The brand-new rom-com from the author of You, Me, Forever
She's used to faking it. Now it's time to get real.
It all started with a faulty elevator...
When social media influencer Frankie Paulson's followers turn on her after an embarrassing public break-up with her perfect #couplegoals boyfriend, and she almost plummets to her death with two strangers in a faulty elevator, all she wants to do is hide.
A town with no internet is the ideal sanctuary, but Frankie has never done anything without sharing it on one of many apps she can't live without. After all, surely it's much more satisfying to take the perfect photograph of her breakfast than eat it?
When Fate, in the form of a new four-legged companion, plays a hand in keeping her in the town, Frankie starts to make tentative but genuine connections with the people she meets. Suddenly every rule she's been living by seems far less meaningful and she begins to wonder if her apparently #blessed life wasn't as real as she thought...
So Frankie is an influencer who is being cancelled by her virtual world and so seeks refuge in a no WiFi village.
I’ve read a few books about internet addicts going through a detox and this was similar. I thought this book showcased two extremes... obsessed with the internet and total abandonment and it didn’t work for me as well. I guess you can say it was 1 dimensional in that regard. Are people really as insensitive and obtuse and obsessed as Kyle? Perhaps. But can we dismiss all internet friendships the way Mark did. I think not.
It felt very in your face. This book was lacking subtlety, whether that was demonising the internet, the signs or the humour which I didn’t find very funny. I wasn’t a huge fan of Mark and the romance in general felt a little lacking. The book felt quite long and I skimmed a little towards the end.
I did enjoy the community and off course the best part was Satan’s little helper. He was my favourite and I want a pet dog so bad now. Also thumbs up for the diversity.
The story in about instagram influencer Frankie who's life is turn upside down after posting a certain video on her feed. Frankie ops to give something new a go and take off to a no wi-fi zone where she embarks on discovering herself and also developing friendships beyond those online !!
I really enjoyed the book, it is every quick paced and I loved the humour throughout too. It definitely gets you thinking about actual human interaction and the amount we used social media. It's a lighthearted story and it definitely feels like you are on the journey with Frankie and I also loved the ending. A perfect read for fans of rom coms read.
Thank you to Headline publishers via Netgalley for the opportunity to read this.
I thought I might be slightly obsessed with social media at times, or with my phone, but wow Frankie take it to a whole other level. To say she is addicted would probably be an understatement, so when things start go wrong and she is losing followers by the thousand, she flees.
And of all the places to flee to its a small town that is completely offline, internet is actually banned due to the waves affecting the local space station, and allows her to hide out.
Well it would if she didn't keep reaching for a phone that doesn't work, and had any idea what to do with her time, as she literally seems to have lost the ability to live in the real world. (If I ever get that bad, please do tell me to read this again, it would probably bring me back to reality!).
There is without a doubt a message about the absurdity of life as influencer in here, as Frankie is essentially detoxing, and starting to get to know people in this small town.
There is Mark who you feel is clearly hiding something, but just what I hadn't completely guessed, and there is my absolutely favourite character Harun.
Harun enters Frankie's life with a purpose, and is determined to make things happen for her. However it takes a while for Frankie to realise her feelings for Harun, but it really is a love that grows fast once she gives in to it.
It's a really social town, and everyone really knows everyone, and there are always community events going on, if it wasn't for the lack of wifi, and the fact its in the middle of the desert then I'd be tempted to move to such a friendly place myself - but I fear the heat would be a problem!
I loved seeing how Frankie starts to know herself a whole lot better than when she was with her controlling ex Kyle, and I loved how much depth and character development was present.
This book is technically connected to You, Me, Forever and Just The Way I Am, as they each feature one of the three ladies that was in a faulty elevator, but it is completely a standalone and you don't particularly hear of the other ladies, so if you want their stories, you had better read their books which I also was hooked on.
Yet another truly fabulous story from Jo Watson, an author who I seem to like more and more if that is even possible with ever book she writes.
Thank you to Headline Eternal and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Frankie is an Instagrammer whose life turns upside down after a rant she made about her ex boyfriend goes viral. She loses her collaborations, her followers and her friends don't respond to her messages.
This drives her into a small town without a signal or wifi. She need distance between her and the internet. After being dependent on her phone and internet she must learn to live within them.
