came to the actual plot.
Charlie is the classic door-next-door type of character since while she does have a great group of friends and a possible chance on having an amazing boyfriend, she isn't exactly what you would call High School royalty. Though, this soon changes when her and her friends Keiran, Brooke, and Hallie are offered an amazing deal filled money, money, and, well, more money. That deal? Well, a reality show, of course!
I really liked Charlie and her friends because each brought a different a side to the story that made in the fun read it was! My favorite character probably would've been Charlie, the narrator of the whole ordeal, because from the start she was sweet, smart, and a good friend, making her a character that was not only very likable, but one that I constantly rooted for. Plus I loved her cutesy type relationsip with Zac!
Adding to this, I also liked how Jen showed the different ups and downs of friendship throughout with Charlie, Keiran, Brooke, and Hallie. Since it not only rang a high point of reality, but it shows to girls out there that have gone through something like the Charlie went through in Reality Check that sometimes no matter what you do to stop it, your best friend can drift away and turn into someone you never thought she would be. And while this can be a hard thing, it does make you stronger and give you a better look on all of your friendships in the end.
I also loved how Reality Check gave you a reality check when it comes to all those reality shows you see on the TV constantly, and showed you that even though it can be a sweet deal, there is a lot of bad aspects that come along too.
Though, as mentioned above, the plot wasn't always filled with action, and because of that it became predictable. Leaving me to be able to tell from about halfway through what was going to happened, but because of the characters this wasn't always the biggest of problems. Plus, it did manage to pick up the speed it had lost in the beginning at the end and became a mostly decent read plot wise in the end. But I did like Jen's writing, I just would've liked to see some more action.
Overall, Reality Check is the perfect read for a lazy summer day that in addition to being a fun and charming read has some great messages thrown in also!
Grade: B-
July 15, 2011
First of all: the cover of this book has got to be one of the ugliest covers I've ever seen. That has nothing to do with my feelings for the book itself, but good grief - if I hadn't read and enjoyed previous books by this author, there is no way I would have picked this up.
Anyway, on to the review. Charlie, Brooke, Hallie, and Keiran are teens in a quiet New York town who are plucked from obscurity to star in a reality show about their lives and their friendships. Of course, as you can probably guess, the "reality" part of show isn't quite as real as they thought it'd be, and the new pressure in their lives from the show threatens to ruin their friendships forever.
The girls are pretty interchangeable, the attention-demanding Brooke being the only exception. I never really got a feel for the differences between the girls otherwise and their personalities seemed so shallow that it didn't even seem to matter; they never became real people, only characters in a mediocre book.
The plot was cute enough, or at least the premise was, but the delivery fell flat. I never fully bought some of the plot points. In the first chapter, for example, it's revealed that the show's producer found Charlie endearing because she waitresses at a cafe and sings, using a mop or broom as the microphone, when only her friends are around. Um, okay. If you think that sounds like it wouldn't be amusing to read about in a book, you're right. I was curious to see how the book ended and what would come of their brush with fame, so I read the entire book, only to find the big finale lackluster. Sigh. It was a quick read that definitely felt long!
Anyway, on to the review. Charlie, Brooke, Hallie, and Keiran are teens in a quiet New York town who are plucked from obscurity to star in a reality show about their lives and their friendships. Of course, as you can probably guess, the "reality" part of show isn't quite as real as they thought it'd be, and the new pressure in their lives from the show threatens to ruin their friendships forever.
The girls are pretty interchangeable, the attention-demanding Brooke being the only exception. I never really got a feel for the differences between the girls otherwise and their personalities seemed so shallow that it didn't even seem to matter; they never became real people, only characters in a mediocre book.
The plot was cute enough, or at least the premise was, but the delivery fell flat. I never fully bought some of the plot points. In the first chapter, for example, it's revealed that the show's producer found Charlie endearing because she waitresses at a cafe and sings, using a mop or broom as the microphone, when only her friends are around. Um, okay. If you think that sounds like it wouldn't be amusing to read about in a book, you're right. I was curious to see how the book ended and what would come of their brush with fame, so I read the entire book, only to find the big finale lackluster. Sigh. It was a quick read that definitely felt long!
December 5, 2012
Ok.. I am rounding down to 2 here... maybe 2.5. It really wasn't terrible but there were a few things that irked me about the book. For me, it was too slow to get started, nearly 80 pages in before they even start filming them. Also the timeline was a bit out for me, for example the party/going to New York/Charlie's date with Zac is completely messed up to me. They are invited to a party that is next saturday, over the next few days Zac askes Charlie out for next friday (now the book is not clear on which day the book starts but considering they talk about school, it's safe to say it's a weekday) so next week arrives - party on saturday night (looking forward to next friday when Charlie has her date with Zac), next chapter opens with - "Talk about warp speed. The following friday..." I'm sorry isn't the following friday her date? Next thing you know they are shooting and then it's not until chapter 6 that we get to the date. Time just doesn't make sense to me in this world n.b. - if someone could help clear this up for me that would be great!
There were a few things repeated that threw me off as well, example - (also spoiler) "He confessed that he was only dating her to get one TV" then barely half a page goes by and we get - "He dated Hallie only because of the show". I actually stopped and went 'hang on, haven't we covered this?'
Anyway, those things aside, it is not a bad read. Brooke is a total bitch and you can tell from outset she is. Charlie is not nearly as pushy as everyone says she is, I really didn't see it. Keiran is lovely and Hallie is pretty funny. Even I felt myself cringing when the first episode aired!!
I think I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't overthinking it, which is totally my fault not the authors.
There were a few things repeated that threw me off as well, example - (also spoiler) "He confessed that he was only dating her to get one TV" then barely half a page goes by and we get - "He dated Hallie only because of the show". I actually stopped and went 'hang on, haven't we covered this?'
Anyway, those things aside, it is not a bad read. Brooke is a total bitch and you can tell from outset she is. Charlie is not nearly as pushy as everyone says she is, I really didn't see it. Keiran is lovely and Hallie is pretty funny. Even I felt myself cringing when the first episode aired!!
I think I would have enjoyed it more if I wasn't overthinking it, which is totally my fault not the authors.
May 15, 2013
Oh, boy. This is one of those books that fits the description for "guilty pleasure" perfectly. I feel like I enjoyed it for very shallow reasons; wanting to see Brooke get what she deserved, and wanting to see Susan meet a similar fate. The thing I found interesting about this book is that it was a reality show in book form, which is why I feel it belongs on the guilty pleasure list.
