Thanks to NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt For Young Readers for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: July 11th, 2017
400 Pages
Synopsis: Cram ten hormonal teens into a spaceship and blast off: that’s the premise for the ill-conceived reality show Waste of Space. The kids who are cast know everything about drama–and nothing about the fact that the production is fake. Hidden in a desert warehouse, their spaceship replica is equipped with state-of-the-art special effects dreamed up by the scientists partnering with the shady cable network airing the show. And it’s a hit! Millions of viewers are transfixed. But then, suddenly, all communication is severed. Trapped and paranoid, the kids must figure out what to do when this reality show loses its grip on reality.
Waste of Space is one of the wackiest books I’ve read in a long time, but in a good way. I’m not a big fan of reality tv unless it’s a talent show, so as soon as I read the premise, I was immediately intrigued by how this satirical look at the industry would play out, and Damico more than delivered. Everything is over-the-top, from Chazz, the narcissistic, smarmy producer, to the blatant product advertising, to the outrageous stunts the cast is forced to take part in to make Waste of Space “must see tv”. But it’s not long before things begin to go seriously awry, and the only thing that is clear, is that everyone is lying: the producers, the scientists, and even some of the contestants. At first, the contestants seem to represent your stereotypical, one -dimensional reality stars, but as the story progresses you learn there’s much more to them than they seem.
The narrative style flashes back and forth between the characters in the form of video and phone transcripts and blog posts. I did find this a little jarring at times, but not enough to spoil my enjoyment of the story. There are so many twists here that it’s literally impossible to put all the pieces together until the surprisingly bittersweet ending.
Waste Of Space, is a fun and humorous read, that also has unexpected deeper moments. It’s decidedly different from everything else out there, and makes for a memorable read. Due to some sexual situations, I recommend this for older teens, who I think will get a real kick out of it.
TeacherofYA said:
I’ve heard about this and it does sound promising! Adding to the endless TBR now! 😂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Woot!😁
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beetleypete said:
I usually hate ‘reality’ TV shows. But if you give it 4.5, that’s good enough for me, Kim.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
This skewers EVERYONE, that are usually involved in these Pete. It’s really quite clever!😊
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ravenblake99 said:
I haven’t heard of this book but it sounds like a fun read! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I might check it out! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
When you first start it Raven, you’re going to think “Oh, I don’t know about this.” But then, you get sucked in and all of a sudden you’re at the last page wondering what just happened!😁
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ravenblake99 said:
Now I’m even more excited to read it! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Yay!😀
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Jay said:
This sounds kind of cool even to me, a slightly older older teen 😉
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you’d get a kick out of this Jay, especially if you enjoy satire!😁
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Carrie said:
Another that sounds interesting to add to my neverending list. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Sorry Carrie!😏
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Carrie said:
That’s ok, I was in such danger of running out of something to read….. in about 100 years or so. LOL
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That was too funny. Unfortunately I know exactly how you feel!😂
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Carrie said:
Haha I know, and it’s only fair you add to my list since I add to yours. 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
True enough Carrie!😏
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lostartofreadingblog said:
I am past teen for sure, and I still think this looks like a fun read:)
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It really was!😁
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KrystiYAandWine said:
Hooray! So excited you liked this one! I’m starting it tomorrow, so I’m happy to hear that. It sounds like everything I was hoping. Unique premise with lots of fun and humor. Can’t wait!
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Sophie @ Blame Chocolate said:
This sounds definitely intriguing! I like that the characters are not all they appear to be, and am interested to find out what they come up with in order to “survive”. I think the premise of the book, unfortunately, is not too far off from what we are getting nowadays in reality TV, which is both exciting and scary.
I wouldn’t mind reading this one, especially knowing it can be funny. Wonderful review, Kim! 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Sophie! I’d love to know your thoughts if you read it.💁🏻
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vinnieh said:
I do like a bit of satire, especially when it’s on reality television.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you’d get a chuckle out of this Vinnie.😁
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vinnieh said:
I love chuckling.
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Books, Vertigo and Tea said:
This sounds like a fun read. I like the idea of the mixed media narration. It usually creates a fast pace that I can appreciate 🙂
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It really is Danielle!
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jowensauthor said:
Sure sounds like a fun read. I’m not a big fan of reality shows, unless it’s something like Ghost Adventures or My Cat From Hell, so a satirical take on the genre sounds entertaining.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’d love to know how she came up with the idea because it’s really quite clever!😊
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Jen said:
Oh my gosh, that synopsis alone had me going whaaaatttt lol! This sounds like a lot of fun and I’m so glad you enjoyed the book and that it had deeper moments. What a win and fun premise! I’m definitely going to go check it out!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
One of the nuttiest books I’ve read!😁
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The Shameful Narcissist said:
This sounds too interesting to pass up like a Truman Show set in fake space lol.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
You’ve got to try this Adrienne!
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Diana said:
Great review. I do like reality TV so I think that I will enjoy this one. I keep hearing that most of these shows are not really ‘reality’ are there is a behind the scenes manipulations. Glad to see that is mentioned in this book. I am definitely intrigued!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Thanks Diana! It’s a fun, sometimes completely bizarre, enjoyable read.😊
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mikealixonline said:
Nice review. It reads a little like a dust jacket commentary/synopsis, but is that bad?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
That first paragraph that says “Synopsis” and is in italics, is the one provided from the publisher. The review itself is in my words.
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Lashaan (Bookidote) said:
Wacky, you say? This sounds sooo original though. Something about it reminds me of Adam Douglas too; I might have to mention I haven’t read his books yet but there’s something about Waste of Space that reminds me of Douglas’ books hahah You got me curious with this review of yourself!
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
Absolutely NUTS! I think this and Adam’s books share the same sly sense of humor.
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