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kdurham2's review
3.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
Are you a reality tv fan? Do you like to read books that take you behind the scenes? As I would answer YES, to both questions, I loved this book that took me inside a reality tv show through the eyes of the teenager where her home has become the set for the show. One might think this show has some similarities to John & Kate Gosselin's adventure in reality tv, but I do wonder what the author used as a reference.
Are you a reality tv fan? Do you like to read books that take you behind the scenes? As I would answer YES, to both questions, I loved this book that took me inside a reality tv show through the eyes of the teenager where her home has become the set for the show. One might think this show has some similarities to John & Kate Gosselin's adventure in reality tv, but I do wonder what the author used as a reference.
laughlinesandliterature's review
3.0
*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Reality Ends Here was a decent read. I liked Estella well enough, I felt like she and her siblings were absolutely exploited by their parents.
I thought that Estella was a very well rounded person considering up bringing. It must’ve been very difficult especially because in many ways I felt like she was abandoned her mother. I especially hated how no one believed her about the package, they all thought she would do that. It really bothered me, because I felt like they wanted her to have issues so it could be used to her advantage.
I loved that Estella took care of her younger siblings, by doing things like teaching them sign language and comforting them. I think that her mother and step-father forget that they are just kids. It must be terrible for them, and they each get their own little role on what their personalities are supposed to be. There were numerous instances in which they signed to Estella that they were sorry but someone put them up to asking questions or instigating drama.
I really liked that there was the mystery aspect to this novel, but it just seemed like something that was thrown in. It didn’t even end up being all that much of a mystery, it was just wishful thinking. So it seemed like I spent a lot of time hoping with Estella only for nothing to change. It just felt like there were other things that could’ve been focused on.
I did really enjoy Jack and how he and Estella became best friends. It was definitely adorable to see them meet each other, and realize how much they had in common. Then to grow into more by the end of Reality Ends Here, it was really nice to see how sweet he was with her.
Overall it was a good read, and I would recommend it. However, it did feel really short, and I felt like the mystery was blown up too much for what ended up happening. I would give it 3 out 5 stars, because I would’ve liked to see more of her family.
*This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf http://moonlightgleam.com/2013/09/reality-ends-here-by-alison-gaylin.html*
Reality Ends Here was a decent read. I liked Estella well enough, I felt like she and her siblings were absolutely exploited by their parents.
I thought that Estella was a very well rounded person considering up bringing. It must’ve been very difficult especially because in many ways I felt like she was abandoned her mother. I especially hated how no one believed her about the package, they all thought she would do that. It really bothered me, because I felt like they wanted her to have issues so it could be used to her advantage.
I loved that Estella took care of her younger siblings, by doing things like teaching them sign language and comforting them. I think that her mother and step-father forget that they are just kids. It must be terrible for them, and they each get their own little role on what their personalities are supposed to be. There were numerous instances in which they signed to Estella that they were sorry but someone put them up to asking questions or instigating drama.
I really liked that there was the mystery aspect to this novel, but it just seemed like something that was thrown in. It didn’t even end up being all that much of a mystery, it was just wishful thinking. So it seemed like I spent a lot of time hoping with Estella only for nothing to change. It just felt like there were other things that could’ve been focused on.
I did really enjoy Jack and how he and Estella became best friends. It was definitely adorable to see them meet each other, and realize how much they had in common. Then to grow into more by the end of Reality Ends Here, it was really nice to see how sweet he was with her.
Overall it was a good read, and I would recommend it. However, it did feel really short, and I felt like the mystery was blown up too much for what ended up happening. I would give it 3 out 5 stars, because I would’ve liked to see more of her family.
*This review was first posted to Moonlight Gleam's Bookshelf http://moonlightgleam.com/2013/09/reality-ends-here-by-alison-gaylin.html*
heather4994's review
3.0
I don't remember requesting this one, but somehow I got it. And so, I read it. It was a quick read and very light. Not too deep, but enjoyable.
