Could You Survive The Fame Game?

Photo from here.

I literally just finished Lauren Conrad's new book, The Fame Game and decided I had to do a post about it!  If you read this post, then you know I own and love all of her books so far.  I was completely sucked in to her first trilogy, L.A. Candy.  If you haven't read it, it is very similar to Lauren's reality show, The Hills and even gives some fun background info on reality television - for example, the producers would text the girls topics to discuss and directions while the girls were on camera so they wouldn't have to step into shots!

After purchasing her L.A. Candy spin-off, The Fame Game, I couldn't put it down.  I knew it was a spin-off featuring the evil, celeb-wannabe Madison Parker from the first trilogy.  I thought it would take place during her rise to fame pre-L.A. Candy.  It actually takes place right where the L.A. Candy trilogy ends.  It is similar, yet different, and just as addicting as the first three books.  Without giving too much away, I'll give you a brief description of the four main characters/the stars of the new PopTV hit reality show, The Fame Game:

Madison Parker

When we last saw Madison, she had just been outed by her younger sister on national television- she is not a California socialite like she wants everyone to believe; she actually comes from humble beginnings in a trailer park in upstate New York.  We find out her mom is an alcoholic and her dad left the family years ago.  Madison moved to California at the age of 15 to reinvent herself and make it big.  She never looked back.  So far she has built an amazing life for herself and is climbing the fame ladder one reality show at a time.  Will The Fame Game be just what she needs to catapult her into the spotlight?  Will her little sister and a surprise guest ruin everything Madison has tried so hard to achieve?

Kate Hayes

Kate is a native of Columbus, Ohio who moved to Los Angeles to try to make it big in the music industry.  She had a little help from her ex-boyfriend, Ethan, who posted a video of her singing a unique version of Girls Just Want To Have Fun on YouTube - it went viral.  The Fame Game is helping Kate gain the publicity she needs to get recognized in the industry.  The only problem?  Girl has got a serious case of stage fright.  On a happier note, Kate gets by with a little help from her friends - and her new hunky Australian boyfriend, Luke.  Luke is trying to make it big as an actor and currently has a role as a doctor on a hit television show a la Jesse Spencer on House.  With a breakout role in a soon-to-be blockbuster film, will Luke pick his career over his budding relationship or has Kate actually found a genuine person she can relate to and trust in L.A.? 

Gaby Garcia

Gaby is the comedic relief of The Fame Game.  She isn't particularly bright or beautiful.  On the other hand, she is extremely loyal to her friends, but because of this, she can be easily used and manipulated as Madison and show producers have come to realize.  Currently, Gaby seems to be struggling with low self esteem as she hooks up with random guys constantly and chooses not to eat.  As her tiny body shrinks, her plastic surgery bill grows.  Will Gaby get the help she needs?  Will she ever find true happiness with herself?

Carmen Curtis

Carmen is a "celebuspawn" and has been in the spotlight since before she was born - her parents are big names in the music industry.  While Carmen appreciates her parents hard work, she wants to build her own career as an actress.  While being on a reality show is a big risk for an aspiring actress, she hopes it will give her the "in" she needs to then make a name for herself.  She wants to prove to the world that she actually has talent and can make it on her own.  This might not be a problem since she seems to already have quite the little fan base.  Her dad and best friend, Drew, are nervous that a reality show will have a negative impact on her.  Will Carmen rise to super-stardom?  Or, will The Fame Game get the best of her?

Overall

I definitely recommend reading this book.  All of my friends that read L.A. Candy became addicted to that series and this one will be no different.  While reading the book, I couldn't help but think of real life celebrities that I find similar to the characters.  The following people are not my choices to play the characters on screen necessarily, but they are definitely how I viewed the characters as I read along:

Have you read any of Lauren's other books?  Do you ever think of celebrities as certain characters as you read about them in novels?  Let me know in the comments below!

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