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Ali Jones is hell-bent on achieving her #lifegoals: 10,000 Instagram followers and a win at the upcoming Glossie Influencer Awards. So when she inadvertently leads people to believe she is sporting a baby bump and immediately gains thousands of followers, she realises that the Mummy Influencer wave could be her ticket to Insta-success, even if off-screen it feels like her life is falling apart with what's happening to her beloved dad.
But then Tinder Sam, Ali's one-night-stand, resurfaces and seems determined to take his new role as baby daddy seriously. And falling for Sam is definitely not part of Ali's plan.
Meanwhile, Ireland's biggest influencer (and Ali's idol) Shelly Divine has it all ... at least on paper. But beneath the immaculately curated feed, cracks are appearing. Shelly harbours a secret from her followers and, more importantly, her husband - but who will be the first to discover what she's been hiding?
As the Glossies approach, what will it take for the women realise what's truly important before they lose what matters most?
But then Tinder Sam, Ali's one-night-stand, resurfaces and seems determined to take his new role as baby daddy seriously. And falling for Sam is definitely not part of Ali's plan.
Meanwhile, Ireland's biggest influencer (and Ali's idol) Shelly Divine has it all ... at least on paper. But beneath the immaculately curated feed, cracks are appearing. Shelly harbours a secret from her followers and, more importantly, her husband - but who will be the first to discover what she's been hiding?
As the Glossies approach, what will it take for the women realise what's truly important before they lose what matters most?
384 pages, Paperback
Published September 5, 2019
123 people are currently reading
704 people want to read
About the author
Sophie White
30 books276 followersSophie White is an Irish author, journalist and podcaster. She is the co-host of the podcasts Mother of Pod and The Creep Dive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
January 26, 2020
" 'What are we watching?' Ali pulled up a chair to join her friend.
'The disintegration of society,' Liz muttered. 'AKA Instagram.' "
" 'They all talk like that.' Liz grinned. 'Everything is 'amazing' on there. Or 'empowering'..."
"influencer"
Someone that affects or changes the way other people behave...influences the opinion of others...who encourages people to buy specific products.
- (mangled from) the Cambridge Dictionary
There are much funnier explanations to be found on the Urban Dictionary. They're also much snarkier. Have a look.
What is this obsession we have with ourselves? The constant fishface pouting & beefcake poses on Facebook & Instagram. Selfies taken on precarious cliff faces. Impossible yoga poses on the beach at sunrise. Drinking lurid coloured smoothies for brekkie. All posted online for your visual pleasure. And to give you an attack of the green monsters. So much happiness! Such joy! What shiny, happy faces! But what lies beneath? Are the Jones's really having more fun and is it worth bothering trying to keep up with them?
And why exactly is an "influencer" influencing anyone? It perplexes me. I'm so glad I'm out of the demographic that this matters to. Shudder the thought. It sounds exhausting.
" And not just the people - their whole world gleamed."
Ali Jones is a "lowly production assistant" for the TV show "Durty Aul' Town" (a nod and a wink to The Pogues). Not quite the job she dreamt of when completing drama studies at Uni. Her dream is to be a writer. But that seems to be moving further from her grasp. So when life gives you lemons...you create an Instagram account - naturellement!
#bestlifeever #livingthedream #kickthosegoals
Ali decides her path to happiness and career fulfillment is to become an "influencer". Purely by luck, a serendipitous error has her number of followers (sounds like quite the cult) go through the roof. But Ali's not complaining. Even if it's based on the most incredulous lie imaginable. And a lie that starts to gain a life of its' own.
"It didn't help that everyone else seemed to have it together."
While this is overall a light and entertaining read, there are more serious themes running alongside the humour. The dichotomy between the two brings home the fact that for many (like TV once was), being online is pure escapism. Having an online persona, even more so. Ali's father living in a nursing home due to Alzheimer's, her overbearing mother, the concern that at twenty-five, her life is already on the slippery slope to whatever... None of these exist in Insta-world. As Billy Joel sang "...to forget about life for a while..."
There's such a painfully poignant line where Ali receives more bad news of her Dad's declining health which tore at me "Even out here among the trees, with the birds singing and the pale March sun shining, she couldn't get far away enough from this truth."
And Ali's not alone in her Insta-fame bubble. There's an amusing (and often sad) torch shone on the "mummyfluencers". The truth behind the facade of the perfect spouse/family/life. And the hard work to make it appear that way.
"Yeah, well, no-one's very interested in the real anything on Instagram..."
The plot is stretching it a bit. I don't know that anyone would actually go to the extremes that Ali - or the other "influencers" - do to chase those coveted "likes". Or would they? I don't move in those circles, so I really don't know. Maybe it happens. The mind boggles.
I enjoyed this book very much. 3.5★ solid stars. It's an easy read and a good mix of happy/sad, silly/serious. And of course I was reading it in my best Irish accent. As you do.
Sophie White shines a light on social media and (many) people's obsession with it. The reality of modern society, where sometimes life is easier lived in front of the eye of the camera, than behind it. Reality bites. Hashtag.
(Or to quote a line from the book "Hashtag blahblah fuckin' blah.")
August 16, 2019
Are the #instafabulous really #livingtheirbestlives ?
Filter This is most definitely THE READ for the Insta Gen and for all fans of the ‘Aisling’ books. Written by Sophie White, Filter This will be published on September 5th with Hachette Ireland and is being hailed as the debut that will be most talked-about this Autumn.