Characters- Estella is the 16 yr old daughter and sister of sextuplets. She's a sweet sister, caring that one of her sisters, 6 yr old Gracie still wets the bed in the middle of the night. Gracie runs to Estella's room for help and Estella changes her sheets and washes them in the middle of the night all without anyone knowing so that Gracie doesn't get yelled at, on camera, by their mother. Such is the life of a reality star. She knows the personality of each of her brothers and sisters and has a tender heart when it comes to watching them being used and extorted for ratings. She tries to protect them. She knows that secrets are being kept from her and feels like she can't trust anyone. There isn't quite enough depth to her to really make a big impression on us. But you'll like the way she treats and protects her siblings.
Mom- A bit fame hungry, seems zoned out through most of the story. She doesn't believe anything Estella says when things happen and Estella denies she did it. She seems to only be interested in how things look on t.v. Even the children suffer under her detachment. She redeems herself a bit in the end.
Barry (Stepdad)- Producer of numerous reality shows and father of the sextuplets. Seems to be a caring man, but it never quite reaches his eyes if you know what I mean. He seems to have very little to do with the kids.
Steve- Bodyguard, the only one that Estella has ever trusted. He's been with them since the kids were born. They have a rocky relationship.
Jake- a teen boy band member who Estella falls in love with way too quickly
Dylan- 20 something washed up child star who is probably one of the most genuine people in the entire book.
The World- Honestly, reality t.v. is probably the most non real t.v. there is. I don't watch it. Ever. I like my drama in books. Anyway, the world is reality t.v. Almost every moment of their waking day, this family is on film. There are supposed rooms that are off limits, but even those seem to be being filmed when Estella investigates. When not being filmed, Estella has to attend counseling with fellow child actors at TMTS led by a former child actor himself. And then, if she can slip away, Estella is searching for proof that her father is still alive. Paparazzi, teen stars, autographs, screaming fans, disguises, clandestine meetings, all part of the world.
The Story- Estella is being led to believe that her father is still alive by a truly despicable man, the lowest of the paparazzi. Yet, rather than take pictures of her crying about the news he's giving her, he puts his camera away and gives her clues. She uses some of her therapy group to help her with her investigation. She's arrested, a friend is shot. They find out what her dad was involved in. She goes viral on You-Tube. All sorts of things go on, but they follow a logical sequence.
My thoughts- There is really no depth to this story and the lack of that leaves me feeling a bit so so about the whole thing. My characters need depth and layers and to show growth. I really like the way Estella treated her siblings and that was about all I could say about her. There wasn't a lot of development after that. She was in love with Jake after one group counseling session that lasted less than one hour and he had a girlfriend! Too Fast! And he was on board with it by the third day, I think.
After he broke up with the girlfriend. (I know the magic of Hollywood). There is the suspension of belief and then there is I'm just not buying this. Most of it leaned toward the I'm just not buying this.
But, if you can suspend belief easier than me in your contemporaries, you'll enjoy this fast paced novel.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher for review. Regardless, my opinions and thoughts about the novel were not influenced by this.
Characters- Estella is the 16 yr old daughter and sister of sextuplets. She's a sweet sister, caring that one of her sisters, 6 yr old Gracie still wets the bed in the middle of the night. Gracie runs to Estella's room for help and Estella changes her sheets and washes them in the middle of the night all without anyone knowing so that Gracie doesn't get yelled at, on camera, by their mother. Such is the life of a reality star. She knows the personality of each of her brothers and sisters and has a tender heart when it comes to watching them being used and extorted for ratings. She tries to protect them. She knows that secrets are being kept from her and feels like she can't trust anyone. There isn't quite enough depth to her to really make a big impression on us. But you'll like the way she treats and protects her siblings.
Mom- A bit fame hungry, seems zoned out through most of the story. She doesn't believe anything Estella says when things happen and Estella denies she did it. She seems to only be interested in how things look on t.v. Even the children suffer under her detachment. She redeems herself a bit in the end.
Barry (Stepdad)- Producer of numerous reality shows and father of the sextuplets. Seems to be a caring man, but it never quite reaches his eyes if you know what I mean. He seems to have very little to do with the kids.
Steve- Bodyguard, the only one that Estella has ever trusted. He's been with them since the kids were born. They have a rocky relationship.
Jake- a teen boy band member who Estella falls in love with way too quickly
Dylan- 20 something washed up child star who is probably one of the most genuine people in the entire book.
