Well, I have to say this one surprised me. I did not expect to like it as much as I did. The story follows our main character, Bonnie Baker (aka: Chloe Baker) and her brother Benny, as they attempt to have somewhat normal lives after having been on a reality TV show since birth. After a traumatic event on season thirteen of their show (when they were thirteen years old), the show was cancelled. They have lived out of the spotlight for the last four years and have almost relaxed into semi-normal lives. Suddenly, their lives are once again turned upside down when their mother decides to put the family back on TV without warning.
The storyline very much reminds me of Jon and Kate plus Eight, where the mother is fame crazed and can't live without the cameras, the father never wanted so many kids and eventually cheats and leaves, and the kids all have issues from having every moment of their lives filmed. There are some surprisingly touching scenes throughout that really hit you emotionally. We watch the kids deal with depression, anxiety, over sexualization, homophobia, developmental delay, etc. all in front of the cameras. Luckily, they realize as time goes on that they have true friends outside the chaos of their home life. They have a future that is whatever they choose to make it and, despite the false bubble they live in, they have found something real after all.
This was a really fast read and it packed an unexpected emotional punch. The anxiety, sadness, and anger were palpable. However, so were the joy, love, and hope. I had this one sitting on my shelf forever and randomly picked it up. I am so glad I finally did. Don't wait like I did. I would recommend this one if you are in the mood for romance, friendship, and the love of family that can never be broken.
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