Elimination Night: A Novel

Published by Brilliance Audio

Narrated by Cristina Panfilio

Meet Sasha King, a down-to-earth young writer who finds herself working inside a world that both repels and fascinates her: Project Icon, the once-mighty TV talent show that’s taken a hit in the ratings. In an attempt to get back on top, the show has recently hired two new celebrity judges, entrepreneur-actress-singer Bibi Vasquez and rock legend Joey Lovecraft, a priapic wild man who doesn’t even own a TV (it goes against the teachings of his guru, Tibetan high lama Yutog Gonpo).

In addition to the demands of the new judges, Sasha has the task of handling frighteningly robotic host Wayne Shoreline (who may or may not eat puppies as part of his pre-show prep), young would-be idols (including the foul-mouthed Mia Pelosi and the chaps-wearing Jimmy Nuggett), muckraking gossip columnists, and the powerful executive of a competing reality TV talent show. The combination of characters will leave readers swimming in a cocktail of pure crazy: Project Icon.

In Elimination Night, we get a peek at the deliciously outrageous machinations—the ego clashes, meltdowns, and cover-ups—that take place behind the scenes of the talent shows we’ve become addicted to. The details of their inner workings are so accurate that the book had to be written anonymously.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Jan 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781469207568

Reviews for Elimination Night

[jclheatherm · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Regardless of how accurate the book is (or isn't), it's a funny read to pass the time. Not overly memorable or forgettable, just something in the middle.

[lahochstetler · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book is an insider's look at American Idol. If you've never watched the show, then I can't imagine this book would be at all interesting. All of the notable Idol stars show up in the book, from Simon Cowell to Jennifer Lopez. There's some thinly veiled anonymity, but it's VERY thinly veiled. Anyone who's seen the show will have no problem deducing who is who. As for the story itself, there isn't much of one. Most of the book is an expose of the extremes and abuses of the show. Star judges fight with one another for better contracts. Staff are treated like dirt. The protagonist, Sasha King, is called "Bill" by cast and crew alike. Bill was her predecessor's name, and no one can be bothered to learn a new one. Just in case anyone didn't already think so, this book will make it clear that Idol is full of egotism and excess. As mentioned, there's no real story. There's a sort of continuing theme surrounding Sasha's long-distance boyfriend, but it isn't very interesting. I can't figure out who the audience for this book is supposed to be. Anyone who's at all critical of reality show culture probably suspected most of this, and die-hard super fans are probably not going to believe it. The shock and awe could have been accomplished by an essay- a novel is simply too extended a format for the material available.

[sparemethecensor · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Fans of American Idol -- oh no, did I give it away? -- will probably enjoy this highly non-subtle skewering of reality TV singing competitions. Heavy-handed in parts and never becoming more than a snarky retelling of reality, it nonetheless has its funny parts. Don't read this for the characterization or deep insights into the industry -- you'll be disappointed. But fans seeking a fluffy read will enjoy.