Unscripted
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5.0 • 7 Ratings
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- $9.99
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
A funny and timely debut YA about the toxic masculinity at a famous improv comedy camp
Seventeen-year-old Zelda Bailey-Cho has her future all planned out: improv camp, then Second City, and finally Saturday Night Live. She’s thrilled when she lands a spot on the coveted varsity team at a prestigious improv camp, which means she’ll get to perform for professional scouts—including her hero, Nina Knightley. But even though she’s hardworking and talented, Zelda’s also the only girl on Varsity, so she’s the target for humiliation from her teammates. And her 20-year-old coach, Ben, is cruel to her at practice and way too nice to her when they’re alone. Zelda wants to fight back, but is sacrificing her best shot at her dream too heavy a price to pay? Equal parts funny and righteous, Unscripted is a moving debut novel that Printz Award winner Nina LaCour calls “a truly special book, written at exactly the right time.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Seventeen-year-old Zelda Bailey-Cho is ready to spend her summer at a prominent Colorado improv camp with her stepbrother, Will, and his boyfriend. Landing a spot on the camp's varsity team is the first step toward her goal of landing on SNL by age 25, but she quickly realizes the camp, while founded by a notable female comic, is rife with sexism and toxic masculinity. Out of 200 campers, only five Zelda's bunkmates in counselor-less cabin Gilda Radner are female; Zelda is the first to make varsity in 15 years. Ben, the 20-year-old varsity coach, shows an immediate interest in Zelda, which both flatters and unsettles her, but it seems harmless next to the constant sexism and sexual innuendo of her varsity teammates. As the general harassment intensifies, and Zelda becomes increasingly alarmed by Ben's erratic behavior and gaslighting, her growing bond with her cabinmates and with a few Boy Scout troop guides from the neighboring camp allows for moments of connection and romance. Kronzer excels at balancing humor with difficult subjects, portraying sexism and toxic masculinity in comedy with appropriate gravity while celebrating positive, healthy relationships and growth through active choices. Ages 14 up.
Customer Reviews
Loved
I hade mrs kronzer as a teacher in high school and that’s when I originally read this book and I couldn’t put it down and I’ve been recently re reading it and I’m reminded of my original love for it. It really captures your heart and takes you through all the emotions. I can’t wait to see all that she does!
YA, for all ages
I couldn’t put it down and couldn’t wait to get back to it when I had to. This book is very relatable and it helped to read about experiences that women (unfortunately) go through, so you don’t feel alone. Would be a great book for teens to read to get a feel for appropriate and healthy relationships, as well as friendships!