Game Shows Books

While some of the shows in this book no longer exist the premise is still the same with almost all TV Game Shows. This book tells you how to get on and how to win. The logical suggestions can be applied to most any game show's concept. And, in the world of Game Shows (and TV in general), everything old is new again! Some of the game shows in this book will probably be back!

This book is hilarious satire, and it reminds me of why I used to love the Daily Show. The show always did a great job of satirizing current events, and this book picks up where the show left off, satirizing things that don't fall so neatly into the "current events" category. It is probably funnier if you have at least some knowledge of American and World history, because you just won't get some of the jokes if you don't. Also, I'd like to add that you can enjoy this book even if you aren't a left-leaner, because it was written before the 2004 election - in other words, before Jon Stewart sold out his comedic integrity for partisanship and changed his show from picking on America to picking on Republicans.

I'll make it quick. It is a book, which makes you at least giggle, or laugh aloud from the first to the last page. It is a great satiric masterpiece, on the american policy, of the new century !!! Do not forget to buy two dice. That is the only thing NOT included in this book. Have fun.

Just like a book from Barnes & Noble. Perfect Quality. No issues. No complaints. Delivered before it was supposed to be and arrived early. Great!

I love this book. It's a great laugh and makes learning about the government fun. Jon Stewart is funny and his sarcasm is wonderful

If you come accross this book expecting an honest discussion about politics then you will be surely dissapointed. The nuances of the Federal government are cut open for all to see. Then if that weren't enough the authors go ahead and pour salt in the wounds by humiliating these supposedly pious fools. It only gets four stars because it is entirely to liberal biased (before i get 500 conservatives calling me a great american i must clearly state that I am a liberal myself)it would have been nice to see a conservatives corner or something to that affect so that they could poke fun at their counterparts.

Ken Jenning's writes as if he is talking with you. He is humble, modest, and yet you know, how bright he really is. His conversational style of writing reminds me of Stephen King. Even Ken's (and Stephen's) forewords and afterwords are interesting and fun to read. I was fascinated by the inside information Ken provided about Jeopardy and his incredible run as champion on the show. That was probably the best part of the book for me. He went into great detail about a huge radio trivia contest held in Wisconsin (I believe) every year. That was somewhat interesting, but I didn't really need quite as much detail as he provided. I, myself, participate in the interactive Buzztime trivia game which is available at many bars throughout the country. Ken gave a brief mention of some of those afficianados of the bar trivia game, but personally I thought he could have spent more time on that. These are people who play trivia year-round, competing with other people throughout the country, sometimes individually, sometimes on teams. They don't just spend one weekend a year doing it. I have since discovered Ken's blog, where he writes almost daily. It is great reading. He is a fascinating, multi-faceted individual, much more than the quiet un-assuming trivia-geek you might assume he is. I would recommend this book highly to anyone who is a Jeopardy or trivia fan.

It is a nice read. Lighthearted and really cool to have the little trivia inserted within the body of the text. I very much liked the way it was written and enjoyed it very much.

Let's face it: Ken Jennings is a trivia genius, a god of sorts (like Apollo, but not Zeus, a.k.a. Brad Rutter). What surprised me is that Ken is also an excellent writer. He weaves an engrossing tale of childhood gameshow fascination and information obsession that develops into a vehicle for fame and fortune. Yet Ken's modesty about his abilities suggests to me that he hasn't been changed much, if at all, by his successes.

Note that Brainiac is more of a history of trivia competitions and America's preoccupation with quizzes than it is the endeavors of a single Jeopardy champion. Ken's own efforts are indeed detailed throughout the book, but that story is embedded in a larger tapestry that shows the blooming of trivia-related activities over the decades. The humor and interspersed trivia questions make this book one of my very favorites I've read in a while. Be sure to read this one, folks!

Ken is just hilarious, which is something you might not have gotten from his appearances on Jeopardy! His book is well written and fun to read, and his self-depreciating style makes him the world's most adorable nerd!

Trivia from the past to the present wrapped into an engaging story of one man's extroardinary run on Jeopardy. You even get to answer trivia questions along the way.

Light and entertaining.

