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Tinfoil Crowns
Seventeen-year-old internet video star Fit is on a mission to become famous at all costs. She shares her life with her fans through countless videos (always sporting some elaborate tinfoil accessory), and they love her for it. If she goes viral, maybe she can get out of her small casino town and the cramped apartment she shares with her brother and grandpa. But there's one thing Fit's fans don't know about her: when Fit was three-years-old, her mother, suffering from postpartum psychosis, tried to kill her.
Now Fit's mother, River, has been released from prison. Fit is outraged that River is moving in with the family, and it's not long before Fit's video followers realize something's up and uncover her tragic past. But Fit soon realizes that the only thing her audience loves more than tragedy is a heartwarming tale of a family reunion. Is faking a relationship with River the key to all Fit's dreams coming true?
Now Fit's mother, River, has been released from prison. Fit is outraged that River is moving in with the family, and it's not long before Fit's video followers realize something's up and uncover her tragic past. But Fit soon realizes that the only thing her audience loves more than tragedy is a heartwarming tale of a family reunion. Is faking a relationship with River the key to all Fit's dreams coming true?
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2019
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February 5, 2023
Fit is tearing me in two. Wounds from warring emotions: fury, disbelief and a deeply-buried desire to forgive, are palpable and painful. Part of me needs to give her a hug.
Vehement denial that horrific symptoms may manifest from a mental illness is easy to understand. Unless you’ve been through it or witnessed it, first-hand. With knowledge gleaned, I also easily imagine shaking this young lady by her shoulders.
All moms make mistakes. And, at first, it seems as if Fit and Frankie’s mother messed up big-time. Even if she was suffering from postpartum problems, solo.
Frankie’s willingness to forgive should surprise no one. Fit’s younger brother is clearly a sweet kid, and the talented artist has never been one to hold a grudge.
Dubs, the dad that witnessed his daughter’s downfall, then took in her two tiny children, well, he’s somewhere in the middle. He may not want to wholly wrap his mind around the intricacies of psychosis, but he may have to, if he wants to hold onto his belief that his beloved off-spring was honestly unable to control her actions, or even ask for assistance.
When the day arrives for mom to move into the already crowded apartment, Frankie and Dubs are annoyingly overjoyed. Grim determination keeps Fit from feeling anything, aside from a simmering anger and overall sense of betrayal. Besides, she’s got no time for this, she is about to be big.
An agent in New York City saw his niece sporting jewelry she’d crafted from tinfoil, entranced by one of Fit’s You-Tube videos. He decided then and there that Fitted Sheet would be his next client. And it is here that our Fit manages to take self-absorption to a whole new level.
Even for a seventeen-year-old with sparkly stars in her eyes, who has happily left logic at the door. And, ok, it is not her role to be skeptical of the money man the City, particularly since she’s seen him catapult a few of her favorite You-Tubers to fame; but, right now, this chick isn’t hearing anyone. And we don’t always know what is best at such a tender, impressionable, stubborn stage in life.
On the one hand, it may seem as if there’s nothing funny about psychiatric disorders. But, if we need to laugh at ourselves, then it would stand to reason that mental illness and humor are not mutually exclusive. Not an easy thought to convey. Ms. Jones broaches this brilliantly, in a Broad-City style that I found awesomely authentic. So happy that I’ll be able to share this with ‘my’ students before graduation!
This review was written by jv poore for Buried Under Books, with huge thanks to North Star Editions for the Advance Review Copy.
Vehement denial that horrific symptoms may manifest from a mental illness is easy to understand. Unless you’ve been through it or witnessed it, first-hand. With knowledge gleaned, I also easily imagine shaking this young lady by her shoulders.
All moms make mistakes. And, at first, it seems as if Fit and Frankie’s mother messed up big-time. Even if she was suffering from postpartum problems, solo.
Frankie’s willingness to forgive should surprise no one. Fit’s younger brother is clearly a sweet kid, and the talented artist has never been one to hold a grudge.
Dubs, the dad that witnessed his daughter’s downfall, then took in her two tiny children, well, he’s somewhere in the middle. He may not want to wholly wrap his mind around the intricacies of psychosis, but he may have to, if he wants to hold onto his belief that his beloved off-spring was honestly unable to control her actions, or even ask for assistance.
When the day arrives for mom to move into the already crowded apartment, Frankie and Dubs are annoyingly overjoyed. Grim determination keeps Fit from feeling anything, aside from a simmering anger and overall sense of betrayal. Besides, she’s got no time for this, she is about to be big.
An agent in New York City saw his niece sporting jewelry she’d crafted from tinfoil, entranced by one of Fit’s You-Tube videos. He decided then and there that Fitted Sheet would be his next client. And it is here that our Fit manages to take self-absorption to a whole new level.
Even for a seventeen-year-old with sparkly stars in her eyes, who has happily left logic at the door. And, ok, it is not her role to be skeptical of the money man the City, particularly since she’s seen him catapult a few of her favorite You-Tubers to fame; but, right now, this chick isn’t hearing anyone. And we don’t always know what is best at such a tender, impressionable, stubborn stage in life.
On the one hand, it may seem as if there’s nothing funny about psychiatric disorders. But, if we need to laugh at ourselves, then it would stand to reason that mental illness and humor are not mutually exclusive. Not an easy thought to convey. Ms. Jones broaches this brilliantly, in a Broad-City style that I found awesomely authentic. So happy that I’ll be able to share this with ‘my’ students before graduation!
This review was written by jv poore for Buried Under Books, with huge thanks to North Star Editions for the Advance Review Copy.
April 2, 2019
So I won a giveaway from North Star Editions and Flux Books - Tinfoil Crowns by Erin Jones was part of the package!
I had mixed feelings about the book. It is certainly important for ALL OF US to take a good, hard look at our social media usage and what it does to our relationships. And to us as people. I couldn't relate to Fit at all simply for the fact that if I behaved like she did at home, I wouldn't have lived to talk about it. I get that she had a very troubled start to life, but, she needed help going WAY back.
At home, Frankie, Fit, and River had a complicated relationship and it was interesting to watch them navigate. The other relationships between the friends seemed pretty normal, hanging out (and getting in trouble with) whoever was available, bad influence or not.
Back in high school I do remember doing a case study on the Andrea Yates case, and I just feel like with the proper help, Fit would have had a better chance. We were capable of understanding at her age, if not incredulous.
As an adult, it was interesting to see River's perspective as part of the story even though she didn't do a ton to forward the story along.
Anyway: I feel like this is REALLY swear and theme heavy for 14+. I would probably let an older teenager read it but would be prepared to discuss difficult themes like social media usage, respect, marijuana, and internet trolls.
I had mixed feelings about the book. It is certainly important for ALL OF US to take a good, hard look at our social media usage and what it does to our relationships. And to us as people. I couldn't relate to Fit at all simply for the fact that if I behaved like she did at home, I wouldn't have lived to talk about it. I get that she had a very troubled start to life, but, she needed help going WAY back.
At home, Frankie, Fit, and River had a complicated relationship and it was interesting to watch them navigate. The other relationships between the friends seemed pretty normal, hanging out (and getting in trouble with) whoever was available, bad influence or not.
Back in high school I do remember doing a case study on the Andrea Yates case, and I just feel like with the proper help, Fit would have had a better chance. We were capable of understanding at her age, if not incredulous.
As an adult, it was interesting to see River's perspective as part of the story even though she didn't do a ton to forward the story along.
Anyway: I feel like this is REALLY swear and theme heavy for 14+. I would probably let an older teenager read it but would be prepared to discuss difficult themes like social media usage, respect, marijuana, and internet trolls.