The World- Honestly, reality t.v. is probably the most non real t.v. there is. I don't watch it. Ever. I like my drama in books. Anyway, the world is reality t.v. Almost every moment of their waking day, this family is on film. There are supposed rooms that are off limits, but even those seem to be being filmed when Estella investigates. When not being filmed, Estella has to attend counseling with fellow child actors at TMTS led by a former child actor himself. And then, if she can slip away, Estella is searching for proof that her father is still alive. Paparazzi, teen stars, autographs, screaming fans, disguises, clandestine meetings, all part of the world.
The Story- Estella is being led to believe that her father is still alive by a truly despicable man, the lowest of the paparazzi. Yet, rather than take pictures of her crying about the news he's giving her, he puts his camera away and gives her clues. She uses some of her therapy group to help her with her investigation. She's arrested, a friend is shot. They find out what her dad was involved in. She goes viral on You-Tube. All sorts of things go on, but they follow a logical sequence.
My thoughts- There is really no depth to this story and the lack of that leaves me feeling a bit so so about the whole thing. My characters need depth and layers and to show growth. I really like the way Estella treated her siblings and that was about all I could say about her. There wasn't a lot of development after that. She was in love with Jake after one group counseling session that lasted less than one hour and he had a girlfriend! Too Fast! And he was on board with it by the third day, I think.
After he broke up with the girlfriend. (I know the magic of Hollywood). There is the suspension of belief and then there is I'm just not buying this. Most of it leaned toward the I'm just not buying this.
But, if you can suspend belief easier than me in your contemporaries, you'll enjoy this fast paced novel.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher for review. Regardless, my opinions and thoughts about the novel were not influenced by this.
merlin_reads's review
3.5
16 year old Estella Blanchard is one of the stars of reality tv’s hottest show, Seven is Heaven. She’s your typical teenager, except everything in her life is scripted. While taping their Christmas episode, a present appears under the tree addressed to Estella. The sender? Her biological father who died in a car crash years earlier. Her parents blame her and ship her off to celebrity therapy. Meanwhile, Estella’s just trying to figure out who sent that package and if her father is really dead.
I enjoyed most of this story – the last half at least. I had a hard time in the beginning getting through based on the parents. Her mother and stepfather were horrible people. Everything they said or did was for ratings. After finding a present from her dead father, Estella runs up to her room to be alone only to have one of the sextuplets come in and start quizzing her about her real father – in front of a camera after being prompted by the parents. They were just horrible. The way they treated Estella disgusted me and almost turned me off of the book. There was just so much manipulation and lying going around from people you were supposed to be able to trust. I’m sorry, encouraging bullying between the children and telling one of them to lose weight because she’s chubby is just not right. YOU’RE HORRIBLE PARENTS.
However, I stuck with it. And we finally moved away from parents and were introduced to two characters who became important figures: Jake, the heartthrob singer and Dylan, the washed up former tv star. I loved the scenes with the three of them. Jake, who I liked instantly, understood Estella like nobody ever had before. Their connection was believable and I rooted for the two of them.
Dylan was pure comic relief. I mean, he created a distraction by having Justin Beiber perform on top of a limo. But he was loyal. He stood by his friends when everything went crazy. He was just so much fun.
The story took an interesting turn about halfway through and became this mystery that surrounded Estella, her father, and other people she thought she knew. Most of it was a little unbelievable and there were a few holes here and there, but I won’t deny that I was intrigued by the mystery. Overall, an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed most of this story – the last half at least. I had a hard time in the beginning getting through based on the parents. Her mother and stepfather were horrible people. Everything they said or did was for ratings. After finding a present from her dead father, Estella runs up to her room to be alone only to have one of the sextuplets come in and start quizzing her about her real father – in front of a camera after being prompted by the parents. They were just horrible. The way they treated Estella disgusted me and almost turned me off of the book. There was just so much manipulation and lying going around from people you were supposed to be able to trust. I’m sorry, encouraging bullying between the children and telling one of them to lose weight because she’s chubby is just not right. YOU’RE HORRIBLE PARENTS.
