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Bachelor Nation
Bachelor Nation: Inside the World of America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure | Amy Kaufman
The first definitive, unauthorized, behind-the-scenes cultural history of the Bachelor franchise, America's favorite guilty pleasure For fifteen years and thirty-five seasons, the Bachelor franchise has been a mainstay in American TV viewers' lives. Since it premiered in 2002, the show's popularity and relevance has only grown--more than eight million viewers tuned in to see the conclusion of the most recent season of The Bachelor. The iconic reality television show's reach and influence into the cultural zeitgeist is undeniable. Bestselling writers and famous actors live tweet about it. Die-hard fans--dubbed "Bachelor Nation"--come together every week during each season to participate in fantasy leagues and viewing parties. Bachelor Nation is the first behind-the-scenes, unauthorized look into the reality television phenomenon. Los Angeles Times journalist Amy Kaufman is a proud member of Bachelor Nation and has a long history with the franchise--ABC even banned her from attending show events after her coverage of the program got a little too real for its liking. She has interviewed dozens of producers, contestants, and celebrity fans to give readers never-before-told details of the show's inner workings: what it's like to be trapped in the mansion "bubble"; dark, juicy tales of producer manipulation; and revelations about the alcohol-fueled debauchery that occurs long before the fantasy suite. Kaufman also explores what our fascination means, culturally: what the show says about the way we view so-called ideal suitors, our subconscious yearning for fairy-tale romance, and how this enduring television show has shaped society's feelings about love, marriage, and feminism by appealing to a marriage plot that's as old as Jane Austen.
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Graciouswarriorprincess
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Books found at the dollar tree and one from the $5 sale section of Barnes & Noble . Most of these are presents for friends.

julieclair I never think to look at books in Dollar Tree. Great tip! 2y
Graciouswarriorprincess @julieclair I always check. 😊 2y
33 likes2 comments
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MallenNC
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Pickpick

After reading the novel One to Watch, about a fictional dating show, I wanted to read about how the real thing works. This was an interesting look at how The Bachelor and The Bachelorette are produced and why they are addictive.

keys_on_fire I really liked this book! 3y
MallenNC @keys_on_fire It was very easily readable for me! I liked being reminded of the dating type shoes that came before The Bachelor and also the glimpses at how it is produced. 3y
15 likes2 comments
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michellelav
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Pickpick

Bachelor monday (now Tuesday 🙄) has been a regular thing for me since highschool. I really enjoyed seeing inside the glam of Bach Nation. I knew producers were always looking out for the show but this book really brought it to light. This was an easy and light read 📖 If you're a fan of the Bachelor franchise I suggest you read this one! 😁

MallenNC I only sometimes watch the shows but I still end up knowing a lot about what‘s happening for some reason! I think this book sounds fun. 3y
michellelav @MallenNC I would definitely characterize it as a fun read! 😊 3y
MallenNC @michellelav Great! I think how reality TV gets made is pretty interesting 3y
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michellelav @MallenNC definitely interesting and cringy 😅 There was a show made based off the Bachelor producers called UnReal, I'll have to check it out! 3y
MallenNC @michellelav I remember that show! I watched the first season and then it kind of went off the rails so I didn‘t finish the later seasons. But it definitely showed how the show manipulates people. 3y
michellelav @MallenNC ou okay! I'll go into it ready for that 😊 I'm definitely interested. 3y
65 likes6 comments
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Rachel.Rencher
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I borrowed a more light hearted book to read in between Know My Name. Admittedly, I've wanted to borrow this for a few years. I haven't been able to sit through the last few seasons of Bachelor(ette) because it's becoming far too immature and dramatic (which is saying something).

Anywho, I love reading the "true" stories of reality TV because I've been obsessed with it ever since Flavor of Love. I know it's fake & trashy. I still love it. ?

mydearwatson My mom and I liked to watch the spin-off, too. Those two shows were some of those that you think are really stupid and then realize you‘ve been watching for several hours 😆. 4y
Rachel.Rencher @mydearwatson Yes! It's hard to look away. My life can be so mundane at times that I like to live vicariously through them 😜 4y
76 likes1 stack add2 comments
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linipanini
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Mehso-so

I‘m not going to lie, the end of the book did make me cry. Kaufman shares about how feminist women (like myself) can be content in their careers and still feel the loneliness that comes from feeling like a failure for not being married or dating. The Bachelor franchise has such a weird hold over many women like me and while I don‘t understand it, this book helped me process it quite a bit.

