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Followers
A naïve teenager is thrown into the high-stakes, back-stabbing world of reality television in this gossipy, satirical romp, perfect for fans of reality TV.After a disastrous date results in her arrest, sixteen-year-old Lily Rhode is horrified to discover her mugshot is leaked on a gossip website. Lily is the niece of Whitney Paley, a Hollywood housewife and star of reality show Platinum Triangle, a soap-opera-style docu-series in the vein of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and The Hills, revolving around several glamorous families living in the Beverly Hills, Bel Air and Holmby Hills neighborhoods of Los Angeles. When Lily's mom kicks her out of their trailer home in the Valley, Whitney (Lily's mom's estranged sister) invites her to live with her, her movie-star husband, Patrick, and their daughter, Hailey. Lily is set up in the pool house and thrust into the company of reality-star offspring -- kids who are born with silver spoon emojis on their feed. Lily's cousin Hailey and the other teens have lived their entire lives on camera and are masters of deception, with Hailey leading the pack. As Lily learns from the Paleys how to navigate her newfound fame, she finds herself ensnared in the unfolding storylines. What Lily doesn't know is that she's just a pawn being used on the show to make the Paleys look sympathetic to viewers while distracting from on-set sexual misconduct rumors surrounding super hero dad Patrick Paley . . . Is Lily safe under Patrick's roof? Or will Lily be Patrick's downfall? If she isn't destroyed by Hailey first. When Lily catches the eye of Hailey's designated leading man Joel Strom -- it's war!
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2020
5 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Raziel Reid
5 books41 followersRAZIEL REID’s debut young adult novel, When Everything Feels Like the Movies, won the 2014 Governor General’s Award for English-language children’s literature, making him, at 24 years old, the youngest ever person to win the prestigious award. When Everything Feels Like the Movies, optioned for film by Random Bench Productions, is inspired in part by the 2008 murder of gay teenager Lawrence Fobes King. Published in 2014 by Arsenal Pulp Press, it has since been published in the UK by Atom Publishing with The Telegraph listing it as one of the best YA novels of 2016, and in Germany by Albino Verlag. It was selected for inclusion in the 2015 edition of Canada Reads, where it came in second place. It was also nominated for a Lambda Literary Award for LGBT Children’s/Young Adult Literature, and for Publishing Triangle's Ferro-Grumley Award. Raziel lives in Vancouver and is a professor of Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults at the University of British Columbia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 4, 2021
Lucky for me this was a quick read. Not really my current type of read, Social media circus for YA rich kids. ugh... a story about a bunch of rich socialites who love to manipulate and ruin their friends socially. gross..
September 11, 2023
"Followers" by Raziel Reid is a whirlwind of a read that thrusts you right into the glitzy and cutthroat realm of reality television. From the get-go, you're catapulted into a maelstrom of scandal, secrets, and show-stopping drama that keeps you captivated from start to finish.
Sixteen-year-old Lily Rhode's life takes an unexpected turn when her mugshot becomes an internet sensation after a calamitous date. Her tumultuous journey leads her into the world of the Paley family, stars of the reality show "Platinum Triangle." This docu-series, reminiscent of Real Housewives and The Hills, becomes the backdrop for Lily's exhilarating and sometimes spine-tingling adventures.
Raziel Reid masterfully delves into the shadows of fame and fortune, where entitlement, harassment, betrayal, and extortion lurk beneath the glamorous surface. The characters in "Followers" leap off the page, their struggles and triumphs making them startlingly relatable. Lily's path through this treacherous terrain is both heart-pounding and haunting.
The pacing of the story is relentless, ensuring you'll be glued to the pages, unable to put the book down. "Followers" keeps you guessing at every twist and turn, leaving you yearning for more long after the final page is turned.
In this thought-provoking and timely exploration of celebrity culture, Raziel Reid pulls no punches, delivering a narrative that is as exhilarating as it is unsettling. "Followers" casts a spotlight on the high-stakes world of reality television, revealing the astonishing lengths individuals will go to for their moment in the spotlight.
In short, "Followers" is a thrilling and uncompromising peek behind the curtain of reality TV, and Raziel Reid's storytelling brilliance shines brightly in this haunting tale. If you're ready for a gripping, authentic, and unforgettable read, "Followers" deserves a prime spot on your reading list.
Sixteen-year-old Lily Rhode's life takes an unexpected turn when her mugshot becomes an internet sensation after a calamitous date. Her tumultuous journey leads her into the world of the Paley family, stars of the reality show "Platinum Triangle." This docu-series, reminiscent of Real Housewives and The Hills, becomes the backdrop for Lily's exhilarating and sometimes spine-tingling adventures.
Raziel Reid masterfully delves into the shadows of fame and fortune, where entitlement, harassment, betrayal, and extortion lurk beneath the glamorous surface. The characters in "Followers" leap off the page, their struggles and triumphs making them startlingly relatable. Lily's path through this treacherous terrain is both heart-pounding and haunting.
The pacing of the story is relentless, ensuring you'll be glued to the pages, unable to put the book down. "Followers" keeps you guessing at every twist and turn, leaving you yearning for more long after the final page is turned.
In this thought-provoking and timely exploration of celebrity culture, Raziel Reid pulls no punches, delivering a narrative that is as exhilarating as it is unsettling. "Followers" casts a spotlight on the high-stakes world of reality television, revealing the astonishing lengths individuals will go to for their moment in the spotlight.
