Keep It Real

by Bill Bryan

Book Overview

A debut novel from the comic genus who brought you the hit television shows Night Court and Coach. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932557377
• ISBN13: 9781932557374
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: Bleak House Books
• Length: 325 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.8" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Reality TV expose

Ted Collins was an award winning investigative reporter, but his divorce put him in a downward spiral that pretty much ended that career. He's currently working as a segment producer for a reality TV show, The Mogul. Yep, its similar to the Apprentice, though taken to much more of an extreme. I saw that having to state I have never watched the apprentice. Ted's ex-wife is now married to a very wealthy and influential entertainment attorney, Richard Slatkin. His seven year old daughter Hallie is living an absurdly privileged life, and even uses her credit card to buy Ted some clothing when needed to fit in to a hotel he takes her to for a treat. Ted has to have supervised visitation due to some incidents that occurred when he was binging to get over the divorce. He is about to leave his ex-wife's estate when he hears a woman in peril. It is a beautiful young woman being abused by a thug. Given Richard's clientele, Ted is pretty certain the man is a celebrity rapper. Ted is correct, and when the woman goes missing, Ted is sorry he didn't do more than just offer her help. He realizes you can't make someone save themselves, though, and wonders if Boney is involved when the woman, Patrice goes missing. Ted is promoted on the reality show, much to his dismay. The one good benefit to the promotion is that his boss, Trevor Bane, is paying for LA's best divorce attorney to get him a better deal. That is worth everything to Ted. Ted somehow manages to convince Trevor, in a job saving move, to utilize Boney the rapper in a Mogul segment, rather than Celine Dion. This allows Ted access to snoop around and perhaps tie Boney into Patrice's disappearance. Not wanting to get involved directly with the police, Ted uses pay phones and the voice of Foghorn Leghorn to communicate with the detective assigned to the case. Detective Susan DeRosa is a clever woman who finds Ted's true identity and allows him to give her tips on the case. Eventually, truth and justice prevail, though not before a lot of comic and manic action ensues. This book is definitely not PC, but I found it hilarious. It's a real look at the trappings of celebrity and the abuses found therein, the way the media encourages the celebrity of people with no discernible skill - like Paris Hilton, and Reality TV. Keep It Real kept it entertaining for me, and my ribs are just now mending from the beating they took with all the laughing I did while reading it.

Hysterical, Politically Incorrect Mystery

This is a fast paced, witty, hysterically funny mystery. I was laughing out loud from page one. It's shockingly politically incorrect. I loved the insider view of reality TV and rap music. The subject matter feels very current and I recognized some of the characters from real life. I recommend this book for smart people who like to laugh. I don't think the writer meant to write this for a suburban mommy but I hope he writes another one soon!

One of the best books I've read in years

I read this novel in one sitting--could not put it down. Bill Bryan is so funny and clever and absolutely brutal. He goes after every stereotype the L.A. has to offer and nails his victims everytime. I loved it. I'm not usually a fan of mysteries but the book came highly recommended by a friend so I gave it a shot. So glad that I did. What sets Bryan's book apart from others in this genre is the fact that the guy can really WRITE. I would follow the main character, Ted Collins, anywhere just to hear him think. I can't wait to read more from this great new talent.

Could not put it down...

Now this is what I call a great read! While browsing in a book store last week I noticed that Dave Barry had this to say: "If you like to laugh, and you hate reality TV, you will love this wonderfully, viciously hilarious book." And after reading Keep It Real I can only say that you will literally laugh out loud as Bill Bryan skewers reality TV, rap culture and a guy who bears a striking resemblance to Donald Trump. The only problem with this book is that it's difficult to put down, so make sure that you don't start reading Keep It Real if you have an early appointment.

Keep It Real by Bill Bryan

A quick and worthy read that keeps your interest and makes you laugh out loud. Bryan fleshes out the characters to a point where you can visualize them. Beneath the intrigue and semi-dark comedy lies a contemporary story that touches many bases - rap music, reality TV, divorce, single life and the kid caught in the middle. Byran's sharp and witty observations give voice to what many might think about these topics.