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OnlyYoo
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Mehso-so

Unfortunately this book will not be getting a rose from me. The book read like a really long buzzfeed article. It had facts interspersed with trying to be relatable (talking about cute dogs and swearing and yaaaasss girl). While I wasn‘t surprised by anything that was “revealed” in the book, it was still enjoyable.

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OnlyYoo
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New audio book to get me ready for Peter‘s season. I keep saying I‘m not going to watch it but I‘m most likely going to watch anyway. Lolll

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KristenDuck
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So much reading to do but...

It‘s the finale of the Bachelorette!

I can‘t be the only one out there watching this sure to be “shocking” finale. Who else out there is indulging in this guilty pleasure?

JenReadsAlot 🙋‍♀️ 5y
j9brown 🙋🤦 5y
KristenDuck @JenReadsAlot and @j9brown this is a rough one... 5y
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j9brown @KristenDuck Never was a fan of this dude. She chose poorly! 5y
KristenDuck @j9brown I wanted Tyler! 5y
j9brown @KristenDuck Maybe he'll get his own season! I hope they announce who tonight, but who knows 5y
KristenDuck Loved how it all ended after all! 5y
danireads Ugggggh this whole season killed me!!! Also, if y‘all don‘t watch Roses and Rosé on YouTube, you should. The host is dating Chris Harrison, and she says everything I‘m thinking! 5y
KristenDuck @danireads oooh I never even heard of that! Thanks! 5y
Books88 This whole season was so crazy 🤣 5y
56 likes10 comments
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BritanyA
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Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️⭐️: I‘m a die hard Bachelor Nation fan! This book was surprisingly nothing to write home about. Most of the secrets she‘s spills are already out there. She also comes off a tad bit of a bitter Betty.

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BritanyA
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Mehso-so

⭐️⭐️⭐️: I‘m a die hard Bachelor Nation fan! This book was surprisingly nothing to write home about. Most of the secrets she‘s spills are already out there. She also cones off a tad bit of a bitter Betty.

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danireads
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Pickpick

This book definitely leant itself to audiobook format & felt like I was listening to another Bachelorette podcast. (Yes, I consume many of them each week.) I did really enjoy learning the history of dating shows, in general, and how this one came to be. Overall, this was a fun little sneak peek into the Bachelor world, and I may have discovered a new rabbit hole of memoirs to which I‘ll listen.
#BachelorNation #amlistening #guiltypleasure

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danireads
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I‘m a sucker for reality TV and am definitely a part of #BachelorNation. To hype myself up for tonight‘s installment of this season‘s trainwreck of a show, I decided to start listening to this behind-the-scenes account of the show and its history. #amlistening

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echalpan
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Mehso-so

3⭐️ read - I skimmed all of the celebrity “Why I Love the Bachelor” sections, and while there was nothing earth-shattering or jaw-dropping in this tell-all, I was interested in the behind-the-scenes chapters that detail how the show was created and is run. What is scary is knowing how closely the show UNreal (on Lifetime) may mirror reality.

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ClairesReads
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Pickpick

Kaufman has truly written the cultural history of The Bachelor that we all need in our lives. This book strikes the perfect balance between gossipy discussion of contestants, description of how it all works behind the scenes, and analysis of the show as a cultural phenomenon. Equally an expose, and anthropological study- I couldn‘t have asked for more from this, it had me completely enthralled. Kaufman reads the audio herself and it‘s fabulous.

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ClairesReads
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On the audios again and this one is SO GOOD

ScrappyMags Oh my god I hate that show. 😂 but my mom loves it so I‘ll tell her! Thanks! 5y
ClairesReads @ScrappyMags hahaha it‘s a weird thing this show. The book discusses all the trashy sort of how it works behind the scenes stuff, but there‘s some great discussion of why it such a cultural fascination too- like WHY in the 21st century are we compelled by something this vacuous? It‘s super interesting. 5y
27 likes2 comments
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Halechr
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This bachelor Monday consisted of being in the car for over 5 hours, an interview and obviously all things bachelor. I (more or less) grew up watching the bachelor and bachelorette with my mom, and now I use it as an excuse to hang out with my friends and drink wine on a Monday night. While I thought I knew everything about the bachelor franchise, this book has proved me wrong. If you have ever watched the show, I‘d highly recommend!

