Everybody knows that the lives we present on social media aren't real. But the girls in the new young adult novel Influence have got some pretty big secrets that they're hiding from their followers. Written by Sara Shephard, author of Pretty Little Liars, and influencer Lilia Buckingham, Influence shows what can happen when you let social media rule your life.
There are four main characters in the book. Delilah is the newest member of the influencer group, gaining internet fame after a video was posted of her rescuing a puppy from a burning building. Jasmine gained her fame after starring on a hit kids' TV show. Fiona is popular online now, but her younger self was fatter and picked on by the school bully. And Scarlet is the influencer you have to watch out for. She'll do anything to stay on top.
This was definitely a twisty mystery, and I enjoyed trying to figure out "whodunit". Even though parts of it I could predict, I truly didn't see the end coming.
I think this is an important book for teens to read because it deals with the perils of fame and internet stardom, as well as bullying (both in-person and online). Ultimately, you can't live for everybody else. You have to be true to yourself and live your life on your own terms.
Influence is published by Delacorte and is on bookstore shelves now. I received a free hardcover copy in exchange for this review.
Comments
Post a Comment