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Filter
“The problem with filters? They can’t hide the truth forever.”
Lily’s life looks perfect on TikTok—dance trends, sarcastic voiceovers, and flawless lip-syncs from her bedroom. But behind the ring light, her kidneys are failing, and so is her ability to pretend everything’s fine.
When a fainting episode at school goes viral for all the wrong reasons, Lily has two keep performing for her followers or finally show them the messy, unfiltered reality of being 17, chronically ill, and terrified of what comes next.
📱 Perfect for fans of “sick lit” like Five Feet Apart and They Both Die at the End
⚡ A fast, emotional YA short read (48 pages) for your next coffee break
🎵 For readers who love TikTok culture, grumpy-sunshine vibes, and found family feels
If you’re ready for a story that’s heartfelt, funny, and a little raw—this is it.
✅ BONUS MATERIAL INCLUDED
Lily’s Kidney Survival Guide: A tongue-in-cheek, sassy take on life with CKD
Top 10 Things You Don’t Say to Someone With CKD
A mini glossary of kidney health terms (with Lily’s trademark humor)
Resource list of global kidney health organizations
Lily’s life looks perfect on TikTok—dance trends, sarcastic voiceovers, and flawless lip-syncs from her bedroom. But behind the ring light, her kidneys are failing, and so is her ability to pretend everything’s fine.
When a fainting episode at school goes viral for all the wrong reasons, Lily has two keep performing for her followers or finally show them the messy, unfiltered reality of being 17, chronically ill, and terrified of what comes next.
📱 Perfect for fans of “sick lit” like Five Feet Apart and They Both Die at the End
⚡ A fast, emotional YA short read (48 pages) for your next coffee break
🎵 For readers who love TikTok culture, grumpy-sunshine vibes, and found family feels
If you’re ready for a story that’s heartfelt, funny, and a little raw—this is it.
✅ BONUS MATERIAL INCLUDED
Lily’s Kidney Survival Guide: A tongue-in-cheek, sassy take on life with CKD
Top 10 Things You Don’t Say to Someone With CKD
A mini glossary of kidney health terms (with Lily’s trademark humor)
Resource list of global kidney health organizations
Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2025
833 people want to read
About the author
Jocelyn Paige Kelly
55 books10 followersJocelyn Paige Kelly is a passionate author and creator of fun, imaginative, and engaging activity and coloring books for kids and adults alike. With a love for storytelling, art, and interactive learning, Jocelyn designs books that inspire creativity, encourage relaxation, and provide hours of entertainment.
Her works range from whimsical coloring books featuring adorable animals and seasonal themes to brain-boosting activity books filled with puzzles, mazes, word searches, and more. Whether crafting magical holiday-themed books, educational workbooks, or playful designs for all ages, Jocelyn strives to bring joy and creativity to every page.
When she’s not designing new books, Jocelyn enjoys exploring the world of art, astrology, and folklore—often drawing inspiration from nature, history, and the magic of everyday life. Her books are perfect for parents, teachers, and anyone looking for engaging screen-free activities.
Follow Jocelyn Paige Kelly for her latest book releases, creative projects, and more ways to spark imagination!
Her works range from whimsical coloring books featuring adorable animals and seasonal themes to brain-boosting activity books filled with puzzles, mazes, word searches, and more. Whether crafting magical holiday-themed books, educational workbooks, or playful designs for all ages, Jocelyn strives to bring joy and creativity to every page.
When she’s not designing new books, Jocelyn enjoys exploring the world of art, astrology, and folklore—often drawing inspiration from nature, history, and the magic of everyday life. Her books are perfect for parents, teachers, and anyone looking for engaging screen-free activities.
Follow Jocelyn Paige Kelly for her latest book releases, creative projects, and more ways to spark imagination!
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 12, 2025
In Jocelyn Paige Kelly’s YA short story, "Filter," the author tackles the complex interplay between chronic illness, social media, and adolescent identity through the experiences of 17-year-old Lily. Lily's life, as portrayed on TikTok, is curated for perfection, filled with popular dance trends and flawless lip-syncs. This curated online persona, however, masks the grim reality of Lily's failing kidneys and her escalating exhaustion and fear. The narrative delves into the internal and external pressures Lily faces to maintain her online image while battling the invisible illness that is slowly consuming her. The turning point arrives when a public fainting incident, caught on video, shatters Lily's carefully constructed facade and forces her to confront the choice between continuing to perform for her followers or revealing the unfiltered truth of her struggle.
Kelly's storytelling provides a relatable and heartfelt portrayal of the emotional and physical challenges faced by teenagers living with chronic illness. The narrative effectively explores themes of identity, friendship, and the pursuit of authenticity in a world increasingly driven by the pursuit of online validation. "Filter" is presented as the beginning of a larger series, "Unfiltered Lives," which promises to expand on the lives of characters orbiting Lily's world, including her dialysis buddies, healthcare professionals, and even the periphery characters who are touched by Lily's situation. The short story offers a glimpse into the unfiltered reality of living with chronic illness, resonating with readers who appreciate stories that are heartfelt, honest, and a little raw.
Kelly's storytelling provides a relatable and heartfelt portrayal of the emotional and physical challenges faced by teenagers living with chronic illness. The narrative effectively explores themes of identity, friendship, and the pursuit of authenticity in a world increasingly driven by the pursuit of online validation. "Filter" is presented as the beginning of a larger series, "Unfiltered Lives," which promises to expand on the lives of characters orbiting Lily's world, including her dialysis buddies, healthcare professionals, and even the periphery characters who are touched by Lily's situation. The short story offers a glimpse into the unfiltered reality of living with chronic illness, resonating with readers who appreciate stories that are heartfelt, honest, and a little raw.
July 20, 2025
Filter is a deeply moving and honest portrayal of life with chronic illness through the eyes of a teenager. The story follows Lily, whose world is turned upside down after being diagnosed with kidney disease. What makes this book so awesome is how it balances the medical reality with the very human emotions of fear, anger, and resilience all while being in high school and a TikTok influencer with Hek the famous cat.
July 23, 2025
This is a well written book for young adults feeling alone while they battle with a chronic illness. And it's a well written book for family and friends of young adults going through such battles. Or for anyone really.
September 5, 2025
this is a well written book for ya that does a good job exploring the complexities of chronic illness. the definitions and resources at the end are great.
July 22, 2025
An Intimate Journey Beneath the Surface
Reading FILTER felt like slipping into someone else’s skin—into their cracks, their ache, their wonder. The voice is raw without being jagged, gentle without ever numbing the impact. It's lke you’re walking just half a step behind the main character, catching your breath where they can’t.
They don’t ask for permission to feel—they just do. And in that honesty, I found myself surrendering. Not because I understood every experience, but because the writing dared me to feel as if I did. Whether it was quiet humiliation tucked inside a smile or the defiant whisper of hope, it was all there, waiting for anyone to feel.
It’s not my story, but it didn’t need to be. It carried me anyway.
Reading FILTER felt like slipping into someone else’s skin—into their cracks, their ache, their wonder. The voice is raw without being jagged, gentle without ever numbing the impact. It's lke you’re walking just half a step behind the main character, catching your breath where they can’t.
They don’t ask for permission to feel—they just do. And in that honesty, I found myself surrendering. Not because I understood every experience, but because the writing dared me to feel as if I did. Whether it was quiet humiliation tucked inside a smile or the defiant whisper of hope, it was all there, waiting for anyone to feel.
It’s not my story, but it didn’t need to be. It carried me anyway.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews