Unscripted was such an amazing book. I loved the camp friendship that was a huge part of the book. I enjoyed seeing the double standards and how much misogyny is a part of the comedy world. Unscripted also dealt in dark topics like relationship abuse which was done so well. This was one of my favorite 2020 reads.

Unfortunately this books did not get me and I DNF it. It had a good premise but not carried off. I would try this author again to see if I liked any other work.

It’s been a few months since I read Unscripted, and in hindsight I am surprised I didn’t rate it more harshly.

I loved what this book was trying to do – attempting to tackle sexism at an improv camp and the stereotype that girls aren’t funny – but my issue was that none of jokes in this book are funny. I didn’t even crack a simple or let out a simple chuckle. Nothing about this screamed ‘funny book about unfunny things’ and that’s what I was hoping for, so I was really let down by this debut novel.

Perhaps it’s because improv is a pretty American thing – it’s not something which gets much airtime in the UK, particularly not compared to stand-up comedy – so I probably wasn’t the right audience for this book. I think that’s why I decided to go with a middle-of-the-road rating; because this will do really important things for some people, I’m just not one of them.

I enjoyed the camp setting, but that’s because I’m always a sucker for summer camp stories, but this just wasn’t the book for me.

How does one unpack such an AMAZING journey. 

Firstly, this was an equally amazing story while also being so hard to read.
Trigger warning for sexual assault and homophobia.

Let me break down why is book is amazing and should be talked about more.
1. Understanding that a lot of industries (especially the arts) have allowed there to be distinction between male and female performers. How we need to end this perpetual state of excluding people because of binary or sexual  preferences. That change can happen and we all need to speak up about it.
2. The importance of relationships and talking to those when you need help. (though I would've LOVED if Zelda tried to find help faster I understand that many women don't even confide that information. But I love that we're combating that idea and telling girls their voice matters.)
3. Normalizing that abusive relationships are bad and you have every right to end it. In YA abusive men who kiss girls who are younger or without consent happens too offend. No, it's not sexy to be kissed when you don't want it - even if the guy is hot. This should be obvious by now. 
4. Normalizing that supporting women is cool! And that over sexualizing/belittling them doesn't do anything - not even make a good joke.
5. Women and BIPOC are often face with extra difficulties for no reason and besides recognizing that, we need to continue to work towards better change.
6. That verbal and physical abuse is serious. That every person deserves the respect of being believed and time to heal.
7. Lastly but most importantly that women are awesome and that we should continue to look out for each other.

This was an amazing book and I often wanted to throw the book out of frustration, but Zelda's journey is sadly a journey that happens to a lot of people. Her story is necessary and if you can get through the triggering content I would highly recommend this book.

A necessary book in the age of Me Too - tackles sexism, assualt, power dynamics and abuse of power and general issues with equality in the world.

I enjoyed the story, I liked the setting of a camp for teenagers into improv. I found the message a little too on the nose in places, and found the response of the 'Pauls' completely unrealistic, as well as the lack of support that Zelda gets from people in general. But I liked the story, and thought the ending was quite satisfying. A good summer read for teenagers.

*I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this Unscripted! The main character, Zelda, is such a great example of a teenager. She understands that something is wrong with the signals her camp coach Ben is giving her, but this is also the first time she's experienced someone taking an interest in her romantically. I loved how helpful her friends were. I also enjoyed that the book played with the notion that even when you do the right thing, it doesn't always work out positively. I wish I could have read this book as a teen.

This is a book that I will share with my students with delight.  The use of a nontraditional setting was fabulous as was the introduction of camps in which students learn different kinds of comedy. Zelda's character was fabulous and the secondary characters were well formed. While painful to read, her interaction with Ben rang true as did Zelda's internal conflict in responding to him. Overall, this is a strong title that I will be nominating for the 2023 Evergreen Teen Book Award cycle.

Humours and dealing with positive relationships around difficult subjects of sexism and masculinity.  This one was a hit!! I loved every page and the ending and I can not wait to get this in print.  This debut was a total solid 4 stars for this reader!! I loved the pacing and the characters and I just couldn't put it down.  I do think that it could have used 50 more pages for a full 400 page book though. Because ya know I love big books and I can not lie!