Charlie, Keiran, Brooke, and Hallie were fun to read about, but they seemed like they were meant to work off each other, and not to build as their own individual person. Whether or not this makes the book more enjoyable is debatable, but it took away from character development, and made the story less realistic for me.
I loved the story. I was hooked onto every page and enjoyed the book thoroughly, and since then I have re-read the whole thing multiple times. It's an easy read, and a fun one, too.
While I loved the story, I felt that I was reading a reality show. Not the actual reality show in the story, "The Cliffs," but the plot itself. I was hooked, but was it because it had the addicting quality that reality shows use to capture viewers? I felt that I was driven to read this book purely out of spite for a character at times, and, in my opinion, that should not be the main reason to read a book.
Maybe that's the point of the book, and it just went over my head. Either way, I enjoyed this book immensely, and if you're looking for a quick and highly entertaining read, this is not a bad choice.
Charlie, Keiran, Brooke, and Hallie were fun to read about, but they seemed like they were meant to work off each other, and not to build as their own individual person. Whether or not this makes the book more enjoyable is debatable, but it took away from character development, and made the story less realistic for me.
I loved the story. I was hooked onto every page and enjoyed the book thoroughly, and since then I have re-read the whole thing multiple times. It's an easy read, and a fun one, too.
While I loved the story, I felt that I was reading a reality show. Not the actual reality show in the story, "The Cliffs," but the plot itself. I was hooked, but was it because it had the addicting quality that reality shows use to capture viewers? I felt that I was driven to read this book purely out of spite for a character at times, and, in my opinion, that should not be the main reason to read a book.
Maybe that's the point of the book, and it just went over my head. Either way, I enjoyed this book immensely, and if you're looking for a quick and highly entertaining read, this is not a bad choice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2011
REVIEW
The reality of reality shows is that they are not reality. I knew that going into this book, but I enjoyed the clever way Calonita presented it. In fact, I am going to view reality shows in a whole new light now.
Before The Cliffs reality show, the girls were truly best friends. They were nearly inseparable. However, they learned that the cameras were only capturing part of their story and most of that was staged by the producers. As you can expect, their relationships were put to the test.
The characters each had their own personality. Leader-of-the-pack Charlie was bossy when she needed to be and she was a good friend. Keiran was quiet and often had to babysit her younger siblings. The producers thought she was boring, but I didn’t think so. Brooke was the back-stabbing, camera-hogging bad girl of the group. Finally, Hallie was easy-going and just along for the ride. They were a typical group of teen girls.
I liked how the story ended and I found this to be a quick read. Thank you to Little, Brown, and Company for sending this book for me to review.
RATING
4 Plot
4 Characters
4 Attention Grabbing
4 Girlie Meter
4 Ending
20 TOTAL
4 STARS
The reality of reality shows is that they are not reality. I knew that going into this book, but I enjoyed the clever way Calonita presented it. In fact, I am going to view reality shows in a whole new light now.
Before The Cliffs reality show, the girls were truly best friends. They were nearly inseparable. However, they learned that the cameras were only capturing part of their story and most of that was staged by the producers. As you can expect, their relationships were put to the test.
The characters each had their own personality. Leader-of-the-pack Charlie was bossy when she needed to be and she was a good friend. Keiran was quiet and often had to babysit her younger siblings. The producers thought she was boring, but I didn’t think so. Brooke was the back-stabbing, camera-hogging bad girl of the group. Finally, Hallie was easy-going and just along for the ride. They were a typical group of teen girls.
I liked how the story ended and I found this to be a quick read. Thank you to Little, Brown, and Company for sending this book for me to review.
RATING
4 Plot
4 Characters
4 Attention Grabbing
4 Girlie Meter
4 Ending
20 TOTAL
4 STARS
March 3, 2016
Siiigggggh. Reality tv books is one of those genres that is just not what I want! I am pretty sure I've talked about this before, but I'm interested in hearing nitty-gritty details about how it works and how you live your life with cameras following you and articles being written about you.
But the books always turn into "It sucks and get off the show." And maybe that's true! For all that I want to read books about reality tv, I haven't really watched the non-singing show variety.
Anyway, this does get an extra star because I love that
But the books always turn into "It sucks and get off the show." And maybe that's true! For all that I want to read books about reality tv, I haven't really watched the non-singing show variety.
Anyway, this does get an extra star because I love that
March 29, 2017
Gostei imenso, é um livro que nos faz pensar no que é realmente importante
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September 2, 2018This is one of those YAs that is just very, VERY young. Like if you're any older than 14, probably too young for you. I tried it for a chapter but couldn't get into it.
February 9, 2013
To see full review click here.
Alright, to be honest I wasn't expecting much when I checked this one out at the library. I've read plenty of Jen Calonita books to know what to expect, but this book is by the far the worst one I've read by her.
I will give it this, it's good clean fun. I would have no problem letting a younger sibling's or friend's kid reading it. But besides that, I really can't be complimentary. Oh, wait it was relatively short. That allowed the book to be finished, but I'll talk more about that in the best feature portion of this review.
Now, let's talk about the actual contents of the book. As I said before, not impressive. Perhaps it's because I've read a lot of the authors books that I was able to spot all her tropes (seemingly normal girl who becomes famous, secretly bitchy friend, boy that is based off of a celebrity (in this book it's Zac Efron), Hollywood's surprising dark side which really isn't that much of a surprise, seemingly normal girl is able to get everything fixed by the end of the book, oh and over saturation of description of clothing). Yeah, I sort of knew what I was getting myself into too, but I had hopes. Her recent series, Belles, while it relies on some of these tropes is different enough. This though, just seems it was written to fulfill the requirements of a paycheck. There was nothing unique about it at all.
I think it also didn't help matters that the characters were hardly developed at all. All of them just stuck to their roles. I was really hoping there would've more to all of them or at the very least Charlie and Brooke. Brooke's transformation to bitch, really didn't make sense. I was hoping that there would be more explanation than I just wanna be popular. At one point, I actually thought that she secretly was in love with Marleyna. It would've made much sense and a more interesting storyline had this been the way Calonita went, but nope. As for Charlie, other than having these friends, working in a coffee shop, and being in love with some guy who apparently wants to be a journalist despite the fact he throws up anytime he has to do public speaking whatsoever, we know nothing about her. She's just as bland and stupid as her other two friends. When she's threatened with breach of contract instead of talking to her parents who'd surely get their lawyer involved, she just takes everything at face value (see more about the legal issues in this book in the worst feature section), and their big plan at the end to get out of the contract I think would've left more legal issues than they or the author would've thought about.
