First date

First date

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. '...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 When Krista McGee isn't living in fictional worlds of her own creation, she lives in Tampa and spends her days as a wife, mom, teacher, and coffee snob. She is also the author of Anomaly , First Date , Starring Me , and Right Where I Belong . Twitter: @KristaMcGeeYAFacebook: krista.a.mcgee First Date By Krista McGee Thomas Nelson Copyright © 2011 Krista McGee All right reserved. ISBN: 978-1-4016-8488-4 Chapter One You're going to be on television, Addy," Mr. Lawrence said, as if it were a good thing. As if all seventeen-year-old girls dreamed of being told that and Addy should jump up from her seat, squeal, and thank him for the opportunity. "The show is supposed to be a cross between America's Next Star, Survivor , and The Bachelor , with a little Miss America thrown in." Addy tried to calm herself. On the walk from her AP US History class to the office, she had imagined dozens of possible scenarios as to why the principal would want to see her in the middle of the day. Suddenly my fear that I've bombed the SATs doesn't seem quite so awful. "It's called The Book of Love ." Mr. Lawrence looked at Addy with eyebrows raised. The wrinkles on his forehead were very much like the lined paper Addy left on her desk when she was called out of her class to come here. The paper she should be working on right now. "The president's son is going to choose a date for his senior prom on live television." Addy wasn't a big fan of teen magazines, but she would have to be blind not to know about Jonathon Jackson. His movie-star looks and leader-of-the-free-world father made him the poster of choice for many teenage girls across the country. "But I thought he was dating that girl from the Disney Channel," Addy said. "Janie Smart?" Mr. Lawrence leaned forward, his eyes dancing. "Where have you been? They broke up last month. It was huge news." He clicked his mouse a few times, then turned his computer screen to face Addy. She read that Jonathon had asked Janie to come to a state dinner with his parents and she refused. Apparently, Janie had already made plans to promote her new TV movie in LA. Jonathon was supposedly very upset—as was the journalist whose article Addy was reading. "Who turns down a chance to meet heads of state so she can schmooze with Mickey Mouse?" He shook his head. So Jonathon ended the relationship. Teenage girls across the country must have rejoiced at the news. "He broke up with his girlfriend and decided to choose his next date on reality TV?" Addy rolled her eyes. "That makes no sense." "Actually, it makes a lot of sense. Jonat