I struggle to review this book. It was hard to read about an older (20 something) man manipulate and groom a young girl so he could sexually assault her. It was made even worse by everyone ignoring the warning signs and cries for help. This book handled the sensitive topic with truth and information. I think it would be an extremely good book for all girls to read so they could be aware of how invidious and subtle this manipulation takes place. 
That said, I usually avoid reading these types of books because they are difficult reads for me. I read to be entertained, not upset. So think carefully to decide if it is an appropriate read for you.

Unscripted was a hilarious, powerful, and empowering read. I want more books about improv! This one opened my eyes to the misogynistic improv world, and watching the main character navigate the complicated gender dynamics of her camp made me alternately scream and cheer. What an important, riveting read.

I'm an actor and have loved improv since I was in high school. I really really enjoyed this book because it felt so important to me! Comedy has always been so male dominated but now, with the likes of Kate McKinnon, Kristin Wiig, Amy Poehler, and Tina Fey, the field is finally evening out. I think this is a great book for teenage girls interested in comedy to find their voice and confidence, plus a little fun.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read and review this title. I will review this title at a different date.

185 newly published novels walk into a bar. The bartender says “Hey, we don’t allow your kind in here.” And the new novels say, “Well, that’s not a novel idea.”
	I may not be very funny, but NIcole Kronzer’s debut, Unscripted, is a very novel idea. The story of Zelda Bailey-Cho, a teenage girl who wants to eventually write for SNL, begins at a famous improv camp. She manages to snag a spot on the Varsity team, where she will be able to write and perform for famous alum of the camp - including her idol, Nina Knightley of SNL. However, the varsity team is fraught with a frat-bro type of energy and the older coach seems to be harboring an unhealthy attraction to Zelda. Will she be able to improv her out of this situation or will she fall victim to the patriarchy?

This is a timely release in terms of the #metoo movement. Although protagonist Zelda is not sexually abused, there is a lot of misogynistic behaviour which is ignored by others, to the point where Zelda’s self-doubt and second-guessing leads to her keeping secrets and avoiding others while she blames herself for what’s happening to her. Her path from passive sufferer to outspoken survivor is a trip worth going on, not least of all because of its fresh backdrop.

Zelda is a wannabe comedian. She’s been invited to be part of a highly sought-after improvisation camp, where young people from all over the US congregate to learn from professional comedy writers. Zelda is joined by her brother Will, his (recently declared) boyfriend Jonas, and meets other girls, self-named The Gildas, Sirena, (who loves) Emily, Hannah and Paloma. It is these friends who make it possible for Zelda to finally open up and confess her treatment by the objectively gorgeous, but aggressively narcissistic Ben.

The story takes place over the two-week period of improv camp. Zelda is excited to be chosen as one of the varsity team (Ben’s ‘top’ group of course), but as time passes, and the boys, most especially mentor and leader Ben treat her in vile and underhanded ways, she starts to wonder whether she is talented at all, or if she is only picked because they need a girl (to play all the undesired parts, such as the dead prostitute, the nagging girlfriend, and so on). She is not given any platform to perform her own material, nor is she allowed to criticise the teams’ choices of her roles. It’s pretty terrible to watch, particularly when, in private, Ben shows a different side, one which is focused in on Zelda as a potential sexual conquest.

Zelda’s innocence explains why she puts up with this treatment for as long as she does. Ben is gorgeous and can be charming, so it’s fortunate Zelda is also introduced to another group of boys from the neighbouring Scout camp – Jesse, Murph and Ricky—who show her the ways boys can and should behave. At all times, these young men are thoughtful, careful, and responsible. Jesse is also attracted to Zelda, and his manner is respectful and compassionate. She spends as much time with him, walking trails, helping the younger scouts, as she does with Ben, and the disparity in attitude could not have been more extreme.

As well as the romantic plot line, the comedy thread is interesting, and it seems clear the author has a lot of insight into this world. There are many stories of the way female comedians have struggled to break into the industry. Misogyny apparently begins early when people are just starting out. The camp managers themselves display appalling judgement when confronted with Zelda’s claims of mistreatment, and this is familiar to those of us who have watched the way society and the media have vilified some victims of organisations like the Church or individuals like Harvey Weinstein.

