Bachelor Nation: Inside the World of America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure

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The first definitive, unauthorized, behind-the-scenes cultural history of the Bachelor franchise, America's favorite guilty pleasure. *ANew York TimesBestseller* The first definitive, unauthorized, behind-the-scenes cultural history of the Bachelor franchise, America's favorite guilty pleasure. For sixteen years and thirty-six seasons, the Bachelor franchise has been a mainstay in American TV viewers' lives. Since it premiered in 2002, the show's popularity and relevance have only grown-more than eight million viewers tuned in to see the conclusion of the most recent season ofThe Bachelor. Los Angeles Timesjournalist Amy Kaufman is a proud member of Bachelor Nation and has a long history with the franchise-ABC even banned her from attending show events after her coverage of the program got a little too real for its liking. She has interviewed dozens of producers, contestants, and celebrity fans to give readers never-before-told details of the show's inner workings- what it's like to be trapped in the mansion "bubble"; dark, juicy tales of producer manipulation; and revelations about the alcohol-fueled debauchery that occurs long before the Fantasy Suite. Kaufman also explores what our fascination means, culturally- what the show says about the way we view so-called ideal suitors; our subconscious yearning for fairy-tale romance; and how this enduring television show has shaped society's feelings about love, marriage, and feminism by appealing to a marriage plot that's as old as the best of Jane Austen.

Reviews

Praise for Bachelor Nation

I was enthralled by the excavations ofBachelor Nation,a zippy and dishy book whose true focus is the gaps between the actual, manufactured, and represented behaviors and feelings on the show.The New York Times Book Review

Amy Kaufman, a journalist with theLos Angeles Times, is the perfect writer forBachelor Nation. Shes charmingly open about her affection for the show, but also insightful about the harmful side-effects. And shes diligent about pulling back the curtain to give us peeks at every aspect of the show, from the grueling selection process to what really happens in the Fantasy Suites. I cant imagine any fan of the franchise not joyously devouring this book.Kareem Abdul Jabbar forThe Hollywood Reporter

In a shocking twist you wont want to miss, itsLos Angeles Timeswriter Amy Kaufman whos dropping the newestmost dramatic ever Bachelorbombshells.USA Today

Amy's writing is gripping and funny and a celebration of the truth about our culture. I savored every word.Amy Schumer

This book is more than a Bible for Bachelor Nationit's a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in pop culture, television history, and the phenomenon of 'real people' becoming brands.Diablo Cody

Smart analysis of why so many of usare hooked on [theBachelorfranchises] fairytale version of love.People

A delicious look behind the scenes.The Los Angeles Times

EvenBachelordetractors will find thisexpos by theLos Angeles Timesjournalist absolutely riveting. The book delves into the psyche of the franchise and its influence on our cultureall the while spilling jaw-drop-worthy secrets.TimeOut

At a time whenThe Bachelorseems dangerously close to being irrelevant,Bachelor Nationis all the more essential: It's a prognosis for the future of a franchise that hinges almost entirely on heteronormativity.Refinery29

Kaufmans absorbing book takes a deep dive into the franchise.The Washington Post

I suspectBachelor Nationwill more than satisfy any fan of this franchise or even reality TV in general, but also that it will end up on the syllabuses of gender, sexuality and media studies classes to come.Jezebel

If youve ever been confused about why The Bachelor captured the zeitgeist, you need to read this book. Amy Kaufman is funny and kind and the perfect author to demystify the gamewithout getting played herself.Vanessa Grigoriadis, author ofBlurred Lines: Rethinking Sex, Power, and Consent on Campus

The only way you can keep watchingThe Bachelorwithout breaking down into guilt is to read this smart, thorough guide to how that sausage is made. Amy Kaufman reports the crap out of the nation's ongoing social experiment known asThe BachelorandThe Bacheloretteand explains what's going on behind the scenes in detail beyond any of our imaginations. If you're trying to figure out why wethat is to say,youkeep watching this ridiculous television show, you'll find intelligent answers (if not absolution) here.Jennifer Keishin Armstrong,New York Timesbestselling author ofSeinfeldia: How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything

Essential for fans of pop culture, this book could play an important role in courses on feminism and gender studies. Its also a fascinating and fun read for anyone who wants to think about how and why viewers continue to tune into shows like The Bachelor.Library Journal (starred review)

An undiluted examination of the shows problematic appeal... [Kaufman] imbues her book with a playful vibe without shying away from the tough questions.Booklist

Kaufmans eye-opening expos of the reality TV showThe Bachelor...unpacks the keys to the shows success...[and] shares little-known details about the show that will no doubt fascinateBachelorfans.Publishers Weekly

Fans will devour this addictive, indulgent, and crafty appraisal of one of reality TV's biggest successes.Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

Amy Kaufmanis a staff writer at theLos Angeles Times, where she has covered film, celebrity, and pop culture since 2009. On the beat, she reports from industry events like the Academy Awards, the Sundance Film Festival, and the Grammys. In addition to profiling hundreds of stars-Lady Gaga, Julia Roberts, Stevie Nicks, Jane Goodall-she has broken major investigative stories on sexual harassment in Hollywood. Amy currently lives in Los Angeles with her Australian shepherd, Riggins, and dreams of living in a Laurel Canyon tree house.