Book Review: You Wanna Be on Top?: A Memoir of Makeovers, Manipulations, and Madness by Mollie Hartshorne
You know that feeling when you unexpectedly stumble upon something that reignites a long-buried nostalgia? That’s exactly what happened to me when I picked up You Wanna Be on Top? by Mollie Hartshorne. If you were anything like me—a teen in the mid-2000s glued to America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) during those formative boarding school years—you’ll find this memoir a tantalizing trip down memory lane. With sharp wit and a candid lens, Hartshorne captures not just the chaos of reality TV, but also the emotional undercurrents that define it.
Hartshorne takes us behind the curtain of ANTM, a show I adored back when Tyra Banks was still an enchanting enigma rather than a perplexing figure. Her recounting of the pre-show chaos, the fierce competition, and the show’s blatant manipulation is both hilarious and heart-wrenching. The characters are as vibrant as you remember, but their stories take on new layers of complexity here. Hartshorne’s season, Cycle 9, is not just a backdrop; it’s a compelling narrative filled with ambitious yet flawed contestants navigating an industry that thrives on unattainable standards.
Her writing style is refreshingly relatable. She swings between humor and heart, making you feel like you’re chatting with a friend over coffee rather than reading a memoir. I found myself laughing at her self-deprecating honesty, especially in moments like when she sheepishly admits, “I think I’d be the ditzy one.” There’s also a profound sense of solidarity in her reflections on the camaraderie among contestants, reminding us that behind the glamour and cutthroat competition lies a shared experience that’s often overlooked.
One of the standout qualities of the memoir is its unflinching awareness of the industry’s absurdities. Hartshorne notes, “Every challenge, every panel, every conversation going forward, was going to be about my weight,” capturing the bizarre reality of being a plus-sized contestant on a show that, quite honestly, championed thinness above all else. This insight added depth to her narrative, lifting it above mere tell-all gossip while spotlighting an industry that continues to grapple with body representation.
The pacing of the memoir is excellently tight. I devoured the book in a day and a half, only wanting to pause to savor certain passages. Each anecdote builds on the last, taking the reader through dizzying highs and crushing lows that remind us of the complex tapestry woven by reality TV.
I can’t stress enough how much I wish more ANTM contestants would pen their stories. Hartshorne’s memoir offers a much-needed perspective, and I can only hope it opens the floodgates for others. If you, like me, still think about those ANTM marathons or find joy in the behind-the-scenes chaos of reality television, then this book is an absolute must-read.
In conclusion, You Wanna Be on Top? is not just for fans of ANTM; it’s for anyone interested in the untold stories behind fame, the human spirit’s resilience, and the often absurd world of reality TV. Hartshorne’s journey will resonate with readers, reflecting the struggle of finding identity amidst societal pressures. If you’re still here reading my review instead of making a beeline for the book, allow me to issue a final invitation: Go read it. You won’t regret it.
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