REVIEW: For Real by Alison Cherry

From Alison Cherry, author of Red, a novel PW declares “sparkles with wit,” comes a terrific new book about two sisters and one big question: how do you know who’s for real? No parents. No limits. No clue what they’re in for. Shy, cautious Claire has always been in her confident older sister’s shadow. While Miranda’s life is jam-packed with exciting people and whirlwind adventures, Claire gets her thrills vicariously by watching people live large on reality television. When Miranda discovers her boyfriend, Samir, cheating on her just after her college graduation, it’s Claire who comes up with the perfect plan. They’ll outshine Miranda’s fame-obsessed ex while having an amazing summer by competing on Around the World, a race around the globe for a million bucks. Revenge + sisterly bonding = awesome. But the show has a twist, and Claire is stunned to find herself in the middle of a reality-show romance that may be just for the cameras. This summer could end up being the highlight of her life . . . or an epic fail forever captured on film. In a world where drama is currency and manipulation is standard, how can you tell what’s for real?

I received a free hardcover of this book from the publisher (Random House) and e-copy of this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

  2.5 of 5 stars (Please read my rating system further below). 
My favorite part about For Real would definitely have to be that it was original and unlike any contemporary novel I've read before. I found it super creative to have the story take place inside and outside of a reality TV show. It was great seeing main character Claire transform from a very introverted shy girl who was always shadowed by her older sister into a more outgoing and confident version of herself because of her experiences on and off the show. My biggest problem about For Real would've been Claire's older sister Miranda. Miranda was not a good sister and it bothered me a lot that she would not realize what she was doing to Claire. Other than that, this was a very cute and short read that I read in almost one sitting! It was definitely something different and I'm glad BookBusters chose to read this as one of our contemporary reads. 

 Watch the BookBusters YA/NA book club discuss For Real by Allison Cherry on my YouTube channel LovingDemBooks:

My rating system: (I do use half stars.) 

5 - I do not use the 5 star. Not because a book might not be worthy, but because a book is never perfect. 

4 - I loved it! There weren't too many flaws, and I had no trouble getting through it. (A 4 star rating is the highest rating I've ever given a book.) 

3 - I enjoyed the book, but there we're flaws that made me enjoy it less. 

2 - I finished the book, but there were too many flaws for me to enjoy it. 

1 - I could not finish the book, and I probably did not finish it....

Reviewer:

Grace