There are just so many different television shows that appeal to just about everyone. While primetime has accumilated huge success recently with shows like Desperate Housewives, and reality shows like American Idol, prime time has had almost everything come full circle all over again. That also has happened with game shows as well. With the recent prime time television success of Deal Or No Deal, The Price Is Right Million Dollar Spectaculars on CBS, and the celebrity-themed Game Show Marathon with Ricki Lake, game shows have definitely shown they are still surviving. For those who want to know what made a game show what it was, can find it right here.

The Encyclopedia Of TV Game Shows, is a glimpse that displays what made a definitive game show, a game show that was unique past and present. The book gives details for each of the hosts and hints and tidbits that you may not have known about the game shows and their hosts, such as The Price Is Right. Did you know Young & The Restless actor Doug Davidson who plays Paul Williams actually hosted a short syndicated version of Price Is Right in 1994? It is absolutely true, and did you also know that it also displays those game shows specially designed for kids from the Nickelodeon network like Guts, Legends Of The Hidden Temple, and Double Dare. They are showcased as well in here. The book delivers well about each game show, and doesn't overlook any show that was made a huge sccess during its heyday, and those lesser-known classics like Supermarket Sweep and Blockbusters.

All in all, The Encylopedia of TV Game Shows is a real delightful purchase for any die hard fan of game shows like myself, or for those who have the feeling of classic television nostalgia. I absolutely enjoyed this book, and it is a delightful purchase. Final answer, get this book or get zonked!!

Details: A-

Price: B 1/2+

Photos: B+

Overall: B+

I HAVE THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TV GAME SHOWS BOOK ITS GREAT IT GIVE YOU GREAT INFORMATION OF ALL THE GAME SHOWS AND IT BRINGS BACK SO GREAT MEMORIES I GIVE IT A 10!

ANYONE WHO LIKES GAME SHOWS WILL LOVE THIS BOOK!

FROM KIRSTEN

I was dissapointed in the accuracy of information in "The Enycyclopedia of TV Game Shows". While the selection of photos from Schwartz's and Wostbrock personal collection is nice; the inaccurate information is something else.

"Sale of the Century" is one page with such misinformation; many other entries have inaccurate information as well.

Well the effort is nice; I'm afraid the authors need to leave with some nice parting gifts.

One of the most sadly neglected styles of program in all of television history has been the TV game show. Despite the fact that throughout the latter half of the twentieth century, one or more of the top rated shows on TV has been a game show, whether "What's My Line" or "Wheel of Fortune," the format has been criticized by lovers of "serious" television as being "exploitive" of women, "anti-intellectual trash" or "merely entertainment" (as if entertaining the public is a bad thing.) However, The Encyclopedia of TV Game Shows proves that these charges are, for the most part, without merit. In fact, during the medium's earliest days in the 1950's, some of the wittiest and most urbane shows were panel shows, i.e., a type of game show featuring a panel of celebrities, and not just movie stars, either! Great minds from the worlds of publishing, journalism, and the theatre such as Bennett Cerf, Abe Burrows, and Dorothy Kilgallen were regular guests into our homes each week as well. (The notion that game shows were "trashy" probably came from the popularity of the mostly horrible Chuck Barris-produced shows of the late sixites-early seventies, such as The Gong Show, The $1.98 Beauty Pagent, and Three's a Crowd. Thankfully, unlike Goodson-Todman and Merv Griffin, he does not rate his own chapter in this book.) Every single game show produced from the late 1940's until 1999 is covered here, and most are given their proper amount of space. (A few, such as Press Your Luck, seem to be shortchanged, but only a few.) An update is absolutely necessary as of this writing, as the game show has just made a marvelous comeback, thanks mostly to the success of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Also, a little more space might be devoted to individual personalities, such as the great Bill Cullen, arguably the greatest and certainly the busiest host in history, and a heartwarming success story in his own right. (He overcame polio at an early age, which left him with a permanent limp; if you watch his shows carefully, he is almost never shown walking.) But, these are minor quibbles. The Encyclopedia of TV Game Shows is a great book for game show novice and aficionado alike, and is a welcome addition to a most neglected chapter of television history!