Described as ‘a sharp, funny and heartfelt novel set in the Instagram world of #selfies and #OOTDs where appearances ARE EVERYTHING, but nothing is as it seems’, Filter This is ‘filled with darkly, humorous observations and flawed relatable characters…’
ARE YOU INSTA-READY?
I am on Instagram. I post images of books and a few photos of nature and coffee cups. But of myself? Very VERY infrequently. Why? PRESSURE. Recently I heard the term ‘Glow-up’ being used and after being explained it’s meaning by my 15 year old, I realised that I would need one serious glow-up before I would EVER consider the idea of regularly posting pictures of myself and as for the #OOTD ?? TOO MUCH WORK. Yip I’m lazy. I just could not be bothered and yes I am not from the Insta Gen. I am however intrigued and somewhat in awe of the folk who live their lives in a filter of perfection. HOW DO THEY DO IT?
Sophie White writes about fictional characters, all striving to be the next BIG star on Insta, the influencer that all companies will be striving to do a ‘collab’ with. Writing with a witty pen, she also manages to reveal the hidden layers, the real truth behind the filter, and the fear of losing the badge of honour that goes hand-in-hand with repeatedly trending on social media platforms.
Shelly Divine, a Mummy-Influencer, is Ireland’s number one Mama, with the picture perfect lifestyle. She lives in a stunning home with an interior straight out of a photo shoot. Her little girl, Georgie, and husband, Dan are all part of the package, part of the Shelly machine, that the greater public want to see. To the outside world, Shelly’s life is the dream, the envy of many of her followers but what really happens behind the closed door. How does Shelly seem to be able to do EVERYTHING, while appearing so glamorous and unfazed at ALL times?
Ali Jones is a wannabe Influencer. Working in a dead-end job, Ali sees The Influencer as her get-out, her way to be someone, to win an award and achieve a fraction of what Shelly Divine has. Ali has set up an Insta account and posts daily with motivational images and of course her #OOTD. Her fan base is increasing but very slowly.
Ali’s father is very unwell and her mother is not particularly involved or interested in Ali’s life. Frustrated with her life, not coping well with her father’s illness and feeling uninspired by her job, Ali makes a very spontaneous decision, one that will lead her down a very treacherous path. Ali dreams of adulation, collaborations, sponsorship deals and more, and is prepared to cover her rather rocky tracks to fulfill this ambition. But at what cost?
Sophie White has written a contemporary and very relevant novel highlighting, with much humour, the negativity of social media. Ali and Shelly both are looking for something, looking for meaning in their lives. Ultimately both are looking for happiness but keep losing sight along the way of what is really important to them. Filter This is a highly entertaining read, a book that I have no doubt will spark many conversations. It is a satirical look at our modern lives and our obsession with PERFECTION. We are all guilty of touching up a photo, adding filters and creating the image we wish to share with the world…but we have to ask the question…at what cost?
Filter This is a funny, charming and delightful read but with an edge. It is a very pertinent read with characters who, at times, will both charm and frustrate. It is a very engaging read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. And I learned stuff, lots of stuff…… but the most important thing I learned is that I am way too lazy to EVER post a daily #OOTD My head hurts at the thought of it, yet I do admire the tenacity and pure determination of those who do and those who dare to dream…..
Filter This is most definitely THE READ for the Insta Gen and for all fans of the ‘Aisling’ books. Written by Sophie White, Filter This will be published on September 5th with Hachette Ireland and is being hailed as the debut that will be most talked-about this Autumn.
Described as ‘a sharp, funny and heartfelt novel set in the Instagram world of #selfies and #OOTDs where appearances ARE EVERYTHING, but nothing is as it seems’, Filter This is ‘filled with darkly, humorous observations and flawed relatable characters…’
ARE YOU INSTA-READY?
I am on Instagram. I post images of books and a few photos of nature and coffee cups. But of myself? Very VERY infrequently. Why? PRESSURE. Recently I heard the term ‘Glow-up’ being used and after being explained it’s meaning by my 15 year old, I realised that I would need one serious glow-up before I would EVER consider the idea of regularly posting pictures of myself and as for the #OOTD ?? TOO MUCH WORK. Yip I’m lazy. I just could not be bothered and yes I am not from the Insta Gen. I am however intrigued and somewhat in awe of the folk who live their lives in a filter of perfection. HOW DO THEY DO IT?
Sophie White writes about fictional characters, all striving to be the next BIG star on Insta, the influencer that all companies will be striving to do a ‘collab’ with. Writing with a witty pen, she also manages to reveal the hidden layers, the real truth behind the filter, and the fear of losing the badge of honour that goes hand-in-hand with repeatedly trending on social media platforms.
Shelly Divine, a Mummy-Influencer, is Ireland’s number one Mama, with the picture perfect lifestyle. She lives in a stunning home with an interior straight out of a photo shoot. Her little girl, Georgie, and husband, Dan are all part of the package, part of the Shelly machine, that the greater public want to see. To the outside world, Shelly’s life is the dream, the envy of many of her followers but what really happens behind the closed door. How does Shelly seem to be able to do EVERYTHING, while appearing so glamorous and unfazed at ALL times?
Ali Jones is a wannabe Influencer. Working in a dead-end job, Ali sees The Influencer as her get-out, her way to be someone, to win an award and achieve a fraction of what Shelly Divine has. Ali has set up an Insta account and posts daily with motivational images and of course her #OOTD. Her fan base is increasing but very slowly.
Ali’s father is very unwell and her mother is not particularly involved or interested in Ali’s life. Frustrated with her life, not coping well with her father’s illness and feeling uninspired by her job, Ali makes a very spontaneous decision, one that will lead her down a very treacherous path. Ali dreams of adulation, collaborations, sponsorship deals and more, and is prepared to cover her rather rocky tracks to fulfill this ambition. But at what cost?
