Canceled

by Tim Cann

If it feels good to be bad, then these ladies are in ecstasy!

Meet Lane Bryantt, shameless debutante and mother to a pair of lusty blonde alt-right social media influencers. Follow them to contemporary left-coast Los Angeles as they become trapped on a dystopian reality television show of their own making.

Will they escape the clutches of their evil producer, or will they be doomed to evolve into a life forever lived on the screen?

Follow Lane and her family’s misadventures in this satiric, humorous take on social media and reality television until they finally find that rarest of commodities in modern-day society—privacy!

Praise for

"...for fans of satire, flawed characters, anti-heroes, and witnessing unlikeable characters become the victims of their own ambitions.." - Independent Book Review

"...scores big laughs and some insights about privacy and consent.." - BookLife

Canceled offers a humorous and cathartic happy ending to life in the age of social media and reality television.

Genres: Fiction

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2024

About the author

Lives in Wales with his dog Merlyn and a litter of puppies.

Reviews

[Ukaegbu Confidence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Canceled by Tim Cann shows a humorous representation of the TV industry through the lives of Lane Bryantt, a mother to two daughters with platinum blond hair, Angela and Virginia. Lane and her daughters are reality TV show stars, and this book accurately represents the lives of these stars. It looks like it is a reality show, but is it truly reality? Are all of these reactions truly naturally occurring? We also follow John, a writer who was out of work after his last written comedy show stopped airing. One day, he received a call from Martin asking him to show up for a job. Being a writer, he expected to show up and write out some scrips, only to find that he was added to Lane's production team. The story picks up pace from there.

One thing I enjoyed the most was how realistic this book was. I know these content creators would do anything for their content; however, I was unsure how far they would go to get this content. During one scene, when we were told about a video of Lane when she was pregnant and working out and for some reason, she still had abs during her pregnancy, we were told about Lane's belly getting hit by a punching bag, and Angela attributed this to being the reason why she and her sister are blonds. While this was happening, she was out of content to shoot, so John jokingly suggested she speak to her therapist about it and livestream it, and for some reason, she agreed to his idea. I have always perceived therapy sessions as a safe space, so seeing how she readily agreed to use this as content surprised me, to say the least. This brought up memories of all the weird content I see posted on the internet these days. The novel had really nice and enjoyable content. There were so many surprising elements that kept me looking forward to the next scene, like the camera installation part. 

This book was loaded with content, and I enjoyed reading it. I didn't find anything to criticize since I loved the way the story came together. The plot blended in well and kept my attention. Additionally, the emotions were perfectly represented. This book deserves a perfect five out of five-star rating.

I recommend the book to the fans of reality TV shows.If you have any interest in this, you will find the book an awesome fit to your niche. 

[sushmitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A satirical comedy series, The Lane Bryantt Show, follows a family of alt-right social media influencers trapped in a dystopian reality TV show of their own creation. The show explores themes of privacy, social media addiction, and the dark side of celebrity. Lane Bryantt, a shameless debutante and mother of two, and her daughters, popular alt-right social media influencers, find themselves at the mercy of a manipulative and ruthless reality TV producer who controls their lives. As they struggle to regain their privacy and break free from the show's grip, they confront the consequences of their actions and the impact of their fame on their lives.

[Dylan Kinloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Canceled" doesn’t shy away from criticizing the societal forces that feed our collective obsession with fame. Cann cleverly uses his characters’ misadventures to highlight how far some will go to maintain their grip on the public eye, all while making readers question whether true privacy is still possible in the digital age. The storyline’s dystopian twist adds a layer of intrigue, raising the tension and keeping readers hooked until the very end.

While the plot is wild, the real charm lies in its satire, which is both humorous and scathing. Cann captures the absurdity of a world where life on screen has become the ultimate goal. Readers who enjoy sharp, witty critiques of modern media will find this book an entertaining escape, full of clever social commentary.