"The Encyclopedia of TV Game Shows" is the bible to game shows. Over 500 game shows are recorded in this book, full of information to rack your mind on game shows. Classic favorites from yesterday such as "What's My Line?", "I've Got a Secret", "Beat the Clock", "Strike It Rich", and "Twenty-One" are included with current favorites such as "Wheel of Fortune", "The Price is Right", "Jeopardy", "Family Feud", "Hollywood Squares", and "Pyramid". Included also is information on the celebrities who guest stared on the game shows, the personalities and a synopsis of their careers, airdates of the shows, what network they were on, the rules, the different versions, and even the prizes won and funny moments or bloppers that happened on the show. The book also includes information on awards won, a tribute to Mark Goodson, a brief history of game shows, and over 170 photographs to help you remember. The only negative things about the book was that some shows were short-changed ("Press Your Luck" for example, they should have talked about Michael Larson and the different whammies), and it hasn't been updated, so some shows are MIA ("Millionaire", "Weakest Link", "Blind Date", updated versions of old shows, etc.), but these are minor things that don't hurt the book much at all. In 60 seconds and for the grand prize:
-How many shows did Bill Cullen host?
-Who hosted "All-Star Blitz?"
-What game show was on CBS in the 1990's for only one episode?
-What three game shows did game show announcer Johnny Gilbert host?
-What was the orignial format of "Wheel of Fortune?"
-What host brought the Beatles to L.A.?
-What game show had a town named after it?
-What game show was made into an ice cream by Baskin-Robbins?

You will learn the answer to these quesions and more by reading this book. It's a lot of fun and you won't be able to put it down.

This is a unique book. Delightful is the best word to present this gem. This is something that you will spend a full hour with the first time around, whether you are an adult or not, a magic buff or not. And yku will want to show others again and again. I have given many copies of this book to friends (adults and kids alike) and all were absolutely thrilled. THIS BOOK WILL DELIGHT EVERYONE. Even those who may not be interested in magic will be delighted. It is fun for the kid in all of us as well as the the most diehard cerebral nerd. Made in heavy cardboard, it is a little fragile, but kids soon learn to treasure it. This will last a long time with the pre-teen crowd...and teens...and adults.

The idea of a self-performing magic book is a nice one. To be sure, this book is cleverly designed.

However, the tricks are a mixed bag... Some are ingeniously designed; others entail simple arithmetic tricks (that even a ten year old could work out).

... Mark Setteducati and Anne Benkovitz have presented in the simple, yet interactive tricks that create a welcome distraction from the age of high-tech games, computers, and television. The book is presented like a magic show, prompting for audience (or reader) participation. It begins with the cover and does not necessarily end at the very last page, which contains additional props if you want to revisit one of the tricks for a skeptical audience or if you want to add a different spin on one other trick. There is a reset book (to reorganize everything for the next performance) that also consists of presentation suggestions for some of the tricks. "The Magic Show" uses both mathematical and optical illusions to amuse young and old. The tricks can stimulate thinking for the younger audience when they ponder "How did they do that?" If you are a parent or just an adult who is young at heart and appreciates magic, this is an enjoyable book to purchase for yourself or to give as a gift to a budding Houdini.

This book is the most unique experience I have had in a book. I think everyone will love it! It is so creative and entertaining. I am a professional magician and I was fooled. I highly reccomend it. Makes a fun gift.

Who doesn't love magic? And who doesn't love a good book? Author-Magician Mark Setteducati and Anne Benkowitz have combined to create this delightful treat. Mysterious, engaging and down-right fun, get ready to be entertained. Illustrator Steve Ellis brings the tricks alive with a colorful flair that adds to the enjoyment.

Families who want more wholesome entertainment will find it here. These hands on tricks that unfold right before your eyes keep you guessing on what could possibly come next. And how did they do that? So curl up with the kids, and prepare to be astounded. I sure was!

Great reference manual, easy to read, great examples. I use this as a reference book for quick settings changes and deployments. I highly recommend this book.

I was totally new to ISA and came to know about this book from the ISAServer forum.

It not only gives in-sight into the inner workings of the product but also speaks about the philosophy and history behind the creation of this versatile tool.

Understanding, Installing and Configuring ISA is just a piece of cake with this book

Tom Shinder is the recognized non-Microsoft ISA expert. He wrote the seminal (if only) book on ISA 2000 and now has written on ISA 2004. He also runs a companion website.

A good 200+ pages is devoted to marketing rehash and comparison of competing products. While there is some discussion of relevant concepts, most of this would be better served as website content. The competition changes rapidly enough that any such information in print quickly becomes obsolete. This book is supposed to be about configuring ISA 2004, not in-depth reviews of the product space.