Sophie White has written a contemporary and very relevant novel highlighting, with much humour, the negativity of social media. Ali and Shelly both are looking for something, looking for meaning in their lives. Ultimately both are looking for happiness but keep losing sight along the way of what is really important to them. Filter This is a highly entertaining read, a book that I have no doubt will spark many conversations. It is a satirical look at our modern lives and our obsession with PERFECTION. We are all guilty of touching up a photo, adding filters and creating the image we wish to share with the world…but we have to ask the question…at what cost?
Filter This is a funny, charming and delightful read but with an edge. It is a very pertinent read with characters who, at times, will both charm and frustrate. It is a very engaging read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. And I learned stuff, lots of stuff…… but the most important thing I learned is that I am way too lazy to EVER post a daily #OOTD My head hurts at the thought of it, yet I do admire the tenacity and pure determination of those who do and those who dare to dream…..
December 31, 2019
I do love a book that features social media influencers and the assorted tricks they use to make their lives looks perfect.
And Shelley and Ali are just two such influencers, both who seem to live on Instagram a lot more than in real life and thus have lost all track of reality.
Especially Ali who capitalises on some misunderstandings that suddenly give her a big boost in followers. I was amused to see just how this comedy of errors for her would pan out,
While at the same time she is also regularly visiting her father who unfortunately no longer recognises his daughter, and all the associated feelings that go with that. In fact if it wasn't for all the light hearted hi-jinx in the rest of the book, this could have been quite a different tone of book.
Meanwhile Shelley not only has her own Insta, but she manages her husbands, who is reluctant to do anything but likes the payoff, and also her 3 year old daughter, who seems almost like an accessory than a daughter initially.
This is a contemporary really up to date story that had me smiling, laughing, gasping at some of the goings on, and generally feeling good about myself.
I did at one point while reading wonder if I should start taking 100s of photos to find the perfect one with perfect lighting, before using filters and editing software to improve it further before posting to my own Insta... but then I remembered life is far too short, so I'll stick with the followers I have!
An incredibly entertaining debut novel and I'm delighted to see at the end of it that there will be a sequel, and it means I don't have to say goodbye to Shelley and Ali just yet, as I need to see what they get up to next.
Thank you to Hachette Books Ireland and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And Shelley and Ali are just two such influencers, both who seem to live on Instagram a lot more than in real life and thus have lost all track of reality.
Especially Ali who capitalises on some misunderstandings that suddenly give her a big boost in followers. I was amused to see just how this comedy of errors for her would pan out,
While at the same time she is also regularly visiting her father who unfortunately no longer recognises his daughter, and all the associated feelings that go with that. In fact if it wasn't for all the light hearted hi-jinx in the rest of the book, this could have been quite a different tone of book.
Meanwhile Shelley not only has her own Insta, but she manages her husbands, who is reluctant to do anything but likes the payoff, and also her 3 year old daughter, who seems almost like an accessory than a daughter initially.
This is a contemporary really up to date story that had me smiling, laughing, gasping at some of the goings on, and generally feeling good about myself.
I did at one point while reading wonder if I should start taking 100s of photos to find the perfect one with perfect lighting, before using filters and editing software to improve it further before posting to my own Insta... but then I remembered life is far too short, so I'll stick with the followers I have!
An incredibly entertaining debut novel and I'm delighted to see at the end of it that there will be a sequel, and it means I don't have to say goodbye to Shelley and Ali just yet, as I need to see what they get up to next.
Thank you to Hachette Books Ireland and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 3, 2019
Well this is certainly a very cleverly done story! It takes into consideration the current social climate, the importance and emphasis which is given to social media and peoples “Follow count” currently.
The story was a wonderful change of pace, and considered a variety of deeper and more difficult topics involved with life in general, including that of family members with Cancer and how this can effect those around them, the various emotions that go hand in hand with it, and the stress of dealing with various details.
I absolutely loved the fact that, as much as this is a romance story, it maintains a realistic slant with less lighthearted twists and turns that are very real. Life rarely goes to plan, and it certainly isn’t a bed or rose petals. Roses perhaps, thorns and all with the shocks and changes to scenario that are just a part of living.
I love how the Author has taken social media and given a deeper, more honest look at it. What we see on social media is rarely the full truth of a persons life, we often see snippets, and glamourised snippets at that.
All in all, this was a very cleverly written Contemporary Romance that was very enjoyable both for the realism, and for the uniqueness of the storyline!
The story was a wonderful change of pace, and considered a variety of deeper and more difficult topics involved with life in general, including that of family members with Cancer and how this can effect those around them, the various emotions that go hand in hand with it, and the stress of dealing with various details.
I absolutely loved the fact that, as much as this is a romance story, it maintains a realistic slant with less lighthearted twists and turns that are very real. Life rarely goes to plan, and it certainly isn’t a bed or rose petals. Roses perhaps, thorns and all with the shocks and changes to scenario that are just a part of living.
I love how the Author has taken social media and given a deeper, more honest look at it. What we see on social media is rarely the full truth of a persons life, we often see snippets, and glamourised snippets at that.
All in all, this was a very cleverly written Contemporary Romance that was very enjoyable both for the realism, and for the uniqueness of the storyline!
September 10, 2019
I bought this following rave reviews on Instagram.............The irony is not lost on me!!
It is quite basic with one dimensional characters, preposterous setups and it's just not very interesting. I am not a huge chick lit fan so maybe I'm just the wrong demographic for this, but I was really disappointed. I expected more and maybe to be hooked into it, I found myself skimming huge chunks and not really that engaged with the characters.
