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miakve's review against another edition
4.0
Gives an interesting view of the "singing" competitions on tv.
missgray's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Cursing, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia
Moderate: Eating disorder, Body shaming, Sexual content, and Drug use
helenephoebe's review against another edition
3.0
Review - I thought the relationship between Emma and Calvin was secondary, and should have been less important, though I do think that Beryl's family dynamic was important and interesting. I felt that Chart Throb was no where near as good as Dead Famous which I read before. I thought that everything happened too quickly and what I really wanted to know more about was the psyche of the game shows - what went on in people's heads as they auditioned. I thought the judge's angle could also have done with some more explanation.
Genre? - Drama / Humour
Characters? - Beryl Blenheim / Calvin Simms / Emma / Rodney Root / Dakota Simms / Shaiana / Keely / Trent / Chelsea / Charles Prince of Wales /
Setting? - London (England) & Los Angeles (U.S.A.)
Series? - N/A
Recommend? - No
Rating - 13/20
Genre? - Drama / Humour
Characters? - Beryl Blenheim / Calvin Simms / Emma / Rodney Root / Dakota Simms / Shaiana / Keely / Trent / Chelsea / Charles Prince of Wales /
Setting? - London (England) & Los Angeles (U.S.A.)
Series? - N/A
Recommend? - No
Rating - 13/20
daisyemmahughes's review against another edition
dark
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nadyaduck's review against another edition
2.0
Book club read. Gave it 5/10.
First off, I want to reiterate how much I hate the word throb.
This was entertainting & funny, but while it did give an interesting insight into the world of reality TV, even though I don't really watch much of it I think I could have guessed at how manipulative it is!
Not much of a plot, but I think Ben Elton tried to make up for that by throwing in a few twists at the end.. but still, the repeated phrases and having to go through each round of the TV show really started to grate on me. I understand that's part of his trying to satirise X-Factor and the likes, but I don't watch it partly because of the predictable phrases and endless rounds, so I don't really want to be reading about it.
Some of the characters were hilarious, so while I didn't think this was up to all that much, it was funny enough to keep it going.
First off, I want to reiterate how much I hate the word throb.
This was entertainting & funny, but while it did give an interesting insight into the world of reality TV, even though I don't really watch much of it I think I could have guessed at how manipulative it is!
Not much of a plot, but I think Ben Elton tried to make up for that by throwing in a few twists at the end.. but still, the repeated phrases and having to go through each round of the TV show really started to grate on me. I understand that's part of his trying to satirise X-Factor and the likes, but I don't watch it partly because of the predictable phrases and endless rounds, so I don't really want to be reading about it.
Some of the characters were hilarious, so while I didn't think this was up to all that much, it was funny enough to keep it going.
willowfae's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book, very typical Ben Elton fayre. It did get me thinking about shows like X Factor and wondering how close to the mark this book was.
I know some people have complained about all the cliches in this 'you owned that song' etc. But they are there for a reason and are meant to be cliches. At one point it is even explained that the cliche lines are rationed and handed out so that not everyone uses them all the time. It is supposed to show the contrived nature of the judges comments.
The twist at the end was interesting and one I didn't see coming.
I know some people have complained about all the cliches in this 'you owned that song' etc. But they are there for a reason and are meant to be cliches. At one point it is even explained that the cliche lines are rationed and handed out so that not everyone uses them all the time. It is supposed to show the contrived nature of the judges comments.
The twist at the end was interesting and one I didn't see coming.
goldiefan's review against another edition
5.0
This book has had mixed reviews all over the country. However I am in camp adore. I found this book very intresting and even through I hated most oof the characters, I still found it enjoyable. It wasn't quite as good as dead famous, however Ben Elton still uses his genious to create a funny and unpredictible book. The only thing that lets it down is the ending, I found it very rushed and concivied.
rodbegbie's review against another edition
2.0
Ugh. Just so, so uninspired. Page after page of the same joke ("TV talent shows are manipulated by the producers LOLZ") with no character development or actual, y'know, *story*!
merissak's review against another edition
4.0
The first Ben Elton book i read and i was hooked. Started buying all his other titles after i was done with this one.
It made me completely rethink reality tv show and i stopped watching them after reading Chart Throb. It’s been at least a decade now!
Very cleverly written, every single page has at least a brilliant sentence that made me chuckle or smile. It’s a great read and i couldnt put it down!
It made me completely rethink reality tv show and i stopped watching them after reading Chart Throb. It’s been at least a decade now!
Very cleverly written, every single page has at least a brilliant sentence that made me chuckle or smile. It’s a great read and i couldnt put it down!