Read
January 20, 2019This was a really unexpected read that broke my heart a whole bunch. I'm a little tight on time right now so just gonna copy and paste my B&N Teen Blog blurb:
Some books wait until the end to punch you in the gut. This one starts with the pain, introducing readers to Fit (do not call her Jessica) and her brother, Frankie, who were almost killed during their mother’s bout with postpartum psychosis. While Frankie is too young to remember it, Fit isn’t, and when her mother, River, is released from prison and returns to their lives, she can neither forgive nor forget. Thankfully, she has a distraction in the form of her vlog following, especially when an agent contacts her and blows up her career. But her past and present collide when fans connect her to the notorious crime that took place over a decade ago, and it’s looking like the only way to use her fame in order to escape from her past is to reconcile with the mother she hoped never to face again. The unusual inclusion of an adult POV (River’s) adds a really special touch here, and I’ll also note that this is another rainbow read; Fit is explicitly attracted to girls and guys, especially her best friend, Diamond.
Some books wait until the end to punch you in the gut. This one starts with the pain, introducing readers to Fit (do not call her Jessica) and her brother, Frankie, who were almost killed during their mother’s bout with postpartum psychosis. While Frankie is too young to remember it, Fit isn’t, and when her mother, River, is released from prison and returns to their lives, she can neither forgive nor forget. Thankfully, she has a distraction in the form of her vlog following, especially when an agent contacts her and blows up her career. But her past and present collide when fans connect her to the notorious crime that took place over a decade ago, and it’s looking like the only way to use her fame in order to escape from her past is to reconcile with the mother she hoped never to face again. The unusual inclusion of an adult POV (River’s) adds a really special touch here, and I’ll also note that this is another rainbow read; Fit is explicitly attracted to girls and guys, especially her best friend, Diamond.
May 21, 2019
3.5 stars
What I like:
First things first. The book cover of this novel is so appealing for me. It’s simple and yet attractive in its own way. The plot is interesting and the writing style is good and easy to understand. My first impression of this book is that it will give me a feeling of “light reading” and I’m wrong because it’s the opposite. It is heavy and thrilling for me.
I’ve had a hate-hate relationship with the main character, Fit/Jessica. I consider this one of the things that I like about this book because it gives me that mixed “intense” feelings towards the overall plot. It has riled my emotion to the point where I need to stop reading it for a while. Well, I must say, this type of emotion is what I like to get from the book I am reading. I want it to give me a roller-coaster ride of emotions and this book totally delivers!
Moreover, I definitely love seeing River’s point of view although it wasn’t enough. I am glad to see her efforts to win her daughter back and sometimes I just want to hug her and Fit while reading this book. On the other hand, I don’t have a problem with Dubs, sweet Frankie, and Fit’s friends. They all seem pretty normal for me except for the gambling and usage of drugs.
Lastly, I like how Erin Jones manifests the amazing, scary, and cruel side of social media. Well, not in general, but it gives us a glimpse of what really is happening behind the scenes and that these famous people on the internet are also human and have their own troubles and issues. This book also shows that there is no perfect mother. They make mistakes too.
What I did not like:
I don’t like the usage of tantrums in this book. Fit is already a teenager and no longer a 4-year old child to throw tantrums every time there is a mention of her mom, River. It is so frustrating. I know and I understand where her pain is coming from but to address it as a ‘tantrum’ feels wrong for me. Correct me if I’m wrong here, but it feels really wrong for me.
I also did not like the part where all the people around Fit, her family and friends, acted like the tragedy which happened years ago is something that should be taken lightly and forgotten already. I feel bad for Fit.
Furthermore, as interesting as the plot is, I don’t find it exemplified well. There are parts in the book where I am left hanging and questioning certain circumstances. For the characters, River’s point of view isn’t enough for me to complete the overall ‘feel’ of the book. It feels like there is a missing piece that I cannot point out. On the other hand, I don’t think River is the only person here that needs medical help.
Lastly, I did not like or even expect that kind of ending because, to be honest, I did hope for more reconciliation between Fit and River.
Overall:
I’m torn if I should rate it 3 stars or 4 stars because this book is not for ‘light reading’. It also did not reach my policy for a 4-star rating. So to sum it up, I just rated it in between 3 and 4. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book.
---
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
FULL REVIEW on bookishkimberly.wordpress.com
What I like:
First things first. The book cover of this novel is so appealing for me. It’s simple and yet attractive in its own way. The plot is interesting and the writing style is good and easy to understand. My first impression of this book is that it will give me a feeling of “light reading” and I’m wrong because it’s the opposite. It is heavy and thrilling for me.
I’ve had a hate-hate relationship with the main character, Fit/Jessica. I consider this one of the things that I like about this book because it gives me that mixed “intense” feelings towards the overall plot. It has riled my emotion to the point where I need to stop reading it for a while. Well, I must say, this type of emotion is what I like to get from the book I am reading. I want it to give me a roller-coaster ride of emotions and this book totally delivers!
Moreover, I definitely love seeing River’s point of view although it wasn’t enough. I am glad to see her efforts to win her daughter back and sometimes I just want to hug her and Fit while reading this book. On the other hand, I don’t have a problem with Dubs, sweet Frankie, and Fit’s friends. They all seem pretty normal for me except for the gambling and usage of drugs.
Lastly, I like how Erin Jones manifests the amazing, scary, and cruel side of social media. Well, not in general, but it gives us a glimpse of what really is happening behind the scenes and that these famous people on the internet are also human and have their own troubles and issues. This book also shows that there is no perfect mother. They make mistakes too.
What I did not like:
I don’t like the usage of tantrums in this book. Fit is already a teenager and no longer a 4-year old child to throw tantrums every time there is a mention of her mom, River. It is so frustrating. I know and I understand where her pain is coming from but to address it as a ‘tantrum’ feels wrong for me. Correct me if I’m wrong here, but it feels really wrong for me.
I also did not like the part where all the people around Fit, her family and friends, acted like the tragedy which happened years ago is something that should be taken lightly and forgotten already. I feel bad for Fit.
Furthermore, as interesting as the plot is, I don’t find it exemplified well. There are parts in the book where I am left hanging and questioning certain circumstances. For the characters, River’s point of view isn’t enough for me to complete the overall ‘feel’ of the book. It feels like there is a missing piece that I cannot point out. On the other hand, I don’t think River is the only person here that needs medical help.
Lastly, I did not like or even expect that kind of ending because, to be honest, I did hope for more reconciliation between Fit and River.
Overall:
I’m torn if I should rate it 3 stars or 4 stars because this book is not for ‘light reading’. It also did not reach my policy for a 4-star rating. So to sum it up, I just rated it in between 3 and 4. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book.
---
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
FULL REVIEW on bookishkimberly.wordpress.com
January 12, 2019
Tinfoil Crowns is one of those rare and lovely books that is deeply concerned with young people and parts of youth culture, but manages to paint a nuanced and compassionate view of the very traits that are too often oversimplified or derided by others. The protagonist is a new Youtube star looking to make her breakout, while also dealing with a (I'm avoiding spoilers) deeply complicated relationship with her mother. The novel shows how the protagonist--Fit--has desire to be a Youtube star that comes from genuine hope to make it in a cut-throat industry that often exploits young people, but also from a desire to define a new identity for herself in the shadow of a tragic past. The result is a story that deals with some difficult subject matter and does not try to make its characters look pretty--the people in Fit's world are real people, often motivated by greed, many of them making dubious life choices--but nonetheless approaches them with humanity, empathy, and nuance.
The novel is also noteworthy for its sense of place and attention to physical detail. Writing that concerns itself with the Internet can often be "too much" in the heads of its protagonists, but Jones brings a beautiful eye for scenic detail to the story.
I'd give it a recommendation for anybody, but I think the book might be especially compelling for anyone who has looked at other folks' social media usage and shaken their head in confusion...and also for anyone who has been on the other side, and wondered at your own Instagram story or the like.
The novel is also noteworthy for its sense of place and attention to physical detail. Writing that concerns itself with the Internet can often be "too much" in the heads of its protagonists, but Jones brings a beautiful eye for scenic detail to the story.
I'd give it a recommendation for anybody, but I think the book might be especially compelling for anyone who has looked at other folks' social media usage and shaken their head in confusion...and also for anyone who has been on the other side, and wondered at your own Instagram story or the like.
April 27, 2019
I'm really split with how I feel about this book. I found the concept quite interesting, but I didn't think it was executed well. It was enjoyable at times, the writing style was good, and I thought the subject of YouTube popularity was handled well.