At its core, it’s a playful and irreverent take on fame’s seductive pull—and the ultimate price it can exact. Whether you're here for the laughs or the deeper messages about privacy and authenticity, this story delivers a memorable, fast-paced experience.

[Lia Anshar · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Canceled" by Tim Cann takes readers on a humorous, satirical journey into the often absurd world of reality TV, following the lives of Lane Bryantt and her two platinum-blonde daughters, Angela and Virginia. At its core, the book asks a compelling question: is reality TV truly "reality," or are the reactions and stories carefully orchestrated for entertainment value? Cann's portrayal of the industry feels both accurate and ridiculous, highlighting the blurred lines between real life and scripted content in today’s entertainment culture.

The story revolves around Lane, a popular reality TV star, and her daughters, whose lives are constantly under the spotlight of the camera. As readers are taken behind the scenes, the book delves into the hilariously exaggerated lengths that reality TV stars might go to keep their audience engaged. At the heart of the plot is John, a comedy writer whose career has been in limbo since his last show was canceled. Desperate for work, he finds himself recruited by Martin to join Lane’s production team, unexpectedly thrust into a world where content reigns supreme, no matter how bizarre or personal it might be.

The novel’s humor lies in its exploration of the ridiculousness of these situations. For instance, John’s offhand suggestion that Lane turns her therapy into a live-streamed event becomes a turning point, highlighting the absurd ways in which reality TV can manipulate personal trauma for entertainment. Cann’s keen eye for satire draws readers to question the ethics of content creation and the nature of reality TV, while still keeping them entertained with the outrageous scenarios the characters find themselves in.

Cann expertly captures the emotional highs and lows of his characters, especially Lane’s vulnerability, while simultaneously lampooning the artificial nature of the industry. The pacing is well-executed, keeping readers engaged with a series of laugh-out-loud moments and unexpected twists. From the installation of hidden cameras to bizarre family dynamics, there’s no shortage of surprises.

Overall, "Canceled" is an entertaining read that pokes fun at the reality TV industry while providing a deeper reflection on the nature of entertainment and the boundaries people will cross to remain relevant. Fans of reality TV will find this novel a particularly delightful read, but its sharp humor and insightful commentary make it appealing to a wider audience as well. Tim Cann’s novel stands as a brilliant piece of satire, earning a well-deserved five-star rating for its wit, originality, and thoughtful execution.

[Jeanie Ventura-Willoughby · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m going to be completely honest here. I didn’t finish the book. Frankly I couldn’t. I got a third of the way through and I still have no idea who the main character actually is. IMO that’s the problem with fully omnipotent perspective. Unless the writing is exceptional, it just doesn’t work for me.
That being said the story is a good one. It is very telling of the world we live in, with social media drama, reality shows, and what society expects of people in the entertainment industry. It’s very funny, and made me downright cackle a couple times.
On to my character opinions. I did not like John. He’s supposed to be a millennial, which is my generation as well, but he read like an old man, he just seemed whiny. At least that’s how I perceived him. It was when I found out he apparently was that I gave up. I have mixed feelings about Lane and her daughters. While the author wrote them well for their intended purpose. The reality is that there are actual woman and families like them, and that’s a depressing thought. Lane is the stereotypical stage mom, that is trying to live vicariously through her daughters. When it comes to Angela I’m not quite sure of her age. I wanna say she’s in her mid twenties, but who knows. While I understand she wants to provide for her daughter and family, I don’t understand why she HAS to be famous to do it. Why live above your means? I guess you could say that’s part of the point of the book. The ever growing need to have more and more and never being satisfied. However, as far as Virginia, Gina for short, she’s your typical SM influencer. Or at least what you would expect them to be like offline. I did LOVE Lucas, the super weird and annoying little brother to Angela and Gina, Lane’s daughters. He wasn’t introduced until about a quarter of the way through, but he added a necessary lightness to the story. He seems like a minor character so I’m not quite sure how much more of him or his antics are in the rest of the book. I don’t really have much of an opinion for Martin and Ingrid. I don’t know enough about them. Ingrid seems extremely guarded with not even the slightest hint as to why. And Martin…ugh Martin… I have mixed feelings about him too. While I love that he’s a huge stoner, and pictured this man hella old and wrinkly, but still trying to be hip. Come to find out he’s a freakin Boomer.
Overall, the book wasn’t my cup of tea. Mainly because of the perspective. I had other issues sure, but show me a book that’s 100% gold to every reader. But if that’s not an issue for you then I believe it will be a great read.