It is quite basic with one dimensional characters, preposterous setups and it's just not very interesting. I am not a huge chick lit fan so maybe I'm just the wrong demographic for this, but I was really disappointed. I expected more and maybe to be hooked into it, I found myself skimming huge chunks and not really that engaged with the characters.
September 8, 2020
Tell me why this book was frivolous, yet poignant, utterly batshit, cringe-worthy and yet, heartwarming all at once? 3.5 stars. Another winner for fictional audiobooks. Jacqueline Milne is an A* narrator, her accents and impersonations made this really funny to listen to. This book is pure escapism, which is kind of White's take on social media as a whole. Some of the lengths that the #influencers in this tale go to are somehow unbelievable, yet don't feel entirely out of reach in the same breath. Honestly, at times the characters did grate on me, but I do feel that was probably part of the plan. A lot of the plot was predictable, however I'm not sure I cared. Beneath its light and fluffy exterior, the book explored some heavier & emotional themes really well.
September 4, 2019
I'm having a really hard time putting together my thoughts for this book. Overall, I found myself enjoying it but the premise behind it is painfully wrong. The main character is an up and coming Instagram influencer and accidentally gets her followers thinking that she's pregnant... Does she fess up and tell them the truth? Nope! She decides to run with it and fake a pregnancy in order to increase her following and make money.
This plot line is not uncommon right now, there are plenty of books out that involve an accidental social media posting that turns into a long term ruse, however, the fact that this revolves around a pregnancy rubs me the wrong way. Especially considering Ali, the main character, allowed her one night stand believe that he had knocked her up. Like that is a level of manipulative that I really didn't need to see come from this book.
In terms of things that this book did well, I found it nice to read about the extremely messy side of being an influencer. Lots of lies and dirty tricks to try and make everyone believe you have the "perfect" life. However, with all of the references to things that are relevant now, well, I have to say that this book really isn't going to be timeless.
I think that this book was really messy. It was gross to realize just how into social media some people can get. Like the fact that Ali was literally Instagramming stuff from her father's hospital room... Oof. But that also really shows just how dirty social media has become. People will do whatever it takes to get a following.
In the end I'm going to rate it 3/5 stars and when the sequel comes out I might pick it up just to see if any of the characters are able to redeem themselves.
Ugh I feel like I should rate this book lower because of the skeeviness of that fake pregnancy but like at the same time it really emphasizes how fucked up people can be with social media.
This plot line is not uncommon right now, there are plenty of books out that involve an accidental social media posting that turns into a long term ruse, however, the fact that this revolves around a pregnancy rubs me the wrong way. Especially considering Ali, the main character, allowed her one night stand believe that he had knocked her up. Like that is a level of manipulative that I really didn't need to see come from this book.
In terms of things that this book did well, I found it nice to read about the extremely messy side of being an influencer. Lots of lies and dirty tricks to try and make everyone believe you have the "perfect" life. However, with all of the references to things that are relevant now, well, I have to say that this book really isn't going to be timeless.
I think that this book was really messy. It was gross to realize just how into social media some people can get. Like the fact that Ali was literally Instagramming stuff from her father's hospital room... Oof. But that also really shows just how dirty social media has become. People will do whatever it takes to get a following.
In the end I'm going to rate it 3/5 stars and when the sequel comes out I might pick it up just to see if any of the characters are able to redeem themselves.
Ugh I feel like I should rate this book lower because of the skeeviness of that fake pregnancy but like at the same time it really emphasizes how fucked up people can be with social media.
January 18, 2020
A real page-turner
I devoured this story! Stayed up late into the night reading to finish it. Loved the glimpse into the lives of the Insta-famous, and I can’t wait to see the next installment!
I devoured this story! Stayed up late into the night reading to finish it. Loved the glimpse into the lives of the Insta-famous, and I can’t wait to see the next installment!
January 7, 2020
FFS LOL
I had to Google what a lot of the Instagram shorthand meant but I still enjoyed the book. Touching and funny and probably closer to reality than we can imagine.
I had to Google what a lot of the Instagram shorthand meant but I still enjoyed the book. Touching and funny and probably closer to reality than we can imagine.
September 5, 2019
Ali Jones is stuck in a job with a boss she hates, her father is ill, her relationship with her mother is strained and the most meaningful relationship she has is with a bottle of wine. She joins Instagram as a way to escape life and channel her creativity and soon becomes hooked, obsessing over the number of followers and likes she gets on her posts. She looks on in envy at some of the big names in the Irish scene, wishing that could be her.
Shelly Devine is THE biggest influencer in Ireland. Beautiful, an actress on a popular soap with a gorgeous successful husband, and cute baby daughter. Not to mention big stylish house and all the brand deals, her life looks complete. But underneath this shiny Instagram portrayal is a different story, with her husband Dan slowly becoming disillusioned with the whole thing and sick of brand Shelly coming before the real Shelly. Can Shelly and her assistant keep the cracks from showing?
When one day Ali leads her followers to believe she's pregnant when she's not, she goes from an up and coming influencer to an overnight success. Ali decides to continue on with the facade but as the time goes on it becomes harder to keep the house of cards from tumbling. Can she succeed in pulling this off?
