Drama! Bk. 2:
Everyone's a Critic
by Paul Ruditis

    EVERYONE'S A CRITIC by Paul Ruditis
    Category:  Contemporary
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  10/2/07
    Publisher:  Simon Pulse
    Reviewed by:  Jeremey
    Rating:  4 Stars


    The cast from Orion is back in a sequel to Paul Ruditis' first DRAMA! story, THE FOUR DOROTHYS.  Bryan,
    Sam, Hope, Holly, Alexis, and Belinda are all prepared for their next "big scene."

    The school year is over for those at Orion, but just because academics are done does not mean acting is. During
    summer break a yearly, mandatory two-week theater camp begins, but instead of establishing a play, something
    new comes along.

    Hartley Blackstone, a Broadway director, is using the two weeks to test all theater majors for a summer
    apprenticeship. To get this apprenticeship could be two lucky Orion students' big break.

    During week one, everyone studies their individual monologues and performs for Hartley. After the performances,
    Mr. Blackstone critiques everyone's work, leaving nothing but shattered spirits. Now no one wants to go on with
    auditions.

    In week two, Hope and her boyfriend are broken up. Done. Over. Which leads Bryan and Sam to hatch a plan to
    get Hope and her (ex) boyfriend back together.

    This plan will take a lot of time away from Bryan once group auditions start. Will they be prepared?  Who will win
    the summer apprenticeship?

    Paul Ruditis' second DRAMA! book is very good. The whole time I was reading I thought, "this is like American
    Idol meets The Real World" (due to the singing and all of the drama in the book). I felt the story lacked a little in
    the middle, but was overall interesting to the end.