So yeah, not impressed. At all.
Honestly though, I don't really know what this book could've done to improve itself. Better character development and research would've helped, but the general concept is cliche. I sort of had an idea it was going to at best get a middle rating from me when I checked it out because how how bland the plot summary was. We've seen reality TV turned to YA book before with LA Candy and The Real Real, so this is really nothing new. And the cherry on top is that Calonita didn't try to make it new. She used tropes that she has used in her other books and still uses in the Belles series. However, unlike Belles, which has its moments, this book does not.
Best Feature: Short: This book was mercifully short, under three hundred pages. So I could stomach finishing it. To be honest about it, I hate DNFing anything, but if a book is ridiculously long and bad I will usually stop it unless it's train wreck bad like Starcrossed.
Worst Feature: Kangaroo Court: The lack of legal research in this novel was laughable. First of all, one of the biggest conflicts in this book involved breach of contract. However, since the contract was made bya minor it would generally be voidable in the first place. This means when push comes to shove, all those threats about being sued by Fire and Ice would be futile. That's a pretty big plot hole if you think about it. One that could've easily been covered. There were other aspects of the whole deal between the parties that had me shaking my head as well. A lot of this could've been fixed with a little reserach, but God it was annoying.
Appropriateness: Clean as a whistle. Honestly, these books are probably middle grade books masquerading as YA books. I feel with Jen Calonita you always get a clean book which is nice. The characters might have a little more sophisticated tone than you'd see in some middle grade book, but it still read pretty young to me.
Alright, to be honest I wasn't expecting much when I checked this one out at the library. I've read plenty of Jen Calonita books to know what to expect, but this book is by the far the worst one I've read by her.
I will give it this, it's good clean fun. I would have no problem letting a younger sibling's or friend's kid reading it. But besides that, I really can't be complimentary. Oh, wait it was relatively short. That allowed the book to be finished, but I'll talk more about that in the best feature portion of this review.
Now, let's talk about the actual contents of the book. As I said before, not impressive. Perhaps it's because I've read a lot of the authors books that I was able to spot all her tropes (seemingly normal girl who becomes famous, secretly bitchy friend, boy that is based off of a celebrity (in this book it's Zac Efron), Hollywood's surprising dark side which really isn't that much of a surprise, seemingly normal girl is able to get everything fixed by the end of the book, oh and over saturation of description of clothing). Yeah, I sort of knew what I was getting myself into too, but I had hopes. Her recent series, Belles, while it relies on some of these tropes is different enough. This though, just seems it was written to fulfill the requirements of a paycheck. There was nothing unique about it at all.
I think it also didn't help matters that the characters were hardly developed at all. All of them just stuck to their roles. I was really hoping there would've more to all of them or at the very least Charlie and Brooke. Brooke's transformation to bitch, really didn't make sense. I was hoping that there would be more explanation than I just wanna be popular. At one point, I actually thought that she secretly was in love with Marleyna. It would've made much sense and a more interesting storyline had this been the way Calonita went, but nope. As for Charlie, other than having these friends, working in a coffee shop, and being in love with some guy who apparently wants to be a journalist despite the fact he throws up anytime he has to do public speaking whatsoever, we know nothing about her. She's just as bland and stupid as her other two friends. When she's threatened with breach of contract instead of talking to her parents who'd surely get their lawyer involved, she just takes everything at face value (see more about the legal issues in this book in the worst feature section), and their big plan at the end to get out of the contract I think would've left more legal issues than they or the author would've thought about.
So yeah, not impressed. At all.
Honestly though, I don't really know what this book could've done to improve itself. Better character development and research would've helped, but the general concept is cliche. I sort of had an idea it was going to at best get a middle rating from me when I checked it out because how how bland the plot summary was. We've seen reality TV turned to YA book before with LA Candy and The Real Real, so this is really nothing new. And the cherry on top is that Calonita didn't try to make it new. She used tropes that she has used in her other books and still uses in the Belles series. However, unlike Belles, which has its moments, this book does not.
Best Feature: Short: This book was mercifully short, under three hundred pages. So I could stomach finishing it. To be honest about it, I hate DNFing anything, but if a book is ridiculously long and bad I will usually stop it unless it's train wreck bad like Starcrossed.
Worst Feature: Kangaroo Court: The lack of legal research in this novel was laughable. First of all, one of the biggest conflicts in this book involved breach of contract. However, since the contract was made bya minor it would generally be voidable in the first place. This means when push comes to shove, all those threats about being sued by Fire and Ice would be futile. That's a pretty big plot hole if you think about it. One that could've easily been covered. There were other aspects of the whole deal between the parties that had me shaking my head as well. A lot of this could've been fixed with a little reserach, but God it was annoying.
Appropriateness: Clean as a whistle. Honestly, these books are probably middle grade books masquerading as YA books. I feel with Jen Calonita you always get a clean book which is nice. The characters might have a little more sophisticated tone than you'd see in some middle grade book, but it still read pretty young to me.
March 22, 2013
I love this author but was very disappointed by this book! I didn't expect reality check to be so full of catty girl characters. It just gave me a headache because there's enough girl drama at school in real life so I didn't want to read about more girl drama. Interesting to see some truths behind reality tv, but I would recommend checking out one of her other books instead.
July 31, 2024
I read this three years ago and LOVED it. But I'm almost positive if I were to read it now for the first time my rating would be MUCH lower 😂Also a side note, I was a huge fan of Jen Calonita's, which is why I read this book. I've read Belles, Sleepaway Girls, and it's companion. I didn't stop loving her books she just hasn't written any more YA in a while- but anyways one thing I noticed about her books is that she'll describe things repeatedly 😂Like mention something once and then a paragraph later mention it again. Describe something and then a bit later describe the same thing completely different😂😂
September 9, 2020
Много интересна книжка. Четеше ми се нещо леко и тийнейджърско и избрах правилната. Препоръчвам я. Ще прочета със сигурност другата книга на авторката (всъщност има още много, но тази и още една са издадени на български) и също другите книги от тази тийн поредицата на издателството.
April 11, 2018
I couldn’t figure out if it was poorly written or just bad characterization. I knew exactly what was going to happen to these friends and I didn’t care from the moment I met them.
May 30, 2018
I loved this book. Especially toward the ending I couldn’t stop reading! I just hooked me
August 18, 2018
This light read was just what I needed right now. I used to be a huge fan of Calonita’s secrets of my Hollywood life series so it was fun to read something else by her.
