The name of this book was the first thing that piqued my interest when I found it on NetGalley. In case you’re not already aware, NetGalley is one of my favorite places to learn about new books and the best part is that I get the opportunity to read an early copy before the book is published!
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Review & Thoughts
Followers by Megan Angelo
In our current digital age people spend so much time building up their online social presence and many want to appear as perfect as possible to their followers. Most people are far from perfect but our imperfections are often times what make us unique and interesting.
Within the story it was interesting that people who spent so much time ‘sharing and posting’ about their fabulous lives had deep dark secrets that they kept under wraps. After a historical digital event happened, people started losing their minds and there was a ridiculous amount of collateral damage as an effect of the ’emotional terrorism’ and trauma that these people went through.
My personal opinion is that there’s a sense of true beauty in being able to be honest with the people closest in your life. Strive to be open and honest and be mindful about what you post online. Try putting down the phone and make it a point to look people in the eye and be present. Enjoy your life, your real life and experience your reality, not the warped reality that may appear online. If you feel yourself falling into the social media trap, keep in mind that much of what you see online is a curated presence and that there’s a real person underneath the filters and happy smiles. Be okay with who you are. Be okay with being the best version of you in real life, beyond the screen.
Fun Fact: I read an interview online that the author almost titled the book ‘Cursive’.
In a Nutshell: This was a very thought-provoking read and an absolute must for all. It’s an interesting concept that was well-written and intriguing and I highly recommend it.
One of my favorite quotes:
They never spoke to the talent out loud, not with the audience watching, but they were constantly in Marlow’s head, bossing her through her device. They let her choose things for herself, but they also closed off plenty of options. It was a little like being a mouse in a maze. She could run as fast as she wanted, but she wasn’t picking the turns.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for Instagramable quotes!
My Rating: 4.75 / 5 Stars
I received a complimentary digital Advanced Review Copy of this book via NetGalley. I am not paid for reviews.
Details From the Book Jacket
Published: January 14th 2020 by Graydon House
Book Blurb:
An electrifying story of two ambitious friends, the dark choices they make and the profound moment that changes the meaning of privacy forever.
Orla Cadden dreams of literary success, but she’s stuck writing about movie-star hookups and influencer yoga moves. Orla has no idea how to change her life until her new roommate, Floss―a striving, wannabe A-lister―comes up with a plan for launching them both into the high-profile lives they so desperately crave. But it’s only when Orla and Floss abandon all pretense of ethics that social media responds with the most terrifying feedback of all: overwhelming success.
Thirty-five years later, in a closed California village where government-appointed celebrities live every moment of the day on camera, a woman named Marlow discovers a shattering secret about her past. Despite her massive popularity―twelve million loyal followers―Marlow dreams of fleeing the corporate sponsors who would do anything, even horrible things, to keep her on-screen. When she learns that her whole family history is a lie, Marlow finally summons the courage to run in search of the truth, no matter the risks.
Followers traces the paths of Orla, Floss and Marlow as they wind through time toward each other, and toward a cataclysmic event that sends America into lasting upheaval. At turns wry and tender, bleak and hopeful, this darkly funny story reminds us that even if we obsess over famous people we’ll never meet, what we really crave is genuine human connection.
Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads
Books by Megan Angelo
Meet the Author: Megan Angelo
Read: Amazon | Goodreads | Website
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Megan has written about television, film, women and pop culture, and motherhood for publications including The New York Times (where she helped launch city comedy coverage), Glamour (where she was a contributing editor and wrote a column on women and television), Elle, The Wall Street Journal, Marie Claire, and Slate. She is a native of Quakertown, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Villanova University. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her family. FOLLOWERS is her first novel.
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