7-2009 Witty/funny. Somewhat obnoxious reality show producer divorcee is protagonist. Realty TV satire, romance, murder mystery with rap gangstas. ( )

The current plethora of reality TV shows takes a hit in this lampoon of today's pop culture. Keep It Real is anything but- it points out the absurdity of reality as it appears on TV and in modern media. Bill Bryan boldly skewers reality TV, 'gangsta' rap, and high powered movers and shakers. It is a book for those that like a laugh with their mystery.

Ted's life has not progressed as planned. He was a prize winning investigative reporter. Now, thanks to a divorce gone horribly wrong, he is trapped producing a reality TV show. He must balance the needs of the show (shooting episodes, then re-shooting and reediting them to some semblance of entertainment) with his own needs (maintaining some self pride and visiting his daughter whenever his vindictive ex-wife will let him.) His existence becomes even more complicated after he witnesses an up and coming rapper manhandling a gorgeous woman. When the woman disappears Ted feels his investigative reporting instincts kick into over drive. If he can delve into and solve the mystery he might be able to regain his former career. But the case is anything but straight forward. The addition of a policewoman adds to his interest in following through on his investigation.

The reality TV show seems a bit familiar. It is based on the concept of a famous businessman auditioning assistants from a pool of competing candidates. And a few of the other, lesser characters may have been based, only slightly (that comment for the lawyers) of course, on real life people, Or it may just all be a big coincidence. The main character is quite likable; he gets the reader behind his endeavors even when he is not at his most sensible or logical The use of the first person with Ted's character enables the reader to appreciate his point of view, which is a good thing since it is unique at times. . He may solve the case but the plot takes many twists and turns on the way to the end.

This book's strength is its humor, the ability to look at current culture and show the inanity of much of current society. This is not for the stuffy, the sanctimonious or the unaware. It is a perfect read for anyone who can only face reality with tongue firmly planted in their cheek and laughter just below the surface.

Bill Bryan's career as a writer and producer seems to lend this book a scary truthfulness. It seems like the looniness of behind the scenes tv may be as crazy as we always suspected.