In short, "Followers" is a thrilling and uncompromising peek behind the curtain of reality TV, and Raziel Reid's storytelling brilliance shines brightly in this haunting tale. If you're ready for a gripping, authentic, and unforgettable read, "Followers" deserves a prime spot on your reading list.
May 3, 2022
I went into this book expecting nothing—only read this as a filler book between darker/heavier books—but somehow, this novel attained a huge jackhammer, drilled an enormous, ugly hole in the lovely hardwood floor of my expectations, fell through the hole like rumpelstiltskin and burned in the hot core of the earth
i don’t know… maybe I just didn’t like the very casual *uses-texting-acronyms-unironically* writing style…. or maybe it was the bots ON PAPER every chapter… I just did not enjoy this and i still have no idea what I just read
tl;dr: the follow back bots in print will drive any sane person nuts, would recommend for people who would like to reenforce their mentality of “teenagers=bad”
i don’t know… maybe I just didn’t like the very casual *uses-texting-acronyms-unironically* writing style…. or maybe it was the bots ON PAPER every chapter… I just did not enjoy this and i still have no idea what I just read
tl;dr: the follow back bots in print will drive any sane person nuts, would recommend for people who would like to reenforce their mentality of “teenagers=bad”
July 22, 2020
If that is how rich kids in Hollywood live than I'm glad I'm neither rich nor live in Hollywood!
December 26, 2020
I can see how this may be a popular book with some teens.
April 8, 2022
SJKSJFHFJV THERE BETTER BE ANOTHER BOOK. I NEED ANSWERS
June 30, 2020
When Raziel Reid was young, he would feign illness to avoid going to school, spending the day instead at his granny Lily’s house, glued to TV soap operas. Reid took refuge at Lily’s home not only to avoid classes but his intimidating “redneck” father, a man as rough-hewn as the surrounding northern Manitoba landscape of cold lakes, boreal forest and wild animals. The “fractured relationship” between burly father and shy and sensitive youngster made Reid, the boy, yearn for glamour and escape.
Reid escaped, although he’s still pursuing glamour. Now 30, Reid just released his third YA novel, Followers, (Penguin Teen), and it is as awash with glamour as the Dolby Theatre red carpet on Academy Awards night. The story takes place in Los Angeles’s Platinum Triangle district, which is made up of three exclusive neighbourhoods: Bel Air, Holmby Hills and Beverly Hills, with its iconic 90210 zip code. Similar to the television show, 90210, Reid’s novel, bursting with pop culture references, is a rollercoaster of boozing, snorting, sex, high fashion, bitchiness, back stabbing, ambition, botox and bulimia.
Followers tracks the exploits, plotting and revenge schemes of the ingénues and hunky young men of Platinum Triangle, a reality TV show that cracks open the private lives of several affluent families for the public to gawk at. Reminiscent of momager Kris Jenner in Keeping Up With the Kardashians — the “real stars are the family matriarchs, who are held together by Juvéderm and rosé.” Obsessed with maintaining youthful visages to try to keep their husbands — and the TV audience — interested, these dermal filler-plumped, botoxed women fail spectacularly as role models for their tempestuous offspring. In one case, intentionally driving a boyfriend’s “Lambo” — short for Lamborghini — into the family pool in Beverley Park at the coveted 90210 zip code barely sparks disapproval from parental units. Rather, it’s good footage, shot from an iPhone, to titillate the followers of one of Platinum Triangle’s young stars — Lambo driver Greta Strom — the most famously self-destructive of the reality TV posse. “It wouldn’t be the first time Greta’s tried to kill herself on camera,” Followers intones.
An homage to LA glitterati, Followers is also a morality tale, and a layered one at that. On the surface skates a love triangle between Platinum Triangle stars Hailey Paley and perfect-pecs Joel Strom, the protective big brother of fatalistic drama queen Greta. The ill-fitting third wheel is Lily Rhode, whose unexpected appearance causes the soap opera plot to careen like Lindsay Lohan driving home after a drunken party. Hailey, gorgeous and famous, with one million followers, is in hot, if calculated, pursuit of dishy Joel. Yet Joel finds himself drawn to Lily, who has been pulled into the Platinum Triangle show by misadventure, rather than design. First, Lily resides on the lowest possibly rung of the social ladder; she is, quite literally, trailer trash. Following an arrest for a crime she didn’t commit, and a subsequent shot to infamy on social media, Lily moves out of her trailer at the insistence of her aunt, Whitney Paley, and movie-star uncle Patrick Paley, one of the Platinum Triangle families. Hailey is the glamour couple’s spoiled single child. Lily’s pending court case adds a delicious dynamic to Platinum Triangle, making her the perfect foil for Hailey within this reality TV universe. But despite being dropped into the lap of luxury, Lily is wary of her new world, saying, “I don’t know if I can do it. Survive in a world where people are made and not born.” Joel’s deep attraction to this humble, self-conscious and reluctant would-be reality star inspires deep resentment and revenge plots from Hailey. And so the world turns, with Hailey representing Joel’s fame and ego and Lily representing his humanity, says Reid.