August 16, 2020
Read advance copy
Plot had promise but was way too predictable. Too many references that will date this book FAST! Advance copy so full of continuity errors that it became distracting.
Plot had promise but was way too predictable. Too many references that will date this book FAST! Advance copy so full of continuity errors that it became distracting.
Read
July 30, 2022I loved it!
November 6, 2012
Reviewed by John Jacobson, aka "R.J. Jacobs" for TeensReadToo.com
Take four sixteen-year-old girls: Charlie, Keiran, Brooke, and Hallie, each different and a unique personality. Charlie is the group leader, entertaining and peppy. Keiran, her long-time best friend, is quiet and always stuck babysitting her annoying siblings. Hallie is the flirt, both extremely pretty and constantly modest about what her boy skills do. Brooke is the one who wants fame and glory, and to get out of Cliffside and her life as the daughter of two farmers. The offer to do a reality show for Fire and Ice, the new MTV, is just too good to pass up for these girls. Before they know it, they're rocketing towards fame and fortune, and they can't get enough of it.
Of course, once the cameras start rolling, things don't go as planned. 'Scripted reality' just isn't cutting it. Either they have to redo scenes, or they fight because of one thing or another. And when the previews for the show start to come in...they realize that what they say on screen is entirely different from off. Then Brooke starts getting buddy-buddy with one of her old-time rivals, and a smattering of envy at Charlie's position as the show's star. Cliffside is seeing enough drama with this new reality series - but with the constant problems of this once-close group of friends, they may be getting too much.
With a reality show style book, characterization is hard to work. Pretty much every book, this one included, has each girl as a personality archetype that fits the reality television standard. While it gets annoying after a while, I felt like Calonita really pulled off a good balance between the archetype and a fresh character. Charlie was an excellent protagonist to use; I love that she is the rock of the group instead of the one being changed by the spotlight. Her solid personality and ultimate goal of friendship was wonderful - heck, even her motivation for doing the show was great. Instead of thinking about fame, she thinks about paying for college, which is a lot more levelheaded than most heroines of books like this. Kieran and Hallie were also favorites of mine: Kieran being a great example of a quiet friend that, while maybe not the most outgoing personality, holds a special type of friendship with Charlie, and Hallie being well-rounded in that she flirts and is outright beautiful, but is searching for long-term relationships and not reveling in her popularity with the male sex. Brooke was an interesting turn from heroine to villainess throughout the book, and the way fame changed her was very saddening to me, as a reader, because of the strong portrayal of the group of friends before the fame got to her.
As for the events....it really turned out like L.A. CANDY. It wasn't bad by any means - I liked the ending of the book a lot - but in the beginning, it's the same set-up of getting pulled into reality television for what it really is, and being duped by a producer that aims at getting ratings more than a good group of friends out of the deal. My main quip with it was that, until the last third of the novel, it didn't move as quickly as I would have liked. The drama wasn't as dramatic because of all of the characterization going on. While I liked said characterization, a faster plot would have been great. The romantic side bit with Charlie and her crush, however, was a great highlight. It was nice to see a generally good girl going for a sensible guy, and the relationship was really cute and frustrating.
REALITY CHECK provides teenagers with a look at what fame through reality television is like without the glitz and the glamor. The drama breaks friendships and causes people to drift apart, and getting caught up in the fame never bodes well. Jealousy, envy, deceit, and ignorance are all big themes that play a role in the fame card, and Calonita displays each one well in the adventures of these four - or three, as the case may be - friends.
As someone who has gone through and seen a lot of these types of changes in people, reading REALITY CHECK hit home in a lot of areas. It could have been more exciting and fast-paced, but the portrayal of real teenagers and real friendships is just too good to miss. If you need a good dose of Chick-Lit with a good writing style, then run to Jen Calonita. She's already worked her way to becoming a new favorite author in the same vein as Meg Cabot - fun books with real messages.
Take four sixteen-year-old girls: Charlie, Keiran, Brooke, and Hallie, each different and a unique personality. Charlie is the group leader, entertaining and peppy. Keiran, her long-time best friend, is quiet and always stuck babysitting her annoying siblings. Hallie is the flirt, both extremely pretty and constantly modest about what her boy skills do. Brooke is the one who wants fame and glory, and to get out of Cliffside and her life as the daughter of two farmers. The offer to do a reality show for Fire and Ice, the new MTV, is just too good to pass up for these girls. Before they know it, they're rocketing towards fame and fortune, and they can't get enough of it.
Of course, once the cameras start rolling, things don't go as planned. 'Scripted reality' just isn't cutting it. Either they have to redo scenes, or they fight because of one thing or another. And when the previews for the show start to come in...they realize that what they say on screen is entirely different from off. Then Brooke starts getting buddy-buddy with one of her old-time rivals, and a smattering of envy at Charlie's position as the show's star. Cliffside is seeing enough drama with this new reality series - but with the constant problems of this once-close group of friends, they may be getting too much.
With a reality show style book, characterization is hard to work. Pretty much every book, this one included, has each girl as a personality archetype that fits the reality television standard. While it gets annoying after a while, I felt like Calonita really pulled off a good balance between the archetype and a fresh character. Charlie was an excellent protagonist to use; I love that she is the rock of the group instead of the one being changed by the spotlight. Her solid personality and ultimate goal of friendship was wonderful - heck, even her motivation for doing the show was great. Instead of thinking about fame, she thinks about paying for college, which is a lot more levelheaded than most heroines of books like this. Kieran and Hallie were also favorites of mine: Kieran being a great example of a quiet friend that, while maybe not the most outgoing personality, holds a special type of friendship with Charlie, and Hallie being well-rounded in that she flirts and is outright beautiful, but is searching for long-term relationships and not reveling in her popularity with the male sex. Brooke was an interesting turn from heroine to villainess throughout the book, and the way fame changed her was very saddening to me, as a reader, because of the strong portrayal of the group of friends before the fame got to her.
As for the events....it really turned out like L.A. CANDY. It wasn't bad by any means - I liked the ending of the book a lot - but in the beginning, it's the same set-up of getting pulled into reality television for what it really is, and being duped by a producer that aims at getting ratings more than a good group of friends out of the deal. My main quip with it was that, until the last third of the novel, it didn't move as quickly as I would have liked. The drama wasn't as dramatic because of all of the characterization going on. While I liked said characterization, a faster plot would have been great. The romantic side bit with Charlie and her crush, however, was a great highlight. It was nice to see a generally good girl going for a sensible guy, and the relationship was really cute and frustrating.
