I have never read Lauren Conrads L.A. Candy series. To be totally honest, I considered them somewhat autobiographical considering Conrads well-televised history and the concept matter. And, being brutally honest, I never cared much about either show she was on.
It was only after I saw my sister-in-law ravenously reading her books that I thought I would give them a try, and I feel like I owe Ms. Conrad an apology. I judged her books based on pre-conceived notions of who she was as a person, and I was wrong. The only reason Im acknowledging this is because I have a sinking suspicion that Im not the only person to feel this way.
While I doubt this series will win a noble prize, The Fame Game is fun. Its very much a feel-good, dont take things too seriously kind of book. Its very much in the same vein as Gossip Girl, The Lying Game, and Pretty Little Liars. These are all series that have developed a strong fanbase because they are just good, guilty-pleasure fun.
I found myself genuinely enjoying Madison and following her exploits throughout the book. Yes, some of the situations were over the top and somewhat ridiculous, but it made me laugh and smile frequently. Conrad has a knack for writing amusing, vivid characters. And Im a sucker for the exploits of a celebrity-esque world. You have to admit, if ever there was a case to me made for Write what you know, Conrad has that down cold.
The writing is a bit green at times, with Conrad having a habit of flat out telling a situation versus letting it unfold before the reader, but that is a thing that comes with time. I have no doubt if I went back and read her first series, I would see quite a bit of growth as a writer.
I really hope other people will set aside their preconceptions of this author (and other celebrity authors) and give this book a fair shot. I can admit that had there been an unknown author name attached to this book, I would have more than likely picked this up before now. Shame on me for that. But shame on you if you feel the same way I did and you dont give this book a shot. I think youll be pleasantly surprised.
It was only after I saw my sister-in-law ravenously reading her books that I thought I would give them a try, and I feel like I owe Ms. Conrad an apology. I judged her books based on pre-conceived notions of who she was as a person, and I was wrong. The only reason Im acknowledging this is because I have a sinking suspicion that Im not the only person to feel this way.
While I doubt this series will win a noble prize, The Fame Game is fun. Its very much a feel-good, dont take things too seriously kind of book. Its very much in the same vein as Gossip Girl, The Lying Game, and Pretty Little Liars. These are all series that have developed a strong fanbase because they are just good, guilty-pleasure fun.
I found myself genuinely enjoying Madison and following her exploits throughout the book. Yes, some of the situations were over the top and somewhat ridiculous, but it made me laugh and smile frequently. Conrad has a knack for writing amusing, vivid characters. And Im a sucker for the exploits of a celebrity-esque world. You have to admit, if ever there was a case to me made for Write what you know, Conrad has that down cold.
The writing is a bit green at times, with Conrad having a habit of flat out telling a situation versus letting it unfold before the reader, but that is a thing that comes with time. I have no doubt if I went back and read her first series, I would see quite a bit of growth as a writer.
I really hope other people will set aside their preconceptions of this author (and other celebrity authors) and give this book a fair shot. I can admit that had there been an unknown author name attached to this book, I would have more than likely picked this up before now. Shame on me for that. But shame on you if you feel the same way I did and you dont give this book a shot. I think youll be pleasantly surprised.
Well, color me pleasantly surprised.
I dont want to overstate it, this wasnt a fantastic book, it wasnt all that well written, and Im not going to start recommending it to friends. But compared to my experience with Conrads first novel, L.A. Candy, this was a good read.
Technically a spin-off series, The Fame Game follows Madison Parker (from the L.A. Candy series) as she is cast for a new reality show called, appropriately enough, The Fame Game. The usual Hollywood hijinks and backstabbing occur, but there is another storyline where Madisons sister, Sophia, shows up with their long absentee father in tow. Its a twist I didnt expect from this kind of story, and it really drew me in. (Daddy issues are universal!)
Again, like with L.A. Candy, The Fame Game doesnt end. Its the first in a series, so while there is a plot twist in the last chapter, there is no ending per se. However, I can honestly say I enjoyed the story enough that I would be interested in reading the next book in the series (titled Starstruck) if I came across it.
I dont want to overstate it, this wasnt a fantastic book, it wasnt all that well written, and Im not going to start recommending it to friends. But compared to my experience with Conrads first novel, L.A. Candy, this was a good read.
Technically a spin-off series, The Fame Game follows Madison Parker (from the L.A. Candy series) as she is cast for a new reality show called, appropriately enough, The Fame Game. The usual Hollywood hijinks and backstabbing occur, but there is another storyline where Madisons sister, Sophia, shows up with their long absentee father in tow. Its a twist I didnt expect from this kind of story, and it really drew me in. (Daddy issues are universal!)
Again, like with L.A. Candy, The Fame Game doesnt end. Its the first in a series, so while there is a plot twist in the last chapter, there is no ending per se. However, I can honestly say I enjoyed the story enough that I would be interested in reading the next book in the series (titled Starstruck) if I came across it.