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UnabridgedPod
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Pickpick

This book was surprisingly compelling. Though I don't watch The Bachelor shows (other than an episode here and there), examining the psychology behind them--both of their participants and of their fans--is fascinating. Kaufman's reporting is thorough, thoughtful, and self reflective. Excellent work of nonfiction.

14 likes1 comment
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Expandingbookshelf
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Me and this sangria are going to get to the bottom of all of Bachelor Nation‘s mysteries. I can‘t wait to learn who wasn‘t here for The Right Reasons 🌹🍷❤️

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LA_Mead
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Pickpick

This was a fascinating read. I liked the behind the scenes details about the franchise, some of which were pretty shocking. I also enjoyed Amy Kaufman‘s casual tone and her honest discussion about her own interest in the TV show.

37 likes2 stack adds
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Morgan7r
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Pickpick

Went into this with really low expectations but it was actually good and gave a lot of insight to reality tv.

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LA_Mead
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I was really excited to find this one in the library the other day. I watch The Bachelor, even though I think it‘s completely nuts—now I can find out the truth about why I find it so abhorrent and appealing to watch...

jillannjohn I‘ve only seen a couple of seasons of the Bachelor but I‘d love to hear what you think about the book. 6y
LA_Mead @jillannjohn I‘m only a few chapters in so far, but it‘s interesting to read about some of the casting decisions and the background behind how the show got started. It seems like a really well-researched book and the writing is very conversational, which I enjoy. 6y
35 likes2 comments
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Denisereads75
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Mehso-so

I do watch the show but wasn‘t so impressed with this book. I didn‘t really learn anything new or maybe I always assumed what the ‘reality‘ of reality tv is like.

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Denisereads75
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Bailedbailed

I do watch the show but wasn‘t so impressed with this book. I didn‘t really learn anything new or maybe I always assumed what the ‘reality‘ of reality tv is like.

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nikirtehsuxlol
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Pickpick

If you‘re a fan of the show and want the 🌹magic🌹spoiled, this is a must-read fairy tale ruiner.

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nikirtehsuxlol
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nomadreader
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I wouldn't call myself a proud member of Bachelor Nation, but I do watch the shows, read the gossip, and enjoy the snark. Narrated by the author.

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Sassy_Steph

First audio book I‘m successfully listening to! Guilty pleasure!!

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OneCent76
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Pickpick

The author tells us how the show got started, what dating shows were around before and what came after. I wanted to find out if the producers encourage the Bachelor/Bachelorette to keep certain people around, and they do (duh). Also what the interview and contract is all about. It's a crazy way of finding love and very few of these relationships last. (Again, duh) But I can't help but watch!

Erinreadsthebooks Same! It's my guilty pleasure. I love it! 6y
11 likes1 comment
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shanebeth
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🙋🏼‍♀️ who else does this?

Trashcanman 👁️👁️ 6y
38 likes1 comment
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Bexicans
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It's happening you guys it's happening!!!!!! 🌹

13 likes1 stack add
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keys_on_fire
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Pickpick

First thing: This is not a dish-the-dirt book. And, although there are behind the scenes things that I learned, that‘s not the purpose either. If you read this with that expectation, you‘re likely to be disappointed. Having said that: I LOVED this book! It really tries to figure out why America is so entranced by this show. The author even goes back to look at previous dating shows, which was really interesting. Great read!

echalpan Great review! I think I‘ll like this one. 6y
AJones I also like your review, thanks. Stacked! 6y
33 likes1 stack add2 comments
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keys_on_fire
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Gotta love “The Bachelor Bubble”!!

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keys_on_fire
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Picked this up from the library today. Excited to read this one. Probably won‘t be too much new for me, as I have been a Reality Steve fan for a long time and have watched the show since Trista was the Bachelorette! This show is my guilty pleasure 😂😂

Kimberlone Weirdly I think I would enjoy this book even though I don‘t watch the Bachelor 6y
keys_on_fire @Kimberlone I think there‘s a lot more about how the show is made and “reality” tv in general than there is dirt, but I haven‘t even opened yet. That alone should be interesting 6y
Kimberlone @keys_on_fire totally, that‘s the part that would probably interest me more. Look forward to seeing how it you like it! 6y
echalpan The bachelor is my guilty pleasure. I even watch Bachelor in Paradise 😆 Can‘t wait to read your review of this one! 6y
44 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Jillsmith
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Mehso-so

A quick read, I wanted more insider gossip!!

