The Virgin

by Erik Barmack

Book Overview

When Joseph Braun decides to lie his way onto the Network's hottest new reality show, he's sure he'll find what he's always sought: attention fame and, perhaps, love. But once he lands a spot on "The Virgin," a show in which a twenty-six-year old beauty named Madison offers to relinquish her virginity, he realizes that he's in way over his head. And Madison might hold secrets of her own. . .

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031233513X
• ISBN13: 9780312335137
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Griffin
• Length: 244 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.6" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

depressed, but caustically funny

While I often wanted to shake Jeb/Joseph out of his complacency, I found that the world of reality TV was very accurately rendered. I found myself cringing and cheering and rolling my eyes at Barmack's characters in excatly the same way I do watching any of the "real" reality shows. And I loved the break-away discussion sections of the viewers watching the show as it unfolded, probably because it echoed so closely my own experiences with reality programming. I felt that Madison was treated rather shabbily, but I often feel that way about the main character in those shows, so it felt very realistic to me. Watching reality shows since, I find I view them with a very different perspective. I think Barmack is bitterly funny, with a great eye for human detail, and I will be interested to see what he does next.

Bachelor fans will soak it up

I have just finished this novel and wish to highly recommend it to others, especially fans of the Bachelor and Bachelorette shows. The author certainly has a way of making the characters vividly come to life. In fact, in my mind I had envisioned Jeb looking like an American Hugh Grant. While reading the behind-the-scenes antics of the producers, I was curious how much of this was fact or fiction. Lastly, I truly tried to figure how the book would wrap up, but my guesses were all wrong, which is difficult for a reality sleuther to admit. There is so much more to say, but I do not want to give away too much so that others can enjoy your book. Thank you for sharing your book with this audience member.

Not enough Nick Hornby out there? Try Erik Barmack

This is no sweet and sticky trade paperback; Erik Barmack has a sharp wit and an excellent turn of phrase. That I found this kind of intelligent writing in a book about reality TV (which I both love AND love to hate) is very exciting. Check out the author's website too (not sure of the address but I found it in a search engine) -- it's VERY clever!

A smart look at the reality TV world

I admit it -- my friends and I love shows like "The Bachelorette" even though we know they're awful in every way. In this smart satire, Erik Barmack taps into our collective fascination with shows such as these and why our society is so obsessed with fame. His main character isn't necessarily likeable, but we find ourselves drawn into his need for acceptance and attention anyway. After reading this gripping debut novel, you'll look at reality TV in a whole new light.

The Voice of a Generation Transfixed by Reality TV

We've all sat transfixed by a reality show (or three) in the last few years. Erik Barmack's novel THE VIRGIN takes our obsession one step further: A reality TV competition to see which man will win the right to sleep with a 26-year-old virgin. Barmack's tone is perfect: Dry wit, subtle irony and attention to detail - all tied into a natural storyline. It's a fast, fun read, and, like the shows themselves, keeps you hooked up until the last plot twist. A must read for a generation captivated by reality TV!