By the time we observe Zelda’s exposure of Ben, her triumphant performance on stage, and honest discussions about being attracted to Jesse, we have seen how much she has been put through, and how much she persisted, and we cheer her on with applause and laughter.

Thanks to Netgalley and Amulet books for the advanced copy. It’s out in the US on April 21st and here in Australia in June. Check release dates for other countries. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thoughtful yet fun exploration of the way girls can be marginalized and made to conform to expectations. Zelda often reflects on the other Gildas, aware of how much harder it might be for them – as black women (Sirena and Paloma), as lesbians (Sirena and Emily) and as an albino woman (Hannah). It’s a small but significant conscious acknowledgement of one’s own privilege. As just mentioned, there is great diversity and inclusivity, and honest discussions about sex and trust. I found it an extremely engaging and welcome narrative, as well as a lovely romance.

Comedy nerds--get ready to shout "yes and...I want more chapters!" after finishing Nicole Kronzer's wicked unique book about a girl at improv camp. Summer camp books provide a unique setting for teens to be away from their parents and gives characters freedom they don't have at home. Zelda is able to explore who she is and find her courage at camp. This book deals with grooming and abuse by an adult in charge at the camp. It sensitively handles the situation without being preachy. It allows teens to make mistakes while still putting the adults at fault. The book is also diverse with characters of color, queer teens, and blended families. I loved that this book is about learning to stand up for yourself, your friends, and defending what you're passionate about.

Unscripted is a very cleverly written and structured novel that showcases Nicole Kronzer's ability to tell a layered story, with strong, relatable characters while tackling serious issues in a sensitive way but managing to keep the story lighthearted and fun to read.

Full Review Coming on Book Blog Soon
Overall, I enjoyed the book. It was a quick read, and the summer camp setting was a lovely escape. The book heavily features around the prevalence of misogyny and how dangerous it can be when there's no one around to give vulnerable people a voice. Zelda is a bold, authentic main character who also has a healthy dose of self doubt and questioning that makes her relatable. The emotional manipulation she encounters from her councilor Ben is realistic for the most part, and I thought Zelda's confused thought process around it was very relatable. Zelda's strong support team from the small group of girls and her sibling makes an interesting contrast to the rest of the camp who are too focused with their own interests to lend her support or care about her safety. The book manages to have a lot of nuanced conversations while also being fun and lighthearted. My only issue is that pacing had some issues as certain parts were too slow and others felt rushed past.

Zelda has always dreamed of of joining a famous improv group and eventually making it to Saturday Night Live so a summer improv camp seems to be the perfect place to hone her skills. She is thrilled when she earns a spot on the varsity team that will provide her an opportunity to perform in front of famous camp alumni. Unfortunately, Zelda soon discovers that the varsity team is filled with a “boys will be boys” attitude. Her treatment by the group makes her uncomfortable while her coach is giving her mixed signals by disrespecting her in front of the group and being sweet when they are alone.

This book illustrates the impact of hateful words, how being complicit and doing nothing can be just as bad as committing deplorable acts yourself, and the challenges that people can face when standing up against misogyny. It deals with some serious issues including mistreatment of women and abuse of power that may be triggering for some readers. While parts were difficult to read this story also provided hope, understanding, empowerment and some much needed comic relief from the quick-witted Zelda. While there were many characters in this book I came to despise, the Gildas and Boy Scouts showed what to do to support a friend in need and I adored them all. This was a fantastic book and the type of story I wish I had read as a teenager..

This book has an important message for everyone. But it is a hard pill to swallow at first. It's hard to see Zelda go through all of this and not do anything about it. Unfortunately girls and women are often dismissed and looked down upon for being "too sensitive" as if having feelings of any kind is a bad thing. The things that happen in this book made me so angry. I appreciated how things changed and Zelda gained advocates in the end. But it was almost too little too late. And I wish it had been wrapped up a little bit more. But all that being said I did enjoy the book. I loved the friendships and relationships! I know they're not real but in my heart I hope the Gilda's really did continued their friendship.

Whilst I understand this book is properly realistic and reflective of people's trauma I was hoping the material would be handled a little more sensitively and less 'torture porn' adjacent.