Filter This is a sharp look at Instagram culture and the influencers behind it. Ali is an anti-heroine, you find yourself rooting for her even though you know what she's doing is wrong! The writing style is very down to earth and very Irish when it comes to dialogue and turns of phrases, something I love seeing in novels. While some of the other influencer characters we see seemed a bit of a stereotype in one sense (peaceful earth mother of a brood of kids who's secretly a nightmare to deal with, a friend who only seems interested in you because your star is rising), they didn't feel forced or farcical, they felt believable. This book made me laugh and cry. Having read Sophie White's part memoir part cook book Recipes for a Nervous Breakdown earlier this year, you can really tell that Sophie is writing from the heart and past experiences during some of the sadder scenes, they made me choke up. The humour was right up my alley too, I laughed out loud several times. Looking forward to seeing what happens in book 2! 3.5 stars
Shelly Devine is THE biggest influencer in Ireland. Beautiful, an actress on a popular soap with a gorgeous successful husband, and cute baby daughter. Not to mention big stylish house and all the brand deals, her life looks complete. But underneath this shiny Instagram portrayal is a different story, with her husband Dan slowly becoming disillusioned with the whole thing and sick of brand Shelly coming before the real Shelly. Can Shelly and her assistant keep the cracks from showing?
When one day Ali leads her followers to believe she's pregnant when she's not, she goes from an up and coming influencer to an overnight success. Ali decides to continue on with the facade but as the time goes on it becomes harder to keep the house of cards from tumbling. Can she succeed in pulling this off?
Filter This is a sharp look at Instagram culture and the influencers behind it. Ali is an anti-heroine, you find yourself rooting for her even though you know what she's doing is wrong! The writing style is very down to earth and very Irish when it comes to dialogue and turns of phrases, something I love seeing in novels. While some of the other influencer characters we see seemed a bit of a stereotype in one sense (peaceful earth mother of a brood of kids who's secretly a nightmare to deal with, a friend who only seems interested in you because your star is rising), they didn't feel forced or farcical, they felt believable. This book made me laugh and cry. Having read Sophie White's part memoir part cook book Recipes for a Nervous Breakdown earlier this year, you can really tell that Sophie is writing from the heart and past experiences during some of the sadder scenes, they made me choke up. The humour was right up my alley too, I laughed out loud several times. Looking forward to seeing what happens in book 2! 3.5 stars
January 13, 2020
Overall this book is like a 2.5-3 star read.
What I like about this book was that it really reflected on how much social media has almost overtaken our life. Influencer is an actual job title now. Its crazy to think about really. This book focuses on how these woman make instagram their actual job. I was stressed out thinking of all the work they put in: scheduling posts for a specific time, hashtags, having a certain post for this brand, and mostly just putting up such a fake persona. I was stressed out just reading about it.
What is disliked was that it was just so, so over the top (at least in Ali's Story line). Not that I doubt things like this happen in real life, but it was just too much. The fact she was faking a pregnancy, and stringing along a past one-night-stand in thinking it was his made you really dislike Ali. I guess that was the whole point of the story was to make you feel that way towards her, but it just made me annoyed to read about it.
All in all, it is a quick read, and anyone who is on instagram can relate to the women that are portrayed, but just be aware of the unlikable character in Ali.
What I like about this book was that it really reflected on how much social media has almost overtaken our life. Influencer is an actual job title now. Its crazy to think about really. This book focuses on how these woman make instagram their actual job. I was stressed out thinking of all the work they put in: scheduling posts for a specific time, hashtags, having a certain post for this brand, and mostly just putting up such a fake persona. I was stressed out just reading about it.
What is disliked was that it was just so, so over the top (at least in Ali's Story line). Not that I doubt things like this happen in real life, but it was just too much. The fact she was faking a pregnancy, and stringing along a past one-night-stand in thinking it was his made you really dislike Ali. I guess that was the whole point of the story was to make you feel that way towards her, but it just made me annoyed to read about it.
All in all, it is a quick read, and anyone who is on instagram can relate to the women that are portrayed, but just be aware of the unlikable character in Ali.
September 11, 2019
#insta2019
Really enjoyed this book, although at times it felt like Love Island combined with Dallas. There were plenty of hilarious laugh out loud moments, along with several really ouch ones!
The characters were completely unlikable at time, but very believable!
Would recommend to anyone that has ever wondered what it would be like to be an Instagram star! (Or not!)
Really enjoyed this book, although at times it felt like Love Island combined with Dallas. There were plenty of hilarious laugh out loud moments, along with several really ouch ones!
The characters were completely unlikable at time, but very believable!
Would recommend to anyone that has ever wondered what it would be like to be an Instagram star! (Or not!)
September 6, 2019
I received a copy of this book from TBC Reviewers request- Thank you
I would consider myself a lite user of Instagram but this book had me absolutely howling with laughter, the premise was so out there that you can totally see it happen!
A brilliant read
I would consider myself a lite user of Instagram but this book had me absolutely howling with laughter, the premise was so out there that you can totally see it happen!
A brilliant read
January 14, 2020
This is really well written and interesting but the insta set is so fleeting and silly that I worry it will date fast. Great, real characters and judicious plotting keep things from being too pantomime, will definitely read the follow up.
Read
October 4, 2020Needed a light read this weekend. I liked the characters, the pace was great, it was well written. It wasn't as light as I thought it would be. A look at the crazy world of Instagram influencers, with mental health and grief being dealt with really well I thought. There was a lovely depth to the characters I hadn't expected and I was invested.
January 20, 2020
I enjoyed this. An easy read looking at the lives of Instagram influencers and how far they will go to get likes.
June 26, 2023
I laughed lots reading it, and it's made me rethink my phone usage 😅
May 21, 2020
If you’re a fan of drama you’ll love this. Funny and witty, paying close attention to how social media influences us and our choices. I love the two main characters and their stories.
