Review (PDF) Reality Boulevard
New York Times bestseller Melissa Jo Peltier turns her attention to the brilliant, back-stabbing world of prime-time television in this wickedly funny new novel. Peltier has worked in entertainment for more than 20 years, making the darkly funny Reality Boulevard a true insider’s view of Hollywood and some of America’s biggest shows. In it, we see Oscar-winning producer Marty Maltzman and his staff out of a job – and out on the streets – when long-running docu-series Lights and Sirens is unexpectedly axed. But the Hollywood the team now faces is full of Kardashiansand Real Housewives, and they need to survive in a world where it’s very hard to tell what’s true and what isn’t – both on and off screen. Oscar and Emmy winning documentarian and veteran reality producer (Big Brother, Rescue 911) Arnold Shapiro called the novel “the best satirical look behind the scenes of reality television ever written”, adding: “It contains more truth than you would believe.” Todd Milliner, producer of Grimm and Hot in Cleveland, said: “During her 20-plus years in the business, Melissa Jo Peltier had a front-row seat, watching it all unfold. In this novel, she puts her dry wit and storytelling ability to good use, pulling back the curtain to reveal what really goes on. Entertainment writer Reel Life with Jane says: ” Her characterizations and descriptions, in particular, are original and visceral, and the book is simply a fun and engaging read.” Kirkus Reviews declares Reality Boulevard "a zinging satire" and writes: “Can Marty trust the gorgeous, much younger actress Crimson Fennel, who's making a play for him? Can anyone trust anyone else in Hollywood? Peltier uses her insider knowledge of Los Angeles, the TV industry and its players … in this smart, funny, insightful novel, reality TV becomes all too real, forcing several characters to confront their decisions. Peltier examines the Hollywood world of writers, producers, rich kids, actors, wannabes and con men with a keen and often compassionate eye. A dead-on satire—with a heart—of the reality TV scene from a knowledgeable, witty insider.”
Paperback: 328 pages
Publisher: Apostrophe Books (October 23, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1910167541
ISBN-13: 978-1910167540
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.8 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #960,086 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #238 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Television > Direction & Production #1459 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Satire #5263 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Humor > Satire
I downloaded this the first day it came out; well, I must say when I starting reading, I literally could not put it down. It's been a long time I laughed out loud when I read a book and the satire in this is incredibly funny-- because it's true. The author has an award-winning background in reality TV, so she knows whereof she speaks, and it's a lot of fun guessing who the characters might be based on (though I suspect there are a lot of them out there who are a match for the more ego-driven characters). Her insider's view adds extra weight and credence to her observations about how reality TV can warp personalities and encourage the bad behavior so many of us love to hate. But this is not a moralizing book; it has compassion for its characters, while at the same time observing the costs of fame, especially when conferred on people who have nothing to offer but outrageous personalities. That said it is just...fun! Now I am just waiting for a sequel because I wanted to find out what happens to some of the characters, both good and bad, whom I had grown fond of by the end.
Melissa Jo Peltier's novel "Reality Boulevard" provides a simultaneously uproarious and sobering portrayal of the world of reality television. The over-the-top characters, the plotlines that veer between farce and pathos, and the razor-sharp dialogue all combine to provide a hugely entertaining read. Peltier's depth of real-life experience in the entertainment industry gives us a convincing insight into the world behind the curtain that is our television screen.But beyond the fun time that "Reality Boulevard" provides to us readers, I found myself attending more to two other dimensions.What does the mass popularity of reality TV programs as depicted in "Reality Boulevard" say about us a society? I don't regret for an instant that Peltier's novel pressed this question into the forefront of my mind even at the expense of tainting somewhat the unadulterated enjoyment I was having in reading the story. I won't proffer any glib answers here to this probing question but reflecting on it will be the longer-term impact for me of having read "Reality Boulevard" after the glow of the fun time has faded. And for that, I'm appreciative.The second aspect of reading "Reality Boulevard" that most impressed me was the fine quality of the writing. My goodness, Melissa Jo Peltier has mastered her craft. Editors are constantly harping at us writers to "show me, don't tell me." Peltier demonstrates that skill with seemingly effortless finesse. But we who write know that it is not effortless. Peltier has paid her dues. "Reality Boulevard" is a very solid piece of writing.
Written by an author who clearly knows her subject matter inside and out, Melissa Peltier has created memorable characters you will love and love-to-hate, all thrown together while they make their way in a business that's just slightly more crazy than they are. But beware! Reality Boulevard reads like a runaway train, so find yourself a free weekend, download this book, and dive right in. You won't be sorry. If you love Carl Hiaasen, you will love Melissa Peltier.
If you love reality TV, hate reality TV, or don't give much thought to this popular genre, you will love "Reality Blvd." With humor, satire, and memorable characters, it takes you deep into the present and the future of unscripted television. If you think some of today's reality shows and characters are outrageous, wait until you meet the ones in this book. I intended to read only the first chapter and could not stop reading until I was forced to go to sleep 12 hours later. This book is engaging, amazing, amusing, and unforgettable. After reading it, you will watch your next reality episode as an insider!
So limited - all this book gives you is: - Brilliantly constructed characters. - A highly engaging, skillfully written plot. - A page-turning experience written from an inside-view perspective. - An unforgettable read.This is the kind of book that just rides around in your head even after you have finished it. The characters are SO real - and I love how Ms. Peltier skillfully weaves this story, taking us through the development, discoveries, and adventures of the protagonist. ANYONE can relate to this book. Brilliant!If any of this appeals to you, read this book. If it doesn't, forget it. I suggest finding a stereo instructions booklet from the '70s. EBay must have some.Great book. Can't wait to see what this author will do next!
This is a touching and often hilarious novel set in the world of reality TV production -- where Peltier worked for over 20 years. The lead character encounters conflicts that a huge number of ambitious young women (and men) will identify with, between love and work, between selling out and staying pure (whatever that means). It's a quick, fun read, but also one you can come back to again and again.
With her plethora of credits, background and experience in the “behind the scenes” working of Hollywood’s world of film, television and documentaries, only Melissa Jo Peltier could have written her riveting novel, Reality Boulevard. It not only follows and explores the lives of wannabe celebrities but also introduces us to seasoned professionals who are tops in their fields, how they got there and even more challenging, how they stay there...or not. It’s the story of what price people will pay - financially, emotionally and physically - for fame and fortune in the world of non-scripted television and the consequences, good and bad, that may unfold. Told in a humorous and candid voice, Reality Boulevard is at its core a fascinating cautionary tale.
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