OK, so I am admittedly a fanatic of MTV show The Hills.

Don’t judge.

And I own all the DVD’s, and my friend and I started a Hills wisdom quote book–not surprisingly, Justin Bobby is the wisest of the bunch.

So, of course, I had to buy star Lauren Conrad’s new book (which I am SURE she wrote completely by herself), L.A. Candy. Even though she earned $75,000 per 22-minute episode, I just thought she could use a little extra income as a brand spankin’ new writer.

The novel is loosely based on her own life as a young female on a reality show that follows life in Los Angeles. And even though I thought I’d be cringing from juvenile writing, I actually really liked the book.

It gave a seemingly honest glimpse into what being on a reality show is like–the cast doesn’t always get along even though they may smile for the cameras; producers have a role in deciding who the cast’s friends and dates are; bosses and teachers primp for the camera; and career advancement may have more to do with the show than with actual talent.

To read this coming from the person who has, in my opinion, tried to pass The Hills off as pure reality, is a pleasant surprise. Conrad’s actual leveling with us–maybe it’s because she’s no longer on the show, whose fifth season debuts this September.

If you’re a Hills addict like me, L.A. Candy is a fun, breezy read that will keep your superficial needs met until the new shows. And if you, like many of my friends, can’t stand the thought of watching The Hills, then don’t bother even picking it up.