While clearly focused at a younger audience, the "Making The Band" book is not without merit for more mature readers. Interviews and observations from the band members themselves compose the bulk of the volume, adding insights and reflections not always included in the 22-minute series broadcasts aired last season on ABC.
The book is not without its problems. Contributing writer K.M. Squires doesn't so much write this volume as watch it compiled, leaving the majority of input to the performers and thus restricting her role to that of stenographer. The individual reflections of the band members do provide a certain amount of insight, particularly through their own conduct in contributing their commentaries. Rarely is a group of performers this young shown to present themselves at such a high level of courtesy, gratitude, and professionalism. You'll find no trash-talking or back-stabbing either of each other or their industry peers as the five boys share their observations of both their fellow band members and themselves. A pronounced level of modesty is also present as each performer tends to downplay his own strengths and accomplishments while answering the identical FAQ-style questions put to each of them.
The downside to this is that some of the more glowing attributes of this group are glossed over or ignored entirely. The personal conviction and fortitude of Ashley Angel, who faced not only one, but two of the most important people in his personal life [his father and girlfriend] withdrawing their full support from his musical aspirations comes to mind for a start. Jacob Underwood's own determination to achieve a record contract before age 21, and his willingness to stand up for his fellow performers [as when Erik was insulted by a visiting friend] are likewise omitted. Both of these exclusions might have been remedied by way of a more objective writer.
This is, after all, a group of extraordinary young men who can count among their achievements writing and recording two original songs in under 48 hours. I was disappointed to find there was not more documentation of that Germany recording session in this volume.
Shortcomings aside, this is a beautifully-packaged book, with a strong layout and colorful format, replete with photos of our talented quintet, both from studio shoots as well as candids. Though at times the paperback may read more like a high school yearbook than a TV series compendium, there is still enough information to hold the interest of older O-Town fans, as well as their more enthusiastic teenage supporters.