REALITY CHECK provides teenagers with a look at what fame through reality television is like without the glitz and the glamor. The drama breaks friendships and causes people to drift apart, and getting caught up in the fame never bodes well. Jealousy, envy, deceit, and ignorance are all big themes that play a role in the fame card, and Calonita displays each one well in the adventures of these four - or three, as the case may be - friends.
As someone who has gone through and seen a lot of these types of changes in people, reading REALITY CHECK hit home in a lot of areas. It could have been more exciting and fast-paced, but the portrayal of real teenagers and real friendships is just too good to miss. If you need a good dose of Chick-Lit with a good writing style, then run to Jen Calonita. She's already worked her way to becoming a new favorite author in the same vein as Meg Cabot - fun books with real messages.
May 7, 2021
I loved Jen Calonita's "Secrets of My Hollywood Life" series and I was excited to see something else by her.
Essentially. the plot follows a group of friends (charismatic Charlie, boy crazy Hallie, shy Kiernan, and ambitious Brooke) from a sleepy beach town in New York who are approached to have a reality show starring them. The girls are thrilled--money, success, fame, and glamour will be right at their fingertips and all they have to do is let cameras follow them around. However, fame quickly changes the girls for the worse. Filming stresses them out, especially when they are forced to repeat hurtful arguments for the sake of continuity and eager hanger ons are desperate to be their friends just for fifteen minutes of fame. Plus, they don't know who they can trust--their producer Addison, who is responsible for capturing all their catfights on film or the show runner Susan, who was nice at first but is now increasingly distant.
The book's strengths are that Jen Calonita manages to keep the action and drama going until you just can't put the book down because you want to see how it'll end. A positive note is that the girls support each other for the most part and do their best to keep from becoming back-stabbing frenemies that the show wants them to be which is a breather from all those reality shows airing right now. Plus, the book sprinkles some details on how reality shows work and confirms that yes, some reality is scripted.
However, Jen Calonita doesn't flesh out the girls' personalities well enough especially since the POV is only focused on Charlie and her issues with Brooke, who becomes increasingly insecure and jealous, and her crush/boyfriend Zac, who is uncomfortable with all the cameras.
Also, there is a little too much telling than showing. We're told about the girls' personalities, family life, and back stories but none of it is really shown. Honestly, the only character who has a fleshed out story is Brooke, not our main protagonist. Additionally, the outfit descriptions are tedious and unnecessary. I love costumes and outfits as much as the next person but it's pretty jarring to have the characters talking and then have Charlie constantly comment on their clothes.
Regardless, it's a good beach read and I'm relieved that this book wasn't the type where the characters all turn on each other and then make up, despite their crappy behavior towards one another. In this book, Charlie, Hallie, and Kiernan stick together and refuse to let fame gets to their heads while Brooke becomes increasingly enthralled by the world of reality tv to the point she chooses the show over her friendship. I was a little disappointed that there was no redemption for Brooke but honestly, she was beyond redemption and it would have been inauthentic for Calonita to cram in a happy ending.
Essentially. the plot follows a group of friends (charismatic Charlie, boy crazy Hallie, shy Kiernan, and ambitious Brooke) from a sleepy beach town in New York who are approached to have a reality show starring them. The girls are thrilled--money, success, fame, and glamour will be right at their fingertips and all they have to do is let cameras follow them around. However, fame quickly changes the girls for the worse. Filming stresses them out, especially when they are forced to repeat hurtful arguments for the sake of continuity and eager hanger ons are desperate to be their friends just for fifteen minutes of fame. Plus, they don't know who they can trust--their producer Addison, who is responsible for capturing all their catfights on film or the show runner Susan, who was nice at first but is now increasingly distant.
The book's strengths are that Jen Calonita manages to keep the action and drama going until you just can't put the book down because you want to see how it'll end. A positive note is that the girls support each other for the most part and do their best to keep from becoming back-stabbing frenemies that the show wants them to be which is a breather from all those reality shows airing right now. Plus, the book sprinkles some details on how reality shows work and confirms that yes, some reality is scripted.
However, Jen Calonita doesn't flesh out the girls' personalities well enough especially since the POV is only focused on Charlie and her issues with Brooke, who becomes increasingly insecure and jealous, and her crush/boyfriend Zac, who is uncomfortable with all the cameras.
Also, there is a little too much telling than showing. We're told about the girls' personalities, family life, and back stories but none of it is really shown. Honestly, the only character who has a fleshed out story is Brooke, not our main protagonist. Additionally, the outfit descriptions are tedious and unnecessary. I love costumes and outfits as much as the next person but it's pretty jarring to have the characters talking and then have Charlie constantly comment on their clothes.
Regardless, it's a good beach read and I'm relieved that this book wasn't the type where the characters all turn on each other and then make up, despite their crappy behavior towards one another. In this book, Charlie, Hallie, and Kiernan stick together and refuse to let fame gets to their heads while Brooke becomes increasingly enthralled by the world of reality tv to the point she chooses the show over her friendship. I was a little disappointed that there was no redemption for Brooke but honestly, she was beyond redemption and it would have been inauthentic for Calonita to cram in a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2012
If you like reality shows you will get a full behind the scenes look from this book. Reality Check is by Jen Calonita. What if you and four of your friends got to have your own reality shows. It sounds great at first. Your own tv show, a big pay check, and meeting celebrities. It isn't as glamourous as it sounds. This book takes place on Long Island. The town is small and everybody knows everybody. It has a beautiful seashore with lots of boats. Charlie is the main character in the book. The protagonist. She works at Milk and Sugar. Milk and Sugar is like their version of Starbucks. One day in Milk and Sugar, Charlie's friends come by. There is only one woman in the coffee house. Her name is Susan. Susan sees how Charlie interacts with her friends and Susan loves it. Susan tells the girls that she works for Fire and Ice. Fire and Ice is like MTV. Susan wants the girls to have their own reality show. It would be in their town and Charlie would be the main character. The four girls and their parents go to NYC to talk with Susan and sign contracts. In the matter of weeks they start shooting. Charlie is the main character, and the three other girls are Hallie, Kieren and Brooke. Brooke is very jealous of Charlie. Brooke wants the spotlight. She is the protagonist. Now just remember the girls are best friends. Brooke starts hanging out with this really rich girl Marlyena. Brooke is very envious of Marlyena. Could Brooke's new friendship destroy the whole tv show or it could it help ratings. If you want to see what happens to these girls friendship read Reality Check by Jen Calonita.
July 17, 2013
I've always loved Jen Calonita's novels, they always were fabulous, and made my day. I guess that this one could also be added to the list.
