Book Review: Watch Me

Watch Me 

By: Lauren Barnholdt

Published By: Simon Pulse

Publication Date: June 2006

Page Count: 288

Buy it at Amazon or IndieBound

Source: Library

Audience: YA (16+)

Watch Me is the type of book that satiates my literary guilty pleasure craving. This is not one of those books that makes you think or changes your life in some way. It simply is entertainment. Whenever I find myself getting too stressed out or overwhelmed I gravitate towards books like this one. 

Watch Me is by far one of my favorite guilty pleasure reads. The story revolves around Ally, a college freshman, who has landed herself a role on a popular reality tv show, which is filming at her college. The show is a Real World type deal except everyone in the house attends the same college. Since we are dealing with college age characters they are dealing with some adult issues and the text is littered with profanity. This didn't bother me, but I know some readers prefer to avoid those aspects in books.

Ally's voice is a memorable one; she is such a great character. I felt a lot like Ally when I embarked on my college life so I suppose that is why I found her story to be so compelling. She also has a way with words that will keep you giggling. It is impossible to be in a bad mood while reading this book. Fans of reality tv and chick lit will love this read. I am sure my obsession with watching the Real World in my teen years contributed to my appreciation of this book.

Furthermore, I enjoyed watching Ally's character change throughout the book. We all know that no matter how many promises we make in high school to friends or significant other - we will change in college. It's just part of growing up. It's not always pleasant, but it is a necessity for most of us as we transition towards adulthood. Leaving behind the past is never easy. 

There is just something about Barnholdt's writing that I love. Her characters come across as real and honest. I always get sucked into her books. There isn't anything super special about the plots, but I would still place her books among my favorites. What can I say? Barnholdt's writing is my brain's candy and like Skittles I just can't get enough.

One Last Gripe: I wasn't a big fan of Simone's character. I think Barnholdt was trying too hard to show how drastically college life can change someone.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: Ally's personality - she cracked me up

First Sentence: The question people ask me most these days is "If you could do anything differently, what would it be?"

Favorite Character: Ally

Least Favorite Character: James

Summary:

She thinks she has nothing to hide…

Ally has everything under control. She’s about to move into a house full of strangers and have her life broadcast to the world, but as long as she still has her long-distance boyfriend, Corey, nothing can go wrong. Nothing, that is, until Ally starts spending time with her housemate Drew, the hot and sensitive guy who always seems to be around when she needs someone the most.

As suspicions and lies start pulling Ally and Corey apart, she’s not sure if she can trust anyone, not even herself. Ally is about to learn the hard way that life is what happens when everyone is looking, and it doesn’t always capture her good side….