I think THE FAME GAME was the absolutely *perfect* guilty pleasure book for a lazy Saturday after an incredibly insane week. I don't know why I'm always surprised by how much I enjoy this type of celeb chick lit, but I definitely don't have any huge complaints about this one at all. 
 I haven't read Lauren Conrad's previous trilogy of books (although I do intend to start them fairly soon), and I admit that I've actually never even seen The Hills either. It doesn't take a genius to suppose that Conrad is drawing heavily from real life, along with whatever ghost writer assisted in the process. Even so, the author(s?) do a great job of interesting characters who are 'normal' enough to be relateable but 'celebrity' enough to have that glam-and-glitz appeal that attracts readers to this type of chick lit. 
 Basically, THE FAME GAME is the tale of a new reality show that features four young women who are trying to 'make it big' in Hollywood. We have Madison, the self-assured, diva who previous starred in a string of reality shows but who is always open to seeking her five minutes of fame -- especially after the hardships she endured in a childhood without money and comfort. Then there's Carmen, an aspiring actress born to ultra-famous celebrity parents -- who never had to work a day for her special brand of fame and wealth. Then of course we have Gaby, who I gather was introduced along with Madison in the first series as a ditzy, image-obsessed girl full of celebrity appeal, but who lacks the brains and confidence to really make it on her own. And finally, there is Kate, the all-American girl next door who carries a guitar, writes her own songs, and is terribly uncomfortable with the pace and paparazzi of Hollywood. 
 As the team behind the scenes works to orchestrate the drama -- first, by pitting Carmen against Madison... then by bringing Madison's not-so-secret family life into the mix... and by forging a relationship between a hunky stud and rising star Carmen -- despite the fact he only has eyes for Kate... the girls start to lose their grasps on that fine line between reality and reality TV. 
 Which is more important -- fame or love? Celebrity or friendship? Image or reality? The choices are never that easy and the stakes are high in THE FAME GAME. 
 I totally look forward to reading book 2 in October!