On her way there she finds a dog, or the dog finds her, he becomes her friend when she most needs one.
In the town she meets people that she can connect with, such as Mark, the man that helps her with movie recommendations and with whom the chemistry is off the charts.
As all the books from this author you can expect a delightful romance as well as hillarious situations that you can't help but laugh.
The ending is emotional and so very fitting to the story.
*I received an arc from Headline through Netgalley.
This is a laugh out loud Romcom from Jo Watson and it was a real pleasure reading this book during the weekend! Perfect timing I'd say.
So Frankie is a social media influencer with her millions of followers who love her daily regime, and her boyfriend Kyle. Together they form a gorgeous couple that makes everyone swoon with jealousy. Except everything is fake and it takes so long for Frankie to realise that everything she does is for somebody, someone and she has no idea who she really is!
This is a story of a modern day woman whose life is soo dominated by the internet that she no longer lives her real life but all she cares for is the Likes and Shares she gets on the social media. Everything virtual and nothing real, follow Frankie's hilarious journey through the desert and more until she finally finds her people who would truly, Madly Like her for what she is.
I found myself laughing, giggling, smiling and rooting for Frankie at many scenes although she did seem a little sketchy and annoying sometimes. This is a cute romance that has an a cheesy plot, and a mischievous dog that does all the tricks. Enjoyable and recommended reading.
Thanks to Headline Eternal for having me on the #BlogTour for this. All opinions mine.
At times I did feel the dog was being used “too much” as a plot device but reading that the book was dedicated to her dog that had passed away and that she thanks her vet in the acknowledgments- I’ll have to forgive and look past it, because as an animal lover myself, I know what it feels like to lose a special pet (aka family member). This book also made me sob. And no it’s not a sad story. But our FMC talks about her insecurities and tying her worth to likes and a number on a scale… it hit far too close to home.
Me gustan tanto las historias de Jo Watson que este libro ha sido una pequeña decepción. Lo he disfrutado, pero he echado en falta las situaciones absurdas que mueven a la carcajada y su particular sentido del humor. Me ha faltado también más emotividad en la historia de amor, que empieza a desarrollarse un poco tarde y que me ha dejado un tanto fría. El final si que ha resultado bastante emotivo, solucionando todos los frentes con los que inicia Frankie su andadura en la historia. Si algo me gusta de las historias de Jo Watson es que debajo de la ligereza de una romcom hay hechos de lo más actuales que nos invitan a la reflexión. En este caso, sobre la importancia de las redes sociales y el papel que juegan en nuestra vida.
The premise of the book is really good but I didn’t like the main protagonist Frankie for 80% of the time. Frankie is a famous social media influencer whose life takes a different turn due to a day in an elevator. Frankie then loses over half of her followers instantly and for a fresh mind she goes to a place with no internet connection at all. During her stay she realises so much about herself that she wasn’t aware of. She also meets Mark and other real friends she ever makes in her life. I liked the concept as it’s very relatable right now with all digital content and social media platforms and how everything we see or be online is not really the truth or reality. However, I found Frankie to be quite irritable at times and also the book could have shortened the length by removing some chapters as I found some of them quite boring.
