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Hashtag Happy
Diana Murray's life is #goals. Home might not be perfect, but her Instagram can be. Her YouTube subscriber count is soaring, she's getting recognised in public and gorgeous @ErichLang is sliding into her DMs. How can she be anything but #happy? While living it up with Cape Town's favourite influencers, Diana sees something she wishes she hadn't, something that could get you #cancelled for good. Surely a small lie online is justified if it exposes the truth? Before Diana can find out, her phone is confiscated and she's sent to rehab for social media addiction. Can she take responsibility for her actions and start the journey towards recovery and freedom, or will she remain a prisoner of social media and its trolls?
293 pages, Paperback
Published October 18, 2021
3 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 23, 2021
*Disclaimer: I was kindly gifted a copy of this book by Pan Macmillan SA in exchange for an honest review.
"Hashtag: There's No Hashtag For This! I say, because hashtags are only good for trying to get noticed or for capturing seemingly cool moments, not major 'this is what life is all about' revelations."
All of us wants to be #happy, but sometimes life has other plans. Set in Cape Town, South Africa, Diana Murray is flourishing on social media. Her Instagram and Youtube followers are growing daily and she's even recognised in public. But soon all of this gets out of hand and Diana is forced to 'quit' social media, an influencer's nightmare. Spending time in rehab for social media addiction, Diana craves to log into her social media accounts for a quick glimpse, but with everyone's phones locked away, it's #missionimpossible, or is it?
With the dual timeline, #LivingInTheNow and the days before rehab, we get to know Diana and see her character development. The story has a steady pace and the reader has no trouble getting swept up in the hashtags, the characters are relatable and after finishing the story, the reader is left pondering the message of the story. How does social media impact your life, all the comparing and disappointment that goes with it when you don't have a certain amount of followers or likes on a post.
I'm glad I read this when I did. It's hard to believe that Hashtag Happy is the debut novel of Theodora Lee. This story is well-written and deals with a problem that is serious in today's life: social media and dependence on it. For me, this book falls in the class of Holly Bourne's books: a story that leaves a lasting impression on the reader, a story with a memorable lesson. I loved all the characters; their development and the friendships. I highly recommend this book, one of my favourite YA reads this year.
READ. THIS. BOOK.
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.c...
"Hashtag: There's No Hashtag For This! I say, because hashtags are only good for trying to get noticed or for capturing seemingly cool moments, not major 'this is what life is all about' revelations."
All of us wants to be #happy, but sometimes life has other plans. Set in Cape Town, South Africa, Diana Murray is flourishing on social media. Her Instagram and Youtube followers are growing daily and she's even recognised in public. But soon all of this gets out of hand and Diana is forced to 'quit' social media, an influencer's nightmare. Spending time in rehab for social media addiction, Diana craves to log into her social media accounts for a quick glimpse, but with everyone's phones locked away, it's #missionimpossible, or is it?
With the dual timeline, #LivingInTheNow and the days before rehab, we get to know Diana and see her character development. The story has a steady pace and the reader has no trouble getting swept up in the hashtags, the characters are relatable and after finishing the story, the reader is left pondering the message of the story. How does social media impact your life, all the comparing and disappointment that goes with it when you don't have a certain amount of followers or likes on a post.
I'm glad I read this when I did. It's hard to believe that Hashtag Happy is the debut novel of Theodora Lee. This story is well-written and deals with a problem that is serious in today's life: social media and dependence on it. For me, this book falls in the class of Holly Bourne's books: a story that leaves a lasting impression on the reader, a story with a memorable lesson. I loved all the characters; their development and the friendships. I highly recommend this book, one of my favourite YA reads this year.
READ. THIS. BOOK.
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.c...
February 1, 2022
#hashtaghappy – Theodora Lee
#panmacmillan
@VideoPrincess: ‘I never meant to hurt anyone, including myself, the way that I did…’
She was simply Diana Murray before she became @VideoPrincess; a teenage influencer on YouTube and Instagram, to whom the number of subscribers and followers and their ‘likes’ became more important than real life. And she did not realize the extent of her addiction until the night she spent with her idol, @ErichLang, resulted in her becoming the object of classic cyber troll bullying and her ending up in a rehabilitation facility.
The author is a brilliant new voice in local young adult fiction and the themes explored in this debut novel are relevant and well researched. Addiction has many faces and, although the substance of choice may vary, the damage done to the addicted and to his/her loved ones, is alarmingly similar. Set in Cape Town and using typical social media abbreviations and hashtags, the novel will appeal to teenagers of 14-18 years of age. It is also recommended reading for parents wishing to be better informed regarding the virtual world our young people are becoming increasingly involved in and the dangers and pitfalls lurking about.
