The Virgin : A Novel

by Erik Barmack

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 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. . .

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Robert Maddern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well it was an interesting book to read. The plot just ambled along and the story evolved. It was an interesting parody and had a cracker of a conclusion.

[Erik · Rating 2 out of 5]

First time auteur and Sporting News columnist, Erik Barmack delivers in his debut novel The Virgin. As the story begins we are introduced to generation X slacker, Joseph Braun. Braun -- bored and looking to make something more of himself creates a new image – one that exudes charisma, drive and sheer coolness in an attempt to earn a spot on an upcoming reality show.

The premise of the show is much like many of those currently filling up our screens at home – a bunch of boy next door suitors backstab, claw and woo their ways into the heart of a would-be “perfect” companion. Only in The Virgin, the companion is a drop dead gorgeous twenty-six year old virgin named Madison. The typical lowlights of reality television ensue as each of the men compete for Madison’s heart and a chance to bed her.

The Virgin is a well written book with a wry sense of humor and a bag of tricks that pushes the reader to keep turning the page. Whether one is a fan of reality shows or not, this is a wonderful novel from Barmack and hopefully the first of many to come.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic premise: our protagonist auditions to be on a reality TV show, and is selected to participate. He sees it as a chance to reinvent himself. The premise of the show is that the girl for whom all of the guys are competing is a virgin (hence the title) and will give herself up to the winning man. There is a twist or two, which I won't disclose in case you're inclined to read the book. My general feeling on the story - meh. If you're into reality TV and are curious about what "really" happens in the production of such a show, it might make for an interesting story. Mostly, though, I saw the plot twists coming from a mile away and didn't really like the main character or understand why he was such a whiny bitch.

[Barbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was reading this book, I felt like I was watching a reality TV show with a backstage pass. The "twist" on this particular show was hilarious and over-the-top, but it didn't seem too far off-base from what's actually on TV. My biggest complaint is the paper-thin characterization, an unfortunate by-product of "reading a reality show."

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

good very light read, better then poking yourself in the eye

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it thought it was deeper and more intense than it was. The characters were interesting and realistic, though, and the ending got me. It got me good.

[Michael Hussey]

This book is really entertaining in a trashy way.

[Amberleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was supposed to be Brett Easton Ellis-ish. It wasn't. Really not that fantastic.