Truly Madly Like Me Jo Watson Pub Date 18 aug 2020 Contains Spoiler Allert
Frankie is the queen Instagram queen she had it all the followers the sponsor ship deal the apartment the car the hottest boyfriend Kyle and every morning she takes Instagram photos of breakfast even though she doesn't eat breakfast she loves taking the perfect balance photo of breakfast smoothie bowls for her followers they take allot of time two create. Even wear Frankie and Kyle went they had two take photos of each other the perfect pose the restaurant where they eat and what they eat the drinks they bought. Frankie had a lovely life she had the perfect car the perfect new apple phone different brands would sponsor her life was good every thing was involved around Instagram her life and Kyle. Intill she had two go two her solitors two get something from her father her late father died years ago and she was here two collect something from the will and it was a envelope she didn't want two open yet so she stuffed it in her handbag infill later on. Kyle phoned asking were she was she said on my way the were having important photo taking for a new brand they weeding only she manage two get stuck in the elevator for some time and when she got out Kyle was with Paige they were having the photos taking and he said Paige was better looking than her and had more followers and she was dumped like that because she was stuck in a lift and couldn't help it she was was was happening she cried and went back two the hotel things were getting worse because her followers were dropping down unfollowing her all the time she cried all night. Next day was even worse she had two take her car back they were outside she was screaming and begging them not two take the car and someone it went viral and her Instagram started loosing more followers she cried all day brands were dropping out she loved that car. Frankie had two away she knew she couldn't stay in tis town no more so she found spring drop town no phones no internet she loved that idea just what she needed she had two hire a car the only car she had was a blue fast machine she had two take it was the only oe left she had no choice. So she took the car she dint like the sales guy and headed two spring drop town she need the toilet and had no choice she had two stop in the road for one and then there it was the dog or wolf huge dog follower her losing nasty. He went away has she got two the hotel check in got her bags the dog was there he followed her two her room every wear she went she infill he swallowed her car keys and she took him two the vets and she said there nothing she could do only wait three days till the keys come out I give you a collar and some food and a sieve two sieve the keys out she had no choice two take him back two the hotel. She then bathed him fed him walked him she smelt so goo after the bath. He seemed relaxed her with her. She went two the film store two get some movies two watch two pass the time away she met mark a lovely looking guy who she seemed she fought she knew him he gave her some movies and a DVD player for the hotel she told him about the break-up and didn't want any sloppy romance movies He only gave her a horror movie instead she was scared two hell. She took satan for a walk two the desert it was hot they walked for miles then there came a snake huge snake Satan ran all the way two the snake and sorted it out for her saved her from the delay snake he saved her life. they went bak two the hotel they were both tired and she went back two the video store mark wasn't there so she got some treats fro the dog and went wo movie out she ordered a strawberry milkshake and satan had a bag of treats for him he decided he needed the toile inform of the picture in front of everyone she ran after him everyone was booing her throwing popcorn at her she had two sieve the poo out no key she felt weird. Next thing she Sean mark she grab her hand from the movies night it was a horror anyway they went back two the hotel and watch movies instead, They only manage two fall asleep on the end in the hotel room nothing happened but they were shocked indeed. She went back two the vets still no sign of keys She gave mediation a go like the vet lady said but didn't like it made her cry and walked out she fought of all the bad things her dad Kyle and her life now with nothing two do her in this hotel.There was something wrong with satan he was sick the vet had two operate on him said it take an hour she call mark the vet did and he came straight away he was amazed how he came straight away for her they had tea and she told him all about Instagram her life before now and things went great the dog pulled though she smelled she kept him in over night. Mark took her for a ride two the Milky Way were the stars and how dark it was lovely. Frankie collected the dog they stayed with mark for a fe days he had a lovely room he collected perfumes from around the world and made gin two the hotel and clubs and he was a local band he took her out that night two his local band and his music was amazing he was great the gin was amazing. He should her the flowers field and she collect all the followers two make the ginit was lovely day they kissed and everything was perfect then he said they should've have kissed and she felt regret once again she had her keys now she fought it wa best two leave she went two the vets and thank her for everything and said why she was leaving the vet gave her a story about her past and how she ended up up and how her boyfriend died and how she felt love now. She left and when she had singled on her phone Kyle phoned her straight away worrying where she was how sorry she he was her followers were back.so she decided two go back two the silence she stayed with the vet lady she offered her a job has vet assistant she needed a house two rent while she was there and then later on coco the dog that she renamed it ran all away two mark house with her phone in his month she found mark naked on the porch sleeping it was so hot out there with smelling candles everywhere . Mark said she could have the cottage while she was working they needed up together they split together and then she discovered he was mark from step mj she couldn't believe it mark from step she found his records in the cottage ehe confessed and begged her not two tell anyone she didn't. It was a festival in the town and mark was playing his music was great and next things Kyle showed up he hired a private investigator and her sister jess came she kept saying sorry and showed he loved her they had million of followers the tv crew were there he set up a search two find her like a game he even proposed two her as well shed loved mark now she didn't want the fame like before she loved mark she said no it was a great day. After the festival she was talking two jess showed her round the town and mark and made a note two her followers that she be no more online now she had a good life her and was happy. She got married two mark and the dog left one morning ran away they followers the dog into the horizon and he barked three times and left they knew his work was done her very year she looked out for the dog he never came back though she was happy now with mark. This book was great I love it I really wanted two know what was in the enveloped and why the dog left though. I gave it five stars.