But the book's other story lines didn't click with me. At times, when there were no consequences for some of the decisions the characters made, the story got frustrating. And I found the ending unsatisfying, it left me with many questions, and there were some set ups that just didn't pay off in the end.
This book wasn't exactly for me. But I really liked the writing, and I liked some aspects of it, so I'm giving it three stars.
*Copy received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
*Rating: 3/5 stars
YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW ME ON: MY BLOG | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
But the book's other story lines didn't click with me. At times, when there were no consequences for some of the decisions the characters made, the story got frustrating. And I found the ending unsatisfying, it left me with many questions, and there were some set ups that just didn't pay off in the end.
This book wasn't exactly for me. But I really liked the writing, and I liked some aspects of it, so I'm giving it three stars.
*Copy received through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
*Rating: 3/5 stars
YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW ME ON: MY BLOG | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
May 18, 2019
3,5 stars.
I really liked the whole idea of the story overall, loved how it tackled YouTube celebrity, fame and the price of it all, family issues and so on. I just felt like something was missing, I didn't connect with the main character as much as I would have liked to.
Read my full review of Tinfoil Crowns on the blog.
Thank you to Flux Books & NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book. This did not, in any way, influenced my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bloglovin'
I really liked the whole idea of the story overall, loved how it tackled YouTube celebrity, fame and the price of it all, family issues and so on. I just felt like something was missing, I didn't connect with the main character as much as I would have liked to.
Read my full review of Tinfoil Crowns on the blog.
Thank you to Flux Books & NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book. This did not, in any way, influenced my thoughts and rating.
My Blog - Drizzle & Hurricane Books - Twitter - Bloglovin'
January 8, 2019
Tinfoil Crowns actually addresses a growing problem for an upcoming generation, internet stardom. In this story a girl is a YouTube star, and the hell with everything else. She's so concerned about her fans, these strangers and weirdos. But, actually living face to face matters much less. I disliked this book because of the values and lifestyle it promotes.
May 7, 2019
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Fit lives with her grandfather and her little brother, Frankie, and has a pretty successful YouTube channel. But she hides something from her fans, she never talks about the fact that her mother tried to kill her and her brother when Frankie was not even a year old. But now, after 14 years in prison, her mother is coming home and will live with the three of them. Fit is very angry and it doesn't help that her fans somehow found out. But what if pretending to reconcile with her mom was the key to true stardom?
I thought I was gonna love this. I always think I'm gonna love a book with a main queer character. But I hated Fit. She was a brat. There's no other words, she was incredibly selfish and threw tantrums all the time (she even says that she does...). I could not connect with her. I really hated her from start to finish. No one ever reprimanded her, she talked to everyone like she was better than them and she was so rude and disrespectful, especially to her grandfather. She made me so angry, so many times. She repeatedly screwed over her brother and never actually apologized for treating him like crap. She was also often immature and manipulative and selfish too.
Anyway, maybe other readers will connect with her but I couldn't and it kept me from caring about any of it... There were some chapter from her mom's point of view though and I kinda liked those...
Fit lives with her grandfather and her little brother, Frankie, and has a pretty successful YouTube channel. But she hides something from her fans, she never talks about the fact that her mother tried to kill her and her brother when Frankie was not even a year old. But now, after 14 years in prison, her mother is coming home and will live with the three of them. Fit is very angry and it doesn't help that her fans somehow found out. But what if pretending to reconcile with her mom was the key to true stardom?
I thought I was gonna love this. I always think I'm gonna love a book with a main queer character. But I hated Fit. She was a brat. There's no other words, she was incredibly selfish and threw tantrums all the time (she even says that she does...). I could not connect with her. I really hated her from start to finish. No one ever reprimanded her, she talked to everyone like she was better than them and she was so rude and disrespectful, especially to her grandfather. She made me so angry, so many times. She repeatedly screwed over her brother and never actually apologized for treating him like crap. She was also often immature and manipulative and selfish too.
Anyway, maybe other readers will connect with her but I couldn't and it kept me from caring about any of it... There were some chapter from her mom's point of view though and I kinda liked those...
May 3, 2019
Oh man! This book is intense! With social media being such a huge, huge part of many people's lives, Tinfoil Crowns shows one teens rise to social media "stardom" and portrays the very real ways social media is like an addiction. There is also focus on mental illness, specifically postpartum psychosis, and in a more general way, psychological/personality disorders that can arise from childhood trauma. I'm not sure if the author intended to show this, but I felt it was done very subtly and very well. The only thing stopping this book from being 5 stars is I wish there was more. River played a huge role, and I felt like her character should have been explored a bit more. Overall, this debut is fantastic, and I think it portrays a fairly accurate way of life for may teens and young adults. The lifestyles and language may seem like a bit much to some, but honestly even in my teen years I knew people who spoke that way and partied and did all that, so I imagine kids nowadays are even more exposed to "mature" things. Social media is here and not going anywhere anytime soon. I think this is good for anyone to read and see not only how social media can be such a huge influence in mental health and life, but how it affects even those who don't understand it.
This review is more of a random rant, because I'm not sure how to put into words how much I enjoyed this book. Definitely recommend it!
This review is more of a random rant, because I'm not sure how to put into words how much I enjoyed this book. Definitely recommend it!
May 7, 2019
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review
This was a fun book to read but it was nothing special in my opinion. I liked the plot but the ending made so confused. What annoyed me most was Fit, I understand why she acted that way about River, but this felt really extra. Especially since she eventually got away with everything. What I didn't understand was why she acted so ungrateful. Maybe this was the way she deals with life, but honestly, her grandpa tried so hard and still she acted this way. That's why I hoped to see some character development and I think there was some but not nearly enough.
This was a fun book to read but it was nothing special in my opinion. I liked the plot but the ending made so confused. What annoyed me most was Fit, I understand why she acted that way about River, but this felt really extra. Especially since she eventually got away with everything. What I didn't understand was why she acted so ungrateful. Maybe this was the way she deals with life, but honestly, her grandpa tried so hard and still she acted this way. That's why I hoped to see some character development and I think there was some but not nearly enough.
June 25, 2019
I was sent an eARC of this book from Netgalley in an exchange for an honest review.
Fit is definitely one of the most interesting protagonists I've read lately.
Although I don't have any personal experience with being a YouTuber I don't know how accurately Fits journey was portrayed but I definitely related to many of her own personal struggles of being on the internet and how some posts can be used to judge people.
The main character Fit isnt straight and this is mentioned throughout the story and although it is partly a coming out story she doesn't use a label on herself which I found quite refreshing. There is also a character who uses they/them pronouns and at no point in the story is this questioned and they are never misgendered.
One thing that did kind of disappoint me was the ending, it felt quite rushed and there didn't seem to be any answers given. I don't mind when endings are open to interpretation but this just didn't leave me satisfied at all.
Fit is definitely one of the most interesting protagonists I've read lately.
Although I don't have any personal experience with being a YouTuber I don't know how accurately Fits journey was portrayed but I definitely related to many of her own personal struggles of being on the internet and how some posts can be used to judge people.
The main character Fit isnt straight and this is mentioned throughout the story and although it is partly a coming out story she doesn't use a label on herself which I found quite refreshing. There is also a character who uses they/them pronouns and at no point in the story is this questioned and they are never misgendered.
One thing that did kind of disappoint me was the ending, it felt quite rushed and there didn't seem to be any answers given. I don't mind when endings are open to interpretation but this just didn't leave me satisfied at all.
May 7, 2019
As much as it pains me, I am no longer the targeted audience for YA novels. Although, age will not stop me from YA fantasy. I will read those cheesy, magical novels until I am dead in the ground. Yes, I am a real visionary. That being said, I didn’t think this book was the worst. If I had been younger, I might have actually really enjoyed this novel. So I am giving the story a 3.5 star rating. Rounding down to 3 because it really did not resonate with me. But rounding up to 4 stars for my YA adult readers.
