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1981
Volume 12, Issue 3
  • ISSN: 2046-9861
  • E-ISSN: 2046-987X

Abstract

This article examines personal narratives of reality TV stars and introduces the term to describe their unique features and purposes. The reality memoir as discussed here in relation to four texts follows a trajectory different from traditional memoir, being, paradoxically, less about revealing new information than about managing that which is already out there. By doing so, reality memoir effectively becomes an extension of the reality persona. The four memoirs examined are (2012) written by Kris Jenner in collaboration with Mark Seal, (2018) by Caitlyn Jenner with Buzz Bissinger, (2022) by Garcelle Beauvais together with Nicole E. Smith and (2021) by Dorinda Medley. All four writers are famous for appearing on the reality shows (2007–21) and the franchise (2006–present). The memoirs indicate that self-promotion remains a central part of the narrative and works to reinforce the image of the persona portrayed on TV. The memoirs also testify to the fact that reality memoir can hardly be defined as a ‘tell-all’, revealing little that is not known to an intended audience familiar with the TV shows.

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2024-12-26
2025-02-07
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