The Ultimate Reality Show

by Clay Jacobsen

How far would you go to win 10 million dollars?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian

357 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2005

Reviews

[Brad Burgin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book, that I've read on my own for just to read. Its suspenseful, a page turner and I couldn't put it down. I've reread this book 3 times and I still love it every time. Only complaint is that their isnt a sequel to this book. I hope one comes soon! Love this book and think you all will too.

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man in a reality-show type contest. Not everything is as it seems. Could have been SO much better, but overall a decent read.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly, I loved the concept and overall the story was good. However, there were heavy religious overtones for the main character. If this had been in the blurb or acknowledged anywhere on the cover. I don't hate on Christian characters or storylines, but honestly they made it seem like every time something good happened to this man it was because of his religion. They also made all the non religious people horrible and only those that were religious or became religious were redeemable. I understand religion is enriching for people but the way the author was basically saying that people that aren't Christian are bad people was unappealing. I almost didn't finish it and I kind of wish I didn't because like many people said the ending is very unsatisfying. Definitely won't be reading anymore of this author's books. I really wouldn't have minded if I had known what I was getting into when I started. The fact that I felt ambushed by this whole Christians are better than thou subplot was very unappealing.

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to watch the “Amazing Race”, so I was excited to read this book about a “Survivor” like reality show. I enjoyed it all the way to the last couple of chapters when it became unrealistic and strange. The last chapter doesn’t even answer the question of who the main character fell in love with. It just says “the woman”.

[Jared Herstine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book kind of hard to keep with the story but overall good

[Marnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a disappointment.

Jack Forrest is plucked from everyday obscurity and granted an opportunity to compete in a reality show to win $10 million dollars. For a guy whose job is on the line and is facing a law suit, this is the perfect opportunity to make a split second decision, abandon all his responsibilities, and take a week to compete for the cash prize.

The story started out OK. The recruitment and entry into the game. Interaction with other players. Jack is a Christian, so there are a lot of moral and ethical issues that he had to consider - how much of his character and faith is he willing to forfeit to win $10 million? Intriguing premise.

This is where the book takes a sharp turn for the worse.

All of a sudden a subplot develops which includes his mother back home and the mysterious Executive Producer Zeke.

The EP thinks Jack is his son from a long ago relationship with his mother. Turns out he's not. Jack's mother was actually raped by the EP's best-friend/co-worker, and Jack was conceived during that attack. This all comes to light during the game, and a confrontation ensues.

Then there's the ridiculous love triangle - Jack started seeing a woman he works with before he was abducted to be on the show. And while on the show he meets and falls for his fellow contestant Maria. But who should he choose? Blah, blah, blah. And then the author can't even provide the reader with any closure by actually identifying the woman he ends up with. The epilogue just refers to her as "the woman" and "soul mate". What's up with this? Is the reader supposed to draw their own conclusions? Nope - I don't buy it. Pick one (and it had better be Maria, 'cause Amanda didn't interact with Jack for the entire book, so the reader has no emotional investment in Jack's relationship with her at all).

Oh, and then there is the fact that the 'competition' had actors cast as half of the competitors. So the dude they thought had won - he was an actor. That jerk that antagonized Jack the entire novel - also an actor. Seriously? What a cop out.

It had potential, but it fell short and didn't live up to it.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Image a TV show that is a mix of Survivor, Big Brother, Fear Factor, Amazing Race with a little Temptation Island thrown in and you have the plot for this book. It is all of that and more. While handling the story of the ultimate challenge TV show, Jacobson also tells the story of what is happening back home for Jack. The story moves effortlessly on both fronts without interrupting the flow of the story.

While Jack is dealing with all the challenges on the island, including his increasing attraction to a fellow contestant, his is also worried about his job back home. Jack is a reglious man and his job is on the line because he said a prayer over one of his unconsious player. The family of the player wants Jack fired for forcing his religious beliefs on their son.

Although most of plot twists were predictable and the descriptions of the challenges were hard to follow, this is a good book. I like to be able to visualize the story and this was a hard one to do that with. That said, I am glad that I read this book. I hope all the books I read this year are as good!!

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was GREAT!! It was action packed and VERY BELIEVABLE. The main character is a Christian and he is tested in this game they see “How far would you go to win 10 million dollars?". This character really had some soul searching to do. What would Jesus do for sure!!! It is a PAGE TURNER - fast passed until the very end. I highly recommend this book. It is also a book you can share with non-believers to share the word.

This is a memorable powerful read one that would be great for your book club.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com

[Juls · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know the author of this book and I've read all this previous novels. Yes, he's a Christian (and I'm not) so the books have a religious slant but it's more about the faith of the characters. And out of Clay's 5 books, this was the least religious IMO. His stories, and this is no exception, are full of interesting, real characters, great story points and once the "chase" starts, you can't put it down. Quick read that you won't be able to put down. You'll really enjoy any of his books. FWIW, my personal favorite is "Interview with the Devil".

[Dylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Terrible ending!!!!

[Andria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I love reality tv, this one was perfect for me.