First Date - by Krista McGee (Paperback)

About the Book

The orphaned daughter of missionaries, Addy Davidson discovers God's unexpected plans for her life when a reality TV show turns her quiet existence on its head.

Book Synopsis

The last thing Addy Davidson wants is to be on a reality TV show where the prize is a prom date with the President's son.

She's focused on her schoolwork so she can get a scholarship to an Ivy League college, uncomfortable in the spotlight, never been on a date, and didn't even audition for it.

But she got selected anyway.

So she does her best to get eliminated on the very first show. Right before she realizes that the President's son is possibly the most attractive guy she has ever seen in person, surprisingly nice, and seemingly unimpressed by the 99 other girls who are throwing themselves at him.

Addy's totally out of her comfort zone but that may be right where God can show her all that she was meant to be.

Review Quotes

'...a touching, fun, edifying, campy, quick and downright delicious teen read.'--USAToday.com

'...with sparks of wit, the story offers a positive message about being true to oneself...'--Publishers Weekly

'McGee's debut novel is an absolute gem.' 'Anyone who enjoys reality television and a well-told story shouldn't hesitate to read this great book...'--Romantic Times TOP PICK!

This light teenage romance with a reality-show twist is entertaining and forgivably predictable. Getting good grades and into an Ivy League college are 17-year-old Addy's two goals in life. So when her principal taps her to represent her school on the new reality TV show The Book of Love, Addy isn't thrilled, despite the show's prize of a date to the prom with Jonathon Jackson, the son of the president of the United States. Looking to be sent home quickly, unlike the other 99 girls, Addy doesn't fawn over the First Son and instead chooses to just be herself, which, to her dismay, endears her to viewers and prolongs her stay. Addy's positive attention attracts some serious nastiness from her competitors and the show's director, Hank, which convinces Addy that her purpose on the show is to really share her faith. Relying on Christianity, Addy musters the courage to persevere, just like her deceased missionary parents, who are referenced throughout. Short transcripts of interviews with the show's participants are sprinkled between chapters, underscoring the vapid nature of the other girls. Although reality shows and religion don't usually mix, this text blends both well and serves up Addy as a believable and endearing heroine.--Kirkus Reviews