* Thanks to Netgalley and Headline Eternal for the advanced reader copy in exchange for this review
In the world of 2020 hashtags, an internet connection and the term 'selfie' are everyday norms. Truly Madly, Like Me follows social media influencer Frankie who's social media career goes downhill after posting a rant about her ex-boyfriend, you could say she has #regrets. As a result, she heads off to a no Wi-Fi zone town in the middle of the desert, where the population has no clue who or what is trending, what an Instagram filter is, or how many followers you have. On her journey of self-discovery, she befriends a one-eyed dog, the town suddenly all know her name (and it's nothing to do with her social media status, it really is just that small) and there's a spark with a man who seems a little familiar - but she has no way of googling him or cyber-stalking to find out why.
This is an interesting story of a modern-day woman who's been caught up in the likes and shares, and constantly being plugged into her phone that she misses out on life. It's interesting to see her shift from having a fake virtual life where she only takes pictures of her breakfast - but never eats it - to living a real one complete with pancakes and without an (Instagram) filter.
The reason I rated this with just 2 stars is that I found the content about her weight gain and past self to be triggering. As someone with an ED history, I felt as though there should be a clear trigger warning and the topic should have been handled more sensitively / in a delicate manner.
Lol, lol, :-( Wanted to read this in 1 day but speed reading is an insult to this fabulous story. So I took my time, absorbed each paragraph, got to know every character and, eventually, I fell in love with a dog who seems to have a sixth sense. Lots of funny parts and laughs, poignant parts too. I was determined to finish a chapter whilst a nice bath bomb was fizzing in a hot foamy bath. I lodged my Kindle safely to finish the chapter when soaking in the bath. It happened to be a sad chapter and my tears nearly took the bathwater to overflow.I
Highly recommend this good book, together with Jo Watsons other books.
Absolute drivel! I love chick lit (Sophie Kinsella is one of my favourite authors) and I know that chick lit isn't supposed to be completely realistic. This was so far fetched though it went beyond that. From the world famous singer that absolutely noone recognised to the apparently psychic dog, it was just nonsense. And don't even get me started on the main character who is shallow, vapid and unlikeable. My single positive about this book is that it was cheap on Amazon so I cant be too annoyed that I spent money on it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Setkáváme se s instagramovou hvězdou Frankie, která žije dokonalý sociální život, jenže tahle úžasná bublina splaskne po tom, co s ní spadne výtah a její stejně tak dokonalý přítel se s ní rozejde. Frankie se zhroutí a rozhodne se odjet do města, kde není signál. Její technologická duše je rozpolcena, jelikož bez telefonu není zvyklá dělat nic - neumí si spočítat kalorie jídla, které snědla; nevidí kroky, které za den ušla; neví, jak se má cítit, protože nemůže vyplnit správného smajlíka v aplikaci a následně to podrobit zkoumání. Osobně mě hodně zaráželo, kolik věcí nezvládala hrdinka dělat bez telefonu, i když u plno věcí to lze. Další věc, která mě doopravdy hodně překvapila: hrdinka má všechny nejmodernější telefony, protože je influencerka a společnosti ji posílají takové věci, ale nemá hodinky.
Nalezneme zde plno absurdních situací, které zároveň dokáží působit smutně a i vtipně. Například Frankie stráví několik hodin tím, že si pečlivě fotí svou snídani aniž by z ní snědla jediné sousto. Pochopitelně její chování je nepochopitelné pro lidi, kteří v městečku žijí spokojeně. Velký problém pro Frankie je i opustit dům bez telefonu, i když je jí naprosto jasné, že ho vlastně nemůže použít. Taky mě hodně překvapilo, že než Frankie odjela, tak nedala vědět své rodině. Celý příběh jí provází psí společník, dle slov Frankie nejošklivější pes na planetě a samozřejmě než si přizná, že jí ten pes "patří".
Ostatní obyvatele městečka jsem si oblíbila hlavně Samíru a Marka. I celkově to prostředí působilo dobře. Děj jako takový byl pozvolný a pomalý, ale rozhodně to nevadilo. Největší trhákem je právě přeměna samotné Frankie, která si začne uvědomovat, co to doopravdy znamená žít. Dočkáte se zde i zvratu a na scéně se objeví i bývalý Frankie, který sítěmi žije ještě více než samotná hrdinka. Ve svém chování nespatřuje nic špatného a ve všem vidí jen peníze, produkty a možnost spolupráce.
