Backstreet Boys secrets

Review of: "What You Wanna Know, Backstreet Boys Secrets Only A Girlfriend Can Tell" By Samantha Stonebraker

A famous pop star, an ex-girlfriend ... readers think they might be in for some juicy details. Think again.

Samantha Stonebraker's claim to fame is that she dated Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell for four years. During that time she lived a life thatevery BSB fan dreams about -- or think they dream about.

Samantha's book is an inside look at touring and hanging out with the Backstreet Boys. She lets readers in on their favourite foods, what kind of clothes the boys like their girls to wear, and what the five singers do to each other for laughs.

The book is a fast read -- it'll take you only about 20 minutes to get through, (bathroom and snack breaks included).

Each short chapter answers questions Samantha thinks fans want to know, like whether or not the boys lip-sync in concert (no), if Brian is a good kisser (yes), and who looks best in his underwear (Kevin).

The most interesting tidbit of information Samantha shares is about a particularly gross prank.

"One night, Brian and Nick got together and, after a little convincing by Brian, Nick pooped into a sock! Then they placed the sock inside the drummer's bass drum. That night during the show, every time their drummer, Tim, hit the bass drum, a terrible smell came out."

Most of the secrets are much less interesting than the poop prank. Samantha describes going to the prom with Brian and dancing the night away with the rest of the Boys.

The truth is, life on the road with the Backstreet Boys sounds less than glamorous and exciting. There are early mornings, obsessive fans, mean tour managers, nerves and flu epidemics.

Samantha seems to claim she's writing the book so fans of the Boys will know what to expect if they ever become a BSB girlfriend. But, although Samantha says: "If it could happen to me, it could happen to you ...", the chances of a fan actually becoming a Backstreet Boy girlfriend are very slim.

Fans will be sad to hear that all five have had girlfriends in the past and will probably date again.

Samantha doesn't really share any information that avid fans don't already know, and the book seems like a cheap way to make money off someone she supposedly loved for four years. She doesn't provide a sure-fire way into Brian's heart (besides, he's already seeing an "older woman") and the book won't tell you anything you can't find out by reading or watching Backstreet Boys' interviews.

The only real highlight is a section of photos that show a younger Brian at Samantha's prom and pictures of the rest of the group before they were rich and famous.

If your dream really does come true and you do end up dating a Backstreet Boy, they might like you better if you haven't been snooping around for gossip from ex-girlfriends.