Something Real by Heather Demetrios Review

Monday, January 20, 2014

Title: Something Real
Author: Heather Demetrios (Twitter)
Publisher: Henry Holt BYR
Publish Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 416
Source: Publisher

There’s nothing real about reality TV. Seventeen-year-old Bonnie™ Baker has grown up on TV—she and her twelve siblings are the stars of one-time hit reality show Baker’s Dozen. Since the show’s cancellation and the scandal surrounding it, Bonnie™ has tried to live a normal life, under the radar and out of the spotlight.

But it’s about to fall apart…because Baker’s Dozen is going back on the air. Bonnie™’s mom and the show’s producers won’t let her quit and soon the life she has so carefully built for herself, with real friends (and maybe even a real boyfriend), is in danger of being destroyed by the show. Bonnie™ needs to do something drastic if her life is ever going to be her own—even if it means being more exposed than ever before.
Every once in a while, a book comes along that is just so incredibly raw and real that it leaves you very nearly speechless. Something Real is that book. Raw, angry and beautiful, this novel is a powerhouse of emotion. Heather Demetrios catapults herself onto the contemporary scene with a novel that takes a deeper look at the reality of "reality television," as well as what its impact might very well be on its stars. Giving a host of oppressed child stars a voice that is otherwise altered and manipulated to become what the viewing populace wants, this novel breathes new life into contemporary fiction and makes it powerful and relevant again.

Something Real is, first and foremost, a character-driven novel. Bonnie™ Baker was born on national television - literally - and she, as well as her twelve other siblings, have lived out much of their lives onscreen ever since. But the show was off the air, and four the past four years, Bonnie™ has been able to live a real life outside of the prying eye of the paparazzi and the media which ravaged her family, and her own psyche, up until a dramatic incident forced them off the air. Living as Chloe for the past four years has been liberating, but being thrust back on the air is the last thing she can deal with or wants. Plus, she and her siblings are now subject to the manipulative plans of nearly every adult around them, forcing them to be their own advocates.

Bonnie™, Benton™ and Lexie™ are the Baker siblings we follow most, and it's interesting to see how being forced to live their lives on national television has shaped them all. Bonnie™ fought to remove herself from it all, and she's become withdrawn, hurt, angry and closed off. Benton™ has had to hide a piece of himself from the world for fear of outing those he loves most and Lexie™ has become exactly what MetaReel typecast her to be. The characters within Something Real were very much alive throughout the novel. Each perfectly illustrated the natural angst of teenage life, but it was brilliantly amplified by the fact that they had to live their "normal" lives on the air. Bonnie™'s relationship with her parents, both her mother, birth father and her stepfather, was understandably strained, and it was very powerful to see just how the cameras transformed people's characters.

It must be said though, that a secondary character very nearly stole the show in Something Real. Patrick, Bonnie™/Chloe's love interest was the most steady, handsome, nerdy, wonderful rock throughout the seemingly endless turmoil of the novel. Whenever she needed him most, he was there with the words and love she needed most. Even when she pushed him away, he never strayed too far. Most of all though, it was beautiful to see a teenage love story played out in an honest, pure and beautiful way. Rather than thrusting us into an insta-love scenario, Bonnie™ and Patrick are friends, above all else, and their romance stems from this - the most powerful of places. Also amazing to experience was a well-executed plot that progressed through Bonnie™'s carefully executed character development, which fueled the major plot points and really kept things moving. And, it simply must be said, that this novel gives you a cast of characters that are true-to-life and easily relatable, which makes the novel all the more enjoyable.

I've always said that the hardest books to review are the ones we love the most, and I'm not doing Something Real justice at all. Ms. Demetrios has crafted a novel that I will cherish among my favourites, and I will most certainly be on the lookout for more of her excellent, quirky and charismatic storytelling in the future. I give this novel a 5 out of 5, and I can't recommend it enough to all fans of YA and adult fiction, especially those who enjoy powerful contemporary novels.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

20 comments:

  1. I've always wondered about those kids who are stars as kids -- it seems like such pressure and such unreality. I can't imagine growing up in that poisonous atmosphere. Love the TM after all their names.

