I have a confession to make. My favorite TV show is The Bachelor. I know, I know. I would call it a guilty pleasure, but I am not guilty about it at all. I began watching the show with my mom when I was 14 years old and have been tuning in every Monday night to watch since then! I love the television show for the drama, the roses, the traveling, and the love stories, but it also feels nostalgic to me because it reminds me of watching the show with my family at home, feeling joyful and content. In addition to watching the show, I watch YouTube videos, listen to podcasts, and read magazines and read books all about the reality show. I love it on so many levels.
This week, on March 10th, 2020, was the finale of Peter Weber’s season (better known as Pilot Pete). This is said every season, but in my opinion, last night’s episode was truly the Most. Dramatic. Ever. In short, during the finale Peter was faced with the decision of who he wanted to propose to between his final two women. Peter decided to propose to Hannah Ann. We, then, learn that since the proposal they have broken up and he has started dating the other woman, Madison. On top of all of this, Peter’s mom, Barbara, had some very harsh and critical commentary about Peter’s actions and choices. It was truly entertaining to watch. Every year, I think about how the current season compares to the last. (EDIT: Since writing this article, Peter and Madison have parted ways.)
All of this got me thinking about the books that I have read authored by people who have been on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. I think it’s so much fun to read about the behind the scenes details about what went on during the filming of the show. To be honest, none of the books I have read written by a past Bachelor or Bachelorette technically well written. However, I am willing to look past this because I enjoy the stories and information.
I have read books written by past contestants including Emily Maynard, Andi Dorfman, Amanda Stanton, and Sean Lowe. My favorite parts about reading these books are learning more about the contestant’s lives before they were of the show and discovering events that happens during filming that were not aired on television. For instance, Emily Maynard was the Bachelorette is 2011, but before then, she was in a serious relationship and he tragically passed away in a plane crash. Shortly after this happened, she found out that she was pregnant with his child. The book goes into more detail about this time in her life. Reading new information about the contestants adds to the overall experience of watching the show as it provides more background and context.
As this week draws to a close, I am thankful to for television shows like this and the enjoyable books that are written as a result. This week’s news was filled with scary unknowns about the COVID-19 virus. The surprising finale of The Bachelor was a welcomed conversation alternative. As many of us shift towards spending more time at home, consider picking up one of these books for a light read!
Emily's Bookshelf 