The book's presentation quality is poor. Type is uneven in places, page numbers are cut off, and there are spelling errors. The organization is deficient as well. I continually lost my way and had to flip back to the TOC (which at 22 pages is too large to be of much use), Preface, and chapter intros to recapture the author's chain of thoughts. For example, Shinder describes Chapter 4's objective as preparing the infrastructure before installing ISA 2004, yet the chapter is filled with multiple ISA installation/configuration screen prints and instructions. He also describes how the various ISA clients react with particular network configuration, yet he does not introduce the concepts of clients until a later chapter.

The book is redundant in its presentations, as a chapter will begin with an overview of a series of concept, discuss the configuration of each concept, then discuss the various installation and configuration items for each concept, rather than describing the entirety of each concept one by one. There are occasions where he neglects to give context, such that advice seems contradictory. The typical "quick install" section is hidden about 500 pages into the book, and there's duplicate versions.

Despite the previous criticisms, the content of the book is informational and friendly to those new to the product, giving step by step instructions. When one considers the book along with the companion website and the author's personal commitment to assist and provide advice - as well as the lack of other books on the subject - "Configuring ISA Server 2004" gets a high rating. I will be looking for the 2006 update.

Don't be fooled guys, even with the articles being available online you wont find such a complete explanation posted into the isa server's resource site. This guy writes ISA documentation for MS, so there you go, he is da man when it comes to the product and has been dealing with it since the beginning, ISA 2006 is still in RC and he already wrote a couple of articles regarding how to configure new features. Definitely, a must have if you are an ISA Admin or consultant looking for some information and advice to do the right setup for the given network.

Since the early ISA Server 2000 days, author Tom Shinder has been the undisputed king of the ISA Server world. (Small world, isn't it.) His great expertise is complimented by a nice professional writing style that can be understood by any serious system administrator. If ISA is a big part of your responsibilities, you will want to have this book.

However, if you just want to get ISA Server 2004 up and running for the first time, this 1,024-page book is too much. If you are sitting there with the CD in hand and want to be up and running in three or four hours, be aware that the first 300 pages are devoted to a discussion of new features and a lengthy defense and comparison of ISA to the lower-end firewall appliances (non-PC hardware with firmware). This was very interesting reading for me (with four years managing ISA on a small network with ten servers and twenty workstations), but it may be too much too soon if firewalls are not high on your list of interesting things.

I searched hard for other ISA books and bought "ISA Server Unleashed" as well. "Unleashed" is 552 pages and quickly gets to installation and then configuration, exactly what you may want to get up and running quickly. In addition to "Unleashed," there seem to be just two other books that may serve for installation guides. The first is Shinder's "How to Cheat at Installing ISA Server 2004" (according to another reviewer, a "just the facts" version of the larger book reviewed here). Lastly, there is the "Administrator's Pocket Consultant." (I have read only reviews for the "Cheat" and "Consultant" books.)

Don't misunderstand, Shinder covers just about everything before he is done; and if you want your ISA expert's badge, you need to have this big book. I'll use "Unleashed" during installation and use Shinder's book for guidance on best practices.

If your finances suggest just one book, do this big Shinder book if you have prior ISA experience. Otherwise check out the small number of other offerings. And don't forget to search for ISA Server and Shinder on the web. You'll find a website with many long articles by Shinder.

By the way, I share Shinder's view that ISA is a great product. My ISA 200 installation has run robustly for four years; but I was looking to offload to ISA some of the spam filtering burden that now rests on an Exchange Server plus GFI installation and decided to move up to the latest ISA version at the same time.

I am so pleased with this book. My son bought it from my wish list and it is great. Is shows what a person can do with an Ipod. Very easy to use and seems to cover everything that can be done with an Ipod. I wondered how to put pictures and video on the Ipod and this explains how to accomplish those tasks.

This is a great book for any Ipod owner, seeing how what you get with your new Ipod is very little. It shows how much more than listening to music that these little guys can do!

Are you getting the most out of your iPod? If you're not, then this book is for you. Author J D Biersdorfer, has done an outstanding job of writing a book that has easy to follow graphics, crystal-clear explanations, and guidance of the most useful things your iPod can do.