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    1. I was actually watching that debacle on GMA the other day with the poor twins from Jon & Kate + 8, so this was a crazy relevant read for me. It really does pack a punch...I highly recommend it, Mary!

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  2. I think this is such a brilliant premise especially because of our society. I just recently heard about Something Real and it reminded of the John & Kate twins and this other book, You Look Different in Real Life. It's so sad, but I think I'm going to add Something Real to tbr and check it out for myself. Great review.

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    1. John & Kate's twins were the first thing that came to mind for me - especially after that horrific interview the other day. It's well worth the read.

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  3. I honestly would have skipped right over this one if you hadn't texted me Melissa! That cover doesn't do anything for me even though it clearly fits the story, but obviously I would be missing out hugely if I passed it by. Love the sound of the relationship between Bonnie and Patrick, it seems low on the drama and high on all the feels:) Thanks for making sure I added this one to my list!

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    1. The cover didn't speak to me either, but I was in the mood for something contemporary, and this one absolutely blew me away. Please read it!

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  4. Woah, I haven't heard of this one before but it sounds exactly like something I'd love. I really enjoy raw, gritty novels that can make me think and this sounds perfect. Thanks for putting this on my radar, Melissa!

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    1. Keertana, it's gritty, powerful and really emotional. It wasn't overdone either, and the author's writing style is perfection :)

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  5. Wow! This sounds amazing and like a refreshing change from what's out there.

    Great review, lady!

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  6. This sounds like a really amazing book. I love a book that can just immerse me in the characters' lives and make me feel things. And reality TV is such a huge part of culture nowadays, so it's a very real and present issue. I'm adding this to my TBR list!!

    P.S. I totally get the romance stemming from romance. My boyfriend was my best friend in the months before we started going out :)

    Kris @Imaginary Reads

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  7. I don't like the over sensationalized reality TV shows at all. I get hives just thinkng about the Kareashians. So I doubt I'd ever pick this up, but I'm glad to see you enjoyed it enough for 5 stars. Great review, Melissa! :)

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  8. I really liked Patrick too though overall I wasn't as enthusiastic about this book as you-maybe because of its realness and raw emotion?

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  9. I've not heard of this one before, but it sure does sound absolutely wonderful. I love character-driven stories and I think I'll enjoy this one as much as you did, especially Patrick.
    Thanks for sharing, Melissa!

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  10. I've never heard of this book before, but I am so glad you are expanding my horizons with this one…it sounds brilliant, especially since it is one of your favorites. Plus, Patrick sounds like a character I'd love. Going to add it to my TBR list…great review!

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  11. Okay, WOW. I didn't like the cover on this one so my eyes just went right over it but I LOVE everything you've described here. It sounds like an Asheley book and I love the little trademark by the names. I'm gonna give this one a try. Yay for contemporary, Melissa! LOVED reading these thoughts. So much fun. I can tell you really loved it.

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  12. Wow, this sounds fabulous. I wouldn't expect this to be a hard-hitting book. I've been on a contemporary streak lately, so I will definitely check this out.

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  13. Your review for Something Real is so wonderful, Melissa! I wish mine were half as coherent and descriptive as yours is. You basically hit the nail on the head! I loved this book as well, and am eager to make sure that more people take note of it this 2014.

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  14. Great review. This book sounds excellent, I'll definitely look out for it!

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  15. This book was barely on my radar, so it's nice to see such a glowing review. The characters sound fabulous, and the writing sounds excellent, too. Hopefully my local library will get this one in February!

    Amazing review!

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  16. I just finished this book. My review goes up in a few minutes. Such a wonderful book. I'm really surprised this isn't getting more attention.

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