So here is the deal, Fit is a seventeen year old hellion. She behaves like a child, but does grown-up things. Basically, we have our average teenager. But Fit has a more complicated history. As a child, she was almost the victim of her mother’s postpartum psychosis. Flash forward almost fifteen years later and River is getting released from jail. Upon River’s homecoming, Fit takes the new living situation understandably poor. All the while, she is dealing with trying to become Internet Famous and is just on the brink. But the lengths she goes to get famous might be a bit drastic and could hurt some people along the way. Does fame taste as sweet when you are stepping on those who care about you to gain it? You’ll have to read to find out.
So we have some issues. Fit is a YouTube sensation of sorts. Oddly enough, she gained fame by rapping about old TV shows like Beverly Hills 90210. Which was a bit strange considering the generation of YouTube viewers that would be fans of Fit probably aren’t really watching that show. Even worse, they likely don’t even know what that show is it premiered in 1990 for heavens sake. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure some kids know about this show. But when Fit mentions fans, they are even younger than her (specifically 14 was mentioned). So I am not quite buying this authors insight into the current generation. Furthermore, Fitted Sheets?! I can’t think of a dumber nickname.
Another issue is that I really did not like Fit. It is tough to enjoy a story where you simply cannot get on board with the main character or their progression. Fit wanted to do adult things like get drink and high, but she still wanted to throw temper tantrums. Furthermore, her temper tantrums deliberately hurt others. Worst yet, she even thinks about who she is hurting before doing it. But thinks her suffering matters more. Mostly, I wanted to wring her neck pretty much the entire story. There were very few, if any, redeeming qualities about Fit. So there is that.
Overall, I couldn’t really connect with our character. She was a little dick. Her obsession with social media was intense. And she treated her grandfather terribly. But I think her story is relatable to the young generation. While I was certainly not the proper audience, I think the right one could find value in this story.
Thank you NetGalley and Flux for the read!
So here is the deal, Fit is a seventeen year old hellion. She behaves like a child, but does grown-up things. Basically, we have our average teenager. But Fit has a more complicated history. As a child, she was almost the victim of her mother’s postpartum psychosis. Flash forward almost fifteen years later and River is getting released from jail. Upon River’s homecoming, Fit takes the new living situation understandably poor. All the while, she is dealing with trying to become Internet Famous and is just on the brink. But the lengths she goes to get famous might be a bit drastic and could hurt some people along the way. Does fame taste as sweet when you are stepping on those who care about you to gain it? You’ll have to read to find out.
So we have some issues. Fit is a YouTube sensation of sorts. Oddly enough, she gained fame by rapping about old TV shows like Beverly Hills 90210. Which was a bit strange considering the generation of YouTube viewers that would be fans of Fit probably aren’t really watching that show. Even worse, they likely don’t even know what that show is it premiered in 1990 for heavens sake. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure some kids know about this show. But when Fit mentions fans, they are even younger than her (specifically 14 was mentioned). So I am not quite buying this authors insight into the current generation. Furthermore, Fitted Sheets?! I can’t think of a dumber nickname.
Another issue is that I really did not like Fit. It is tough to enjoy a story where you simply cannot get on board with the main character or their progression. Fit wanted to do adult things like get drink and high, but she still wanted to throw temper tantrums. Furthermore, her temper tantrums deliberately hurt others. Worst yet, she even thinks about who she is hurting before doing it. But thinks her suffering matters more. Mostly, I wanted to wring her neck pretty much the entire story. There were very few, if any, redeeming qualities about Fit. So there is that.
Overall, I couldn’t really connect with our character. She was a little dick. Her obsession with social media was intense. And she treated her grandfather terribly. But I think her story is relatable to the young generation. While I was certainly not the proper audience, I think the right one could find value in this story.
Thank you NetGalley and Flux for the read!
December 17, 2018
(ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.)
Fit is a rising star on Youtube. She shares her life and her hilarious antics with her online friends. She's good at it and it helps fill the void of loneliness she can't seem to shake. It's her ticked out of her small town, her dead end job, and the tiny apartment she shares with Dubs and her brother.
But she doesn't share everything with her fans. Like how her mom tried to kill her and her little brother when she was three. Postpartum psychosis, they called it, but Fit doesn't care what they call it. All she cares about is the fact that her mother is being released from prison... and coming to stay with her, Frankie, and Dubs. It's not long until her fans find out, and Fit knows what brings the views. Will a reunion with her mother get her where she needs to be? Is she willing to find out?
At first, I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. The premise sounded so interesting, but when I started reading, I was just *so mad* at her family! Her brother wanted his mother back, and acted like nothing devastating ever happened. She was scared, and her grandfather was just welcoming his daughter back with open arms. What about poor Fit?! Talk about traumatic!
As I read, though, I got sucked into Fit's world, and as annoying as she could be, I could see *why*. I loved the side bits where we got to see things from River's point of view... I think, had those not been included, I would have been way less into the mother-daughter relationship. Before too long, I had warmed to River, and even wanted Fit to stop being such a jerk to her, so that speaks to the author's ability to sway my stance.
I feel like there's not really much I can say without giving away things that are way too good to read about in the moment, so all I'll say is that this book really surprised me with how much I ended up invested in the characters, and their storylines.
This book is well worth reading, although I wished the ending was a little different... but only because I didn't want the book to end!
Fit is a rising star on Youtube. She shares her life and her hilarious antics with her online friends. She's good at it and it helps fill the void of loneliness she can't seem to shake. It's her ticked out of her small town, her dead end job, and the tiny apartment she shares with Dubs and her brother.
But she doesn't share everything with her fans. Like how her mom tried to kill her and her little brother when she was three. Postpartum psychosis, they called it, but Fit doesn't care what they call it. All she cares about is the fact that her mother is being released from prison... and coming to stay with her, Frankie, and Dubs. It's not long until her fans find out, and Fit knows what brings the views. Will a reunion with her mother get her where she needs to be? Is she willing to find out?
At first, I wasn't sure I was going to like this book. The premise sounded so interesting, but when I started reading, I was just *so mad* at her family! Her brother wanted his mother back, and acted like nothing devastating ever happened. She was scared, and her grandfather was just welcoming his daughter back with open arms. What about poor Fit?! Talk about traumatic!
As I read, though, I got sucked into Fit's world, and as annoying as she could be, I could see *why*. I loved the side bits where we got to see things from River's point of view... I think, had those not been included, I would have been way less into the mother-daughter relationship. Before too long, I had warmed to River, and even wanted Fit to stop being such a jerk to her, so that speaks to the author's ability to sway my stance.
I feel like there's not really much I can say without giving away things that are way too good to read about in the moment, so all I'll say is that this book really surprised me with how much I ended up invested in the characters, and their storylines.
This book is well worth reading, although I wished the ending was a little different... but only because I didn't want the book to end!
July 24, 2019
I really, really wanted to like this but the main character made it super difficult. For me, the main character is such an important person that if I'm meant to dislike them, I still might like them but if the character's personality is pathetic, I will not like them at all. The premise of this book was interesting with the whole YouTube celebrity taking the limelight and dealing with issues in her life like the mother that just returned after a prison sentence. I appreciated the dual point of view because the mother needed her own voice to be narrated so that was a good take. However, Fit (the daughter and Internet celebrity) annoyed and irritated me to extremes at some points and I felt like she acted too stereotypically when it comes to famous young people. The duality that I previously mentioned is a strong aspect of the book because if there's something you would feel for sure is the thin thread tying the mother and daughter while also keeping them separated as individuals. Then there was the ending that didn't outright disappoint me but picked up the gear of the story suddenly and crashed. Anyway, overall, the book was good but didn't meet my expectations.
I received a digital copy of this via Netgalley but that, in no way, influences my review or rating. Thank you, Erin Jones and Flux!
June 19, 2020
You can find this review and all of my others over at www.readbookrepeat.wordpress.com
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, North Star Editions, and the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Fit is determined to become famous. She's already got a steady slew of followers on YouTube, but she wants more. She wants to be able to get out of the small town she lives in with her Grandfather and her brother. She simply wants more. She shares videos about her life and makes up clever raps parodying songs and videos, always sporting some accessory made out of tinfoil. The one thing she hasn't shared with her fans is that at the age of 3 years old, her mother attempted to kill her and her baby brother, and subsequently when to prison for it. She may not be able to keep a secret much longer though, as River, Fit's mother, is out of prison and heading to live with them in their cramped apartment. When Fit realises that she won't be able to hide what happened forever, she attempts to fake at mending the relationship between her and her mother in an attempt to boost her popularity, but is it enough?