Reid’s other books, When Everything Feels Like the Movies and Kens, both provocative and controversial YA novels that explored teen sexuality and the insidious nature of teen peer pressure, established him as a wunderkind of Canadian literature. Reid, who resides part-time in Vancouver and LA, was only 24 when his debut fiction novel, When Everything Feels Like the Movies, won the 2014 Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature, making him one of the youngest recipients in Governor General’s Awards history.
As the third work in Reid’s YA triptych, Followers, like the previous two books, explores identity. The stars of Platinum Triangle project an image onto the Internet and, everything they do, say and wear, on or off screen, is fodder to feed the beast, says Reid. This identity, he adds, is “in many ways, separate from us, and we’re either running from it or chasing it.”
Cognizant of the fly-like attention span of Gen Alpha, Z, Y and millennials, Reid has astutely organized Followers into dozens of short-burst chapters, imitative of social media postings, with some only half a page long. Each chapter begins by focusing on one character, whose names are listed at the front of the book as the “cast list” for Platinum Triangle. À la the Twitterverse and Instagram, each chapter also notes the number of social media followers each cast member has. (Ingénue Valeria Leon, one of Platinum Triangle’s biggest stars, is enviably popular with well over three million hangers on.)
In keeping with social media convention, the chapters start with threads: commentary from followers with cryptic social media handles, who act as the novel’s Greek chorus, their anonymous, unfettered reactions ranging from unctuous adoration to malicious, envious cruelties. Such a clever device forces readers to hold up a mirror to their own social media antics, forcing self-reflection and (hopefully) self-recrimination at the extremity of some of the knee-jerk reactions we’ve all been guilty of typing.
Occasionally, the characters in Platinum Triangle also experience such moments of introspection and they are briefly terrorized, like a deer in the headlights, by a lightning bolt of clarity about their privileged lives. But lucidity is temporary, dissipating with the next attention-grabbing escapade that is applauded or booed by fans.
Followers has the awkward timing of being launched in the midst of political and societal upheaval in the United States, with young people caught up in the Black Lives Matter, #TimesUp and #MeToo movements. Overriding this is the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, mass unemployment and outrage against the current president, who has spent nearly four years shovelling racism, lies and anti-intellectualism into the maw of his own social media beast. But Followers should never be discounted as frivolous. Good versus evil courses through the novel’s literary veins, an allegory for today’s tumultuous times. It’s just that the moral battle in Followers can be enjoyed while sun tanning at the beach, a respite from taking that same fight to the streets in protest.
Reid escaped, although he’s still pursuing glamour. Now 30, Reid just released his third YA novel, Followers, (Penguin Teen), and it is as awash with glamour as the Dolby Theatre red carpet on Academy Awards night. The story takes place in Los Angeles’s Platinum Triangle district, which is made up of three exclusive neighbourhoods: Bel Air, Holmby Hills and Beverly Hills, with its iconic 90210 zip code. Similar to the television show, 90210, Reid’s novel, bursting with pop culture references, is a rollercoaster of boozing, snorting, sex, high fashion, bitchiness, back stabbing, ambition, botox and bulimia.
Followers tracks the exploits, plotting and revenge schemes of the ingénues and hunky young men of Platinum Triangle, a reality TV show that cracks open the private lives of several affluent families for the public to gawk at. Reminiscent of momager Kris Jenner in Keeping Up With the Kardashians — the “real stars are the family matriarchs, who are held together by Juvéderm and rosé.” Obsessed with maintaining youthful visages to try to keep their husbands — and the TV audience — interested, these dermal filler-plumped, botoxed women fail spectacularly as role models for their tempestuous offspring. In one case, intentionally driving a boyfriend’s “Lambo” — short for Lamborghini — into the family pool in Beverley Park at the coveted 90210 zip code barely sparks disapproval from parental units. Rather, it’s good footage, shot from an iPhone, to titillate the followers of one of Platinum Triangle’s young stars — Lambo driver Greta Strom — the most famously self-destructive of the reality TV posse. “It wouldn’t be the first time Greta’s tried to kill herself on camera,” Followers intones.
An homage to LA glitterati, Followers is also a morality tale, and a layered one at that. On the surface skates a love triangle between Platinum Triangle stars Hailey Paley and perfect-pecs Joel Strom, the protective big brother of fatalistic drama queen Greta. The ill-fitting third wheel is Lily Rhode, whose unexpected appearance causes the soap opera plot to careen like Lindsay Lohan driving home after a drunken party. Hailey, gorgeous and famous, with one million followers, is in hot, if calculated, pursuit of dishy Joel. Yet Joel finds himself drawn to Lily, who has been pulled into the Platinum Triangle show by misadventure, rather than design. First, Lily resides on the lowest possibly rung of the social ladder; she is, quite literally, trailer trash. Following an arrest for a crime she didn’t commit, and a subsequent shot to infamy on social media, Lily moves out of her trailer at the insistence of her aunt, Whitney Paley, and movie-star uncle Patrick Paley, one of the Platinum Triangle families. Hailey is the glamour couple’s spoiled single child. Lily’s pending court case adds a delicious dynamic to Platinum Triangle, making her the perfect foil for Hailey within this reality TV universe. But despite being dropped into the lap of luxury, Lily is wary of her new world, saying, “I don’t know if I can do it. Survive in a world where people are made and not born.” Joel’s deep attraction to this humble, self-conscious and reluctant would-be reality star inspires deep resentment and revenge plots from Hailey. And so the world turns, with Hailey representing Joel’s fame and ego and Lily representing his humanity, says Reid.