Charlie, Hallie, Keiran, and Brooke are four best friends who live in an unknown small town in Long Island. When Charlie is suddenly offered a spot in her own reality TV show, with her three besties also starring, she is glad to take the offer. All she doesn't know is that friends shouldn't let friends do reality shows, because they could sure ruin friendships, some for forever...
I left you hanging there, didn't I?
I really liked this book. It seems that the author has a lot of experience with celebrities and reality TV, some of the things mentioned were surprising to me, I didn't even know them!
The writing was settled down great, everything that happened was supposed to happen, and the author added just enough of details to catch the readers attention. To tell you the truth, at some moments I got bored, but the story was really interesting, and caught my attention, that's for sure. I'm glad I picked this one up.
I felt that Charlie was a strong lead. She wasn't shy, she had confidence, and just enough of that girl-power in her. Hallie and Keiran were also great, (I loved the ending!) but that brat, Brooke, just went above and beyond, in a bad way. I couldn't stand her! I knew that the author probably was trying to make her sound selfish and snobby, but for me, she just went over the line! I'm glad to see the story ended the way it was supposed to, at least in my opinion.
This was a strong, fun summer read for all of those who get bored easily.
Charlie, Hallie, Keiran, and Brooke are four best friends who live in an unknown small town in Long Island. When Charlie is suddenly offered a spot in her own reality TV show, with her three besties also starring, she is glad to take the offer. All she doesn't know is that friends shouldn't let friends do reality shows, because they could sure ruin friendships, some for forever...
I left you hanging there, didn't I?
I really liked this book. It seems that the author has a lot of experience with celebrities and reality TV, some of the things mentioned were surprising to me, I didn't even know them!
The writing was settled down great, everything that happened was supposed to happen, and the author added just enough of details to catch the readers attention. To tell you the truth, at some moments I got bored, but the story was really interesting, and caught my attention, that's for sure. I'm glad I picked this one up.
I felt that Charlie was a strong lead. She wasn't shy, she had confidence, and just enough of that girl-power in her. Hallie and Keiran were also great, (I loved the ending!) but that brat, Brooke, just went above and beyond, in a bad way. I couldn't stand her! I knew that the author probably was trying to make her sound selfish and snobby, but for me, she just went over the line! I'm glad to see the story ended the way it was supposed to, at least in my opinion.
This was a strong, fun summer read for all of those who get bored easily.
September 11, 2013
characters-
Charlie- the casual wallflower who's on yearbook (WHY are all the main characters of books in some kind of club?)
All she wants is for her crush to notice her. But come on that's kinda normal. What's NOT normal is... It's to hard to explain.
If you want to be an artist you would sketch in your spare time.
CHARLIE wants to be a singer so she sings and dances with a mop and broom but they DO make a cute couple in front of everyone and calls it her dream.
Kieran really annoys me. She is a pushover. I think if her parents ask her to look after her kids while she is filming she should say " sorry mom I'm filming today! Wow that's hard (sarcastic)
I don't think Halley should be in it TBH. She's a minor character.
Brooke was "evil" but dynamic. She was my favourite because she doesn't let people push her around and when she tries to make friends it's considered a...bad thing?
PLOT
4 teens (I think there should be 2) get put onto a reality show
"
How could they say no (like this:no)
So they do the show and the producers make it out to be a show about snobs.
"Why can't she say no to them?"- Charlie (I HAVEN'T READ IT IN AGES!) Good question
clips of eye rolling and glaring showed up. OHMYGOD how mean (sarcastic)
Then Brooke goes mean and makes besties with a girl called... I forgot who's the queen bee. Rather then being pleased that she made friends with someone new they get possesive.
BUY THIS IF YOU DON'T LIKE HAVING BRAIN CELLS!
Charlie- the casual wallflower who's on yearbook (WHY are all the main characters of books in some kind of club?)
All she wants is for her crush to notice her. But come on that's kinda normal. What's NOT normal is... It's to hard to explain.
If you want to be an artist you would sketch in your spare time.
CHARLIE wants to be a singer so she sings and dances with a mop and broom
Kieran really annoys me. She is a pushover. I think if her parents ask her to look after her kids while she is filming she should say " sorry mom I'm filming today! Wow that's hard (sarcastic)
I don't think Halley should be in it TBH. She's a minor character.
Brooke was "evil" but dynamic. She was my favourite because she doesn't let people push her around and when she tries to make friends it's considered a...bad thing?
PLOT
4 teens (I think there should be 2) get put onto a reality show
"
The Hills meets Secret Life
How could they say no (like this:no)
So they do the show and the producers make it out to be a show about snobs.
"Why can't she say no to them?"- Charlie (I HAVEN'T READ IT IN AGES!) Good question
clips of eye rolling and glaring showed up. OHMYGOD how mean (sarcastic)
Then Brooke goes mean and makes besties with a girl called... I forgot who's the queen bee. Rather then being pleased that she made friends with someone new they get possesive.
BUY THIS IF YOU DON'T LIKE HAVING BRAIN CELLS!
October 24, 2010
Woah. I just finished this book and the first thing/word I can say is: WOAH.
First off, I'd say this review won't be about recalling summary details and plot lines. I'm writing this to express my views-both the good and bad. :)
I love the honesty in this book!
=Most books for teens nowadays are mostly focused on the glam of Hollywood and the lives of the rich and famous but I was so glad this book wasn't centered on all of it.
I adore the characters -except Brooke, she was a real pain.
=Keiran in my opinion seems to be the most likeable. Charlie is the lovable main character while Hallie seems to not annoy me at all even if she has her 'flirt' moments.
I admire the setting.
=The town of Cliffside seems to picturesque just like how the book explains it.
While I was reading the very first chapter, I was bored to tears. I was like, "Will I even be able to finish this book?" BUT!! As I got to the 3rd chapter and beyond, I was instantly hooked. Meaning, more than hooked. I'm now up at 11pm writing a book review after I've just finished a book I will be cherishing for a very long time.
The theme of the story and the cover design of the book may put off some readers into thinking that this book is very shallow but I tell you, it is not. It has more depth to it and more meaning to it than I thought earlier before reading. I was pleasantly surprised. :)
Jen Calonita blew me away with this one!
First off, I'd say this review won't be about recalling summary details and plot lines. I'm writing this to express my views-both the good and bad. :)
I love the honesty in this book!
=Most books for teens nowadays are mostly focused on the glam of Hollywood and the lives of the rich and famous but I was so glad this book wasn't centered on all of it.