Příběh mohu doporučit, pokud máte rádi příběhy ze součastnosti se špetkou romantiky, kde najdete i nějaké zajimavé myšlenky a nějaké součastné problémy a hlavně změna postavy.
I’ve always adored Jo Watson’s books especially The Great Ex-Scape and After The Rain, so I was very excited to read this and I can safely say this did not disappoint! It was everything and more that I could have wanted, a great female lead character, a whole host of side characters who were wonderful, a hunky swoon-worthy heartthrob and of course a trusty dog!
Firstly I love that this was so up to date and modern, as Frankie is a social media influencer who shares her whole life on Instagram. There are some great moments where Frankie would use hashtags throughout the book and it made me laugh as we’ve all been there (for those on Instagram), we’ve all seen those hashtags and I think everyone has craved the thrill of getting likes and shares. So it was very relatable, but this book was about her forgetting all that and learning to live without the internet. It definitely made me think that maybe we could all do with taking a break from the internet once in a while!
In true Watson style I was once again whisked away to the gorgeous landscape of South Africa, described beautifully as always and sat with a huge smile on my face at her character’s hilarious encounters / romantic moments. Everything you could want from a Jo Watson story was all there.
The lead character, Frankie, was brilliantly funny and the moments between her and Mark made me feel like I was watching a rom-com!
There was also some nice little secrets throughout the book too which I enjoyed. Many references about how Mark looked familiar and I was constantly thinking how could she know him and I was constantly trying to guess (I never managed to guess correctly!) so when I found out it was a complete shock.
Finally I couldn’t write this review and not mention one of the most important and special character’s, Harun the dog, who was every bit adorable and one you will remember long after you’ve finished the book.
I can’t heap anymore praise on this book, it just made me feel so happy! I laughed, I cried, I smiled, but most of all I LOVED!!
"Truly, madly like me" is the perfect novel in these social media times #relatable.
Frankie is an influencer that, after an elevator incident, breakup with her #perfectboyfriend and a cringy rant on social media, needed to get away from it all. She finds herself in this amazing journey, bumping into a characteristic four legged companion and meeting a colourful community that lives without phone signal or WIFI, is right what she needs in that moment. Frankie starts to re-consider her life, her intaction with people, everything she takes for granted and finds herself enjoying things that she has long forgotten, wondering if her social media persona is all that she is cut out to be.
I loved the way Frankie talks about her social media life, and I find hilariously funny the way i just had to roll my eyes at the things she hashtag, and some of her logic in certain situations, and the motivation behind everything Kyle and her do together. I laugh so loud at the ridiculous situations she ended up in and I loved her character's development and relationships she made with the IRL people and the connection she made along the way with Harun... I feel like I need that spirit guide in my life!
As a big fan of Jo Watson's books, each one I've read have made me roll off the chair laughing and move me with emotion deep inside. She has this uncanny ability to describe each character and their journey with such passion and great vibe and make her stories somehow relatable at some level. Her sense of humour is contagious and a breath of fresh air during these crazy hard times. Great read and defo a fantastic laugh #superRecommended
When her life as a social media influencer and one half of the #powercouple falls down around her, it seems like everything is going wrong for Frankie. But, after accidentally picking up a hitchhiking dog on the way to wi-fi dead zone, she begins to think that maybe fate had planned this all along.
The dog becomes a key part of Frankie's story and their relationship was very special to see grow.
It took me so long to get into this book but I am so glad I persevered. It wasn't that the story wasn't great, it was more the text speak and hashtags throughout the writing made me feel frustrated and actually, uncomfortable.
But, this book is a masterclass in character development and I loved how Watson used the style of writing to reflect the development of Frankie's character.
I found myself sympathising with Frankie as she works through her demons. The weight problems from her youth, the bullying, feeling inferior to a sibling and the the vapid, false world of influencing...they all added to the depth of her character.
It made me cringe when I reflected on how I have chased likes and styled photos too closely all in the hope of gaining more followers etc. And it was a mirror that was sometimes a bit hard to hold up. This is truly a novel for the times we live in.
