Much more reality from this child's eyes than all the reality shows put together!
597811
Alexa "Daffodil" Goldsmith is different from most people in Beverly Hills -- she admits she lives a lie. You got to love a character like that, especially one who is eleven years old, imaginative in labeling different types of lies by different colors, and standing up for her own personhood. That isn't easy, being the child of a Hollywood socialite and a struggling screenwriter, in a big expensive house with several servants.

I love the gritty portrayal of the reality TV world in which her mother becomes a large, and phony, part. She also tries to drag her husband and daughter into that world; after all, it brings in a ton of money. And money is what the family needs more of to save their lifestyle from going into the color red, as in bankruptcy.

I didn't find much right-out laughs, but a constant undercurrent of satire and observation that cuts to the core of trying to live the Hollywood life by adults, and an authentic life by a child. Daffodil wants to discover her true colors and live by them. That makes for a poignant journey for her, with so many opposites in her world of "reality." I discovered wisdom through her wit and energy. On one level this is a simple book, yet deceptive in its underlying message. As the observant child narrator, Daffodil is a modern Mark Twain.
1731174
Buzzy Martin has written a book that is compelling, upsetting and eye-opening. To get a peek at life behind bars at one of the most infamous prisons in the country is startling. We all have our notions of how bad it can be, but Buzzy has seen it and felt it. He communicates this to the reader very effectively, using the coarse street talk that is shared by many that won't ever see that kind of existence. With this book, Buzzy tells the story - and we all need to listen. It's hard to believe that life like that is being glamorized, but you see it everywhere. Hey once you get to The Q you might even get on a reality TV show!
The horrible truth is that many of our prisons in the US are now run for profit. That is frightening. This book should be required reading for all kids once they start to watch PG-13 movies (I guess in most families these days that's about the age of 8-10).
Great job Buzzy! Don't stop Man, you are really making a difference You are one of my heros.
3553191
I didn't like seeing the world through the child's eyes. It seemed so unrealistic. Glad that they figured out a way to get out of that hell hole, but even that was far fetched.
3169198
I saw the writer onTV, and was impressed that his experience changed  how he looks as life now.  I can relate to our life as Spiritual beings, because I, too, have experienced proof that we are not just earth beings.
2281620
Wow, this is perhaps the most life-like show I've ever seen! It's so real that I find myself reflecting on the plot developments as if they were events in my own life. No need for suspension of doubt here folks.
289251
Amazing account of a child's experiences in a war-torn country and the effect it has had on his life now.
3563342
A great read!  It is mesmerizing in the way it is told to us by a child's perspective.
1147110
It was a pleasure to read the true reality instead of what was falsely portrayed by the network and those producing the show. It was a good reminder that life isn't as it always appears to be and that we should all be careful of what we wish for.
1908973
What a great positive, learning experience for my child on the computer! He is learning the value of money, eating/sleeping habits and much more. In a day where violence is so prevalent and difficult to steer a 7 year old boy from, it is refreshing to have him so involved in such a great outlet.
3855932
So interesting from a child's view. Cipora is an amazing person.
3586748
Amazing show, especially done by real people! THIS is the kind of reality show that works!
2135328
I did not expect to like this series.  I thought, "what a silly premise for a show!"  My mom told me that I had to watch it.  Obediently but begrudgingly I agreed (I may be in my 20's but she can still tell me what to do.  She is my mom after all).  I was hooked after the first episode.  The show reminds me of the charming world of children.  The show creates a world that would only be possible in story books.  Who needs a show about "real life".  I live a real life every single day.  I have been waiting for a show where anything is possible just like I believed the world to be when I was a youngster.  This is that show.
289064
I live in the real world so I don't see the point of watching reality TV. I prefer my entertainment to be set in places that don't exist. I added this book to my reading list with trepidation as I didn't expect a combination of reality TV and a place that didn't exist to be any good. I was wrong. This book is really good!

Why is it so good? It's the writing.  Yes the characters, and staff, on the reality show are caricatures but the way they experience the show and their experiences on the show work. The main character's Journey from the unreality of the show to the reality of the changed world is captivating. The nuances of that experience Are captured on the page in brilliant details.

No zombies; just a quiet unpopulated world where the real horrors are found in dusty bedrooms and breaking ones glasses can be more of a benefit that ever considered.  Enjoy!
4489637
This is the most realistic make up set Ive ever seen. It has been mistaken by several adults as real make up! My daughter is gead over heels for this!!
3440384
Kelly Watts does a fantastic job of sharing every day life with her very entertaining son Charlie in this short, but sweet read.
In my opinion, she provides a genuine perspective of what its like to raise a child with Autism. This happens to be her unique experience.
As she states in the book: "What started out as a nightmare has turned into a very special gift to our family"...You will totally get what she means after reading this very realistic story.
813783
This show is about a child who loses her immediate family, goes to live with a hermit=of-sorts uncle, and makes a positive adjustment to her new situation.  So refreshing!  Great model for children to see. Very interesting too in that this takes place in the Alps during snowy weather, so kids are exposed to new possibilities in this way too.
836670
I rated this season so well because there were so many times during this season that my wife and I were emotionally on a roller coaster. Our hearts were pounding as we didn't know what to expect next! This show continues to amaze me with how the story is never really what it seems and the twists that it constantly puts in your way. I find this to be more similar to real life with the complexity of the issues instead of the very simple stories of most TV shows.