December 8, 2019
Both Ali and Shelly use Instagram as an escape. Ali, as something to distract herself from her father's imminent death, and Shelly, as way to ignore the fact that her perfect life and marriage is falling apart all around her. While Ali is trying to break in to the Instagram influencer scene, Shelly is the most prominent lifestyle blogger in Ireland. Hundreds of thousands of followers are watching her every move as she puts her life on display to the world to the detriment of her family. Her marriage is crumbling and her daughter spends more time with her nanny than with Shelly, but that's just the sacrifice she has to make to be big on Instagram, right? Ali, meanwhile, is one of those women obsessed with Shelly's perfectly curated life. Ali would basically sell her soul to the devil to get big on the "'gram," which is essentially what she does after she is mistakenly thought to be pregnant and runs with the burgeoning interest in her perceived baby bump. If faking a pregnancy is what it takes to gain fame and fortune, Ali is all in. The perfect life or the perfect lie?
Sophie White uncovers all the dirty corners lurking beneath Instagram's shiny mirror finish in her new novel, Filter This. This is a hard novel to love, just because the characters are so despicable. If this book does anything, it open your eyes to how superficial social media really is, and the lengths that people will go to for followers, and essentially acceptance because isn't that what this whole social media thing is really about? Heavily filtered, this novel only goes skin deep - it is a great read for those looking to hate the superficiality of the human race.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books Ireland for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sophie White uncovers all the dirty corners lurking beneath Instagram's shiny mirror finish in her new novel, Filter This. This is a hard novel to love, just because the characters are so despicable. If this book does anything, it open your eyes to how superficial social media really is, and the lengths that people will go to for followers, and essentially acceptance because isn't that what this whole social media thing is really about? Heavily filtered, this novel only goes skin deep - it is a great read for those looking to hate the superficiality of the human race.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Books Ireland for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2019
This is a fantastic book! So I'm not into Instagram at all, and generally can't stand the 'influencer' culture, however it's always been somewhat intriguing; how people put their lives on show for the world to see, how people put on a mask of happiness in front of their followers. And what happens when it all goes horribly, publicly wrong?
This novel explores the highs and lows of Instagram and those that fall victim to the hype of the 'perfect' lifestyle. And Sophie White is such a great writer - I was hooked from the very beginning. Sophie's characters are often flawed (Ali especially) but despite how shallow she often seemed, I couldn't hate her. There is emotion, warmth and some heartbreaking moments in this book, along with so much humour and many relatable moments. I was cringing along at Ali's shenanigans, and couldn't bring myself to put this book down.
Admittedly I did work out the ending quite early into the book, but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying it. Filter This fully focuses on the search for an Instagrammable lifestyle, and there are many Insta-related terms, however even if, like me, you are not into it at all, it's still a wonderfully funny read. I think we all know people who are slaves to social media, and Filter This fully captures that life, and how the innocent search for likes can hurriedly spiral out of control.
This novel explores the highs and lows of Instagram and those that fall victim to the hype of the 'perfect' lifestyle. And Sophie White is such a great writer - I was hooked from the very beginning. Sophie's characters are often flawed (Ali especially) but despite how shallow she often seemed, I couldn't hate her. There is emotion, warmth and some heartbreaking moments in this book, along with so much humour and many relatable moments. I was cringing along at Ali's shenanigans, and couldn't bring myself to put this book down.
Admittedly I did work out the ending quite early into the book, but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying it. Filter This fully focuses on the search for an Instagrammable lifestyle, and there are many Insta-related terms, however even if, like me, you are not into it at all, it's still a wonderfully funny read. I think we all know people who are slaves to social media, and Filter This fully captures that life, and how the innocent search for likes can hurriedly spiral out of control.
September 12, 2019
This book really highlights how much of a big thing Instagram and social media in general has become a big part of daily life for people, it was all about the “influencers” and as much as the story was fictional it happens every day.
It really made me think about all the people I follow and how much of their stories are genuine.
The book follows Ali, who is desperate to become a big name in the influencer community on Instagram, she’s not doing too badly, she has almost 3000 followers, but all her posts are fake. One day she accidentally leads her followers to believe she’s pregnant and instead of coming clean, she sees it as an opportunity to grow her Instagram.
As her following gets bigger her story starts to unravel and she’s not sure she can keep on top of it.
This story was a lot of fun for the most part, but had some hard hitting topics too, Ali’s dad is in a care home after being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, something Ali has never really come to terms with.
The development of the characters and their growth in terms of lessons learned was brilliant, I thoroughly enjoyed it
It really made me think about all the people I follow and how much of their stories are genuine.
The book follows Ali, who is desperate to become a big name in the influencer community on Instagram, she’s not doing too badly, she has almost 3000 followers, but all her posts are fake. One day she accidentally leads her followers to believe she’s pregnant and instead of coming clean, she sees it as an opportunity to grow her Instagram.
As her following gets bigger her story starts to unravel and she’s not sure she can keep on top of it.
This story was a lot of fun for the most part, but had some hard hitting topics too, Ali’s dad is in a care home after being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s, something Ali has never really come to terms with.
The development of the characters and their growth in terms of lessons learned was brilliant, I thoroughly enjoyed it
September 9, 2019
This novel is a social commentary on the instagram/influencer culture currently in Ireland, while also a vey human storyline and a comedic storyline. The book centres around Ali an aspiring playwright and wannabe blogger who becomes increasingly obsessed with folllowers, likes, sponsored content and shooting perfect outfit and food photos. All the while her professional life is stagnating, and her father is dying of early onset alzheimers in a nursing home. Ali cooks up a plan to gain more followers and money from instagram and it is like watching a car crash as her scheme unfolds and then implodes. In a parallel storyline Shelley is a soap actress and Ireland's top influencer but her seemingly perfect life is not all it seems and we see the playing out of this throughout the book. I thought the book was a very clever mirror on the current influencer culture, with comedy and real heart mixed in. My only criticism is that I wondered would people outside of Ireland get the social references? A very enjoyable read.
