Review: For Real – Alison Cherry

Posted January 26, 2015 by Andi in Books, Review / 3 Comments

Review: For Real – Alison CherryFor Real by Alison Cherry
Published by Random House Publishing Group
Published: 2014
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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 TV.

When Miranda discovers her boyfriend, Samir, cheating on her just before 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 or may not 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?

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I’m a huge fan of the TV show The Amazing Race. I have watched every season, the good and the bad. So when I heard about For Real and the Amazing Race vibe I knew it was a book I had to read. And although it was good and I enjoyed myself, there were somethings that I definitely would have changed to make it better. I will say it was a quick read without a lot of heavy lifting so that was a nice bonus.

For Real is the story of two sisters, Claire and Miranda, who haven’t been all that close for a long time. Miranda as the older sister insists on thinking of Claire as a baby. She never gives her any credit for anything and talks down to her often. But when Miranda’s boyfriend cheats on her and the opportunity to race across the world appears, Claire thinks it is the perfect time to show her sister how much she has grown. Set to be each others partners, the girls are thrown for a loop when they find out it is a dating show and a race. Now not only is their relationship at stake, but possibly their hearts.

Claire and Miranda’s relationship was probably the best part of For Real. I’m an only child so I don’t have that sister relationship to compare it to, but it seemed authentic to me. Miranda looked at Claire as the little girl she took care of even though clear had grown up. And Claire was desperate for Miranda to see her as she was even if she was a work in progress. I liked this aspect. I liked that they fought and weren’t all Full House chummy. I like that they were seemingly on opposite sides but still together. And I liked how they evolved as individuals and as siblings as the book went on.

I guess my biggest problem with For Real was the romance aspect. Look, I’m all for a good romance in a book if it fits. I love those moments in books. But some books it just doesn’t work for and For Real was one of those books for me. I really wanted this book to just focus on Miranda and Claire but it didn’t and it took away from the story. Adding the dating show aspect, sure it was fun, but I didn’t feel it was needed. It was kind of a throwaway part of the book.

In the end For Real was a quick read that was not heavy lifting at all. It entertained me when I needed to be entertained. It’s one I would recommend borrowing and checking it out.

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3 responses to “Review: For Real – Alison Cherry

  1. Jenny

    I read Red, and it was such a tragic waste of my time that I decided to forego any future books by this author. Your review makes me think I made the right choice.

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