Welcome To The Real World (2007) - Plot & Excerpts
Carole Matthews tenth novel, Welcome to the Real World has been short listed for the 2007 Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year. A lighthearted novel filled with quick wit and totally unrealistic developments that will have you rolling your eyes and laughing at the same time. Welcome to the Real World is built squarely upon the foundation established by the romantic comedy genre - it is an escape from the gloom and doom, stress filled world where dreams are crushed quickly and no one believes in happy endings!With the popularity of American Idol soaring, believing regular people can achieve astronomical success is no longer a crazy dream, but an expected season finale. Capitalizing on this phenomenon, Welcome to the Real World weaves Fern Kendal’s singing aspirations and a short lived opportunity to perform on Fame Game into the fabric of this fantasy tale that could only take place within the real world of Matthews creative imagination.When Fern Kendal, barmaid and wanna-be singer lands the temporary job placement assignment of a life time, as the personal assistant for opera singing sensation, Evan David, what ensues is a genuine collision of polar opposites. While Fern has very little, lives in a shabby flat, works slinging lagers at a local pub, David rides in limosines, sipping champagne. Yet, they have much to learn from each other. Throw in all the complicating factors of Fern’s family problems, asthmatic nephew and a best friend that has loved her since their teens, and there’s a lot going on throughout this novel, much of which will take the reader by surprise.Welcome to the Real World is one of those absolutely unreal, happily ever after stories that entertains the reader with quick humor and flaky characters. The only drawback is the lack of true interaction between the leading characters, Fern and Evan, making their relationship feel forced and contrived. However, Carole Matthews is one of todays premiere chic lit authors and with the upcoming release of The Chocolate Lover’s Club, fans are sure to be delighted as she once again provides readers with the sugary sweet conconctions romantic comedy lovers just can’t do without.Happy Reading!
SHEEHHHHH.. This book is an insult to my intelligence.Stupid book. Could not believe I finish reading this. Rip off my RM 8 (USD 2.50). Not worth the cheap buy. Seriously, when I took 2 months to finish this book, this is saying something worse gonna happen.Ok, to keep it short:Girl had a brother, who cannot work. Because he has to take care of his very sick son. And the wife left the brother. So everything depended on the girl.Mom kicked Dad out of house because he is annoying. So the Dad camped out at the girl's flat.Girl juggled 2 jobs when applied to be PA for the famous hero, a vocalist. Girl has great singing voice also. But girl sucked at doing her job, waitress by night, and PA to the boy by day. The reason is to get more money, but she cannot perform her job.. SHEEEHHHHHHH. Barely scrap for a living.Girl entered Fame Game (equal to American Idol). Girl backed up when girl realised she has to sing in front of the boy.Girl had a platonic friendship with her male best friend. They even sleep together, TWICE. And that best friend is actually madly in love with her.Boy also has a string of flings with other women.Dad had a heart attack. Then, the girl was fired from being a waitress. And to make it worst, girl's flat was on fire. And girl had to camp out at best friend's home (see, that guy is the rock she is holding on.. why can't you just fall in love with your best friend??????????).And after all of these happen....... she was offered a singing contract, and within 4 months, BOOM, a superstar! Even on the day she signed her contract, she can afford to buy a Victorian house, and fly in a private jet.Then girl got back to boy, just because the boy sing with her together in a concert.SHEEHHHHH.. This book is an insult to my intelligence.Oh I mentioned this right? So I am going to mention this again:SHEEHHHHH.. This book is an insult to my intelligence.
What do You think about Welcome To The Real World (2007)?
I was having a Carole Matthews fest, so got this out of the library.From amazon:From the AuthorHi Everyone. Hope you like this - my tenth novel. I'mtotally addicted to TV talents show - The X-Factor being my favourite - soI decided to set a book around that world. We all want quick fame andfortune now - but is it really that easy? That's something I look atthrough the eyes of my poor, down-trodden heroine, Fern Kendal. Thinkyou'll like this one - it's one of my best so far. It's not often in awriter's career that a book just writes itself, but this one did. Enjoy!Best wishes Carole Matthews : )From the Inside FlapFern Kendal has the voice of an angel but, as a badly paidbarmaid and pub singer, she's going nowhere. Then she enters the TV talentshow Fame Game and this could be her break. If only, in the real world,things were that simple.Evan David's exquisite tones have enthralled opera buffs throughout theworld. His agent, his coach, his chauffeur and his chef are just a few ofthose who pander to his every need. But what Evan needs now is a break -from it all.When Fern becomes Evan's assistant their two worlds collide and neither oneis prepared for the dramatic effect they will have on each other. Forsomething happens when they are together - and it's more than just music.
—Anna
I must admit that when I read the blurb for this book I thought it might be a bit far fetched, but I was wrong and pleasantly surprised! The characters were great and Fern's Dad was hilarious! I love Caroles' books and have read quite a few now and have started reading her more earlier ones and she never disappoints me. Such easy reads that make me laugh out loud and sometimes even shed a tear! I would definitely recommend this book and it's a real page turner and keeps you guessing until the very last page!! Love it!
—Julie Boon