Reid’s other books, When Everything Feels Like the Movies and Kens, both provocative and controversial YA novels that explored teen sexuality and the insidious nature of teen peer pressure, established him as a wunderkind of Canadian literature. Reid, who resides part-time in Vancouver and LA, was only 24 when his debut fiction novel, When Everything Feels Like the Movies, won the 2014 Governor General’s Award for Children’s Literature, making him one of the youngest recipients in Governor General’s Awards history.
As the third work in Reid’s YA triptych, Followers, like the previous two books, explores identity. The stars of Platinum Triangle project an image onto the Internet and, everything they do, say and wear, on or off screen, is fodder to feed the beast, says Reid. This identity, he adds, is “in many ways, separate from us, and we’re either running from it or chasing it.”
Cognizant of the fly-like attention span of Gen Alpha, Z, Y and millennials, Reid has astutely organized Followers into dozens of short-burst chapters, imitative of social media postings, with some only half a page long. Each chapter begins by focusing on one character, whose names are listed at the front of the book as the “cast list” for Platinum Triangle. À la the Twitterverse and Instagram, each chapter also notes the number of social media followers each cast member has. (Ingénue Valeria Leon, one of Platinum Triangle’s biggest stars, is enviably popular with well over three million hangers on.)
In keeping with social media convention, the chapters start with threads: commentary from followers with cryptic social media handles, who act as the novel’s Greek chorus, their anonymous, unfettered reactions ranging from unctuous adoration to malicious, envious cruelties. Such a clever device forces readers to hold up a mirror to their own social media antics, forcing self-reflection and (hopefully) self-recrimination at the extremity of some of the knee-jerk reactions we’ve all been guilty of typing.
Occasionally, the characters in Platinum Triangle also experience such moments of introspection and they are briefly terrorized, like a deer in the headlights, by a lightning bolt of clarity about their privileged lives. But lucidity is temporary, dissipating with the next attention-grabbing escapade that is applauded or booed by fans.
Followers has the awkward timing of being launched in the midst of political and societal upheaval in the United States, with young people caught up in the Black Lives Matter, #TimesUp and #MeToo movements. Overriding this is the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, mass unemployment and outrage against the current president, who has spent nearly four years shovelling racism, lies and anti-intellectualism into the maw of his own social media beast. But Followers should never be discounted as frivolous. Good versus evil courses through the novel’s literary veins, an allegory for today’s tumultuous times. It’s just that the moral battle in Followers can be enjoyed while sun tanning at the beach, a respite from taking that same fight to the streets in protest.
August 27, 2023
Drama hits extreme heights in a tale, which sinks into the rich, back-stabbing, and dirt of Hollywood and social media dreams.
Lily's life isn't exactly star-studded, but that's fine. She does her best by working a summer job to pay the rent for the trailer her mother and her stay in...well, when her mother is there...and gets by. When Lily misjudges a situation, she finds herself facing trial for grand-theft. With her entire life threatening to shatter, possible hope arrives as her extremely rich and famous relatives step in. Lily will make the perfect addition to their popular, real-life show and help slide her aunt into a much better (and needed) light with the fans. Lily has no choice but to go with the flow, and of course, finds herself in way over her head thanks to the constant manipulation of the rich and famous crowd. That the male lead at her cousin's side takes an interest in Lily doesn't help matters, either. But it might be Lily's own heart which causes could ruin everything.
This is a cleverly done read and dives right into a nasty war for ratings, all swirling around a real-life drama show. The setting snuggles into the lives of rich and famous Hollywood families, who swim in extravagance and will do anything to remain in the spotlight of attention. It exposes the dirt and sludge needed to hold up the superficial glimmer and shine. The tale is told from many different points of view, letting the reader grasp a bit from everyone involved, while still concentrating on the main characters. Each change of view holds its own chapter with the person's social media name at the top to keep confusion at bay. Then, there's a follower number, which changes (or doesn't change) as the tale runs its course. After that, there's a short section of fan's recent comments to that character. All of this sets the atmosphere and adds the right hints and nods before each chapter starts.
The story itself gets gritty, gritty, and gritty. There are more than a few triggers surrounding eating disorders, self-harm, suicide attempts, rape, violence, drugs, and much more. None of this hits deep descriptions, letting them happen with mentions and moments. But then, there's no time for that. The plot hits like a whirlwind from all directions, grabbing and twisting and turning to make it hard to put the read down. There is tons of scheming and horrible secrets, all used as stepping stones to up the ratings. It keeps the reader guessing the entire way through, while also promising the tension remains high.
It is an engaging read and well-worth picking up, even for those who aren't huge contemporary fans (like myself). There are some problems with the depth of a few characters, a couple confusing side-plots, and a few resolutions feel light, but that was due to the sheer quantity. There are quite a few characters involved and individual issues. A few less would have been more. Despite these stumbles, it is an engaging read and had me in my seat for an entire sitting. The ending seems to promise a book two, and if there is, I will be picking it up to see what happens next. I won an ARC and enjoyed this drama quite a bit.
