“The year is 2016.”

From Gina Damico’s Waste of Space.

When the bold and arrogant CEO (Chazz Young) of the MTV-like DV8 network develops a crazy idea for a new reality show set in outer space, America’s interest is instantly captured.  Learning that actually sending teens into space is not possible/legal/ethical, Chazz turns to special effects masters and to the only scientists that would work with DV8 (NASAW).  The warehouse in the desert is rented, the scientists begin construction of the high tech “spaceship,” and all that’s left to do is cast the ten teen participants; there is a wide array of personalities including Chazz’s spoiled nephew, a farm boy (and pet pig), the token teens-with-a-tormented-past (Nico and Titania), and a Japanese tourist (who may or may not have been kidnapped by DV8 producers for the show).  With the help of special effects and expensive illusions, the teens have no idea that the show is fake until the cameras and all communication cuts out, leaving viewers, DV8, and the teens scrambling to figure out what is really going on.

This book works for a number of reasons, but the main two are the story line and the writing style: everything is presented as transcripts of episodes, phone calls, and other footage compiled by a whistle-blowing intern after the events has taken place.  The format and style of the book allows for a quick read that is full of vividly-described humor and sarcasm.  Damico manages to weave a complicated story that is easy to connect with for readers from all walks of life.  While most of the story is very engaging and entertaining, the ending will be unsatisfying for many readers, because the plot twist takes the story to an entirely different place.  The characters and situations in Waste of Space feel like they have been pulled straight from modern day reality shows, while also creating a unique read.