Review: Starring Me

Title:  Starring Me
Author:  Krista McGee
Genre:  Christian/Young Adult
Publisher:   Thomas Nelson
Release Date:  July 10, 2012
File Size/Pages:  505 KB/336 pgs
Source:  NetGalley

My Rating:  5/5

Summary:  Kara McKormick is told she's auditioning to star in a new teen variety show. But it's what she isn't told that could change her life.  The feisty New Yorker moves to sunny Orlando to participate in a month-long audition, where she'll live with nine other contestants and an eccentric housemother. Kara knows that the show already has a big-time celebrity lined up for the co-host, but she doesn't know who it is.  Chad Beacon quickly rose to fame after winning America's Next Star, but he doesn't want his entire career to be about singing. There is so much more he wants to do-like act. The new variety show sounds like the perfect next step for him, but his parents want him to have a co-star who shares his faith since they'll be spending so much time together.  Acting is high on Kara's priority list. But a relationship with God? Not so much. In fact, she's tried to stay away from anything religious. But God is after Kara's heart and He's put people in her life who are showing her there's far more to Christianity than rules and judgment.  And just when it seems that Kara's going to have to give up her acting dream, God reveals that she may have a starring role after all-in a story so big only He could write it.

Review:  Kara McKormick wants to be a star!  She's a seventeen-year-old girl who is known for being a contestant on "The Book of Love" which you can read about in Krista's first novel, "First Date".  In this novel, Kara tries out for a variety show, "Teens Rock".  Unbeknownst to the ten girls who are competing against each other, they must impress their housemother, Flora.  When "America's Next Star", Chad Beacon, decides to take on acting, his parents demand his co-star be a Christian, Flora, their assistant, poses as the girls' housemother.  This was such an amazing book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!  There was more to this novel than the average "follow your dreams"; the story had a clear, Christian message, and I loved that Krista wasn't afraid to express Christianity in this novel.  I also loved the relationships in this novel:  Kara & Addy, Kara & Chad, Chad & Jonathon, and Addy & Jonathon).  Despite the fact that this novel was loosely based on the story of Issac and Rebekah in Genesis 24, it wasn't overly relegious; it was still fun, enjoyable, and showcased struggles without jamming one's beliefs down your throat.  I love reading a good Christian book every once in awhile, because it relaxes, strengthens, and grounds me; it's a reminder of my faith.  I think everyone should read this novel, even if you're not a believer; it puts things in perspective for you!