Lily's life isn't exactly star-studded, but that's fine. She does her best by working a summer job to pay the rent for the trailer her mother and her stay in...well, when her mother is there...and gets by. When Lily misjudges a situation, she finds herself facing trial for grand-theft. With her entire life threatening to shatter, possible hope arrives as her extremely rich and famous relatives step in. Lily will make the perfect addition to their popular, real-life show and help slide her aunt into a much better (and needed) light with the fans. Lily has no choice but to go with the flow, and of course, finds herself in way over her head thanks to the constant manipulation of the rich and famous crowd. That the male lead at her cousin's side takes an interest in Lily doesn't help matters, either. But it might be Lily's own heart which causes could ruin everything.
This is a cleverly done read and dives right into a nasty war for ratings, all swirling around a real-life drama show. The setting snuggles into the lives of rich and famous Hollywood families, who swim in extravagance and will do anything to remain in the spotlight of attention. It exposes the dirt and sludge needed to hold up the superficial glimmer and shine. The tale is told from many different points of view, letting the reader grasp a bit from everyone involved, while still concentrating on the main characters. Each change of view holds its own chapter with the person's social media name at the top to keep confusion at bay. Then, there's a follower number, which changes (or doesn't change) as the tale runs its course. After that, there's a short section of fan's recent comments to that character. All of this sets the atmosphere and adds the right hints and nods before each chapter starts.
The story itself gets gritty, gritty, and gritty. There are more than a few triggers surrounding eating disorders, self-harm, suicide attempts, rape, violence, drugs, and much more. None of this hits deep descriptions, letting them happen with mentions and moments. But then, there's no time for that. The plot hits like a whirlwind from all directions, grabbing and twisting and turning to make it hard to put the read down. There is tons of scheming and horrible secrets, all used as stepping stones to up the ratings. It keeps the reader guessing the entire way through, while also promising the tension remains high.
It is an engaging read and well-worth picking up, even for those who aren't huge contemporary fans (like myself). There are some problems with the depth of a few characters, a couple confusing side-plots, and a few resolutions feel light, but that was due to the sheer quantity. There are quite a few characters involved and individual issues. A few less would have been more. Despite these stumbles, it is an engaging read and had me in my seat for an entire sitting. The ending seems to promise a book two, and if there is, I will be picking it up to see what happens next. I won an ARC and enjoyed this drama quite a bit.
June 15, 2020
Followers by Raziel Reid is perfect for fans of the Kardashians, any of the “Real Housewives” series, or teen dramas such as Gossip Girl or The O.C. I devoured this book, and it left me reeling.
The story follows Lily Rhode, a sixteen-year-old who is arrested when her date decides to commit a break and enter. Her mom ends up sending her to her aunt’s house, where she supposed to spend the summer living in the pool house (if this doesn’t scream The O.C. to you, there are plenty of other references that will).
This doesn’t sound too bad, right? Well, the catch is that her aunt, Whitney Paley, is one of the stars of the hit reality show Platinum Triangle, and Lily’s mom also signed Lily up for a minor role on the show.
Sure, to some this might sound great, but Lily doesn’t know anything about being famous. Her and her mom are distanced from the glamour and glitz of their family, and Lily doesn’t even have any social media accounts. Her cousin, Hailey, has over one million followers, and plays the role of teen queen on the show. She might seem sweet on the outside, but has her own vile games that she plays with the other teenage co-stars.
Throughout the story we see Lily integrate into this very public lifestyle, and watch as her presence upends the relationships others on the show have. Secrets are revealed, and it becomes obvious that what is presented to the public isn’t always the same as what happens in real life. It’s full of backstabbing, deceit, lies, and more than enough drama.
A lot of the events that lead to very shocking moments should come with content warnings: drug use, eating disorders, transphobia, animal abuse, self harm, and an older man preying on and having a truly disgusting relationship with a minor. Many of these themes are very real examples of what have been present in real life tabloids and news stories.
The only part of the book that I didn’t care for were the comments at the beginning of each chapter. Each chapter, told from the perspective of a different character, starts with comments from their social media accounts. I don’t like reading comments in real life, so I skipped these.
Reading Followers was truly a rollercoaster for me. There were times when I wanted to throw the book across my room, and others when I wanted to reach out and hug certain characters. The range of emotion it made me feel was unreal. If you’re a fan of reality TV, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book too.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Followers by Raziel Reid came out on June 9, 2020, and can be purchased wherever books are sold.
The story follows Lily Rhode, a sixteen-year-old who is arrested when her date decides to commit a break and enter. Her mom ends up sending her to her aunt’s house, where she supposed to spend the summer living in the pool house (if this doesn’t scream The O.C. to you, there are plenty of other references that will).
This doesn’t sound too bad, right? Well, the catch is that her aunt, Whitney Paley, is one of the stars of the hit reality show Platinum Triangle, and Lily’s mom also signed Lily up for a minor role on the show.
Sure, to some this might sound great, but Lily doesn’t know anything about being famous. Her and her mom are distanced from the glamour and glitz of their family, and Lily doesn’t even have any social media accounts. Her cousin, Hailey, has over one million followers, and plays the role of teen queen on the show. She might seem sweet on the outside, but has her own vile games that she plays with the other teenage co-stars.
Throughout the story we see Lily integrate into this very public lifestyle, and watch as her presence upends the relationships others on the show have. Secrets are revealed, and it becomes obvious that what is presented to the public isn’t always the same as what happens in real life. It’s full of backstabbing, deceit, lies, and more than enough drama.