[Lisbeth Ivies · Rating 3 out of 5]

While many readers wouldn't view satire as a palate cleanser, I needed the dose of humor one would bring between darker stories. At the base level, Canceled more than brought that needed comedy. I laughed my way through quite a few sections, as characters primped, preened, and debased themselves on and off the camera (or at least trying to) for fame and fortune. Not just the characters that were originally meant to be on film, either.

The story holds nothing sacred when it comes to the hustle culture surrounding the internet and revenue streams that content creators can set up. From creating new celebrity cryptocurrencies to the parasocial relationships that drive the public's fixation on online personalities, everything is on the table. When one family already making bank from that hustle decides to pile a reality show onto the heap, they find everything about themselves is on the table too. The thirst for consumption from their fans leads to a real problem with privacy; the mirror held up to our reality a clever one.

Lane and her daughters might be the initial focus of the reality show, but the circle widens with each NDA signed by crew. Even the younger brother personifying many of the gamer goth stereotypes right down to living in the basement gets dragged into it. Many of those periphery characters getting caught up in the web drove my favorite moments.

As much as I did enjoy reading Canceled, a few things kept me from rating it higher. I felt like there wasn't a strong through-line while I was reading. This was partly because the narrative doesn't really have protagonists in a traditional sense, more like a giant harem each doing their own thing. In a manner not unlike reality TV, the typical pattern of a story isn't followed either, and a few threads never get tied up. The other issue for me was errors. Missing words and typos happened frequently enough to take note, and took me out of the story a bit.

If readers are looking for a laugh, particularly one that doesn't shy away from poking fun at both politics and the internet, Canceled more than fulfills that.

[Truth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel centers around Lane Bryantt, a flamboyant and unapologetic socialite who thrives on the attention she garners from her controversial actions and statements. Lane's two children, Jaxon and Madison, are rising stars in the alt-right social media sphere, known for their provocative and often inflammatory content.
The family's life takes a dramatic turn when they are selected to participate in a new reality TV show. The show, set in a dystopian version of Los Angeles, is designed to push the boundaries of privacy and morality. The producer, a cunning and manipulative figure, orchestrates scenarios that force the participants into increasingly outrageous and compromising situations, all for the sake of higher ratings.
As the show progresses, Lane and her family find themselves entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and public humiliation. The producer's machinations reveal the darker side of fame and the lengths to which people will go to maintain their social media presence. The novel delves into themes of exploitation, the loss of personal boundaries, and the impact of digital culture on human relationships.
Throughout the story, Tim Cann uses sharp wit and satire to critique the superficiality and absurdity of modern celebrity culture. The characters' experiences serve as a mirror to the real-world consequences of living life under constant public scrutiny and the relentless pursuit of online validation.
The book is both a comedy and a cautionary tale, highlighting the perils of a society obsessed with fame and the often destructive nature of reality television.

