YA - Something Real by Heather Demetrios

 

  Something Real is a look at what it must be like to grow up on a reality television show.  Bonnie Baker and her 11 siblings had such a life on Baker's Dozen, until her father got caught cheating on national television and Bonnie tried to kill herself.  Year's later, the Baker's have moved to a new town and Bonnie has adopted a new name - Chloe. 
  Chloe finally has real friends, a normal social life, and a love interest, but all of this is thrown into chaos when she and her brother Benton come home from school one day to a lawn filled with production equipment.  Chloe finds out that Baker's Dozen is back - as Baker's Dozen: Fresh Batch.
  As Chloe struggles, her mother and the show's producer put tremendous pressure on her to fall in line with the rest of the family.  In one particularly shocking scene, the producer, Chuck is threatening her.
  All I could think about when reading this book is Jon & Kate Plus 8.  Is this the reality of reality t.v.?  Every mistake you've ever made readily available to a national audience.  Parents so obsessed with fame and money that the child's welfare isn't even a consideration.
  The book itself is outstanding.  The characters are well fleshed out and relatable.  Bonnie and her brother, Benton, have a relationship that I envy.  The book touches on infidelity, divorce, suicide, sexual preference, friendship and so many other topics, but it never feels forced.  A great book for anyone looking for a good read.