A lot of the events that lead to very shocking moments should come with content warnings: drug use, eating disorders, transphobia, animal abuse, self harm, and an older man preying on and having a truly disgusting relationship with a minor. Many of these themes are very real examples of what have been present in real life tabloids and news stories.
The only part of the book that I didn’t care for were the comments at the beginning of each chapter. Each chapter, told from the perspective of a different character, starts with comments from their social media accounts. I don’t like reading comments in real life, so I skipped these.
Reading Followers was truly a rollercoaster for me. There were times when I wanted to throw the book across my room, and others when I wanted to reach out and hug certain characters. The range of emotion it made me feel was unreal. If you’re a fan of reality TV, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this book too.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Followers by Raziel Reid came out on June 9, 2020, and can be purchased wherever books are sold.
July 8, 2020
Holy.Shit.
I was hesitant about this book at first. I had never heard of Raziel Reid before picking up Followers, and I'm not usually a fan of the third-person perspective because it can seem sterile and impersonal, maybe even drift into the territory of mediocrity. However, once I got into the book, I couldn't put it down. It was like watching a trainwreck.
HIGHLIGHT: The Instagram comments and the interloping storylines. The book did a fantastic job showing the cynical part of Hollywood especially generated towards a younger audience. It's messy, and the characters are realistic, reminding me of Gossip Girl and Crazy Rich Asians (except not for Asians) for a younger generation. The story is unpredictable and twisted, and each character is fully developed in their own way. I was anxious but rooting for Lily (even as she changed herself), but Hailey or Valeria were my favorites. Each character is so utterly unique to themselves, representing the downfalls of fame.
I CAN'T *BELIEVE* that the story ends on TWO cliffhangers with the main characters Lily and Hailey. The book does a fabulous job at capturing the need for newness and excitement and drama (Keeping up with the Kardashians, I'm looking at you). I so desperately hope for a sequel because I can't wait to see what happens with the cast next. Their show is utterly toxic, and the parents are also at fault here. I can't wait to see what Raziel Reid writes next!
Happy Wednesday! I hope your day is going well. And if it isn't, I hope that tomorrow or sometime soon, it gets better. Because I promise that it will get better. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but one day soon. There's a light at the end of the tunnel, and you have to keep going until you exit the tunnel. Life gets rough, but we always find peace.
Do things that make you happy, and above else, amor omnia vincent.
with love forever,
Reenie
💋
I was hesitant about this book at first. I had never heard of Raziel Reid before picking up Followers, and I'm not usually a fan of the third-person perspective because it can seem sterile and impersonal, maybe even drift into the territory of mediocrity. However, once I got into the book, I couldn't put it down. It was like watching a trainwreck.
HIGHLIGHT: The Instagram comments and the interloping storylines. The book did a fantastic job showing the cynical part of Hollywood especially generated towards a younger audience. It's messy, and the characters are realistic, reminding me of Gossip Girl and Crazy Rich Asians (except not for Asians) for a younger generation. The story is unpredictable and twisted, and each character is fully developed in their own way. I was anxious but rooting for Lily (even as she changed herself), but Hailey or Valeria were my favorites. Each character is so utterly unique to themselves, representing the downfalls of fame.
I CAN'T *BELIEVE* that the story ends on TWO cliffhangers with the main characters Lily and Hailey. The book does a fabulous job at capturing the need for newness and excitement and drama (Keeping up with the Kardashians, I'm looking at you). I so desperately hope for a sequel because I can't wait to see what happens with the cast next. Their show is utterly toxic, and the parents are also at fault here. I can't wait to see what Raziel Reid writes next!
Happy Wednesday! I hope your day is going well. And if it isn't, I hope that tomorrow or sometime soon, it gets better. Because I promise that it will get better. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but one day soon. There's a light at the end of the tunnel, and you have to keep going until you exit the tunnel. Life gets rough, but we always find peace.
Do things that make you happy, and above else, amor omnia vincent.
with love forever,
Reenie
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2020
After Lily Rhode is arrested for grand theft, her aunt invites her to move out of Lily’s trailer park and into her aunt’s Beverly Hills mansion. The catch is that she will star on the reality show along with her cousin, Hailey, and various other famous families. Lily is just there to recover from her arrest, but her aunt Whitney positions her as the villain to her cousin Hailey. Hailey has a storyline going on the show with a romance between her and Joel, but when Joel sees Lily, he’s drawn to her. Hailey and the other cast members have to plan out their storylines for the season, and try not to be overshadowed by Lily.
Kens by Raziel Reid was one of my favourite books last year, so I was excited to read this one! The show in this book, Platinum Triangle, was like a combination of reality shows: The Kardashians meets The Hills meets The Real Housewives. There were some storylines that were straight from those shows, such as someone faking cancer and having a transgender parent. I loved this connection to real reality shows that I’ve watched.
There were some tough subjects in this book, which need some trigger warnings. There was lots of drug use, faking cancer, dog fighting, eating disorders, and an adult having a relationship with a minor. These things were told fairly early on in the book, so they aren’t spoilers. Even though these could be upsetting subjects, they were so extreme in this story that they turned into a parody of reality shows. One of the most shocking things is that some of these stories are taken right from reality shows, so they are an accurate representation of that world.