[Abril · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this hilarious take on modern society, we follow former comedy show writer John, whom a coworker, Martin, contacted to participate in his new project. Eager to start writing again, John arrives on set only to find out that Martin’s latest job is a reality show that focuses on the lives of Lane and her two influencer daughters, Angela and Virginia. John isn’t thrilled about the idea of this new project, but since he doesn’t have another job, he stays.
Things seem to be going great for the show, but since this new platform engages a different audience than the sisters are accustomed to, the family starts regretting their decision. Throughout the book, Tim Cann takes the characters through the nightmare of having their lives documented at all times. Will the sisters overcome this new lifestyle, or will they break from the pressure of having all eyes on them? Read Canceled to find out.
Although I expected to not like John's character at first, as the story progressed, he became one of my favorites. Even though he is definitely not perfect, I enjoyed reading his thoughts on the bizarre situations in which he lived. My favorite part of the book was the sisters’ trip to Mexico. I found myself nervously laughing at their crazy adventure and cringing along with their mother.
My one criticism of the book is that some characters' dialogue made it difficult to understand and follow the story. For example, Angela’s boyfriend Mosez's dialogue was hard to grasp.
Overall, I greatly enjoyed Cancelled by Tim Cann, full of wit and humor, this is the perfect book for those interested in reading about the lives of famous people in a more realistic but humorous way.

[Rhay N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hilarious, chaotic dive into the absurd world of reality TV, giving a sharp look at all the madness behind the scenes. The story follows John, a comedy writer who, after his own show gets axed, finds himself working on a reality show. What he walks into is a circus of egotistical influencers, clueless producers, and the nonstop drama of Hollywood fame.

The dark humor is on point, with John facing off against wild characters like Lane, the over-the-top "momager," who is even crazier than some of the reality stars. The book captures the shallow, artificial world of influencers and reality shows, tossing in one ridiculous situation after another. It is a wild, fast-paced ride that does not take itself too seriously, and the satire on social media fame and TV production is sharp and fun.

That said, at times the humor goes a little overboard. Some scenes, especially with Lane, go from funny to cringe in an instant, and the constant hammering of how fake everything is can get repetitive. The dialogue between John and the reality stars also starts to feel a bit one-note, and there are moments where it seems like the book is trying too hard to be clever.

All in all, Canceled is a fun, trashy romp through the madness of Hollywood. It is loud, ridiculous, and unapologetically in-your-face. If you are up for a wild, no-holds-barred satire that is not afraid to be a little absurd, this one is for you

[Antony Wairiuko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, Matter-of-fact Introspection of Screenlife

Canceled is a July 2024 novel by Tim Cann. The 374-page, 42-chapter book has a top-tier artistic merit by virtue of its standout dark comedic narrative that wittily tones down obscenities and suchlike foul language that may contrast with the social norms. The purpose of comedy is to offend; thus, an objective reader will enjoy its good-humored indecency in a boundless prose where the author exercises his utmost artistic freedom.

Basically, Canceled casts a critical eye on the modern lifestyle through the lens of a reality show especially featuring the Bryantts—outspoken mother Lane and her young daughters, social media influencers Angela and Virginia “Gina”—whose hopes of using it for Internet stardom culminates in an invasion of their privacy instead. The on-screen dissemination of the family members’ daily lives soon irks the sisters who, by the book’s halfway mark, are desperately attempting to escape the eager production crew’s intrusion on their lives amid several cancelations of the show.

Canceled is a true reflection of the current societal trends, especially egocentric celebrities and their craze for screen time. I particularly loved the realistic portrayal of the bleep censors. The book’s raw prose gives a matter-of-fact introspection of screenlife.

[John Kamande · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly, I was taken aback by the events in the book Canceled by Tim Cann. When I started reading it, I did not know what to expect and it was kind of slow-paced. The author has used satire in order to reveal the ills of social media and reality TV in the society which most people have a huge desire for. I can say that this is an eye-opener that not all that glitters is gold. As depicted in the read, a lot happens behind the scenes which is undignifying and self-loathing. Lane Bryantt and her daughters Gina and Angela find themselves trapped in a contractual awkward reality TV show in Los Angeles produced by Martin Gardener and written by John. Their rights to privacy are violated. At some point, this drives the girls bonkers and they decide to go to another country in order to escape this ordeal. Unfortunately, they do not get their freedom back as they are monitored everywhere they go. Lane decides to delve deeper into the contract using her prior law knowledge so as to find a way to free themselves from it. What I can say is that indeed they had to pay a price to gain their freedom back. Though at some point the read was chaotic, there are numerable takeaways!

