Tyler on Prime Time [Unabridged] [Audio Cassette]

Steve Atinsky (Author), Max Casella (Reader)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 9, 2002

Read by Max Casella
3 hrs. 25 mins.
2 cassettes

Tyler Stewart knows he's going to be a television star. He's funny, and his uncle Pete is a writer for the most popular show on TV. Best of all, Tyler's parents have just sent him to visit Pete in Hollywood. Talk about luck--no more of his mom's worrying and his dad's instructions for the rest of his summer vacation. Everyone in show business needs a break, and Tyler is sure this is going to be his.

Now, Tyler has two weeks to land an audition and impress the sitcom's moody star. First he'll have to learn everything there is to know about life on the set, from navigating the food cart to breaking a story. And that will mean spending as much time as possible at the studio--despite his parents' objections. With the help of his new friend Samantha, Tyler's dream just might become a reality. But the road to fame is paved with surprises, and the part of a lifetime is sometimes the one we least expect…

Max Casella has a great list of credits including the films Analyze This, Ed Wood and Disney's Dinosaur,as well as appearances on The Sopranos and the recurring role of Vinnie Delpino on the ever-classic Doogie Howser, M.D.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This assured debut by a publishing sales rep turned sitcom writer offers a perky but knowing take on show biz. Shuffled off to Los Angeles to his Uncle Pete's for two weeks in August when scheduling conflicts beset his divorced parents, 12-year-old Tyler is secretly delighted. After all, his uncle writes for TV's top family sitcom, and surely Tyler will be able to snag an audition for a part. No path to fame and fortune unfolds without obstacles, however, and Atinsky keeps them coming, from an asthma attack to Tyler's blooper about the male lead's hair transplant. While the one-liners and asides are consistently witty, an even bigger draw may be the convincing look behind the scenes. Readers learn how writers, producers and actors put together a show and how they talk on the job. For example, Tyler defines "the blow": "The last line or action of a scene or an act. In sitcoms you almost always want the blow to be a big laugh line." Adeptly advancing the various story lines, the author wins sympathy for his protagonist and gives readers an insider's view of what goes on off-camera. Audiences are likely to stay tuned, right through the closing credits. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8-Tyler lives in Chicago. Although his parents are divorced, they both give him plenty of quality time. However, neither one is available at the end of summer break, so he is sent to Hollywood to spend two weeks with his uncle, an award-winning writer on the popular TV sitcom Kids in the House. The 12-year-old considers this a lucky break, because he wants to be an actor on the show. Tyler is a likable character with a sense of humor. Readers will laugh at his tendency to "fall into a pit of mischief," and will enjoy his comical take on many of his adventures. He is surrounded by amusing, quirky characters, including his uncle, who is really a kid in an adult's body; Frog, his e-mail buddy; and Samantha, who knows her way around the Kids set and Hollywood. Atinsky gives readers practical advice, funny anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes details. Reluctant readers and those who love the lure of Hollywood or a good story will breeze through this fine first novel.
Lynn Bryant, Great Bridge Middle School, Chesapeake, VA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 13 and up
  
• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Listening Library; Unabridged edition (April 9, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807206962
• ISBN-13: 978-0807206966
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,714,206 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Middle School Son Loved this Book, February 7, 2004

By 

JohnsCreek Book Lover "alpharettamom" (Alpharetta, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tyler on Prime Time (Paperback)

My middle school aged son picked this book to read for a book report. He's somewhat of a reluctant reader so it can be a challenge to find a book that really draws him in. This book did it! It's the story of a 6th grade boy, named Tyler, who is visiting an uncle who writes for a popular sitcom. Tyler feels that this is his chance to break into showbiz. The author of the book has been a television writer so I'm sure it's an accurate description of life behind the scenes.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Humorous and entertaining book, November 21, 2004

By 

A Reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tyler on Prime Time (Paperback)

I'm an elevan year old girl who read it, and couldn't put it down. I definitly reccomend it.