I loved this book! The ending was so shocking I had to read it a couple of times to make sure I had read it correctly. If you love reality TV, you’ll love this book.
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Kens by Raziel Reid was one of my favourite books last year, so I was excited to read this one! The show in this book, Platinum Triangle, was like a combination of reality shows: The Kardashians meets The Hills meets The Real Housewives. There were some storylines that were straight from those shows, such as someone faking cancer and having a transgender parent. I loved this connection to real reality shows that I’ve watched.
There were some tough subjects in this book, which need some trigger warnings. There was lots of drug use, faking cancer, dog fighting, eating disorders, and an adult having a relationship with a minor. These things were told fairly early on in the book, so they aren’t spoilers. Even though these could be upsetting subjects, they were so extreme in this story that they turned into a parody of reality shows. One of the most shocking things is that some of these stories are taken right from reality shows, so they are an accurate representation of that world.
I loved this book! The ending was so shocking I had to read it a couple of times to make sure I had read it correctly. If you love reality TV, you’ll love this book.
Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 17, 2024
There’s definitely a type of person who will enjoy Raziel Reid as an author. His storytelling techniques are a bit more raw and his framing devices are really clever insofar as how he tweaks them to really drive home the tone and world he tries to set in his works - this was no exception.
Set as a mirror of something between the Hills and Kardashians and other slice of life reality TV, Reid sets up an intriguing commentary to what that world appears to be, what we perhaps want it to be. I found it entertaining, just the right length, and well set up to satisfyingly resolve a number of key plot points.
The only thing I really disliked was the last chapter - the ending really feels like it comes out of nowhere and it’s not clear if this is intended to set up a subsequent novel in this world. If it is, then it’s a nice hook in. If it is not, then it’s a really bizarre element to add in. I suspect it was done to try and tie some sort of point about the ultimate price of fame, but it just felt unnecessarily dark.
Set as a mirror of something between the Hills and Kardashians and other slice of life reality TV, Reid sets up an intriguing commentary to what that world appears to be, what we perhaps want it to be. I found it entertaining, just the right length, and well set up to satisfyingly resolve a number of key plot points.
The only thing I really disliked was the last chapter - the ending really feels like it comes out of nowhere and it’s not clear if this is intended to set up a subsequent novel in this world. If it is, then it’s a nice hook in. If it is not, then it’s a really bizarre element to add in. I suspect it was done to try and tie some sort of point about the ultimate price of fame, but it just felt unnecessarily dark.
February 15, 2024
*I received this book as an Early Reviewer on LibraryThing.*
Reading this book felt like reading the first couple of chapters in about 5 different books in a series. The characters are all unlikeable and we shifted into way more POVs than necessary. A majority of the storylines are purely superficial with no strong actions, momentum, or consequences tied to them. Rather, they just never resolve and we move into the next problem or misunderstanding. I feel as though many of these various storylines were purely going for clickbaity shock value... *SPOILERS* ...(i.e. car crash, predatory relationship, dog fight, another car crash). All but one of these came out of nowhere, which makes it feel random and inauthentic to the story.
I think the world was set up well, from the cast list on the first page to the Instagram comments that start each chapter. Aside from that, the through line of the plot and character development leaves something to be desired.
Reading this book felt like reading the first couple of chapters in about 5 different books in a series. The characters are all unlikeable and we shifted into way more POVs than necessary. A majority of the storylines are purely superficial with no strong actions, momentum, or consequences tied to them. Rather, they just never resolve and we move into the next problem or misunderstanding. I feel as though many of these various storylines were purely going for clickbaity shock value... *SPOILERS* ...(i.e. car crash, predatory relationship, dog fight, another car crash). All but one of these came out of nowhere, which makes it feel random and inauthentic to the story.
I think the world was set up well, from the cast list on the first page to the Instagram comments that start each chapter. Aside from that, the through line of the plot and character development leaves something to be desired.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2020
Well, I'll be damned: That was better than I thought it would be.
Aside from the fact that it is full of unrepentant assholes (which I love) that the author allows to be assholes, I was remarkably surprised at the lack of preaching in the book about the various social issues presented- I was especially surprised at the empathy the author had for Greta and Joel and Jessica re: Jessica's transition.
A lot of media discussing trans issues nowadays has an agenda built into it: You are expected to discuss the topic in a Very Specific Way (usually a fairly black and white way) if you don't want to be accused of transphobia. The author put a lot of emotional honesty into Greta and Joel's struggle with Jessica's transition, and it came off as very realistic.
Good book. If there's a sequel planned, I'm reading it.
Aside from the fact that it is full of unrepentant assholes (which I love) that the author allows to be assholes, I was remarkably surprised at the lack of preaching in the book about the various social issues presented- I was especially surprised at the empathy the author had for Greta and Joel and Jessica re: Jessica's transition.
A lot of media discussing trans issues nowadays has an agenda built into it: You are expected to discuss the topic in a Very Specific Way (usually a fairly black and white way) if you don't want to be accused of transphobia. The author put a lot of emotional honesty into Greta and Joel's struggle with Jessica's transition, and it came off as very realistic.
Good book. If there's a sequel planned, I'm reading it.
September 14, 2020
This book grew on me. I didn't love it but I didn't end up hating it either. If there is a sequel, I will read it.
