About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when they notice their teenager becoming increasingly anxious about their digital reputation or feeling like they must perform a perfect version of themselves for social media. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the performative nature of modern adolescence, set in a dystopian world where life is literally a reality TV show. Through Nettie's journey, the story explores the cost of popularity and the courage required to be authentic when the world rewards artifice. While the high stakes involve life-or-death consequences for low ratings, the core emotional struggle revolves around identity, peer pressure, and the ethics of manipulation. Parents will find it an excellent bridge to discuss the psychological toll of living for an audience. It is most appropriate for ages 12 and up due to themes of systemic control and the pressure to conform, offering a safe space to analyze the 'scripts' society expects young people to follow.