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Canceled: A Modern Greek Comedy by Tim Cann is an insightful and witty exploration of the world of fame and social influencers, blending humor with more profound societal commentary. The story cleverly mirrors ancient Greek comedy, using satire and absurdity to highlight the ridiculousness and intensity of modern-day public shaming. Cann’s characters are sharp and memorable, representing the tenacity and determination to escape greedy and controlling producers. The humor lands nicely, but what shines is the novel’s ability to make readers think critically about how we engage in online outrage. While it’s often funny, the book also carries a strong message about empathy, forgiveness, and the complexity of social justice.

The pacing is occasionally uneven, with some parts moving slower than others, but overall, it remains engaging. If you enjoy satire with a purpose, Canceled is a fun yet thought-provoking read that sheds light on one of today’s most divisive issues. For these reasons, I give this book four stars.

[Raisa Mbalule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought-provoking and Funny

Canceled: A Modern Greek Comedy by Tim Cann is a fun and satirical look at the wild world of reality TV. The story follows Lane Bryantt, a bold mother of two social media influencers, as her family gets stuck in a bizarre reality show in Los Angeles. Cann humorously shows how privacy disappears when everything is turned into content for fame. The novel balances comedy with sharp criticism of how the digital world invades our personal lives.

Lane, along with her daughters, Angela and Virginia, are pushed into increasingly ridiculous situations by a manipulative TV producer. John, a struggling comedy writer, is thrown into their chaotic world, where even a joke about live-streaming therapy becomes a TV spectacle. Cann uses these moments to highlight how far people go to stay relevant and popular online, blending absurdity with a very real critique of modern fame.

The book does a great job exploring how reality TV blurs the lines between real life and performance. Lane’s character, both funny and vulnerable, represents the cost of living for the spotlight. The fast-paced story, filled with twists and laughs, keeps readers hooked. Overall, Canceled is a clever, entertaining read for fans of reality TV and anyone interested in a smart look at today's celebrity culture.

[Constance]

“Canceled” by Tim Cann is a comedic take on the celebrity lifestyle. Lane, who seems like a character inspired by Kris Jenner in terms of style and work life, has to lead her two reality star daughters, Angela and Gina as they navigate Hollywood’s chaotic daily culture.

The book is exciting and at times chaotic. The characters are colorful and full of life, some more likeable than others, but all coming together to make a very entertaining book. I would, though, have preferred the author pace the book a tad better at some parts. There are times, particularly around the first 10 pages, when the book feels slow.

In general though, the book is a fun critique of modern celebrity culture and social media. It was well-written and keeps readers interested while delivering a good laugh or two.

[Joshua Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim Cann sends us on a wild satirical comedic adventure that mixes in thought-provoking questions about modern society with Canceled! Lane Bryantt is a shameless debutant that answers to no one (but her followers of course). But when Lane and her social media influencer sons get wrapped up in a dangerous reality show, they’ll have to grow beyond their shallow lifestyle if they have any hope of escaping. Cann throws a wonderfully bombastic plot at us and packs it to the brim with great dark humor, but the thing I loved most about Canceled was its deeper poke at a society run by ‘likes’ and the outward show. This novel is fun, but a huge part of that fun is its depth and the way it makes you think after you walk away. If you’re looking for a humorous adventure with a decent amount of philosophy baked in, definitely come join the show with Canceled!

[Israel Ereofoluwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a satire, this book pokes at a large part of modern society. 

The story centers on the lives of Lane, an influential and popular figure, and her two daughters, Gina and Angela, influencers in different niches. They all come together to create a reality show in a bid to shoot their careers to the peak through it. With the help of a dedicated crew led by Martins, the divorced husband of Lane, they begin the work. Sudden and unexpected experiences tumble their plan and set them on a new course. 

A great read for all satire lovers with a complex yet beautiful story, like a tapestry. Certainly one I will recommend.