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Kshakal
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Let‘s do the damn thing!!! Looking forward to this season of the bachelorette!!!

Alfoster Me too (although mainly because it makes me glad I‘m not in my 20‘s anymore)! Apologies to those of you that are😍! This is a different world today😆! 6y
40 likes1 comment
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Kshakal
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Pickpick

I have considered myself to be a part of bachelor nation for some time now.... being one of those women that gets together every Monday night with a group of my best friends to watch the shit show that the bachelor can be. I have always know that the show isn‘t always on the up and up but this book really opened my eyes as to what goes on behind the scenes. If you are a fan of the show or even if you want a juicy read this book is for you!!

42 likes1 stack add
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Avidan
Mehso-so

I don't watch The Bachelor. But I've always been fascinated by behind the scenes looks at big TV shows which is why I checked this out.

Fun facts I learned:
- Most contestants rejected at the callback stage is because they have herpes and don't know it
- One Bachelor needed permission from the Attorney General to go on the show
- Reality TV show producers are more evil than I imagined.

And a lot more! Just wish it wasn't so repetitive at times.

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Avidan

I have no idea why I just checked this out from the library. I don't watch The Bachelor. But sure, why not.

6 likes1 stack add
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everlocalwest
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Pickpick

A quick, fun listen that digs into the world of The Bachelor. I've never seen an episode but I've always been curious as to why people like it so much. Kaufman includes comments from famous Bachelor Nation members about why they watch the show, most talk about how the show is real, but the book is essentially about how it is all artifice between editing and producers pushing storylines. I'm intrigued enough to watch the upcoming Bachlorette.

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Jbakesmcgee3
Pickpick

🌹🌹🌹🌹

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Jbakesmcgee3

Listening to this on audio, even my boyfriend liked it! I like how Kaufman goes into the history of dating shows and reality tv 📺

19 likes1 stack add
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bookandcat
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Pickpick

Truth time: I adore The Bachelor. I've seen nearly every episode. My entire family hosted watch parties weekly for years.
This book was so much fun. I devoured it (got it yesterday, would have finished it last night but fell asleep before I could get to the last two chapters). It is solid journalism about a tv phenomenon and most popular "guilt pleasure". It's like if Jon Krakauer wrote about Gossip Girl. ❤️❤️❤️

everlocalwest I'm super curious about this one, but I've never watched The Bachelor. I loved Unreal (a fictional show set behind the scenes of a Bachelorlike reality show) and I'm interested in this as a cultural phenomenon. Basically, I'm asking if this would be a good read for someone who has never seen The Bachelor but is curious about the culture around it? Also, you really got me with that Krakauer/Gossip Girl line! 6y
bookandcat @everlocalwest she writes it so non Bachelor watchers can understand, but there are Easter eggs and even more interest points for the Bachelor watcher. If you have enjoyed Unreal you should enjoy reading about how close they got it. I say give it a go! 6y
everlocalwest @bookandcat library hold ✔ Thanks! 6y
bookandcat @everlocalwest woohoo! Enjoy! 6y
31 likes4 comments
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shanebeth
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Pickpick

fans of The Bachelor and its ilk probably won‘t learn anything new here, but Amy Kaufman‘s writing is really enjoyable. even though the show itself has banned her from official events (explained in the book), she fully embraces her Bach fandom, and she‘s funny! I loved the humor in the chapter about her experiences attending different Bachelor/ette alumni appearances. this was great entertainment journalism.

38 likes2 stack adds
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shanebeth
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spring break means I don‘t have to spend my Sunday fretting over lesson plans. I can just relax and enjoy some brain candy. #teachersoflitsy

CoffeeK8 Enjoy! Ours is next week and it‘s can‘t come soon enough! (edited) 6y
AmberWB Ours starts on Thursday. We are going from having over a week for break for the past 11 years, to just Thursday - Monday this year, so I am hoping to make the most of it!!! 6y
shanebeth @AmberWB oh my! we have missed a lot of days this year due to weather, but luckily not so many that they‘d have to add make-up days during our spring break. enjoy your time off! 6y
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shanebeth @CoffeeK8 enjoy! I was so ready for our break, too! 6y
JoScho Enjoy! We still have another week. Lord give me strength 🙏🏻 (edited) 6y
JamieArc I literally just started this chapter 10 minutes ago! 6y
shanebeth @JoScho hope your week goes smoothly!! 6y
shanebeth @JamieArc 😁👯‍♀️ 6y
43 likes8 comments
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Beachesnbooks
Pickpick

A very quick, entertaining analysis of the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise written by a fan who never shies away from the problematic aspects of the show. Kaufman moves from the history of reality dating shows to an analysis of how contestants are treated and why they act the way we see them on-screen. If you watch the show Unreal, there's nothing too shocking, but I did enjoy it if you're looking for a lighthearted read.

