Book Review: ‘Reality TV’ by Frank Bukowski

I recently 'met' author Frank Bukowski, online via Twitter. That's one of technology's great benefits: the ability to converse with people who live half a world away. Anyway, Frank was interested to know if I'd be willing to read his newest literary compilation: Reality TV. I did a teeny, tiny bit of research about him; read the synopsis of Reality TV and, while I knew that it didn't fall into any genre that I normally read, I still agreed. I could definitely see the point of the book and I was curious as to how Bukowski would deliver it. And wow,…

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I recently 'met' author Frank Bukowski, online via Twitter. That's one of technology's great benefits: the ability to converse with people who live half a world away. Anyway, Frank was interested to know if I'd be willing to read his newest literary compilation: Reality TV. I did a teeny, tiny bit of research about him; read the synopsis of Reality TV and, while I knew that it didn't fall into any genre that I normally read, I still agreed. I could definitely see the point of the book and I was curious as to how Bukowski would deliver it.

And wow, Bukowski certainly managed to hammer his point home, but the way in which it was depicted made Reality TV an uncomfortable read for me. Which is why it's taken me slightly longer than normal to write its review; I needed to be able to fairly discuss the book (and its message) without my words being clouded by personal feelings.

With that said, let me provide some information about this title. Reality TV is set in the future, but really based on the reality television shows of today; it's not that distant of a future. Gone is the relative 'tameness' of today's many, many, many reality series. And drama? Keeping up with the Kardashians, Jersey Girls and The Simple Life don't even begin to hold a candle to the drama found within the pages of Reality TV.

In the future, new, more melodramatic shows have arisen. With too many variations to list, Bukowski's book instead focuses on what is, in this future, the global reality television show favorite: HumiliATE. This new 'hybrid' features the over-the-top type drama and hype often associated with the The Jerry Springer Show, except that this drama is definitely on steroids. HumiliATE also features 'eclectic' cooking, and, just for kicks and giggles, let's throw something akin to a triple-X-rated Wife Swap into the mix.

And of course everyone knows that no 'great' reality television series is ever complete without a host capable of successfully firing up the contestants, the crowd and the TV viewers. To fill this need, HumiliATE producers have brought in 'Soup Dogg' also known as 'MoFo Rappa Meat,' a TV shock chef and the hottest commodity the UK has to offer. All of the above makes for a winning combination and HumiliATE is the top running reality show.

Except that in the shooting of their current episode, they have finally crossed the line. You know the one, the line that's the border between life and, well, hell.

At this point I'm not going to provide additional details, other than to state: "this book is not for everyone." In other words, if descriptively explicit sexual situations make you uncomfortable and/or prison/gang type violence makes you squeamish then do yourself a favor and leave this particular book alone.

Moving on to the writing, I'll be honest and admit that I was initially thrown for a loop. I've had several in-depth email conversations with Bukowski; one thing that I've taken away from them is that he's a very articulate, obviously well-educated and well-spoken individual. You can probably imagine my surprise when 'Soup Dogg, a.k.a. MoFo Rappa Meat' appeared and I discovered that he barely spoke English. Don't get me wrong; it is in fact English, just not a variation that many of us use. (Or understand). I'll give Bukowski props too; while writing this character he managed to accurately embody Soup Dogg with all the attitude, personality, and drama that would go hand-in-hand with a reality television series of this caliber.

The truth of the matter though, is that in writing Reality TV, Bukowski was trying to hammer home a pretty dramatic point. The point being that during these past two decades, reality television programs have become a way of life; a way for anyone and everyone to step outside of a perceived-to-be 'hum­drum' existence, should they be so inclined.

But it's more than that. Reality television can be the tether that keeps audiences firmly entrenched in someone else's vision – a vision of making money by keeping spectators glued to their television screens. And what does that money allow the show producers and cast to do? Well, to go outside and enjoy life of course. Something that the viewers should really be doing.

Do we currently have the type of reality television programming found within the book Reality TV? Thankfully, the answer is no. Yet the reality of it is that it may not be too far off. Bukowski's book throws the door open, and then violently slams it shut again in an attempt to raise awareness of the questions that beg to be answered by the real-life, everyday people of today:

"When is enough, enough?"

"When, and where, do we ourselves draw the line?"

In summary, while this particular book is one that l almost wish I hadn't read, my goal is to always provide a fair and impartial review. Based on appropriate-to-the-scenes-and-characters writing style, the genre, and the fact that the author succeeded in conveying his message, this book does merit four stars. (And Bukowski: from now I'll stick to the safety of our emails and I'll leave your books alone). *chuckle*

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