Customer Reviews

American Idle

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The truth literally hits Jules Verne on the head, in the form of a cast iron skillet; it's time to find a new job. She jumps at the chance to be a production coordinator on the latest reality show, even though all she really knows about tv is how to turn one on and change channels. Despite this lack, she seems to fit in relatively smoothly among the assorted personalities on the show. The people behind the stage could make for a good comedy show themselves; between the Star Wars quoting Norm, the fit throwing Nellie, taciturn Joe, the British hypochondriac, Q who is threatening to come out on live tv, and Mr. You have my cell number, do NOT call me on my cell, Jules is kept hopping. Then, there are the contestants she babysits; a gang member, a country bumpkin, amorous maniacs, and possible mobsters. She also has a father on the verge of marrying a girl barely older than herself and assorted personal crises. There is a bright spot named Sam, if she doesn't lose him to a Barbie Clone or get killed by a disgruntled kidnapper.

***** I'll warn you right now, this is a definite two boxes of tissue book; you'll laugh yourself to tears. Charming characters come to life immediately. This is without a doubt in the top ten books of the year. *****

Reviewed by Amanda Killgore for Huntress Reviews.

When one reads an average of 2 Romance novels a day, the books themselves have a way of disappearing into a gray haze of monotony. It becomes more rare with each page, to find that book that stands out from the crowd. You begin to categorize and remember books by their authors rather than their content. So it is a bright day indeed when you come across one of those gems that sends you to the email list to recommend that your friends "read this book immediately". This. Is. That. Book. Laugh till you pop the button on your skirt funny, this is definitely a book for the keeper shelves, and an author that has moved herself into the top position of my automatic reads. Well done Alesia, I can't wait to see what comes next.

Alesia Holliday has written a book that is both fun and intelligent. AMERICAN IDLE is a great romp behind the scenes of reality television. But while Holliday takes the reader through a series of crazy (and funny) scenes, she also makes you care about the book's sometimes-feckless heroine, rooting for her to connect with Mr. Right, whoever he might turn out to be. This book is a sweet, smart and sassy read -- a breath of fresh air. Libby

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which tells the story of Jules Vernon. She has just been hired to be a Production Coordinator for the reality TV show PSL (Pop Star Live.) After having been clubbed over the head with a frying pan by her previous celebrity chef boss, she is desperate for a job. When the opportunity comes up to work on PSL, she grabs it, not knowing "Production Coordinator" really means she is a glorified babysitter to a handful of Pop Star Wannabees, as well as having to cater to every whim of the production crew.

Although Jules had thought it would be a great idea at first, she begins to see things are pretty insane with the show. Not only is she forced to deal with a coworker from hell, an insane producer, neurotic judges (who resemble the real judges on American Idle the TV show so closely that I suspect they were the fodder for this book), and a great assortment of other wacky people, but she ends up meeting a total hunk that seems to really like her, but for some reason keeps disappearing. Throw in a best friend who writes ad copy for a sex toy manufacturer and a father going through a mid-life crisis, and Jules's life is just going insane. But it is not without a lot of fun, and in the case of the reader, laughter.

Author Alesia Holliday doesn't waste any time in this novel. She throws you immediately into the fray of Jules's crazy and insane life. Her dead-on and wry observations are a big part of what made this book so funny. The other part is the insane characters. The thing about this book that really got me was that the author was so subtle somehow with the humor. She didn't throw in ridiculous puns or go overboard, yet the book was screamingly funny.

The plot took me a few short chapters to get into, but once I did, I was hooked. The overall tone of the novel was light, borderline madcap insane, but even had a few touching scenes thrown in. Jules as a main character is great - she is smart, sassy, and strong-willed. Whether she is dealing with having her personal belongings (including some sex toys her friend Kirby sent her as a gag gift) searched by airport security, the hypochondriac Roger (the judge who is just like Simon on the show American Idle) showing her what he believes to be Testicular fungus, and many other zany happenings, Jules manages to get through it.

Overall I highly enjoyed American Idle and recommend it to anyone who wants to read a light, absolutely hilarious, and well-written book. I can honestly say this is one of the funniest books I've ever read. It would be just as much at home in the humor section of the bookstore as well as the chick lit section. In any case, don't miss it!

American Idle was a wonderful and witty story with a great cast of characters. Jules is a girl after my own heart. The book is very well written and the dialogue and story line are excellent. A keeper for your book shelf and a must have if it's not already on its way to your home.

I'm not a big fan of reality tv and only admit to seeing American Idol like once or twice in my life. But this clever, witty parody had me laughing out loud. (Much to the dismay of my fellow subway commuters...) The main character, Jules, is a total smart ass with a heart of gold and someone you'd want to be friends with. And the supporting characters are hilarious - from a coworker with a disturbing obsession with Star Wars to a manic boss with a cell phone phobia to a best friend who works in a sex toy shop and likes to send "care packages" to Jules at the most inopportune moments.

Also I'd like to note, I'm a tv news producer by trade and I found the book to very realistic as a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of a television show. (Esp those morning meetings with crazy concepts being tossed around!)

i downloaded this as i like this author and it was the right price(on sale)imagine my surprise when i couldn't put it down. i stayed up until 3a. reading it hands down one of the best surprises in a long time. it was funny sad and believable charecters. we want more of these charecters please.

I have read other books by Alesia Holliday and enjoyed them so I looked forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, I could not get any farther than the first 25 pages. I even tried diving in further into the book to see if it got better and I still could not read more than 5 pages without turning away. The best I can do to pin down why I dislike it so much is to say that it tries too hard. No character seems to even approach reality. They are all, including the main character and her love interest, over the top.

"Don't screw this up, Jules." It's the story of Jules Vernon's life. One disaster after another seem to follow her around like a whirlwind, hence the nickname "Hurricane Jules." With this track record, it's hardly surprising that she has never kept a long-term job.

Now Jules is working for a reality show, which is not, repeat "Not" a ripoff of American Idol. Long, sweaty days allowing her nerves to be shredded by no-talent wannabes are nothing compared to the chaos of actual show production. Plagued with judges that range from raging hypochondriac to oozingly nasty, Jules finds herself in charge of "babysitting" the finalists and dealing with their crises. And don't forget the hunky set builder, Sam, who can't decide if he wants a relationship or not.

At this point, it'll be a miracle if Jules makes it to the end of the production with mind and body intact. Maybe she should just go buy another pair of Jimmy Choos. After all, shoes don't talk back.

In this witty debut novel, Alesia Holliday serves a real treat with the hilarious antics of Jules Vernon. The characters are larger than life, the situations great, and with a dash of romance, it's the kind of book every girl needs on her shelf for those days when she needs some cheering.

Bridget Jones, watch out! Jules Vernon has your number!

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
5-12-2006

Take a 30 something woman with insecurities and "storm" tendencies-- add in a job that seems surreal and other characters that seem as though they are on a day pass and you have the start of this book.

I have to admit the first half of the book I was not impressed with -- but as I continued with reading it -- I enjoyed the book more and more -- It is not my usual type of book but it is good to get out of the box now and then to stretch the legs.