September 9, 2019
Be warned : the story does not end with the book. There will be a sequel and they’d better be because I liked the story so much I shrieked like a banshee when it ended (because it didn’t really) and was almost evicted from my hotel room.
It’s lovely and gritty, in the vein of Marian Keyes and Mhairi Mcfarlane. An hilariously sad take on the Insta-game (The ego hunger games) and how far you’re ready to go to curate your life (too far).
There is everything I love in MK and MMF but with Sophie White’s distinctive voice : you laugh, you get teary, you cringe because of or with the main characters and in the end you’re like a wolf howling at the moon if, life me, you didn’t know there was a f******g cliffhanger (and a great one) and that you’ve drunk too much coffee too late.
When is Filter this 2? I need more Sam in my life!
It’s lovely and gritty, in the vein of Marian Keyes and Mhairi Mcfarlane. An hilariously sad take on the Insta-game (The ego hunger games) and how far you’re ready to go to curate your life (too far).
There is everything I love in MK and MMF but with Sophie White’s distinctive voice : you laugh, you get teary, you cringe because of or with the main characters and in the end you’re like a wolf howling at the moon if, life me, you didn’t know there was a f******g cliffhanger (and a great one) and that you’ve drunk too much coffee too late.
When is Filter this 2? I need more Sam in my life!
August 6, 2021
The book seems a bit pointless as you can just browse various social media sites, and see "real" people doing exactly what the characters were doing..
I found it annoying, though, that a stalker storyline was introduced, but not finished - the last page of the book, is an advert for her next book, which, apparently, will complete that storyline.. Hello? A book is not an Insta story. You do not leave storylines open, unless you are very clearly writing a series of books, which wasn't the case here! Had the story been complete, I might have considered buying the next book, if I came across it in the "three books for a tenner" place, where I usually buy books, but I won't be supporting an author who leaves storylines hanging, just to plug their next book.
I found it annoying, though, that a stalker storyline was introduced, but not finished - the last page of the book, is an advert for her next book, which, apparently, will complete that storyline.. Hello? A book is not an Insta story. You do not leave storylines open, unless you are very clearly writing a series of books, which wasn't the case here! Had the story been complete, I might have considered buying the next book, if I came across it in the "three books for a tenner" place, where I usually buy books, but I won't be supporting an author who leaves storylines hanging, just to plug their next book.
August 30, 2019
This is my first read by this author and I struggled to get into this book with it being so upto date and modern on current trends and focuses around the Instagram platform.
I myself do use but am very basic knowledge and found it very in depth hence the story tend to loose my wavelength at times even though the twists and turns the author through in seemed to be able to draw my attention back.
I will be interested to see if the follow up story takes the same pace as this also or how it looks to develop.
I myself do use but am very basic knowledge and found it very in depth hence the story tend to loose my wavelength at times even though the twists and turns the author through in seemed to be able to draw my attention back.
I will be interested to see if the follow up story takes the same pace as this also or how it looks to develop.
July 18, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this. I enjoyed the read overall. Anyone who uses Instagram will be able to relate to a lot of the content in this book and how for some people, Instagram is a livelihood. I preferred the storyline of Shelly over Ali. Shelly’s seemed to be more realistic as at times I found it hard to relate to Ali. Overall though, the book kept me engaged and I will certainly read the follow up book.
August 8, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have really enjoyed reading this book, I was attracted to the book by the description. I feel that any users of instagram would easily be able to relate to this book. Ali Jones comes up with a lie in order to gain instagram followers, I did not find this book at all predictable and I didn’t want to put it down.
This is my first read by this author, if definitely will not be my last.
This is my first read by this author, if definitely will not be my last.
September 12, 2019
The Instagram age has been here for a while and promises to stay!
And this is a book for those who are part of and promote this culture.
Shelly, the influencer with a lot of followers who think she leads an absolutely perfect life and Ali who joins this culture to escape her real life and gets drawn in too far.
This is the story of these two people and their journey in the social media world, while struggling to balance and live in the real world.
An enjoyable read.
And this is a book for those who are part of and promote this culture.
Shelly, the influencer with a lot of followers who think she leads an absolutely perfect life and Ali who joins this culture to escape her real life and gets drawn in too far.
This is the story of these two people and their journey in the social media world, while struggling to balance and live in the real world.
An enjoyable read.
September 4, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher.
The book of a generation, FILTER THIS by Sophie White opens up the world of the Instagram influencer through the story of two women who are in the spotlight where their worlds are tinged with that perfect rosy glow. But is it real?
Shelly Devine is the top mama of Instagram and influencer culture in Ireland with her beautiful home, gorgeous husband, and adorable little girl. She has her own range of lifestyle products and is in demand from every company in Ireland wanting a piece of the Shelly brand. But that's the problem. Everyone wants a piece of her and she is struggling to hide the cracks - her marriage is falling apart and she barely has any free time with her little girl, and then there is the fact that she just isn't sure who she really is anymore.