Biersdorfer, begins by showing you what lies underneath all of the menus on your iPod or iPod Nanao and what each item does. Then, the author focuses on introducing you to iTunes most basic and useful tools. Next, she shows you how to make playlists of songs you've added to iTunes. She also looks at how much you will spend in the iTunes store. The author then spotlights the video side of iTunes. Then, she shows you even more ways to use your iPod. The author continues by explaining the simple procedures for playing your iPod songs through the woofers and tweeters in your life. Then, she explains what to do if your iPod's acting weird. Finally, the author kicks it up a notch and gives you some ideas of what else you can do with iTunes and the iPod besides just watching and listening.

In this most excellent book, you'll learn how to install iTunes. Perhaps more importantly, this book will show you everything from turning your iPod on, to charging your iPod without a computer.

Great book! I never knew the iPod was so versatile. A must read.

'iPod: The Missing Manual' by Jude Biersdorfer is the perfect reference for all iPod fans, users, and geeks alike. With 200+ pages of material spread out over 11 chapters, you will learn all the ins and outs of your iPod and iTunes better than ever before!! From the basics like general usage of your iPod to learning how to use iTunes to import music and add to your library to creating playlists and working with photos and videos, this truly is a gem. Unlike other 'Missing Manual' books, this one is a smaller format and is presented in a glossy, stylish package that meshes perfectly with your 'i' collection!!

If you want to get the most out of you iPod and/or iTunes and want to have fun doing so, pick up this wonderful sidekick to your Apple world and enjoy!!

***** HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

My favorite book is Made You Look by Diane Roberts. My favorite character is Jason because he is funny and creative. The author is entertaining you while you read this book because the author uses fun settings, good words, and difficult problems. The book is about a boy named Jason who is trying to get on a TV show called Masquerade Mania, which is a TV show that Jason and his family are big fans of. So Jason's dad is where they film the show so his dad lets Jason how to get on the show. Jason creates a costume to get on the show. They pick the people on the show by how cool their costume is. Read this book to find out what happens to Jason does he or does he not make the show. I would recommend this book to anyone that can read. A wonderful book I would give it an A+.

I am writing this review on Made You Look by Diane Roberts because it is one of my all time favs! This book is about how Jason, the main character, is trying to get on the hot T.V. show Masquerade Mania. My favorite character is Jason, because when he wants something, he goes the whole nine yards to make it happen, even driving cross-country from Texas to California in his grandparents` giant sardine can, their camp`otel. The main reason he wants to be on the T.V. show isn`t just to meet the master of ceremonies, Jasmine, or Desmond O the host, oh no, it is to win a trip to Hawaii and movie tickets for a whole year!
Read Made You Look to find out if Jason makes it big on Masquerade Mania, or does he miss out on the vacation of a lifetime? I love this book because it is the funniest comedy of all time. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good laugh!

I just loved the book. It was written so well by Diane Roberts. My favorite part was when the mother dyed his underwear PINK!! I just LOVED it!!!

I am writing this review on Made You Look by Diane Roberts because it is one of my all time favs! This book is about how Jason, the main character, is trying to get on the hot T.V. show Masquerade Mania. My favorite character is Jason, because when he wants something, he goes the whole nine yards to make it happen, even driving cross-country from Texas to California in his grandparents` giant sardine can, their camp`otel. The main reason he wants to be on the T.V. show isn`t just to meet the master of ceremonies, Jasmine, or Desmond O the host, oh no, it is to win a trip to Hawaii and movie tickets for a whole year!
Read Made You Look to find out if Jason makes it big on Masquerade Mania, or does he miss out on the vacation of a lifetime? I love this book because it is the funniest comedy of all time. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good laugh!

Made You Look by: Diane Roberts


I read the book Made you look by Diane Roberts. I thought that this book sounded like it was written by a kid. This book was also very predictable. I think that kids can relate to the feelings of the main character in this book who really wants something and tries to get it even though the chances are slim.


The main character in this book is Jason and he really wants to get on to the show Masquerade Mania with the beautiful Jasmine and funny Desmond O'. Jason really thinks that he'll get his chance because his whole family is going to go to California!