I adore the characters -except Brooke, she was a real pain.
=Keiran in my opinion seems to be the most likeable. Charlie is the lovable main character while Hallie seems to not annoy me at all even if she has her 'flirt' moments.
I admire the setting.
=The town of Cliffside seems to picturesque just like how the book explains it.
While I was reading the very first chapter, I was bored to tears. I was like, "Will I even be able to finish this book?" BUT!! As I got to the 3rd chapter and beyond, I was instantly hooked. Meaning, more than hooked. I'm now up at 11pm writing a book review after I've just finished a book I will be cherishing for a very long time.
The theme of the story and the cover design of the book may put off some readers into thinking that this book is very shallow but I tell you, it is not. It has more depth to it and more meaning to it than I thought earlier before reading. I was pleasantly surprised. :)
Jen Calonita blew me away with this one!
October 5, 2010
http://librarytalker.blogspot.com/201...
When Charlotte, aka "Charlie", is scouted by a producer for the new Fire and Ice Network for a reality show to rival The Hills and Jersey Shore, she and her friends immediately accept. It's not every day that you get to do what you do every day and get paid $10k an episode for it.
However, it seems there are a few complications:
1. It's "scripted reality". All locations must be scouted, some scenes are staged, and even fights have to be re-shot when things go wrong with the equipment.
2. Zac. He's hot. Charlie likes him. And he doesn't want to be on the show.
3. Brooke. She's supposed to be Charlie's best friend, but fame goes to her head.
4. The Producers. They want more juicy fights and less boring talk about clothes and babysitting.
The dream of fame and fortune becomes a nightmare of epic proportions with fights, screaming, backstabbing, and the realization that once you're on TV, no one around you can be trusted.
Can Charlie figure out a way to stop it all before all of her friendships (and her first possibly-serious boyfriend) are destroyed?
Final thoughts: Slightly better than cotton candy in the sense that there is a serious message snuck in about how much of reality television is really "real". Most of the stereotypes in YA fiction are here, but they're decently written. This one's good for any girl who watches reality TV and dreams of being one of "them".
When Charlotte, aka "Charlie", is scouted by a producer for the new Fire and Ice Network for a reality show to rival The Hills and Jersey Shore, she and her friends immediately accept. It's not every day that you get to do what you do every day and get paid $10k an episode for it.
However, it seems there are a few complications:
1. It's "scripted reality". All locations must be scouted, some scenes are staged, and even fights have to be re-shot when things go wrong with the equipment.
2. Zac. He's hot. Charlie likes him. And he doesn't want to be on the show.
3. Brooke. She's supposed to be Charlie's best friend, but fame goes to her head.
4. The Producers. They want more juicy fights and less boring talk about clothes and babysitting.
The dream of fame and fortune becomes a nightmare of epic proportions with fights, screaming, backstabbing, and the realization that once you're on TV, no one around you can be trusted.
Can Charlie figure out a way to stop it all before all of her friendships (and her first possibly-serious boyfriend) are destroyed?
Final thoughts: Slightly better than cotton candy in the sense that there is a serious message snuck in about how much of reality television is really "real". Most of the stereotypes in YA fiction are here, but they're decently written. This one's good for any girl who watches reality TV and dreams of being one of "them".
April 11, 2020
I actually didn't mind reading this book.
The copy that I got was an "advanced reading copy" that was not previously for sale (I had received it from a second-hand book store) so it had TONS of grammatical errors. Moving past that, it was a pretty fast read for me. Brooke annoyed me from the beginning, I knew she seemed like a pretty awful person and, it turns out, I was right. The end did seem a bit rushed, definitely not as spaced out as the beginning and middle parts. The girls and Addison quickly got out of the TV show, Charlie ended up with Zac, everything was fine and nobody suffered any consequences (except Susan, but besides the point). Speaking of which, why did Charlie and Hallie not listen to Kieran and Addison before calling Susan? Clearly, it sounded like they had something important to say. So, the end was not as satisfying as I had hoped, and I probably will not read this book again, but I do not regret picking it up and giving it a shot.
The copy that I got was an "advanced reading copy" that was not previously for sale (I had received it from a second-hand book store) so it had TONS of grammatical errors. Moving past that, it was a pretty fast read for me. Brooke annoyed me from the beginning, I knew she seemed like a pretty awful person and, it turns out, I was right. The end did seem a bit rushed, definitely not as spaced out as the beginning and middle parts. The girls and Addison quickly got out of the TV show, Charlie ended up with Zac, everything was fine and nobody suffered any consequences (except Susan, but besides the point). Speaking of which, why did Charlie and Hallie not listen to Kieran and Addison before calling Susan? Clearly, it sounded like they had something important to say. So, the end was not as satisfying as I had hoped, and I probably will not read this book again, but I do not regret picking it up and giving it a shot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2014
Looking for a light, fun read that leaves you turning pages looking for more? Reality Check by Jen Calonita is what you are looking for.
The story behind Calonita's novel is something a lot of teenagers can enjoy and relate to. Personally, I have always loved watching MTV reality shows like the Hills and Laguna Beach and things like that. So naturally, along with that, I always thought my hometown would make for a great reality show. The real ----- County and all that jazz. Calonita takes that concept and applies it to the four main characters, except they actually have that dream come true! I think the plot follows exactly what would happen if real people got on a reality television series with a lot of interesting spins.
I love the characters in Reality Check. I could totally relate the the main character Charlie(I even found myself dancing as I was serving like Charlie does!) and the other main characters are like a lot of my friends were in high school. Calonita does a great job at capturing a real teenage persona and I enjoyed living through Charlie's eyes.
All in all, this was a great novel and I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a relaxing fun read. Not to mention, look at how cute the cover is!
The story behind Calonita's novel is something a lot of teenagers can enjoy and relate to. Personally, I have always loved watching MTV reality shows like the Hills and Laguna Beach and things like that. So naturally, along with that, I always thought my hometown would make for a great reality show. The real ----- County and all that jazz. Calonita takes that concept and applies it to the four main characters, except they actually have that dream come true! I think the plot follows exactly what would happen if real people got on a reality television series with a lot of interesting spins.
I love the characters in Reality Check. I could totally relate the the main character Charlie(I even found myself dancing as I was serving like Charlie does!) and the other main characters are like a lot of my friends were in high school. Calonita does a great job at capturing a real teenage persona and I enjoyed living through Charlie's eyes.
All in all, this was a great novel and I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a relaxing fun read. Not to mention, look at how cute the cover is!