I had a few issues with this book but the main one for me was that there were too many designer labels mentioned. For example- "So and so pulled out her (insert designer label) lipstick out of her (insert designer label) purse" We get it they are rich, they are the 1%.
It felt like the author was trying too hard. It's like he personally wants to be in that world and had to prove that he should be by knowing all that useless information. It sometimes pulled you out of the story.
Overall it was an interesting story.
I had a few issues with this book but the main one for me was that there were too many designer labels mentioned. For example- "So and so pulled out her (insert designer label) lipstick out of her (insert designer label) purse" We get it they are rich, they are the 1%.
It felt like the author was trying too hard. It's like he personally wants to be in that world and had to prove that he should be by knowing all that useless information. It sometimes pulled you out of the story.
Overall it was an interesting story.
June 7, 2023
worst book ever. I expected a lot more. The plot is a mess. this family is messed up and it is confusing. Lily (the fl) is so annoying, she thinks that her cousin is the backstabbing bitch, but in real life, she the problem. Idk if the author wanted us to have empathy for the main character but it is not happening. The ml is also messed up. If u like a girl don't go around flirting with other and hugging other girls and then expect to be forgiven. No. he's giving signs at Hailey giving her false hope while hooking up with Lily.
Like wth?
Like wth?
July 7, 2020
Reading this is like driving past a fatal accident. You hate to look, but can't avoid staring at the gore. There are plenty of characters in it, almost all of them unlikable with the exceptions of Lily and Joel. Everyone else would feel right at home in the decadence of ancient Rome. Still, some are sympathetic, even if distasteful. I enjoyed it, but the ending is like running into a tree at night, shocking and leaving one dazed.
November 30, 2020
Wasn't really a fan. It was an interesting concept of ya set among a reality tv series. It was like gossip girl meets the Kardashians. However, I didn't like that there was really racy language n-word and others in the top of many of the chapters. They had "comments" to each of the narrators profiles and many of them contained language. It was unnecessary. I did receive an advance copy so maybe the changed it.
September 8, 2021
August 2021: 3 Stars
This book is a reality show on paper. I wasn't necessarily enjoying it, but I couldn't put it down either? It's a rollercoaster from start to finish, and once you get a handle on the who's who of the big cast of characters, it's really engrossing. You can't help but wonder what's going to happen next!
I don't think I'll ever read it again, but I'll happily pass it on to friends who want to lose themselves in something with low stakes and shallow characters.
This book is a reality show on paper. I wasn't necessarily enjoying it, but I couldn't put it down either? It's a rollercoaster from start to finish, and once you get a handle on the who's who of the big cast of characters, it's really engrossing. You can't help but wonder what's going to happen next!
I don't think I'll ever read it again, but I'll happily pass it on to friends who want to lose themselves in something with low stakes and shallow characters.
August 30, 2020
Certainly not boring, but there's almost TOO much happening? A lot of characters to follow and it took me until around the middle of the book to finally solidify who was who. The ending was a bit sudden and felt a little forced for shock value and made certain plot points irrelevant, but overall I was hooked through the entire thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2021
not sure what i expected from this book but it just wasn’t my fave. the mention of designer brands was unnecessarily brought up in each chapter- i feel like after the first couple we can gather that they’re rich and buy designer. there mentions of sensitive topics and written off as joking matters. so many plot holes and overall poorly written in my opinion
August 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. It takes a bit to establish who is who and who is connected to who but once you do you are captivated by the story. It's well written, fast paced, and gritty. For anyone who likes reality shows this one will hook you in. Very mature content so I would not recommend it for younger YA readers.
October 11, 2023
So completely and utterly vapid. This was unbearable. I read enough to get my bearings, then skipped to the end, and was relieved I read nothing in the middle. It was exactly like watching an episode of The Hills, except without the visuals, meaning the dialogue was a thousand times more tedious. Also, the hideous cover meant I couldn't read this while baby sitting my niece and nephew.
November 19, 2020
I couldn’t even make it through the first 10 chapters, I ended at chapter 7.
It was full of just off putting comments with no trigger/content warnings. The characters were full of too many unlikable bigots. The story idea was interesting but from what I read there is little payoff.
It was full of just off putting comments with no trigger/content warnings. The characters were full of too many unlikable bigots. The story idea was interesting but from what I read there is little payoff.
January 23, 2021
I do not like reality TV so I just couldn't get into this novelization of the genre. Reid nailed the feel of the shows. Teens that love watching the Kardashians or other reality TV families will probably love this novel.
January 8, 2022
Interesting book, definitely for a young adult reader. Easy to follow as they jumped from each characters point of view. All about social media so it was an easy read to follow, one of those books that don't take a lot of brain power to follow.
April 11, 2022
Absolutely insane story - not a middle grades book at all, touches on a ton of crazy topics, feels like a Real Housewives season but with children instead of adults. Very quick read, but not necessarily a good read..Engaging yet terrifying!
July 19, 2020
I loved this book about the performative nature of humankind! Keeping up with the Kardashians meets Laguna Beach! :)
January 12, 2021
Raziel Reid writes books for a very specific kind of bitch and I'm thankful. Despite getting some of the worst GR rating of any author I've ever seen he just keeps writing. What an icon.
September 29, 2021
I think the book plot of the book is the only thing that really intriguid me into reading the book.
The book was mid to be honest
key
-Mid means decent
The book was mid to be honest
key
-Mid means decent
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