When Jason and his family go to pick up his dad at from a business trip at the airport, Jason gets a big surprise. They're not flying to California; they're driving in their Aunt and Uncle's camp'otel. Jason is shocked. He'll still be the only one in his class who has never flown on an airplane. Jason spends the time with his family traveling to California (along with his friend Freddy) without complaining. Will things turn out the way Jason hoped they will or will the whole trip just be a pie in the face?


Read Made you Look by Diane Roberts to find out what happens to Jason and if his big plans come true. This book is 160 pages and I think that kids who like some comedy will really like it. You might even find yourself relating to Jason's problems!

I enjoyed the book very much. It was a new way to expirience the mystery that is Lost.

This is the best Lost book on the market. I am amazed at how original it is. I love it and I recommend it to all Lost fans, especially the fans who went nuts over The Lost Experience and Find 815. And it is as big a challenge as they were. This book is a definite buy if you are a fan of the show.

I recently got my book and am impressed with how it looks and its contents. I think any fan of LOST will find the puzzles and brain teasers alot of fun and entertaining. The book is full of mind games and I especially like that the puzzle answers are available because I have to know if I guessed right or wrong! I can't wait to get back to the book and work on more of the word games and puzzles. I am surprised so far with how much I recall from the episodes I've have watched. The book will make a great gift idea too.

In a fortuitous coincidence, when the great powers of the world decided to embrace madness over reason, war over peace, and to send their great weapons against one another, I found myself deep underground in an almost completed government research facility.

I was only supposed to be there to make a delivery of equipment, but once I felt the ground began to shake as the great disaster unfolded on the surface, I knew I would find myself alone in that cavernous tomb for quite some time to come. The lab wasn't supposed to fully staffed for at least three more months and the first crews weren't going to report the until the next week. I was just the delivery guy.

As the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into years, I began to explore my surroundings. I found a vast array of scientific equipment, banks of computers, and volumes upon volumes on every scientific theory from electromagnetism to astrophysics.

Also, in a different room I stumbled upon a well worn and dog eared copy of this volume, LOST Mind Games. I used the quizzes and games to keep my sanity as I spent the ensuing decades studying and learning all that was written in the other tomes.

I began with math, and then to physics, and from there into relativity. It was at this point that I was able to develop a solution to the Grand Unified Theory of Everything.

If you are reading this message, then I was successful in trying to send two messages back across the barriers of space and time. The first was to the leaders of the great nations of the word, telling them of what would happen should they continue down their warlike ways. The other was much further back, to the early twenty first century, a review of the wonderful book which kept my sanity through the many decades.

Thank you Anne Dawson. If you are seeing this, then your book may very well have saved the world.

My two teens (16 and 19) went nuts for this book when they saw it at their cousin's house over the holiday weekend. They have been bugging me for three days to buy it for them. I took the earlier reviewers advice and bought one for each of them. I may be back to buy one for my husband. I have a feeling he may want his own copy once he gets his hands on it.

ADIOS TO MY OLD LIFE
CARIDAD FERRER

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Alegria "Ali" Montero is a strong seventeen year old who knows exactly what she wants in life - to seriously pursue her music, just not in the same way her music professor father did. While he loves teaching, Ali wants to be on stage, performing her music, her way. She just needs him to see that. Auditioning for the hot new reality show, Oye Mi Canto, that's looking for the next Latin Superstar might just be the way to accomplish that. But when Ali unexpectedly makes the show, she's thrown into a world she couldn't have even imagined, let alone dreamt of being a part of.

Dealing with being the only underage contestant on the show and her father's reluctance for her to compete to having to put up with the resident wicked witch in pop star wannabe in Fabriana, make Ali's journey from audition to finale a must read.

I loved this book! Ali is a wonderful character, who does what she has to in order to make her dreams a reality. Several interesting plot twists had me gasping out loud. This book will have you staying up past curfew to keep the pages turning.

Ms. Ferrer's debut is a wonderfully written entertaining read.

Reviewed by Lisa
YA_Director
Enchanting Review

Talented singer-guitarist Alegria Montero is sick of the endless, boring parade of quinceaneras and other family party gigs. So when OYE MI CANTO, a new reality TV show that's searching for the next Latin superstar comes into her town, she auditions. She figures she'll never make the cut.

