It’s actually. Freaking. Summer.
One would think the quarantine would have made #teacherlife much less stressful, but alas, no. It was definitely more boring, with not being able to interact with my students face to face. It was not a great year instructionally, and it ended with a fizzle rather than the celebratory BANG. I’m a little heartsick and definitely have feelings of trepidation about next year.
But I am going to enjoy my summer, darn it! And if you’d like to add some entertainment to your own summer reading list, I suggest you read on!
Synopsis of One to Watch:
Bea Schumacher is a well-established fashion blogger, who portrays a life filled with fabulous clothing, carefree jet-setting, and the freedom and luxury of being a single career woman who embraces herself and the fulfilling life she’s created.
But there are a few aspects of Bea’s undocumented life that hinder her from reaching true happiness, i.e. falling in love with her best friend Ray, sleeping with him, and having him run right back into the arms of his fiance (ah yes, classic dick move, Ray), without a word of goodbye or any explanation for his ghosting behavior.
As her life begins to feel like it’s falling apart, Bea is presented with a new, interesting opportunity that could work to help Bea get over Ray, while simultaneously bolstering the women who wish to emulate her style and confidence.
Bea has a chance to star in the hot, controversial reality dating show, Main Squeeze. And why is having Bea as the Main Squeeze heart throb a revolutionary move? Because Bea happens to be a plus-sized woman who rejects beauty standard conformity and wants to change the conversation. With Bea at the center of the story line, she’s setting the bar for body acceptance and pride. But that doesn’t mean the trolls and haters don’t have any shade to throw.
As Bea navigates the pitfalls and breathtaking euphoria that comes with nationwide fame, she begins to do the thing she never thought she’d fall victim to: She begins to actually believe she might be able to fall in love. But as any reality TV heavy weight will tell you, nothing is ever exactly as it seems, and even the nicest of guys might have some self-serving cards up his sleeve.
Will Bea actually find her Mr. Right? Or will all the smoke-and-mirrors prove her jaded stance on love is spot on?
I loved this book, that’s where I’ll begin!
Stayman-London does such a fabulous job with the narration of the story. I loved the use of blog posts, articles, text messages and chat forums as modes of telling what the audience and outside world’s reactions were to Main Squeeze’s antics. They make the reader feel like they have an extra-special incite into Bea’s reality and give a newfound realization to how easy it is to misinterpret what’s viewed on television.
I liked Bea and I felt like the feelings of unease and hurt avoidance rang true, but I found myself getting frustrated with her wishy-washy emotional roller coaster. Do I like him? Does he like me? Am I actually being trolled? He treats me like crap, but I want him anyway. Blah, blah, blah.
And honestly, this is probably why I can’t stomach The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. It’s ingratiating egotism to have 25 men or women fawning all over one person, as that person pleas false modesty. “Oh, you want to marry little old me? *eye flutter*” Gag me. Bea’s self-doubt was understandable, but she never seemed to truly grow passed it, and in that area I felt she remained static.
Howeverrrr, a few characters get their comeuppance for garbage behavior and a few others grow from their experience on the show. And I have to say, I was pretty pleased with how Bea’s personal story wrapped up.
All in all, it’s an entertaining read with many laugh-out-loud moments. It will definitely be a summer time favorite!
Click the cover above for you copy!
Happy & healthy reading!
Lexi
