Author: Kelly Hourihan
Publisher: Lemon Sherbet Press (Indie Author)
Publication Date: November 7th 2013
The Cover:
The Plot: Fifteen-year-old Jane is an internet addict, who escapes from “real life” issues by using various internet personas.
The Good: The blurb is really interesting, and the format of the book is very unique. Instead of using conventional dialogue and prose, the book is composed of internet communication, such as emails and blog posts. That, right there, earns this book some kudos—I have to applaud the author for being brave enough to try this unique approach. Hourihan has also taken on some tough subjects, such as depression and alcoholism, and I’m happy to see a book broaching these touchy subjects.
The Bad: Unfortunately, the book ultimately fell flat for me; I stopped reading at the 20% mark. What the blurb doesn’t tell you is that this book is about fan-fiction. Personally, this wasn’t a subject I wanted to spend 314 pages reading about, especially since the fan-fiction revolved around a non-existent fandom.
Also, the author seems to use the first-person tense as an excuse for poor writing and character development. For example, the MC will talk for two pages about something that could be summed up in three sentences. Then the MC will say something similar to, “I know I’m talking way too much, but I just need to get it out.” I was fine with this the first few times, but by the tenth time the MC was making excuses for the writing, I started getting frustrated.
However, my biggest issue with this book is the portrayal of the minor characters. Not everyone in Special-Ed programs are druggies, bullies, or violent. And, fictional or not, no one should be labeled as such, merely because they have autism or dyslexia or any other kind of learning disability.
The Verdict: Did Not Finish
A copy of this novel was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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