June 29, 2010
Spoilers. Who wouldn't want $10,000 an episode to hang out with their friends, shop, talk about boys and be themselves? That's why friends Charlie, Brooke, Kieran and Hallie sign up to be on The Cliffs, set in their small beach town. Even though the reader can immediately tell trouble is impending, watching it unfold in Calonita's hands is entertaining. Charlotte "Charlie" Reed soon finds Brooke's jealousy over her starring role unbearable, while her big crush doesn't want fame and the show soon interferes with their budding relationship. We see how easily one stray line or tiny crack in a friendship can be escalated and highlighted, and Calonita gets at each girl's Achilles heel.
Reality TV is pretty easy to skewer and some of the plotlines are things the reader can't help but wonder why the girls don't see, but as the show premieres and they do become the celebrities gossiped about in US Weekly they've wanted to be, and are threatened with breach of contract if they don't live up to the promised drama, the best writing comes out. In many ways, the mean girl steals the show, and while you're rooting for Charlie, the machinations of those who want fame above all else are highly entertaining. A perfect example of "Be careful what you wish for."
Reality TV is pretty easy to skewer and some of the plotlines are things the reader can't help but wonder why the girls don't see, but as the show premieres and they do become the celebrities gossiped about in US Weekly they've wanted to be, and are threatened with breach of contract if they don't live up to the promised drama, the best writing comes out. In many ways, the mean girl steals the show, and while you're rooting for Charlie, the machinations of those who want fame above all else are highly entertaining. A perfect example of "Be careful what you wish for."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2010
READ THE FULL REVIEW AT http://thecoverreviews.blogspot.com/2...
I must admit, I had pretty high expectations before reading this book, because I've read Jen Calonita's Secrets of My Hollywood Life series and her novel Sleepaway Girls, and over all, I really enjoy Jen Calonita's books.
Reality Check was no exception.
Charlie, Brook, Hallie, and Keiran are a group of high school friends that are practically inseparable. When a reality TV producer sees Charlie and her friends, she knows immediately that they are perfect for her new reality TV show.
Charlie is "the star" --- basically the show revolves around her --- but her friend Brooke won't have any of it. Brooke wants all the spotlight for herself and her new friend (who is only hanging out with Brooke for the fame).
The girls are shocked after they see the first episode --- all of their words are taken out of context, and made to seem like they are all trash talking about each other.
Arguments among the girls start to break out, and soon, Brooke and her old group of friends aren't even talking anymore.
Reality Check kind of --- no, not kind of --- really reminded me of . . .
READ THE FULL REVIEW AT http://thecoverreviews.blogspot.com/2...
I must admit, I had pretty high expectations before reading this book, because I've read Jen Calonita's Secrets of My Hollywood Life series and her novel Sleepaway Girls, and over all, I really enjoy Jen Calonita's books.
Reality Check was no exception.
Charlie, Brook, Hallie, and Keiran are a group of high school friends that are practically inseparable. When a reality TV producer sees Charlie and her friends, she knows immediately that they are perfect for her new reality TV show.
Charlie is "the star" --- basically the show revolves around her --- but her friend Brooke won't have any of it. Brooke wants all the spotlight for herself and her new friend (who is only hanging out with Brooke for the fame).
The girls are shocked after they see the first episode --- all of their words are taken out of context, and made to seem like they are all trash talking about each other.
Arguments among the girls start to break out, and soon, Brooke and her old group of friends aren't even talking anymore.
Reality Check kind of --- no, not kind of --- really reminded me of . . .
READ THE FULL REVIEW AT http://thecoverreviews.blogspot.com/2...
March 31, 2015
Reality Check ~ a drama-filled novel about four teenagers who are sucked into the cruel world of ‘reality’ tv. 16 year olds Charlie, Hallie, Brooke and Kieran are just regular teenagers until Charlie is scouted at work by Susan, a seemingly nice, understanding tv producer. Charlie and her friends experience what reality tv is really like - FAKE. They have loads of fights and misunderstandings while under the pressure of the cameras, and their friendship is tested. Is being under the spotlight really all it’s made out to be?
Thoughts:
Reality Check took a while to get started, but once it got going, it was packed with drama, making you want to read on to find out what’s going to happen. I didn’t feel like I got involved in the book, but the story was interesting and I enjoyed how the ending wasn’t your typical ‘now everything is fine’ ending, but it still left you satisfied, without questions that haven’t been answered.
The characters personalities all were sort of the same except for Brooke (that’s a good thing!)~ Charlie and Hallie seemed similar in personality, Kieran was likeable, a little shy, but Brooke was bossy and attention-seeking.
Not too dark or intense, Reality Check was an enjoyable light read.
Thoughts:
Reality Check took a while to get started, but once it got going, it was packed with drama, making you want to read on to find out what’s going to happen. I didn’t feel like I got involved in the book, but the story was interesting and I enjoyed how the ending wasn’t your typical ‘now everything is fine’ ending, but it still left you satisfied, without questions that haven’t been answered.
The characters personalities all were sort of the same except for Brooke (that’s a good thing!)~ Charlie and Hallie seemed similar in personality, Kieran was likeable, a little shy, but Brooke was bossy and attention-seeking.
Not too dark or intense, Reality Check was an enjoyable light read.
July 9, 2015
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book, so I'll start with the basics. Reality Check is a story about four average teens named Charlie, Brooke, Hallie, and Keiran. They live in the small town of Cliffside, where nothing interesting ever seems to happen. However, that immediately changes when the four girls are discovered by an important T.V. producer. She believes that they'd be perfect for her network's new reality T.V. show. Soon enough, the girls are swept off their feet and have entered a world of fame. It all seems glamorous at first, until the girl's personal lives are destroyed. Will they crack under the pressure that comes with this new opportunity? Or will everything work out? Read the book to find out.
This book was relatively predictable, with the exception of a few minor details. It wasn't a real page turner, but the storyline kept me interested enough to finish. In addition, the characters were relatable, but it was nothing that hasn't been done before. Lastly, the love story was a cute, but again, nothing to get too excited about. Thus, I don't regret picking up this book. Don't get me wrong- it was pretty entertaining! However, it wasn't something that rave about to others.
This book was relatively predictable, with the exception of a few minor details. It wasn't a real page turner, but the storyline kept me interested enough to finish. In addition, the characters were relatable, but it was nothing that hasn't been done before. Lastly, the love story was a cute, but again, nothing to get too excited about. Thus, I don't regret picking up this book. Don't get me wrong- it was pretty entertaining! However, it wasn't something that rave about to others.
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