However, I stuck with it. And we finally moved away from parents and were introduced to two characters who became important figures: Jake, the heartthrob singer and Dylan, the washed up former tv star. I loved the scenes with the three of them. Jake, who I liked instantly, understood Estella like nobody ever had before. Their connection was believable and I rooted for the two of them.
Dylan was pure comic relief. I mean, he created a distraction by having Justin Beiber perform on top of a limo. But he was loyal. He stood by his friends when everything went crazy. He was just so much fun.
The story took an interesting turn about halfway through and became this mystery that surrounded Estella, her father, and other people she thought she knew. Most of it was a little unbelievable and there were a few holes here and there, but I won’t deny that I was intrigued by the mystery. Overall, an enjoyable read.
mfcotter's review
3.0
Some lightness after a brutal crime story. Sometimes it's very clever. The lead character is enough of an outcast to make her appealing.
chrissymcbooknerd's review
3.0
For as far back as she can remember, Estella has been a star.
Her claim to fame, though, as been as the infamous older sister of reality TV's favorite set of sextuplets -- all of whom star, along with Estella, her mother, and her stepfather, in one of the country's biggest hit reality television shows, SEVEN IS HEAVEN.
Growing up in front of the camera is tough for Estella, especially since she lost her father at an early age, as he mysteriously died on his way back from getting Estella's very last Christmas gift from him -- a Polly Pocket toy she had been wanting for so long. So, imagine her surprise and horror when she finds this very gift wrapped and delivered under the Christmas tree years later, for all of the world to see on reality TV!
Of course, her parents are quick to hide the clip, deciding that a viral glimpse into the horrific moment would destroy the family's fame and reputation -- but, of course, the video is leaked to the press anyways, catapulting Estella's fame to a terrifying new level.
Presuming that Estella has sent the Christmas gift to herself for attention, her step-father sends her away to a therapy center for troubled childhood stars to work out her newfound emotional issues. But when clues start to hint that Estella's father might actually be alive, she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery of her father's death, to close the case for once and for all. What is the secret group -- "The Law" -- and how was her father involved?
Might Estella's father actually be alive -- and if so, is he in trouble?
How much can Estella really trust the "reality" that has surrounded her for most of her life?
REALITY ENDS HERE gives an exciting portrayal of one teenage girl's quest to really get to the bottom of the truth of her own life in a time in which everything around her seems so scripted and false. I really enjoyed seeing just how much of her "reality" television life had been so misrepresented -- even to her, as a starring character in a role that should seem so true and real to herself.
I think the premise of the whole mystery of her father's death is a really intriguing one, and I was definitely sucked into the novel, fascinated to learn the whereabouts of her poor father. That said, I felt a bit disappointed by the end of the story. A few parts here and there just felt so disjointed and lost, thrown together to create a false sense of excitement that really didn't play out for me. Things were really built up for so much of the novel, so I just expected the story to end in more of a BANG than what I actually received.
Additionally, I wasn't crazy about Estella's fixation with the stunningly gorgeous boy-bander, who was simultaneously attending the same group therapy. Can't I just have a good mystery here without being weighed down by another tale of love and first sight?
Even so, I feel like the author had great intentions and a fun, interesting idea by giving us a different spin on "reality" television than what may be portrayed in other YA novels on the subject. As a metaphor for teenage life, reality television is an interesting medium by which to explore common teenage themes. I think I would have enjoyed a little less contrived action, though, and a little more personal reflection on Estella's part.
If you love reality TV, mysterious, cute boys, and mismashed action, though, give REALITY ENDS HERE a try. It's a quick read, so it's hard to ultimately feel disappointed.
Her claim to fame, though, as been as the infamous older sister of reality TV's favorite set of sextuplets -- all of whom star, along with Estella, her mother, and her stepfather, in one of the country's biggest hit reality television shows, SEVEN IS HEAVEN.
Growing up in front of the camera is tough for Estella, especially since she lost her father at an early age, as he mysteriously died on his way back from getting Estella's very last Christmas gift from him -- a Polly Pocket toy she had been wanting for so long. So, imagine her surprise and horror when she finds this very gift wrapped and delivered under the Christmas tree years later, for all of the world to see on reality TV!
Of course, her parents are quick to hide the clip, deciding that a viral glimpse into the horrific moment would destroy the family's fame and reputation -- but, of course, the video is leaked to the press anyways, catapulting Estella's fame to a terrifying new level.
