Livin' in Joe's World: Unauthorized, Uncut, and Unreal: The Memoirs of Joe Patane from the Miami Cast of MTV's The Real World

Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: First off, I am one of the many Real World fanatics. Every since I was ten years old, I snuck downstairs so I could watch the program. As long as I can remember, I have been practicing for the show. I vowed to myself that one day, I would be on it. I have all of the books and all of the movies, I have been working on my application. After getting an assignment in my sociology of mass communications class, I decided that it would be perfect to go the "reality television" route because everyone is addicted to it. I just learned that out of twenty students who are in the class, five are doing their portfolio on the same topic. So to be a little different, I decided to find out about the after-effects on the participants of reality television programs. After reading Joe's book, the perspective of the wonderful world that I thought that these cast members lived in was OVER. He wrote the book wonderfully. I literally could not put it down...and that is no easy task, since the only authors that can do that for me are world known. Joe was completely honest. He is the ONLY Real World cast member who has ever been this open to talk about the happenings that really go on. I was shocked at what really happened in the "Real World." I could never imagine having to run a mile so I could have a private phone conversation. And I have a very nosy family! I am definetly going to look at the show completly differently, and am definetly rethinking my life goal to appear on the show. I could not imagine the closest people in my life, not being close to me. I do not think that it is a chance that I personally would want to take. If you are interested in the "Real World." Save your money. Do not buy the tapes, do not buy their books, buy Joes. Because it is about the only thing real that has ever come out of the show.

Rating:
Summary: Although Joe whines a LOT, some good stuff for RW fans
Review: Here's a book from Miami's Joe providing some real insight into what it's like to live under the lights and cameras 24/7. The best thing about this book is that you can easily read the whole thing in a couple of hours. Unless you've watched the Miami season, you won't understand much of this. For those that watched the Miami roommates flounder in their attempt to start a business, you're likely to get the sense that there is much more that could have been written than what is provided here. As it is, the core thesis is that MTV and the production company doesn't realize what a devastating effect this experiment has on the lives of the participants. Joe whines a lot about this. In succession, Joe complains about the selection process and how the questions are too personal - although it was a self-realizing experience. Joe moans about the roommate selection, as if he expected an entrepeneurial consulting team to be chosen. Joe shows disgust at the production company for letting deadlines pass for starting the business without consequence. But, most of all Joe complains about the tapped phones, the lack of privacy, the lights that wouldn't let him sleep, the editing that made him into a character instead of the "I'm-here-to-make-a-difference" persona he wanted to project. All of it seems a little like sour grapes. He knew the score before agreeing to go - even before he sent in the audition tape. If he got something he didn't fully expect, then them the breaks! He seems most upset about the impact the show had on his family and strange relationship with his hard to stomach girlfriend Nic. Sadly, he gave the producers the ammunition to present an entertaining television show - and this book comes across little more than a statement of regret.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing guy with a great head on his shoulders!!
Review: I have to give kudos to Joe. He really has a knack for putting things in an easy to understand perspective. The book was funny, touching, sad.,.. it had all my emotions wrapped up in it. Great book to read if you want to learn "just a little" more then you already knew about the show, behind the scenes, and the quiet star that emerged from it!! Good job!

Rating:
Summary: Very good!!!!!!!!!!
Review: I read Joe's book it is a very good read. I watched the Real World . And I liked it so I just had to get this book .AAAA+++++++ read

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Summary: Livin In Joe's World....
Review: I thought Joe's book was great, I really enjoyed reading it alot. Out of all the Real World Series, I think Real World Mamai was the best. His book said alot about what really went on in that house. I admire him alot for what he has done since the Real World. I am one of his biggest fans and I would recommend the book to anyone. I hope Joe comes out with a part two. I am really looking forward to learning more about Joe.

Rating:
Summary: Must Read!
Review: I've been a fan of 'The Real World' for years and I had no idea it wasn't all it's cracked up to be until I read Joe's book. He has a gift for writing and his book showed everyone just what a reality tv show can do to someone's private life. After reading his book, I realized there's no way I'd be able to be in the same situation he was but I give him credit for making through it and coming out on top. Much luck to him and to the Joe's World Foundation :)

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Summary: Reality "Bytes"
Review: I've read "Livin In Joe's World" 4 times already, and I felt that it was high time I put my thoughts into words, and express just why I love this book so much. I've been an obsessed "Real World" fan since the debut of the series back in '92, and while I love what I see on the tube, I was always curious about what went on behind the scenes. Thanks to Joe, I'm not curious any longer. Joe is able to grab your interest from the very first page of his book, leaving the reader eager to turn the pages to see what is next. I read the book in one sitting, as I couldn't get enough of what was being revealed to me in the chapters. Joe's special knack of letting the reader believe that he's actually talking to them is crucial to the overall "feel" of the book. The writing is seamless, and it's an effortless read....you just want to keep reading! Joe was also able to create a "unique balance" in the chapters... the memories of his Real World experience aren't all bad, nor are they all good. It's a fair, informative look at his life during that time. You're the ultimate fly on the wall as Joe reveals just what REALLY went down during the shooting of Real World Miami...and how these experiences have effected him. I don't want to spoil the fun by revealing anything here, but rest assured that when all is said and done, you'll never watch a Real World episode the same way again.

Rating:
Summary: A decent, quick read for fans of the show
Review: If you enjoy watching the Real World TV shows and you've ever thought about auditioning for the show, this book may make you think twice! Joe presents a look at what it's really like to have your privacy taken away, along with your personal freedom. But he does show that through it all he could come out with something positive to say. This book also includes some of the juicy behind-the-scenes info that die-hard Real World fans crave. Enjoy!

Rating:
Summary: Loved Learning About The Real World
Review: In the spirit of those who have already posted reviews on this book, I too confess my guilty pleasure is reality TV. While I have not taken too much to many of the new shows, I have been an avid and loyal fan of The Real World way back to the first New York season.

I have had the fortunate opporutnity to meet Joe, in person, twice now. Once, a few years back at the National Inventors Hall of Fame's Collegiate Inventors Awards, and again on the subway in Manhattan just a few weeks ago. Joe was kind enough to let me know of his book after I told him how much I enjoy The Real World. He promised a great read that would provide new perspective on what I considered to be great television.

Boy, was he right!

Joe's retrospective on The Real World - from the process of getting on the show to what life was like during the filming and post production - proves highly enlightening. While I still tune in weekly to the new seasons of The Real World, I watch through totally different eyes. I now notice how footage is edited out of sequence to create larger drama and storylines that are not necessarily accurate. I also pay closer attention to each individual and watch how they are stereotyped into a certain role. We all may think we now each of the "seven strangers" by the time the season wraps, however; I now feel almost cheated that we really don't. We have our perceptions - they own the reality.

Joe's anecdotes, tidbits, shared sorrows, triumphs and debaucles all shed a bright new light on a phenomenon that will continue to entertain. But in a new way for this reader.

Excellent book, Joe. Thank for sharing!



Rating:
Summary: Great "behind the scenes" look at MTV's "The Real World"
Review: Joe, a cast-member of the Miami episodes of "The Real World", gives his account about what "really" happened during the taping. This is an entertaining and surprisingly introspective view of what its like living with a bunch of strangers and having a camera pointed in your face for six months. This is a must-read for any fan of "The Real World", but especially if you've seen the Miami episodes and want to get the inside story.