*Not too many spoilers but proceed with caution* (Read in January 2022).
Gripping. On the edge of my seat. Was unsure how it would progress despite knowing they’d surely end up together.
The book had amazing conversations about mental health, gender, and sexuality. Depression, anxiety, asexuality, demisexuality, nonbinary genders, etc.
The Charm Offensive has so many great, in-depth interpersonal relationships with so many supportive and platonic friendships. I would have loved even more storylines around the other team members actually.
Honestly, I would love a spin-off sequel.
Alison’s use of third person, to create such well-written perspectives whilst still maintaining the characters’ individual voices and personalities, truly made me engrossed in the storyline.
I did find some of the pages of “story notes for editors” confusing. Is the script included simply raw footage with the producer’s suggestions added at the end? Or is it a rough draft summary for the producer to comment on at the bottom (I think this is the case)? If the latter was true, I would have preferred a change in font or something simple to emphasise this.
Some of the Notes Scenes, such as Chapter 5: Week 4, has no actual notes from the producers at the end so I wasn’t sure if she was requesting this scene to be included in the show or if her lack of comments was her signing off on the scene to be included. Maybe if the author included a stamp or something at the top of the page to make it crystal clear if it was a pitch or first draft, and at the end, if it were cleared to be used as-is or how much work needed to still be done. Obviously, the producer wouldn’t have time to write a whole paragraph but just a simple, “No.” or “Perfect.”, would be helpful.
On that note, I think these pages could have been used even more too! Imagine even more of an insight into the filming and editing process!
It made me realise how often shows like the USA Bachelor travels during each season. I had to research the validity of their international flights, and if anything, it was more conservative in the book!
They travelled to:
Louisiana (New Orleans)
Cali (LA, San Fran – Angie’s home, Burbank)
Texas (Pasadena/Houston, Dallas – Lauren’s home)
North Carolina (Raleigh – Dev’s home)
Georgia (Macon – Daphne’s home)
*Bali (Amed)
*Germany (Munich)
*South Africa (Cape Town).
There were 4 *countries and at least 4 additional flights inside USA that would have been paid for by the show. DAMN.
I did feel like the producers wouldn’t call “cut” as much as they do, but the author said she had a producer onside for accuracy (P.S. please read the acknowledgment chapter! It was very adorable and enlightening) so maybe they do in real life… Evidently, it was a great insight into what goes into filming a reality dating show.
The author obviously made me empathise with the characters because I cried when they had the last crowning moment, and I am not ashamed.
How good would this be as a movie though…
I would read the crap out of this book again and highly recommend it for lovers of YA romance, anyone interested in LGBT+ stories, or lovers of reality TV, but also anyone who wants to give something like this a go! It was a super easy read but thrilling all the way through.
Let me know if you disagree with any of my thoughts or have anything to add.
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