Customer Reviews

As Seen on TV

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I couldn't put this book down! Sarah Mlynowski is back with another gem. As Seen on TV will have you in hysterics from cover to cover. I like the author's intelligent takes on reality television. Even though this isn't the first novel that centers on the ubiquitous programs (Bachelorette Number One, Girls' Night Out, among others), As Seen on TV has a particular brand of insight all its own. Sunny Langstein moves from Miami to New York to live with her boyfriend. Unfortunately, her job search hasn't gone as well as she had hoped. She agrees to participate in Party Girls -- a reality TV version of Sex and the City -- with the hope that it'll improve her career prospects. However, the star treatments and free perks prove to be too much for Sunny's soaring ego, and soon she finds herself not wanting to be taken out of the spotlight.

Sarah Mlynowski's wit shines in As Seen on TV. The dialogue is sharp, the book has the author's signature prose (a very neurotic character who asks a lot of questions) and the characterization is excellent. I particularly like Steve. It is refreshing to read a chick-lit novel with a protagonist who already has a boyfriend -- a sweet, considerate boyfriend at that. Also, the subplot involving Sunny's wayward and stoic father adds meaning to the story. And I love that the chapters are named after TV shows. A great effort from this talented author and another winner from Red Dress Ink! Highly recommended...

Sarah Mlynowski's third novel, "As Seen On TV," deals with the life of Sunny Langstein who left her job and her life in Florida to move in with her boyfriend, Steve in New York City. There, she met up with her father's new fling, Carrie, who was Sunny's camp counselor. Unemployed, Sunny was "recruited" by Carrie to appear on a new reality show called "Party Girls." Every week, four girls in "Party Girls" would go to a different bar, to meet up guys and get drunk.

However, in order to participate in the show, Sunny had to pretend that she is single. Which means, she can't tell people about Steve, can't go out with him in public, etc. Sunny, who was doubtful in the beginning, was soon caught in the world of glitz, glamour, and tons of free stuff. She started to take herself a lot more seriously and her relationship with Steve took a setback. Especially, when hot TV star, Matt started paying attention to Sunny.

I really enjoy "As Seen On TV." It is written very well, and is very funny and fast-paced. Mlynowski is definitely one of my favorite chick-lit authors. Her supporting characters are extremely well-developed too. Mlynowski is able to make her characters seem real and readers are able to identify with them. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants relaxing and funny read.

Her boyfriend Steve Stein owns and runs Manna Restaurant in Manhattan while Sunny Langstein works in Fort Lauderdale as an Assistant Manager at Panda. When Steve invites Sunny to move in with him, she accepts. Knowing she needs to find work, Sunny lies her way into interviews until she shockingly lands a contestant role on the TV reality show Party Girls.

Her fifteen minutes of TV fame changes Sunny into an American idol and her relationship with Steve looks like it will be voted off the island. Meanwhile TV idol Matt Rowler makes a bid for Sunny's affection. Soon Steve who loved and liked his Florida Sunshine forces the issue of where they are going, as he detests the glitter TV Sunny. Will Sunny give up her chance as a survivor to host the show next year and reject the manna from heaven Steve offers because he treats her like a cherished person not a dimwitted boob tube icon?

AS SEEN ON TV converges chick lit with reality television into an amusing contemporary romantic romp with a surprising message of adhering to one's value. The story line is handled in a light manner as Sunny gets so embroiled in glamour and bull that she loses sight as to what is important to her. Fans of chick lit will enjoy this parody of the reality TV fare.

Harriet Klausner

At times I felt a little old reading this book, (it's definitely written by a 20 something and not a 30 something), but it was pretty good. Not quite as good as Milkrun, but there were some laugh out loud moments. It's a quick read and fun. Highly recommended.

Reality tv perfectly placed in a book. Sunny moves to NYC to be with her beloved boyfriend but soon becomes a lying, self obsessed tv "reality" star on the new show "Party Girls". She messes up her already messed up relationships and the others are already spiriling downwards. Can she figure it out or is she blinded by the limelight? This book embraces "reality" in front and behind the camera in a funny, lighthearted way that makes your life seem a little less interesting, but quite ok.

I'll admit it--Once I started this book, I was hooked. Sunny's adventures as a participant on a reality TV show are fun to read and even funnier to imagine. Sunny's father's girlfriend (whom Sunny knew at summer camp) lands her a once in a lifetime spot on a reality show called "Party Girls," which seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. For a while, even Sunny herself believes the expense account, salons, and celeb status are worth it, too. But, like any self-respecting chick book, Sunny realizes what she has before she loses it all.

Mlynowski introduces some interesting twists in this book--all involving women's issues. Some are developed, while others are not. Either way, I respect Mlynowski's ability to write light, funny, and still meaningful prose.

So curl up with a Cosmopolitan and read until you're partied out!

I found this book and after reading the back cover decided to pick it up...I am SO glad that I did! I read it in about a 3 day period and had trouble putting it down!

Sunny Langstein, a 24 year old Jewish woman living in Fort Lauderdale decides to move to Manhattan to live with her boyfriend. She leaves a fairly good job and a Jappy sister in Miami. She gets to NYC, where her BF and affluent man-whore of a dad live and finds it isn't everything she expected but learns to love it!

If you enjoyed The Nanny Diaries, or enjoy novels that mention Prada and Mont Blanc pens, you will enjoy it! =)

This book fits so well with the millions of different reality shows that are out there! You love Sunny immediately and I very much related to her millions-of-thoughts-a-minute! The characters that surround Sunny are impressive (Sarah covered all boundries- supportive sister, a lush, a closet ..., and an amazing boyfriend to name a few!)

I really enjoyed the book, I didn't want to put it down to go to work or school! I love how Sarah likes to push herself to think outside the box, I don't know anyone else who's written about reality tv. I'll definately be passing my copy along to some friends!

While Sunny may have gotten terribly impressed with herself towards the end of this novel, she redeems herself by the end. And Sarah Mlynowski has long-since learned that a little bit of whining lead character goes a long way. Because of this, and the hours I spent wiping my eyes because of the tears that fell from me laughing so hard, I had no choice but to give this novel 5 stars!

I love Sarah Mlynowski and no matter how bland her premise might seem or how annoying her characters may appear, she always make you love them by the end. I can't wait to read more.

This book brought out so many emotions in me. Anger, sorrow, humour, delight.

It is a must read book for anyone who wants to know what REALLY goes on in reality TV.

I found I could relate to the charater of Sunny and felt like I was reading about myself at times. She is a very human character and you will soon feel like you are best friends.

I was sad to finish this book. I wanted to know what happened to her next.