I was pretty excited to read this title. The blurb just really sounded fantastic and I thought that this would be an amazing story that really showed growth and went into the depths of what I assumed was post-natal depression, and the toll that it takes not only on the children, but on the mother and the relationships in her life. I was sorely disappointed though.
Don't get me wrong, the book kept me going because I just NEEDED to know what happened next, but by the time I got to the end, I couldn't help but think...that was it? That was the story? I honestly felt like nothing really HAPPENED. We saw the struggle of Fit coming to terms with the fact that her Grandfather didn't hate her mother after what she did, as well as having to come to terms with the fact that her mother was coming to live with them. I couldn't help but feel annoyed by the fact that Frankie (Fit's younger brother) and her Grandfather were actually ANGRY at Fit for being pissed that her mother was coming to stay. I'm sorry, but if you were almost murdered at the hand of your mother, why should you be okay with it? And they didn't try and help Fit in anyway, clearly, with her tantrum throwing and swearing and yelling and smashing, she had some severely deep seated issues that were centered around the event that happened to her at three years of age, but no one thought that maybe she should seek professional help? No one tried to address that she hadn't dealt with anything? AND NOTHING ENDED UP BEING DONE ABOUT THIS!
Then!! We have River! So this was a beautiful opportunity for post natal psychosis and depression to be explored, we got a little bit of an insight into what happened that day and what was going through River's head leading up to it, but I just felt like it wasn't explored. Yes, Fit did a little bit of research but I just felt like it was a huge missed opportunity here. There was no revelation of Fit coming to terms with what happened, there was no revelation of Fit understanding exactly what had happened to River to make her do what she did. It was like nothing happened. Fit was angry, then was using River, then went back to the same old thing.
The story was intriguing because it captured the dependence of people on social media platforms and the obsession that can come of following your favourites on their socials, but it just felt so flat to me. As I said above, there just honestly did not feel like there was a reason behind the book? There was no growth in any of the characters that I could see, it's like the loop just started again once we got to the end. This is one of only a small amount of books that I've read that I got to the end and just didn't see the point in having read it at all. I feel like if the deeper issues were explored, and maybe Fit went got some mental health counselling and maybe if River actually spoke about what happened to her, it would have been so much better than what it was, I'm not saying it was outright terrible, just for me, I feel like I could have done without reading it. I just really wish that deeper things were explored here. The only reason I'm giving it a 2 star rating is because it did keep me engaged, up until that last page when I realise that NOTHING HAPPENED!!
The characters themselves were annoying, and while I know that this is a young adult title, and the characters are teenagers, they were just infuriating. Fit is the most unlikable character I think I've come across. She's whiney, bratty and has such deep seated problems that she never gets help for, her friends all indulge her, and the only good character was her Grandfather, and I feel like at times I wanted to throttle him as well. There is a gender fluid character in this story for about a chapter or two, and our protagonist is actually at least bi-sexual herself, but once again, something happens and then it's just left hanging and as though nothing happened at all. All of these amazing things that could have been explored and light could have been shed on them and they were just left to flap about in the wind like forgotten Christmas decorations.
All in all, it was a great idea but I feel like it's execution let it down big time. An opportunity to really delve into deeper subjects was not taken and I feel that it would have made all the difference in the story as a whole
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, North Star Editions, and the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Fit is determined to become famous. She's already got a steady slew of followers on YouTube, but she wants more. She wants to be able to get out of the small town she lives in with her Grandfather and her brother. She simply wants more. She shares videos about her life and makes up clever raps parodying songs and videos, always sporting some accessory made out of tinfoil. The one thing she hasn't shared with her fans is that at the age of 3 years old, her mother attempted to kill her and her baby brother, and subsequently when to prison for it. She may not be able to keep a secret much longer though, as River, Fit's mother, is out of prison and heading to live with them in their cramped apartment. When Fit realises that she won't be able to hide what happened forever, she attempts to fake at mending the relationship between her and her mother in an attempt to boost her popularity, but is it enough?
I was pretty excited to read this title. The blurb just really sounded fantastic and I thought that this would be an amazing story that really showed growth and went into the depths of what I assumed was post-natal depression, and the toll that it takes not only on the children, but on the mother and the relationships in her life. I was sorely disappointed though.
Don't get me wrong, the book kept me going because I just NEEDED to know what happened next, but by the time I got to the end, I couldn't help but think...that was it? That was the story? I honestly felt like nothing really HAPPENED. We saw the struggle of Fit coming to terms with the fact that her Grandfather didn't hate her mother after what she did, as well as having to come to terms with the fact that her mother was coming to live with them. I couldn't help but feel annoyed by the fact that Frankie (Fit's younger brother) and her Grandfather were actually ANGRY at Fit for being pissed that her mother was coming to stay. I'm sorry, but if you were almost murdered at the hand of your mother, why should you be okay with it? And they didn't try and help Fit in anyway, clearly, with her tantrum throwing and swearing and yelling and smashing, she had some severely deep seated issues that were centered around the event that happened to her at three years of age, but no one thought that maybe she should seek professional help? No one tried to address that she hadn't dealt with anything? AND NOTHING ENDED UP BEING DONE ABOUT THIS!
Then!! We have River! So this was a beautiful opportunity for post natal psychosis and depression to be explored, we got a little bit of an insight into what happened that day and what was going through River's head leading up to it, but I just felt like it wasn't explored. Yes, Fit did a little bit of research but I just felt like it was a huge missed opportunity here. There was no revelation of Fit coming to terms with what happened, there was no revelation of Fit understanding exactly what had happened to River to make her do what she did. It was like nothing happened. Fit was angry, then was using River, then went back to the same old thing.
The story was intriguing because it captured the dependence of people on social media platforms and the obsession that can come of following your favourites on their socials, but it just felt so flat to me. As I said above, there just honestly did not feel like there was a reason behind the book? There was no growth in any of the characters that I could see, it's like the loop just started again once we got to the end. This is one of only a small amount of books that I've read that I got to the end and just didn't see the point in having read it at all. I feel like if the deeper issues were explored, and maybe Fit went got some mental health counselling and maybe if River actually spoke about what happened to her, it would have been so much better than what it was, I'm not saying it was outright terrible, just for me, I feel like I could have done without reading it. I just really wish that deeper things were explored here. The only reason I'm giving it a 2 star rating is because it did keep me engaged, up until that last page when I realise that NOTHING HAPPENED!!
The characters themselves were annoying, and while I know that this is a young adult title, and the characters are teenagers, they were just infuriating. Fit is the most unlikable character I think I've come across. She's whiney, bratty and has such deep seated problems that she never gets help for, her friends all indulge her, and the only good character was her Grandfather, and I feel like at times I wanted to throttle him as well. There is a gender fluid character in this story for about a chapter or two, and our protagonist is actually at least bi-sexual herself, but once again, something happens and then it's just left hanging and as though nothing happened at all. All of these amazing things that could have been explored and light could have been shed on them and they were just left to flap about in the wind like forgotten Christmas decorations.
All in all, it was a great idea but I feel like it's execution let it down big time. An opportunity to really delve into deeper subjects was not taken and I feel that it would have made all the difference in the story as a whole
March 6, 2019
Where do I even start when reviewing this amazing book? In a fairly short volume, this novel addresses so many hardships of being a young adult today, and introduces a wonderful cast of characters that will stay with readers after the final page is turned.
Jessica, or ‘Fit’ as she prefers to be called, is a rising star on YouTube. She’s also the girl whose mother tried to kill her while in the throes of postpartum psychosis. As Fit’s stardom begins to reach new heights, her mother is released from prison and returns to live with the family. Fit hates her mother for what she did, but she also sees the potential to use her family’s tragic past to intrigue her fans. She has to decide whether to pursue the fame she’s always longed for at the expense of her family.