Presuming that Estella has sent the Christmas gift to herself for attention, her step-father sends her away to a therapy center for troubled childhood stars to work out her newfound emotional issues. But when clues start to hint that Estella's father might actually be alive, she takes it upon herself to solve the mystery of her father's death, to close the case for once and for all. What is the secret group -- "The Law" -- and how was her father involved?
Might Estella's father actually be alive -- and if so, is he in trouble?
How much can Estella really trust the "reality" that has surrounded her for most of her life?
REALITY ENDS HERE gives an exciting portrayal of one teenage girl's quest to really get to the bottom of the truth of her own life in a time in which everything around her seems so scripted and false. I really enjoyed seeing just how much of her "reality" television life had been so misrepresented -- even to her, as a starring character in a role that should seem so true and real to herself.
I think the premise of the whole mystery of her father's death is a really intriguing one, and I was definitely sucked into the novel, fascinated to learn the whereabouts of her poor father. That said, I felt a bit disappointed by the end of the story. A few parts here and there just felt so disjointed and lost, thrown together to create a false sense of excitement that really didn't play out for me. Things were really built up for so much of the novel, so I just expected the story to end in more of a BANG than what I actually received.
Additionally, I wasn't crazy about Estella's fixation with the stunningly gorgeous boy-bander, who was simultaneously attending the same group therapy. Can't I just have a good mystery here without being weighed down by another tale of love and first sight?
Even so, I feel like the author had great intentions and a fun, interesting idea by giving us a different spin on "reality" television than what may be portrayed in other YA novels on the subject. As a metaphor for teenage life, reality television is an interesting medium by which to explore common teenage themes. I think I would have enjoyed a little less contrived action, though, and a little more personal reflection on Estella's part.
If you love reality TV, mysterious, cute boys, and mismashed action, though, give REALITY ENDS HERE a try. It's a quick read, so it's hard to ultimately feel disappointed.
pattilandia's review
3.0
I enjoyed Reality Ends Here. The mystery was engaging, but I really liked the reality show concept. While everyone knows that "reality tv" is fake, sometimes it's hard to see that the people on TV are still real people. It's easy for children to be manipulated.
Told in first person, Estella felt fully fleshed out, but her brothers and sisters were less three-dimensional. It didn't feel too ridiculous though because the story does focus on Estella, and as a teenager, that is sometimes how you see siblings.
All-in-all, I would call it an enjoyable read.
Told in first person, Estella felt fully fleshed out, but her brothers and sisters were less three-dimensional. It didn't feel too ridiculous though because the story does focus on Estella, and as a teenager, that is sometimes how you see siblings.
All-in-all, I would call it an enjoyable read.
gothamgal's review
4.0
Estella is best known as the big sister of the sextuplets you see each week on Seven is Heaven. While she balances teen life and reality stardom, she is a bigger fan of being a good sister off-camera and reading the myriad of books she has in her room. When a ghost from the past manifests itself on the set, in the form of a mysterious package, Estella gets blamed for it.
While Estella is given a daily dose of group therapy for 'problem child stars' as punishment, it opens up a lot of questions Estella needs to answer. And when a paparazzi starts to get her asking questions of her own, she realizes that there are things about her life that she really needs to know--and she's not going to sit idly by and let them go. Armed with knowledge, a former child star, and a teen heart-throb, Estella sets off to learn the truth about her father and the LAW...
I love reality tv. While I know much of the reality isn't really real, I like to read books about the concept. I feel like at some point we really are going to be used as an object lesson to future generations (and species!)--just like in the Orville. I also really like that the author seems to know her stuff when it comes to reality tv, and to a compelling heroine that the reader is interested in getting to know better. I really enjoyed this book, and I am happy it is my 9th book of 2018! I cannot wait to read more--hopefully about Estella.
While Estella is given a daily dose of group therapy for 'problem child stars' as punishment, it opens up a lot of questions Estella needs to answer. And when a paparazzi starts to get her asking questions of her own, she realizes that there are things about her life that she really needs to know--and she's not going to sit idly by and let them go. Armed with knowledge, a former child star, and a teen heart-throb, Estella sets off to learn the truth about her father and the LAW...
I love reality tv. While I know much of the reality isn't really real, I like to read books about the concept. I feel like at some point we really are going to be used as an object lesson to future generations (and species!)--just like in the Orville. I also really like that the author seems to know her stuff when it comes to reality tv, and to a compelling heroine that the reader is interested in getting to know better. I really enjoyed this book, and I am happy it is my 9th book of 2018! I cannot wait to read more--hopefully about Estella.
hms66's review
2.0
Read more reviews at The Anonymous Book Life
When I read the blurb for this I thought that it had a lot of promise and it did, but Alison Gaylin took it so far out of reality that it became very unbelievable at a fast pace.
Now, I know a lot of reality television is in fact, fiction, but if I was to see this ridiculousness on my screen or read about it in the papers, I would have officially lost all faith in humanity. We have a family with a number of children that are dealing with problems and parents that are always making light of the situation, seemingly because they are the ones that cause most of the problems in the first place. I mean, if I was given a leotard that was a few sizes too small as a Christmas gift and expected to smile about it, while my mother informed the world that I will be going on a diet (because she cannot have a slightly overweight child on camera), all at six years old, I would have bawled my eyes out. Actually, no. I would have no idea what was really going on, or what a diet was, and would have moved on the the next present and never looked at the leotard again. Gaylin portrayed the sextuplets in a way that made them all seem a lot older than their supposed six years, with Estella often stepping in to be the mother figure that they clearly needed.
If the plot had centered around Estella's emotional journey to find out more about her father and coping with her reluctant fame as a reality TV start, I think the story would have been a lot more believable. The whole mystery aspect would have been in there, but in a way that did not make it seem as far fetched. As it stands, the second half of the story is laughable in the unbelievably of it all. A young heartthrob getting shot and no one caring? I highly doubt it.
It all culminates in a rushed explanation of actions and a HEA that we all knew was going to happen. There are so many thing that I think could have made this story better, more interactions between the kids in the therapy group, for one.I really would have liked to see how the participants dealt with their everyday lives and how things would have played out if it were a real therapy group and not something that someone was profiting off of. The list is endless, but as it is Reality Ends Here was just a really unsatisfactory adventure into the lives of people we would watch and not really care about.
When I read the blurb for this I thought that it had a lot of promise and it did, but Alison Gaylin took it so far out of reality that it became very unbelievable at a fast pace.
Now, I know a lot of reality television is in fact, fiction, but if I was to see this ridiculousness on my screen or read about it in the papers, I would have officially lost all faith in humanity. We have a family with a number of children that are dealing with problems and parents that are always making light of the situation, seemingly because they are the ones that cause most of the problems in the first place. I mean, if I was given a leotard that was a few sizes too small as a Christmas gift and expected to smile about it, while my mother informed the world that I will be going on a diet (because she cannot have a slightly overweight child on camera), all at six years old, I would have bawled my eyes out. Actually, no. I would have no idea what was really going on, or what a diet was, and would have moved on the the next present and never looked at the leotard again. Gaylin portrayed the sextuplets in a way that made them all seem a lot older than their supposed six years, with Estella often stepping in to be the mother figure that they clearly needed.
If the plot had centered around Estella's emotional journey to find out more about her father and coping with her reluctant fame as a reality TV start, I think the story would have been a lot more believable. The whole mystery aspect would have been in there, but in a way that did not make it seem as far fetched. As it stands, the second half of the story is laughable in the unbelievably of it all. A young heartthrob getting shot and no one caring? I highly doubt it.
It all culminates in a rushed explanation of actions and a HEA that we all knew was going to happen. There are so many thing that I think could have made this story better, more interactions between the kids in the therapy group, for one.I really would have liked to see how the participants dealt with their everyday lives and how things would have played out if it were a real therapy group and not something that someone was profiting off of. The list is endless, but as it is Reality Ends Here was just a really unsatisfactory adventure into the lives of people we would watch and not really care about.
lumpysweater's review
3.0
Funny and a little dark (which I love). A insider's view of being part of a reality tv family show. Wish it had been a little longer and developed the relationships some more. I was enjoying the commentary on celebrity.
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