I found myself in tears at the end. When you read it, you will see why.
I would highly recommend this...particularly for any 'tweens' who may need a reality check about the life of an influencer.
A South African author who can be a hell of a pain in the ass. And in a positive way! I've read all her books, so I was waiting for this one with great excitement. I admit that I had exaggerated expectations and hoped that she wouldn't disappoint me this time. And unfortunately, that's what happened a little bit.
This time Jo Watson twists the story into the challenging and superficial world of social media, which is eating the main character Frankie Paulson alive. She's used to being everywhere and always online, arranging the perfect photos, eating the latest diet (if she eats at all, that is, as she prepares breakfast for two hours but doesn't consume it), and being in a relationship with a man who fits exactly into the perfect Instagram world. But one day, the elevator almost crashes on her, she loses her contract and soon her boyfriend, she can't handle the situation mentally and unfortunately manages to pull off a pretty big embarrassment. Followers give her mass unfollows, gossip and name-calling, which reminds Frankie dangerously of her childhood and adolescence. As a fat girl with issues, she hasn't exactly built up a friendly relationship with the world around her. Let alone to her mother and her absolutely perfect sister.
Frankie decides to move to Springdorp, a town where the radio quiet zone reigns supreme. They don't have cell service or wifi here, and they live life for real - meeting at town events and going to the video store. And that's how Frankie ends up spending his long moments. A stray dog throws itself in her path, she meets Samira the vet and Mark from the video store. She makes real friendships with real people, and although it's stressful at first, she starts to like it. Every day Frankie realises what she has missed out on in life by living online. But the town and its people have their secrets too. After all - there must be something strange about them if they willingly live without any connection to the outside world.
Again, the book is readable, but there are significantly fewer funny moments than in the author's previous books. At times I felt that the main character's thoughts were often repeated, losing the perfect vibe I'm used to with Jo. Still, it's a fine book and I definitely recommend it to all romantic souls. However - for a title like I Love You, I Don't Love You, which is an absolute top pick for me personally, it's sadly not enough.
This was a new author for me, but I liked the description and it felt very apt for me as I’ve been considering reducing my social media for some time!
The book follows Frankie, a well known instagrammer who following a fall from grace on the social media giant, decides to take a digital detox by visiting a remote town where there is absolutely zero mobile signal or internet. A series of events, mainly driven by the canine equivalent of Nanny McPhee mean that Frankie is forced to stay in the town to confront her inner demons, make friends and find love on the way.
At first I wasn’t sure about this one, as the opening chapters felt a little rushed as we raced through the scenario to lead her into town. However it soon picked up and I found myself falling in live with Frankie, Satan’s little helper / Cujo / Harun, Mark and a whole host of supplementary characters.
It was a perfect escapist read, with a funny, surreal storyline and a little hint of magic, I would definitely recommend it.
The Modern World or More Quaint Way of Life, Which To Choose 🤔
Frankie makes a living through vlogging has many followers, with her boyfriend @TheKyleWhite101, until she gets stuck in a lift on her way to a photo shoot and everything changes...
After a childhood of being on the receiving end of bullies, Frankie's striving for perfection, trying to reinvent herself for the sake of followers/being liked. She then takes herself on a trip to a place where there is no internet/mobile use, for a Social media detox. For Frankie this is a very different way of life, one which for her feels alien.
Truly Madly Like Me is a good read, whilst lighthearted I did find it took a while for me to really get into the book and enjoy it, as at times, certainly earlier on, I found the book too silly rather than humerous. Overall worth a read, just a bit different.
Ahhhh. Reading Jo Watson’s books is like a breath of fresh air. After reading You, Me, Forever and also reading Just The Way I Am, I had to read this one too! Three woman who are complete strangers, all in the same faulty elevator and these three books tell their story..
