The book also dedicates a few pages to botched makeover scenes, which Manuel suggests, “Might be more for ratings, as opposed to truly benefitting that model.” Inside the book, an entire chapter, aptly titled “The Meltdown,” features the fictional host going berserk on a contestant, which Manuel confirms was inspired by the infamous, “we were rooting for you!” scene.

For starters, the font on the book cover mirrors the logo of the real show. While the book is not an exact replica of “Top Model,” there are stark parallels. “All of the characters in the book took on a life of their own and were just inspired by people in my life, but we write what we know and, as they say, art imitates life - and is often larger than life.” “I wanted this book to entertain and that’s why I used satire, and had a lot of fun with it,” Manuel says. Described as a cautionary tale about the seduction of fame, the novel centers around a fictional reality show, “Model Muse,” hosted by supermodel Keisha Kash, and the story is told through the eyes of the protagonist, Pablo Michaels, a young man who sets out to discover himself in the world of fashion in New York City. Manuel’s book is inspired by his own career path and time on “America’s Next Top Model,” and takes a satirical look at the behind-the-scenes culture at a modeling competition show. My novel has been in the works for quite some time, so this really is a surprise to me,” Manuel says about the heightened interest in “Top Model” throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Americas next top model cycle 20