I really loved reading this book. Fit is a pain in the arse but she is so likeable and endearing. River’s journey is heartbreaking and Erin Jones paints a tender picture of her reintegration with her family. Frankie is fantastic and a good counterpart to Fit - his transformation from loyal sidekick to independent young man is a really interesting part of the book. I think the depiction of Fit’s desire for fame, and the ways it led her astray, are really important and relevant for young people (and adults!) today.
Things I loved:
- Fit’s bratty kookishness juxtaposed with her doing really random unselfconscious things (like wearing tinfoil accessories)
- The brutal and heartfelt way that postpartum psychosis is depicted. We learn more alongside Fit and I feel it is dealt with in an honest and understanding way,
- The diverse cast of characters - specific labels are never really mentioned, which I think is pretty cool, but we see LGBTQIA depiction and at least one non-binary person, in addition to a range of ethnicities. It doesn’t seem like tokenism at all, but rather an accurate representation of a group of American teens.
- The incremental ways that Fit loses her way in her pursuit of fame. I won’t say too much, as this is a spoiler-free review, but it’s realistic, believable, and worrying.
- River, in general. I really enjoyed the chapters about her and her slow return to the world outside prison. I thought she was incredibly brave to keep trying with her family and a really compassionate and caring person.
- That the book didn’t wrap up nice and neatly; it left open questions (for a sequel perhaps?!) and interpretation up to the reader.
Things I didn’t love (really nitpicking here!)
- The lack of background on River and Seth’s family dynamic. I didn’t understand why Fit and Frankie’s dad would be willing to all but disappear, especially after they’d been through something so harrowing.
- Fit’s friends: I liked Pistols, but found Diamond whingey and irritating, and Riley just seemed pointless. Though I did like that he painted his house Day-Glo.
Jessica, or ‘Fit’ as she prefers to be called, is a rising star on YouTube. She’s also the girl whose mother tried to kill her while in the throes of postpartum psychosis. As Fit’s stardom begins to reach new heights, her mother is released from prison and returns to live with the family. Fit hates her mother for what she did, but she also sees the potential to use her family’s tragic past to intrigue her fans. She has to decide whether to pursue the fame she’s always longed for at the expense of her family.
I really loved reading this book. Fit is a pain in the arse but she is so likeable and endearing. River’s journey is heartbreaking and Erin Jones paints a tender picture of her reintegration with her family. Frankie is fantastic and a good counterpart to Fit - his transformation from loyal sidekick to independent young man is a really interesting part of the book. I think the depiction of Fit’s desire for fame, and the ways it led her astray, are really important and relevant for young people (and adults!) today.
Things I loved:
- Fit’s bratty kookishness juxtaposed with her doing really random unselfconscious things (like wearing tinfoil accessories)
- The brutal and heartfelt way that postpartum psychosis is depicted. We learn more alongside Fit and I feel it is dealt with in an honest and understanding way,
- The diverse cast of characters - specific labels are never really mentioned, which I think is pretty cool, but we see LGBTQIA depiction and at least one non-binary person, in addition to a range of ethnicities. It doesn’t seem like tokenism at all, but rather an accurate representation of a group of American teens.
- The incremental ways that Fit loses her way in her pursuit of fame. I won’t say too much, as this is a spoiler-free review, but it’s realistic, believable, and worrying.
- River, in general. I really enjoyed the chapters about her and her slow return to the world outside prison. I thought she was incredibly brave to keep trying with her family and a really compassionate and caring person.
- That the book didn’t wrap up nice and neatly; it left open questions (for a sequel perhaps?!) and interpretation up to the reader.
Things I didn’t love (really nitpicking here!)
- The lack of background on River and Seth’s family dynamic. I didn’t understand why Fit and Frankie’s dad would be willing to all but disappear, especially after they’d been through something so harrowing.
- Fit’s friends: I liked Pistols, but found Diamond whingey and irritating, and Riley just seemed pointless. Though I did like that he painted his house Day-Glo.
May 7, 2019
Warnings: mention of child endangerment
Rep: mental health rep, bisexual protagonist, secondary queer and POC characters
A story focused on family and internet fame, Tinfoil Crowns is told from the dual perspective of Fit and her mother, River. Fit has a sizeable following on her YouTube channel and has dreams of getting out of her small town. She lives with her younger brother and her grandfather, both of whom she is used to bossing around with her tantrums. When her mother comes to live with them after her sentence has been over, Fit takes her presence and her family's acceptance of her mother to be a sort of betrayal. Initially she is openly hostile to River, but when Fit's new opportunity to be an even bigger YouTube star coincides with her mother's presence in her life, she jumps to utilize the emotional value of such a situation. Along the way, though, she starts to get used to her mother, and begins to understand her past.
Fit is the bigger personality in this story, as it is more from her perspective, and for the first third of the book, her personality is basically 'be a brat'. She harbors a lot of resentment towards her mother (understandable) and lashes out in any way she can (particularly with her grandfather, which is shitty), and being contrary is second nature to her. River, meanwhile, is starting to adjust back to regular life, and has a new job, and she is proud of how her children have grown up, particularly Fit, but she still feels regret and guilt over it. She is hopeful of making amends with her daughter, and that is what Fit seizes on to manipulate her. Fit gets lost in the fame of it, in the possibilities that this new opportunity might bring her, and she doesn't see that bringing the incident back into the light might be hurtful. There is a simultaneous tugging you feel between these characters, each with their own burdens and issues, and that, I feel was well done in the book. That and Fit's well-fleshed out interactions with some characters were the highlight of the book.
However, the ending was a bit rushed and abrupt for my tastes. That, combined with a slow start, had me disengaged from the book plenty of times. There weren't proper resolutions for some things, if we consider this to be a standalone. Overall, it is a good emotional read, but plot-wise it felt lacking.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Flux, via Netgalley.
Rep: mental health rep, bisexual protagonist, secondary queer and POC characters
A story focused on family and internet fame, Tinfoil Crowns is told from the dual perspective of Fit and her mother, River. Fit has a sizeable following on her YouTube channel and has dreams of getting out of her small town. She lives with her younger brother and her grandfather, both of whom she is used to bossing around with her tantrums. When her mother comes to live with them after her sentence has been over, Fit takes her presence and her family's acceptance of her mother to be a sort of betrayal. Initially she is openly hostile to River, but when Fit's new opportunity to be an even bigger YouTube star coincides with her mother's presence in her life, she jumps to utilize the emotional value of such a situation. Along the way, though, she starts to get used to her mother, and begins to understand her past.
Fit is the bigger personality in this story, as it is more from her perspective, and for the first third of the book, her personality is basically 'be a brat'. She harbors a lot of resentment towards her mother (understandable) and lashes out in any way she can (particularly with her grandfather, which is shitty), and being contrary is second nature to her. River, meanwhile, is starting to adjust back to regular life, and has a new job, and she is proud of how her children have grown up, particularly Fit, but she still feels regret and guilt over it. She is hopeful of making amends with her daughter, and that is what Fit seizes on to manipulate her. Fit gets lost in the fame of it, in the possibilities that this new opportunity might bring her, and she doesn't see that bringing the incident back into the light might be hurtful. There is a simultaneous tugging you feel between these characters, each with their own burdens and issues, and that, I feel was well done in the book. That and Fit's well-fleshed out interactions with some characters were the highlight of the book.
However, the ending was a bit rushed and abrupt for my tastes. That, combined with a slow start, had me disengaged from the book plenty of times. There weren't proper resolutions for some things, if we consider this to be a standalone. Overall, it is a good emotional read, but plot-wise it felt lacking.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Flux, via Netgalley.