28 likes1 stack add
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Beachesnbooks
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Dealing with some difficult family stuff so I needed a lighthearted read. #currentlyreading this nonfiction book about The Bachelor/Bachelorette, which I started watching with friends in grad school and still text with those friends during the episodes now, even though it's all pretty ridiculous. 🌹

TheFunkyBookworm Bachelor fan right here! Lol have you watched the show Unreal? I believe it‘s either written or produced by someone who used to work on the show- love it! I just requested this book at the library recently- worth the read so far? 6y
Beachesnbooks Yesss I love Unreal! This season hasn't been great but it's such an interesting show. And after 2 days of reading the book I'm already almost done 😂 It's a fast read and definitely worth it if you're a fan! 6y
36 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Chelsea.Poole
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Pickpick

I‘m a member of Bachelor Nation and I‘m no longer afraid to announce that fact. Before I began watching The Bachelor(ette) I felt superior and “above” this “low brow” reality show. I watched one episode a few years and was sucked in, and now I don‘t miss an episode. Now, I don‘t feel “guilty” watching it and I don‘t feel like it‘s a terrible show. I feel like I incorrectly judged it for years. This book explores some of these same feelings.

bookandcat I'M A PROUD MEMBER TOO! When my dad was still alive and my family all lived in the same area we would have Bachelor watch parties every week and all our friends would come over. We would make snacks. My dad would teach everyone his theories about the "two handed smoosh" (he means it if he grabs your face when he kisses you) and whatnot. Even my husband watches it with me now; he actually used it to find out what kind of ring I liked ?? 6y
bookandcat Also have you watched Unreal or listened to the Ben and Ashley I Almost Famous podcast? Highly recommend for super fans! 6y
Chelsea.Poole @bookandcat wow! I love that your whole family was into it with the watch parties! I sometimes can involve my husband. 6y
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Chelsea.Poole @bookandcat also the “two handed smoosh” 😂😂😂 6y
Chelsea.Poole @bookandcat I want to watch UnReal! I want to start on season one but I haven‘t yet. I haven‘t heard the podcast either! On my list! 6y
bookandcat @Chelsea.Poole some of the back episodes are fun 6y
bookandcat Can't wait to hear what they have to say when the bachelorette starts up! 6y
JessieReadsInBK I‘m a proud member of Bachelor Nation! One of my closest friends hosts a podcast - Here to Make Friends — you should check it out! I want to read this book but holding off bc Bach + Winter Games was a lot for me! 6y
Chelsea.Poole @bookandcat I can‘t wait for The Bachelorette! I told my husband there‘s no way they couldn‘t have Becca! 6y
Chelsea.Poole @JessieReadsInBK I also watched Winter Games. I thought it was good, not great. This season of The Bachelor wasn‘t my favorite 😐 but I was there for every single episode of course 😉 Also, thanks for mentioning the podcast m, I‘ll have to give it a go! 6y
96 likes2 stack adds10 comments
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Chelsea.Poole
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This was my morning! Love Saturday mornings and love that baby! 😍 #bookandbaby

Simona 😍😍😍Sweet and cute😍😍😍 6y
Johanna414 That sweet face! 😍 6y
LeahBergen Aww. 😍😍 6y
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tammysue Precious!💞 6y
JamieArc That‘s next up on my reading list! 6y
AmyG Omg 💕 6y
Eyelit 🧡🧡🧡 6y
SilversReviews Precious!! 6y
Chelsea.Poole @JamieArc I sped through it! I really really enjoyed it 😊 hope you do as well! 6y
106 likes10 comments
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WhatMegReads
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Pickpick

Even though there weren‘t really any jaw dropping secrets revealed, I really enjoyed and appreciated this behind the scenes look at the show my friends and I have been watching together for almost ten years. I especially appreciated how candid the writer was, talking about her own experiences and how she relates to the show. Definitely a worthwhile read for any Bachelor viewers.

ReviewsbytheMrs Welcome to Litsy 💜 6y
20 likes1 comment