Ali Jones is struggling with her father's illness, a fraught relationship with her mother, and a job that she feels that she has outgrown so Instagram provides an outlet for her, somewhere where her world can be perfect rather than the bleak picture that it is in reality. But when a misunderstanding finds her catapulted to the top of the most wanted influencer stakes, Ali decides that playing along isn't going to hurt anyone. That is until her one-night-stand gets involved, her real relationships start to suffer, and one lie becomes one hundred lies.
Now before I go any further with this review I have to say that I enjoy Instagram immensely although you are far more likely to see me posting a #shelfie rather than a #selfie. The effort, the perfection, the filtering is all just a little bizarre to me, and after reading this book it could be downright dangerous for many. But back to the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I easily connected with the characters even if I didn't always agree with their actions. Shelly is struggling with motherhood but has herself trapped in this insta-world where she is perfect and is neglecting herself and her family in the process, using Instagram as an escape. Ali is also using it as an escape - an escape from the reality that her beloved dad will die soon - and as her lies become bigger and bigger I really wanted to scream at her to stop!!!! But I also wanted to hug her because she was hurting and hiding behind a screen. This book made me laugh, cry, and everything in between and I really hope there will be more from Shelly and Ali.
FILTER THIS by Sophie White is a daring look behind Social Media and what we lose every time we filter ourselves to fit the higher echelons of perfection that seems to be required to flourish in this influencer world. Making yourself anything but you to fit in, is damaging on so many levels and FILTER THIS shows how easy it is to fall under its spell of money, prestige, and adoration. An excellent novel from an excellent author. BUY IT NOW!!!!!!!!!
The book of a generation, FILTER THIS by Sophie White opens up the world of the Instagram influencer through the story of two women who are in the spotlight where their worlds are tinged with that perfect rosy glow. But is it real?
Shelly Devine is the top mama of Instagram and influencer culture in Ireland with her beautiful home, gorgeous husband, and adorable little girl. She has her own range of lifestyle products and is in demand from every company in Ireland wanting a piece of the Shelly brand. But that's the problem. Everyone wants a piece of her and she is struggling to hide the cracks - her marriage is falling apart and she barely has any free time with her little girl, and then there is the fact that she just isn't sure who she really is anymore.
Ali Jones is struggling with her father's illness, a fraught relationship with her mother, and a job that she feels that she has outgrown so Instagram provides an outlet for her, somewhere where her world can be perfect rather than the bleak picture that it is in reality. But when a misunderstanding finds her catapulted to the top of the most wanted influencer stakes, Ali decides that playing along isn't going to hurt anyone. That is until her one-night-stand gets involved, her real relationships start to suffer, and one lie becomes one hundred lies.
Now before I go any further with this review I have to say that I enjoy Instagram immensely although you are far more likely to see me posting a #shelfie rather than a #selfie. The effort, the perfection, the filtering is all just a little bizarre to me, and after reading this book it could be downright dangerous for many. But back to the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I easily connected with the characters even if I didn't always agree with their actions. Shelly is struggling with motherhood but has herself trapped in this insta-world where she is perfect and is neglecting herself and her family in the process, using Instagram as an escape. Ali is also using it as an escape - an escape from the reality that her beloved dad will die soon - and as her lies become bigger and bigger I really wanted to scream at her to stop!!!! But I also wanted to hug her because she was hurting and hiding behind a screen. This book made me laugh, cry, and everything in between and I really hope there will be more from Shelly and Ali.
FILTER THIS by Sophie White is a daring look behind Social Media and what we lose every time we filter ourselves to fit the higher echelons of perfection that seems to be required to flourish in this influencer world. Making yourself anything but you to fit in, is damaging on so many levels and FILTER THIS shows how easy it is to fall under its spell of money, prestige, and adoration. An excellent novel from an excellent author. BUY IT NOW!!!!!!!!!
March 4, 2020
What the hell was even this book? The only thing relatable was Ali's feelings in regard to her dad's situation. None of the characters are likable - with the exception of Sam maybe but he's so underdevelopped that it doesn't really matter because there isn't ONE other character that you can root for. Everyone is either stupid, crazy or super judgy.
The book itself is supra judgy, clearly the moral is Instagram is the devil (and don't get me wrong, I'm not a die-hard insta-fam, I don't follow tons of influencers or is unaware of the sponsoring business but this is taking it to a brand new level, at no point is there a positive side of Instagram showed, the whole book seemed intent on painting as the worst thing ever).
I thought the book would be funny when I picked it up so maybe that's on me not wanting to read something that bleak and depressing at this exact moment but OMG how NOT funny it was? Even the bits that were supposed to be funny were not. It was just... not.
I was originally going to give it 2 stars because I wasn't enjoying it much but I was still interested enough to finish it even if I had to skip a few pages here and there because I was bored. But then the ending happens. Anyway if that was a way of maybe writing a sequel, let me tell you I won't pick it up.
It's been a while since I've read something THAT disappointing.
The book itself is supra judgy, clearly the moral is Instagram is the devil (and don't get me wrong, I'm not a die-hard insta-fam, I don't follow tons of influencers or is unaware of the sponsoring business but this is taking it to a brand new level, at no point is there a positive side of Instagram showed, the whole book seemed intent on painting as the worst thing ever).
I thought the book would be funny when I picked it up so maybe that's on me not wanting to read something that bleak and depressing at this exact moment but OMG how NOT funny it was? Even the bits that were supposed to be funny were not. It was just... not.
I was originally going to give it 2 stars because I wasn't enjoying it much but I was still interested enough to finish it even if I had to skip a few pages here and there because I was bored. But then the ending happens. Anyway if that was a way of maybe writing a sequel, let me tell you I won't pick it up.
It's been a while since I've read something THAT disappointing.
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