To her shock, she makes it. Next thing she knows--besides dealing with her overprotective father--she's thrust into a world of wardrobe fittings, cameras, reporters, vocal coaches, and websites designed by teen boys. But also she sees the other side of a reality show. The jealousy, malice, and sabotage among the contestants. She wonders if this is indeed what she wants or should she leave it all and go back to being the normal teen again.

I loved this book! Caridad does a great job showing the father/daughter relationship. Also she gives the reader a glimpse into a reality show. Think American Idol goes Latin. I especially loved the Spanish that is sprinkled throughout the novel. But then I'm a real fan of anything that deals with Spanish in a real way. Ali is a typical teen who has her doubts and shortcoming too. I cheered with her all the way through the book. And I loved the ending.

I'd highly recommend this book to those who love fast-paced YA novels that show Latina heroines in a positive light. Gracias, Caridad!

When she sneaks out to enter a 'Next Latin Star' show, Alegria (Ali) Montero figures it's just a chance to be seen. But when she's selected as a finalist, the Catholic schoolgirl has to confront her old-fashioned father and persuade him that her dreams, while not his, deserve a chance. Ali lives for music and for performance. And she's completely in her element while she's on the stage. Of course, as soon as she's off the stage, she just might be hurling out her guts--she is, after all, a virgin schoolgirl competing with some of the hottest talent in the Latin world. Unfortunately for her, the one other contestant from Miami, sultry Fabiana, will do anything in her power to sabotage Ali and keep her from reaching her dreams. Only one of the finalists will make it all the way to the recording contract, the guaranteed single, the final stardom.

Old-fashioned Latin American sponsors insist that Ali have a chaperone since she's under 18, unlike all of the other finalists who get to live in a mansion and enjoy the finest of Miami, but Ali doesn't mind too much since her chaperone is a woman who's had the hots for her father for a long time and who is close to Ali's best friend. She's also not a very strict chaperone and Ali finds she can spend a bit of time with a cute college intern production assistant. But when the pressure is really on, will he be there for Ali--and will Ali be able to cope with the fact that she really is saying adios to her entire old life?

Author Caridad Ferrer spins a charming tale of coming of age and young love. With Ferrer's Cuban heritage and bilingual upbringing, the Latin American aspects of the story ring true. The musical elements, too, are completely convincing. I found myself laughing and hoping along with Ali for the right result as she sang her heart out for the crouds, the judges, and for her father. The fan site set up by 14-year-old boys was a laugh, and the overwhelming fan moment scary.

ADIOS TO MY OLD LIFE was the surprise winner of Romance Writers of America's top award (the RITA) for best single title romance even though it had been initially entered in the young adult category (because there weren't enough entrants in that category, it was closed and ADIOS was shifted into the adult category). Facing very stiff competition, ADIOS pulled out a deserved win.

Read this book.

It doesn't matter if you're a guy or a girl, if you're not a fan of Enrique or Shakira, if you're not even an MTV watcher. You'll fall in love with this. Ally is the most liveliest, most likable character I've read in a long time.

This is definitely one of the best music themed books I've read. Ferrer's ability to translate music into the written word is magical.

I'd give this book ten stars if the option was available!

If you're a fan of American Idol, like I am, you're going to love this book. If you don't like American Idol, that's okay, too, because you're still going to love this book! ADIOS TO MY OLD LIFE, the debut young adult novel of author Caridad Ferrer, stars seventeen-year-old Ali Montero, a Latino teen who is determined to be a finalist on the reality music show Oye Mi Canto.

Ali is a typical teen with a major difference--she has real musical talent. When she's singing and playing her guitar, she can forget about the usual family problems, the crazy friends, the insane school life. When she's inside her own head with only the music, Ali is transformed beyond a normal teenager into a star. The wonderful thing about Ali, though, is that she refuses to let stardom, or even normal trends, change the type of young woman that she is. There's no Jennifer Lopez or Shakira skimpy outfits or butt-shaking in her routines; there's no Ricky Martin or Marc Anthony wannabe groupies worming their way into her life.

With fresh and witty dialogue and a heroine that is truly easy to relate to, ADIOS TO MY OLD LIFE is a glimpse into what it means to live your dreams. While Ali lives the life of having her daily highs and lows shown on national television, she's smart enough to know that her music--and not fame and fortune--is what's important.

Kudos to Ms. Ferrer for a winning debut novel. This is the perfect story for everyone, whether male or female, young or old, American Idol fan or not.