I just loved this book! It’s so easy to get drawn into the social media / influencer world and that just becomes every day life. This is exactly how Frankie lived her life. When the elevator accident happened and things made a turn in a bad direction, I was so intrigued as to how Frankie would get on when she entered the town with no Wi-Fi. I was so shocked how it turned out for her but so happy at the same time. The love grew for her new companion and he definitely knew what he was doing! 🐶
The characters are so likeable, not Kyle though 😝. I Absolutely adored Mark. I’m so happy with how things turned out for Frankie. This book was just wonderful. Funny, emotional and uplifting! ♥️
Absolutely brilliant ,couldnt put it down . Frankie is an unpopular ,overweight and troubled young woman growing up ,but charting her weight loss transformation on the internet she gets her fame , along with attracting a internet popular boyfriend. Together they are an internet sensation and socially influencing couple but when her relationship with her boyfriend ends she loses her identity ,online friends and popularity . Frankie tried to flee her old life by going to a town that has no internet or tv reception . Can she live without her phone ,Instagram , Facebook ,likes and internet friends who she will never meet etc. This book is a perfect reminder of how we need to concentrate on the things around us ,enjoy the here and now , real friends ,human interaction . Very relevant in today's tech mad world.
Truly, Madly, Like Me by Jo Watson a Truly lovely five-star read. I have enjoyed this author previously, and was looking forward to this one, but I wasn’t overly expecting to be blown away as the last couple have been good but not blow you away good, this one blew the cobwebs away and possibly half my head!! It was just that good, it took me away with it and I didn’t want to come back. What a fantastic journey Jo Watson takes us on as she allows us to follow Frankie on her own personal journey, watch her hide and meet people and watch the chemistry bubble. I found myself identifying with Frankie in odd ways, and she made me smile so much, even as I sit and write this I am smiling like a loon, she has that affect on people. If you pick up one read this summer, make it this one.
3.5/5 Stars. Second book in the trilogy from Jo Watson. After loving the first one (which I gave 5 stars) I was SO excited for this one. Although I enjoyed it I wasn’t as good, possibly as I put too much pressure on it.. the underlying theme of self acceptance and being true to yourself was great though. My favourite quote “true beauty is defined by how we treat each other, it has nothing to do with what we look like on the outside” really stuck with me. Cried happy tears at the ending and would recommend to any chick-lit lover looking for a collection of books that come together to share happy endings. Looking forward to the last book now but won’t put as much pressure on it as I did with this one.
I think it's one of the best books I've ever read. a story that makes you think about the importance of human relationships and that reflects the reality of life in the twenty-first century a world of alienation where reality does not match the real world where likes and followers take over social relationships, where canons of beauty are unattainable and increase people's insecurities instead of giving confidence. All this is written with irony and sarcasm and through beautiful and interesting characters, there is no shortage of twists and bitter tears, because real life is also made of this, but it is still a story that leaves you with a printed smile on the lips and a sense of warmth in the heart
This book starts out by seeing the sadness that led Frankie to turn to food for comfort when her little sister was born. Her quality time with her mum as replaced with seeing what was in the cupboard.
Some fifteen years later Frankie is an Instagram influencer and appears to have it all. She is one half of a #powercouple, a weight loss icon, and fashionista.
After a traumatic afternoon which leads her to do an IGTV slating her ex-boyfriend and friend she loses most of her followers, her collaborations because she is no longer inspirational.
She heads off on a journey by herself to the desert. She is anxious to be by herself. She is followed by a black dog (which I think plays a more significant role). The place she heads is technologically disconnected from everything and she must find out who she is. Its definstely somewhere I would love to go.
This is such a feel good book. It is absolutely hilarious. The first quarter dragged slightly for me but made up for it for the rest of the book. I have added more of the author's books to my wishl
At first I found this a little awkward to read, finding it playing very much on stereotypes and the standard narrative about internet-obsessed influencers.
HOWEVER. In walks a mysterious dog/coyote/devil and everything changes. Frankie meets this dog for the first time after running to a small town with no internet after her live-streamed breakup with Kyle, her very famous influencer boyfriend. Even though every part of her wants to run away screaming, this dog seems to get her involved in all sorts of real situations - and makes her sit back and slowly think about what she wants her real life to be.
In another amazing hit from comedy queen Jo Watson, social media-obsessed Frankie has a rude awakening when her carefully crafted online persona comes crashing down. The book takes us on a stellar journey of self discovery and not just for Frankie but for all of us.
Jo Watson takes on the world of online presence and likes and sponsored posts with a satirical spin, not neglecting the signature LOL moments that only she can do best. Truly, Madly, Like Me is one of my faves of the year. #awesome.
I received an arc from Netgalley for an honest review.