[Hannah Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A major word for this book is CONTENT. The author, Tim Cann, does a wonderful job portraying the surreal world of reality TV, influencers, and the bizarre world of content creation. Of course, this book is meant to be satirical, but there is something slightly menacing about the characters and the ways they mirror the reality stars and influencers we see in our own world.

All in all, it's a clever, fast-paced critique of the cultural moment we currently live and it's written with such depth and humor. I was riveted and engaged at every turn, and I truly loved to hate some of the characters. I have never appreciated my own privacy more than I do after reading this book.

[Viga Boland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for the innocent nor pure of heart, this clever, at times insane satire, is deserving of the praise lavished on it. Take note of the cover: it prepares you for the trip you’ll take into the whacky world of influencers…in this case, 2 sisters and their mother who live, eat and breathe through social media. There were times I felt even I was tripping out with the characters in their weird dystopian, reality TV world, so much so I had to put the book down and analyse what I had just read…after I stopped laughing!

[Victoriouslane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The success of this narrative is based on John’s interior struggle and triumph, believable parody of the employees’ behavior, and faithful and surreal representation of the TV show production. The character development is outstanding and the plot is engaging with the added bonus of a sarcastic, rapid-fire commentary along with the plot progression making it an informative and amusing novel. For its rather engaging and coherent parts, it should be rated as 5-star material.

[Chidinma Anozie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing that stuck out once I started reading this book was that it was chaotic and the story got even more chaotic as I read on.Tim Cann uses satire to shine light on the depths people are willing to go to maintain the influencer/celebrity lifestyle.

Lane and her children descend into even lower depths of shamelessness to ensure they are in the limelight. This causes them to lose their privacy and more as things spiral out of hand.

This is a really good read!

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and Relatable Modern Comedy

This book had me laughing out loud from start to finish! It’s a witty take on modern life with clever commentary on cancel culture and the chaos that ensues. The characters are quirky and engaging, making the story both entertaining and surprisingly insightful. If you enjoy sharp humor and stories that reflect today’s social dynamics with a comedic twist, this modern Greek comedy is a must-read. It’s a refreshing and fun escape!

[Ed Malaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was interested in Canceled, A Novel after seeing the cover, but I wasn’t sure what to expect. It turned out to be a lot of fun to read and it actually reminded me of some people I know who do a lot with social media. It does get a little dirty at times but even that’s in good fun. There are plenty of fun characters and the story is very creative. I haven’t read anything like this before.

I recommend Canceled to any adult who wants a fun look at modern society and social media.

[Sudipta Nandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dear readers,
Please check whether this review is overtly negative or not. I would appreciate any feedback.
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“Your son is using cryptocurrency to bring back slavery and he now owns 51% of Mosez”.

Servitude can come innovatively. The author has adeptly shown this new-age addiction-cum-servitude with the "money and fame (first)” elements.
Lane's compromise (even the privacy in the bathroom) shows the confusion and indifference of current generations. Her character as a mother of three, and a revealer of private moments, make us reflect. I feel sad for Angela, Gina, and Lucas under Lane’s influence. But, they have potential. Lucas-coin and the “Burbank Farm” idea confirm this. It is pathetic that Angela has to run away from the show and her mother.

The writer's skillful mastery has created characters like Martin and Kawasaki Eu-gene with strict business-first minds. They are determined to track everything including dating and long-distance travel. Martin is a good producer but with zero fatherly (does not depend on biological fatherhood) instinct. The transition from reality show to alt-show to something for the adult industry is hopeless. However, the author’s wit has added a different dimension. German Nein eleven, maple syrup mask, Ingrid’s video, Mexican Jungle, and GinAI are unforgettable. Finally, John’s “writer to adult film director” transformation seems unfortunate but inevitable. Contextually, the characters subtly state that people still can hold their grounds refusing too much screen time.

The storytelling is full of wit and a light-hearted tone. People with Social media addiction must read this one.