American Idle

When one reads an average of 2 Romance novels a day, the books themselves have a way of disappearing into a gray haze of monotony. It becomes more rare with each page, to find that book that stands out from the crowd. You begin to categorize and remember books by their authors rather than their content. So it is a bright day indeed when you come across one of those gems that sends you to the email list to recommend that your friends "read this book immediately". This. Is. That. Book. Laugh till you pop the button on your skirt funny, this is definitely a book for the keeper shelves, and an author that has moved herself into the top position of my automatic reads. Well done Alesia, I can't wait to see what comes next.

Alesia Holliday has written a book that is both fun and intelligent. AMERICAN IDLE is a great romp behind the scenes of reality television. But while Holliday takes the reader through a series of crazy (and funny) scenes, she also makes you care about the book's sometimes-feckless heroine, rooting for her to connect with Mr. Right, whoever he might turn out to be. This book is a sweet, smart and sassy read -- a breath of fresh air. Libby

American Idle was a wonderful and witty story with a great cast of characters. Jules is a girl after my own heart. The book is very well written and the dialogue and story line are excellent. A keeper for your book shelf and a must have if it's not already on its way to your home.

I'm not a big fan of reality tv and only admit to seeing American Idol like once or twice in my life. But this clever, witty parody had me laughing out loud. (Much to the dismay of my fellow subway commuters...) The main character, Jules, is a total smart ass with a heart of gold and someone you'd want to be friends with. And the supporting characters are hilarious - from a coworker with a disturbing obsession with Star Wars to a manic boss with a cell phone phobia to a best friend who works in a sex toy shop and likes to send "care packages" to Jules at the most inopportune moments. Also I'd like to note, I'm a tv news producer by trade and I found the book to very realistic as a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of a television show. (Esp those morning meetings with crazy concepts being tossed around!)

The truth literally hits Jules Verne on the head, in the form of a cast iron skillet; it's time to find a new job. She jumps at the chance to be a production coordinator on the latest reality show, even though all she really knows about tv is how to turn one on and change channels. Despite this lack, she seems to fit in relatively smoothly among the assorted personalities on the show. The people behind the stage could make for a good comedy show themselves; between the Star Wars quoting Norm, the fit throwing Nellie, taciturn Joe, the British hypochondriac, Q who is threatening to come out on live tv, and Mr. You have my cell number, do NOT call me on my cell, Jules is kept hopping. Then, there are the contestants she babysits; a gang member, a country bumpkin, amorous maniacs, and possible mobsters. She also has a father on the verge of marrying a girl barely older than herself and assorted personal crises. There is a bright spot named Sam, if she doesn't lose him to a Barbie Clone or get killed by a disgruntled kidnapper. ***** I'll warn you right now, this is a definite two boxes of tissue book; you'll laugh yourself to tears. Charming characters come to life immediately. This is without a doubt in the top ten books of the year. ***** Reviewed by Amanda Killgore for Huntress Reviews.