September 29, 2023
This book gave me a lot to unpack and none of it was good. Fit is a teen youtuber who as a child was almost killed by her mother, but now that her mother's sentence is over, her mother is moving back in with her. (Grandpa said "not my daughter") It's here that I got invested into the plot, thinking that with such a great topic, it would be written incredibly well. It wasn't. Everyone and their grandma (Literally not even joking) forgives the bitch like immediately AND GUILT TRIPS THE GIRL FOR NOT FORGIVING THE WOMAN WHO TRIED TO KILL HER. So Fit (wanting to be youtube famous) decides that their is of course no other way to fame except for pretending she has forgiven her. Okay cool, maybe fit's being a tad manipulative, BUT LIKE I THINK YOU GET A LITTLE BIT OF A PASS WHEN THEY LITEARLY TRIED TO MURDER YOU. Okay so we move on, It's cool wtv, but after being ostracized by her best friend because homophobia :(, she makes out with a goth bf (The next best thing) BUT GOTH BF BETRAYS HER AND POSTS A VIDEO OF FIT SAYING SHE ACTUALLY DOESNT LIKE HER MOM WHICH IS VALID??? BUT ALL HER FANS CUSS HER OUT AND HER BROTHER CALLS HER A BIT** AND HER MOM GETS MAD AT HER AND SAYS SHE FEELS BETRAYED. ITS ALL SO BADLY WRITTEN AND THE ONLY REASON I HAD TO FINISH IT IS BECAUSE I HELD ONTO THE HOPE THAT FIT WOULD GO GIRLBOSS ON THOSE AWFUL PEOPLE BUT NO. And don't even get me started on the youtube side of things. The author had more knowledge on how PRISON WORKS than social media, like do you have something that you want to share with the class? On one of the pages Fit wrote "#awesome" and that honestly hurt, like physically. AND IF THERE IS ONE THING I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS BOOK, IT IS NOT "#AWESOME" anywho the book was relatively well written when it comes down to just the authors writing capabilities, I found myself invested in the book, just like in a train wreck kind of way, and if the author didn't have the morals of a 1990's bible camp leader than I would have loved this book.
Edit: After calming down I may have been too harsh so I added a star since I realized that some books can be worse :I
Edit: After calming down I may have been too harsh so I added a star since I realized that some books can be worse :I
May 4, 2019
As usual with books such as this, I need to state upfront that the amount of swearing usually tempers my enjoyment of reading a book and Fit cannot really communicate without it. This is the story of Fit who is an up and coming youtube star who documents every aspect of her life. There is troubled history with her mother and that is a large focus of the story.
The mother-daughter relation, her ties with her brother, grandfather, best friend are all interesting and could have been explored in greater depth than they were. We are talking of a young girl, still in high school becoming dependent on her online persona and the emotional bond that one has with each like and comment (most who read this would easily sympathize if not empathize). This is a heavily nuanced situation, as are the relationships I mentioned earlier. The ending seemed abrupt given how much we invest in hoping that Fit figures out the errors of her ways. Despite the lack of complete satisfaction on my part, I think it is a good book. It is worth reading for the subject matter and for the fast-paced narration.
I received a review copy from the publishers and NetGalley and it did not influence my review, which is based entirely on my own reading experience.
The mother-daughter relation, her ties with her brother, grandfather, best friend are all interesting and could have been explored in greater depth than they were. We are talking of a young girl, still in high school becoming dependent on her online persona and the emotional bond that one has with each like and comment (most who read this would easily sympathize if not empathize). This is a heavily nuanced situation, as are the relationships I mentioned earlier. The ending seemed abrupt given how much we invest in hoping that Fit figures out the errors of her ways. Despite the lack of complete satisfaction on my part, I think it is a good book. It is worth reading for the subject matter and for the fast-paced narration.
I received a review copy from the publishers and NetGalley and it did not influence my review, which is based entirely on my own reading experience.
August 20, 2025
What I like about this book was that it was fast paced and I'd be laying down on my couch for hours at a time while reading this 😭. The author did a good job of making characters that felt real and were likeable.
However I feel like there were things that didn't feel quite right or resolved:
• I wish there was a moment where Fit and River just idk, really got the chance have a talk about what River did with the car that made Fit hate her so much. I wish there was a moment of acknowledgement and there wasn't one.
• I get the Fit is like queer and that whole thing that happened with Diamond and even Comet but I feel like nothing really came out of it?
• I can't tell in the end if River decided to stay or stick with her plan of moving out...?
• I kinda wanted to see more about what kind of character Pistols was but he was barely explored.
• The ending as a whole felt incomplete. Like what do you mean the ending is her make a post in a tinfoil robe and holding a tinfoil staff saying "miss me?" that's it? THAT'S IT???
So yeah. This book was interesting enough for me to go through the entire thing, so I'll give the author that. But it feels like something is missing here
However I feel like there were things that didn't feel quite right or resolved:
• I wish there was a moment where Fit and River just idk, really got the chance have a talk about what River did with the car that made Fit hate her so much. I wish there was a moment of acknowledgement and there wasn't one.
• I get the Fit is like queer and that whole thing that happened with Diamond and even Comet but I feel like nothing really came out of it?
• I can't tell in the end if River decided to stay or stick with her plan of moving out...?
• I kinda wanted to see more about what kind of character Pistols was but he was barely explored.
• The ending as a whole felt incomplete. Like what do you mean the ending is her make a post in a tinfoil robe and holding a tinfoil staff saying "miss me?" that's it? THAT'S IT???
So yeah. This book was interesting enough for me to go through the entire thing, so I'll give the author that. But it feels like something is missing here
March 19, 2019
I think Youtube and the idea of social media and influencers are interesting and timely topics that will appeal to teen readers, and the fraught relationship between Fit and her mother was an interesting hook. Having adult narration in a YA book is also different enough to catch my attention. This, however, might have backfired, as I found myself sympathizing with River far more than with Fit. Fit's anger toward River, her discomfort and standoffishness at having her in the house, and even her rudeness were absolutely justifiable and understandable. But I found her irritating and unsympathetic even in other aspects of the story, and wondered more than once what exactly would make her an interesting vlogger - her style seemed somewhat low-budget, silly, and gimmicky, which don't as easily find a niche in today's Youtube landscape. I also found the ending too abrupt and without full growth or clarity. I would have appreciated more of a discussion about the balance between building your entire life around vlogging/social media and eschewing it entirely, and a better wrapup of the relationships between Fit and River, Fit and Diamond, and poor sidelined Pistols.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2019
In this generation driven by the online world, we often find ourselves doing tasks to please people we've never met, never known. We all feel the pressure to appear perfect on screen. Tinfoil Crowns is a young adult contemporary novel that tries to deal with this theme.
First, the characters are so well written! I loved how deep they were, and how their emotions were portrayed. Fit was an angsty teenager with a popular YouTube channel, driven by passion and anger, and a will to forget her past. She is confused, too blinded by beautiful lies. She wants fame, popularity and power and she understands the truth later at the end. I loved the sibling relationship in the book. Her brother was extremely adorable, and so caring. Through his character, the author also does a commendable job in showing a young boy growing up in an illegal environment, and learning from it. Learning from his mistakes.
River, Fit's mother, was another favorite character. She was so vulnerable, as Fit was, and yet so kind. Helpful. Forgiving. The book deals postpartum psychosis and tries to show it's impact.
The book is important. Really. It tends to cover the virtual aspect of our lives, how we are so keen on letting the world see how perfect our lives our. How people feed lies on the internet just for the sake of popularity. How this same popularity affects our close relationships, friendships and family. How we tend to get under the layers of deep lies. How being under the spotlight can be so much pressure, and how a tiny slip can send us spiraling down and down.
The book deals with all of these stuff in such a beautiful and mature way. Although I wasn't really happy with how it ended and wanted some more spice, more drama, it was all well. An intriguing, fresh new read!
Thanks to netgalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book. All opinions expressed are fully mine.
First, the characters are so well written! I loved how deep they were, and how their emotions were portrayed. Fit was an angsty teenager with a popular YouTube channel, driven by passion and anger, and a will to forget her past. She is confused, too blinded by beautiful lies. She wants fame, popularity and power and she understands the truth later at the end. I loved the sibling relationship in the book. Her brother was extremely adorable, and so caring. Through his character, the author also does a commendable job in showing a young boy growing up in an illegal environment, and learning from it. Learning from his mistakes.
River, Fit's mother, was another favorite character. She was so vulnerable, as Fit was, and yet so kind. Helpful. Forgiving. The book deals postpartum psychosis and tries to show it's impact.
