**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: https://bookbriefs.net**Unscripted Joss Byrd is author Lygia Day Peñaflor's debut novel. I found Unscripted Joss Byrd to be a very interesting read. One that I don't see too much of in young adult literature. I think the fact that the novel draws on Lygia's firsthand experience as a teacher for young Hollywood stars adds a level of credibility that made me feel like what I was reading was part expose and part fiction.

I consider Unscripted Joss Byrd to be young adult fiction because of the maturity and nature of some of the situations and themes, however the main character is a little on the young side. I think I would have preferred Joss to have been a couple of years older. In the end, it worked out alright because I think Hollywood ages you so much that you end up being older than your years, but that was my main hold back with the story.

What I loved the most about Unscripted Joss Byrd was that I felt like we were given a special sneak peak into the private lives of a famous actress. It was like being a fly on the wall in the life of Joss. The story had a very realistic feel to it. Lygia Day Peñaflor holds no punches with Unscripted Joss Byrd. When there is a dark underbelly in Hollywood, Lygia Day Peñaflor exposes it for what it is. But at the, I don't feel like she over exaggerated anything or created any drama for drama's sake. I feel like she stuck to what the true ugly facts of the industry are. And I appreciated that. At least, I felt like she did. (But what do I know.)

Bottom line: If you like your contemporary reads with some grit and real-worldness, Unscripted Joss Byrd is the book for you. I really enjoyed this one, and Joss Byrd is a great young adult voice.

This review was originally posted on Book Briefs