The book is important. Really. It tends to cover the virtual aspect of our lives, how we are so keen on letting the world see how perfect our lives our. How people feed lies on the internet just for the sake of popularity. How this same popularity affects our close relationships, friendships and family. How we tend to get under the layers of deep lies. How being under the spotlight can be so much pressure, and how a tiny slip can send us spiraling down and down.
The book deals with all of these stuff in such a beautiful and mature way. Although I wasn't really happy with how it ended and wanted some more spice, more drama, it was all well. An intriguing, fresh new read!
Thanks to netgalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book. All opinions expressed are fully mine.
April 30, 2019
I will admit the start of this book is a little slow. This story follows the relationship between a mother (River) and her daughter (Fit) through the ups and downs of Fit's social media/influencer career. The only problem is, is that River herself does not enter the story until a good chunk of the way through the book. As a result the start feels a little stilted as it feels very one-sided. It is only when River comes in with her point of view chapters that the story really gets rolling. Fit is forced to open up, making her easier to empathise with and River shows the other side of the story in a way that also makes here a good person.
While this book does explore fame and what people will do for money and a chance to make the lives of the people they care about better, that is only a surface level exploration. What this book is really about is mental health (River's postpartum psychosis) and the effects of trauma on both the victim and the perpetrator, as well as what it feels like to have a more uncommon family situation and the effect that that can have.
While this book does explore fame and what people will do for money and a chance to make the lives of the people they care about better, that is only a surface level exploration. What this book is really about is mental health (River's postpartum psychosis) and the effects of trauma on both the victim and the perpetrator, as well as what it feels like to have a more uncommon family situation and the effect that that can have.
April 8, 2019
I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
This was...an interesting idea. But it kind of left you hanging in a lot of places, and the story just didn't seem to come together in a good, cohesive way? I don't know. I did really like the immersion into the YouTube world, because that's not something I'm very familiar with, and it was neat to see how those people interacted with one another and how the world operated.
But it was lacking in other departments. Like, I liked how Fit had a crush on Diamond, and how she was struggling with her sexuality...but then nothing really came of it? Diamond just pretended the kiss never happened and Fit never really acme out or acknowledged her sexuality in any real way? I liked the thing with Comet, and then it all fell apart, so that was disappointing also.
And then, I was so sure Frankie and Pistols were a thing, but that turned out to be nothing.
River was an interesting character, and I like that we got to get inside her head and see things from her point of view. And I do like the reconciliation at the end, but I just felt like Fit manipulating her the whole book was awful. I get it, I totally understand where she was coming from, obviously. But I don't know.
This was...an interesting idea. But it kind of left you hanging in a lot of places, and the story just didn't seem to come together in a good, cohesive way? I don't know. I did really like the immersion into the YouTube world, because that's not something I'm very familiar with, and it was neat to see how those people interacted with one another and how the world operated.
But it was lacking in other departments. Like, I liked how Fit had a crush on Diamond, and how she was struggling with her sexuality...but then nothing really came of it? Diamond just pretended the kiss never happened and Fit never really acme out or acknowledged her sexuality in any real way? I liked the thing with Comet, and then it all fell apart, so that was disappointing also.
And then, I was so sure Frankie and Pistols were a thing, but that turned out to be nothing.
River was an interesting character, and I like that we got to get inside her head and see things from her point of view. And I do like the reconciliation at the end, but I just felt like Fit manipulating her the whole book was awful. I get it, I totally understand where she was coming from, obviously. But I don't know.
July 2, 2019
This novel should have been a home run for me. It had all the ingredients for the perfect YA sob fest. A lonely girl who acts like she's awesome on camera, a deep seeded chilhood trauma, a quest for self discovery. I wanted to, and at many times DID, feel for Fit - but I just couldn't feel enough to really care for her or her story. While the writing was good, the story felt forced at times - using themes to propel the plot forward at an awkward and uncomfortable ebb and flow of a pace. The concept of the book was amazing. I would absolutely read another book from the perspective of a child who survived their parent trying to kill them, BUT this example was poorly executed and lacked the emotional depth for me to truly connect with the characters. I feel like there are many that would love this book, it just was not for me. 3/5 stars.
February 1, 2019
Fit, trying to become a YouTube sensation has her world rocked when she finds out her mother that tried to kill her when she was 3 years old is coming back to live with her. It’s been 14 years and Fit still resents her. However, maybe faking a relationship with her mom will get her more subscribers.
The book took me a while to get into it. I thought about giving up, but I persevered. The story line was enjoyable, but Fit comes off as a selfish brat. I appreciate her sarcastic quality, but she is always quick to fly off the handle and I felt like she thought the world owed her something. As the book goes on, she does become more likable though. However, I think her personality in the beginning of the book made the whole book less enjoyable.
The book took me a while to get into it. I thought about giving up, but I persevered. The story line was enjoyable, but Fit comes off as a selfish brat. I appreciate her sarcastic quality, but she is always quick to fly off the handle and I felt like she thought the world owed her something. As the book goes on, she does become more likable though. However, I think her personality in the beginning of the book made the whole book less enjoyable.
April 23, 2019
Tinfoil Crowns follows Fit, an aspiring YouTuber from a small town with behavior problems and River, the mother who tried to kill her and her brother in the hands of postpartum psychosis when they were kids. Surprisingly, River’s POVs turned out to be my favorite as she tried to settle into normal life after so many years imprisoned. I was satisfied with both their choices in the end—especially that Fit didn’t do something very stupid and unrealistic I thought she might do. The family dynamics were great and the characters felt real. I liked that it showed how comforting it can be to find others like you on the internet. What I would’ve liked was more insight into the relationship of Diamond and Riley. Overall, it was pretty neat.
June 6, 2019
As I lover of YA novels I was excited to dive into this as it follows a young girl who's trying to make it big over social media.
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Now social media is part of all our our lives, and as part of the bookstagram community it can be very easy to forget how cruel social media as a whole can be as everyone here is so supportive. Yet this novel follows a star as she realises the reality of what she is getting into and the true cost. Its frightening how many young people are so keen to impress strangers or outsiders but often forge those closest to them .
Overall I really enjoyed the story, I felt it could have been much faster pace and the back stroy didn't really gel for me but the characters were lovable and for me that a key part.
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Overall I would give this ⭐⭐⭐
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Now social media is part of all our our lives, and as part of the bookstagram community it can be very easy to forget how cruel social media as a whole can be as everyone here is so supportive. Yet this novel follows a star as she realises the reality of what she is getting into and the true cost. Its frightening how many young people are so keen to impress strangers or outsiders but often forge those closest to them .
Overall I really enjoyed the story, I felt it could have been much faster pace and the back stroy didn't really gel for me but the characters were lovable and for me that a key part.
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Overall I would give this ⭐⭐⭐
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May 13, 2019
I was provided with an eARC of this novel in exchange for a fair review.
3.5/5 Stars.
This book was an interesting and intriguing read, and I found myself drawn in, finishing it in a mere day. The plot was really unique and touched on some interesting issues. The reason for my lower rating was the MC, Fit. I really just couldn’t get myself to like her. She’s selfish and self centered and very self-serving. I mean, in the first few chapters she throws several serious temper tantrums...and she’s 17. Her little brother, Frankie, was much more to my liking and I’d actually love to see a spin-off about him!
Despite my distaste for Fit, I did still enjoy this book. Will it go into the reread pile? No. But it was worth reading the once, and I could see how this would really appeal to others, especially those a little closer in age to the MC.
3.5/5 Stars.
This book was an interesting and intriguing read, and I found myself drawn in, finishing it in a mere day. The plot was really unique and touched on some interesting issues. The reason for my lower rating was the MC, Fit. I really just couldn’t get myself to like her. She’s selfish and self centered and very self-serving. I mean, in the first few chapters she throws several serious temper tantrums...and she’s 17. Her little brother, Frankie, was much more to my liking and I’d actually love to see a spin-off about him!
Despite my distaste for Fit, I did still enjoy this book. Will it go into the reread pile? No. But it was worth reading the once, and I could see how this would really appeal to others, especially those a little closer in age to the MC.
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