It is, however, much more than a warning regarding social media; it also narrates the story of a teenager coming to terms with her own and her loved ones’ imperfections; realizing how and where she fits into the strange landscapes known as life and adulthood.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#uitdieperdsebek
#uitdievulsebek
#panmacmillan
@VideoPrincess: ‘I never meant to hurt anyone, including myself, the way that I did…’
She was simply Diana Murray before she became @VideoPrincess; a teenage influencer on YouTube and Instagram, to whom the number of subscribers and followers and their ‘likes’ became more important than real life. And she did not realize the extent of her addiction until the night she spent with her idol, @ErichLang, resulted in her becoming the object of classic cyber troll bullying and her ending up in a rehabilitation facility.
The author is a brilliant new voice in local young adult fiction and the themes explored in this debut novel are relevant and well researched. Addiction has many faces and, although the substance of choice may vary, the damage done to the addicted and to his/her loved ones, is alarmingly similar. Set in Cape Town and using typical social media abbreviations and hashtags, the novel will appeal to teenagers of 14-18 years of age. It is also recommended reading for parents wishing to be better informed regarding the virtual world our young people are becoming increasingly involved in and the dangers and pitfalls lurking about.
It is, however, much more than a warning regarding social media; it also narrates the story of a teenager coming to terms with her own and her loved ones’ imperfections; realizing how and where she fits into the strange landscapes known as life and adulthood.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#uitdieperdsebek
#uitdievulsebek
November 5, 2021
Delightful AF
October 20, 2021
There is certainly no shortage of excellent YA novels on book shelves at the moment, but Hashtag Happy is probably one of the most timely. Theodora Lee’s skilful narrative raises poignant questions in the age of digital excess, and encourages readers to reassess social media-driven dopamine hits. An important read for anyone who has, or has had, a social media handle i.e. pretty much everyone.
November 22, 2021
Hashtag Happy is essentially Instagram versus reality: The book. I think we all know that what we show on social media is just a (hashtag) happy highlights reel of what's going on in our lives. We know this, and yet it's still so easy to compare our lives to these picture-perfect snapshots.
Today, other than the typical trials and tribulations, teenagers now have to contend with influencer culture and shameless online trolling. It's a minefield. Hashtag Happy tackles this arena masterfully. I'm far beyond my teenage years, but I could still relate to Diana Murray. I think a lot of people could.
On the surface, it's an interesting, entertaining young adult novel. On a deeper level, it's a powerful story about depression, bullying and the harsh reality that is addiction at any level. I liked the book at first and then loved it more and more as the story evolved. It's got a little bit of everything: real-life issues, friendship, family drama, romance, personal growth, humour.
Diana has it all as a teen YouTuber, until she doesn't. As her world behind the scenes of her life as Video Princess unravels, she begins to discover herself. Theodora Lee is a YouTuber herself, giving her perspective that many might not have. I loved her writing style and, Creme Soda in hand, I will definitely be picking up her next book as soon as it hits the shelves.
Today, other than the typical trials and tribulations, teenagers now have to contend with influencer culture and shameless online trolling. It's a minefield. Hashtag Happy tackles this arena masterfully. I'm far beyond my teenage years, but I could still relate to Diana Murray. I think a lot of people could.
On the surface, it's an interesting, entertaining young adult novel. On a deeper level, it's a powerful story about depression, bullying and the harsh reality that is addiction at any level. I liked the book at first and then loved it more and more as the story evolved. It's got a little bit of everything: real-life issues, friendship, family drama, romance, personal growth, humour.
Diana has it all as a teen YouTuber, until she doesn't. As her world behind the scenes of her life as Video Princess unravels, she begins to discover herself. Theodora Lee is a YouTuber herself, giving her perspective that many might not have. I loved her writing style and, Creme Soda in hand, I will definitely be picking up her next book as soon as it hits the shelves.
April 22, 2022
Gifted copy from Pan MacMillan
So the book is told in two different time periods one before rehab and one current time. Hashtag Happy shows us the dark side of wanting to be a youtube or even TikTok sensation. How addicted we can quickly become to wanting more likes, more followers ext. But with that, the negative comment, the people shaming you and what effect cyberbullying has on a person.
The book touches on some serious topics and I feel it is a must-read for all teenagers as well as ALLLLLLLL human beings should read this.
Theodora Lee as become my new fav author, and I can not wait to read her new book.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
So the book is told in two different time periods one before rehab and one current time. Hashtag Happy shows us the dark side of wanting to be a youtube or even TikTok sensation. How addicted we can quickly become to wanting more likes, more followers ext. But with that, the negative comment, the people shaming you and what effect cyberbullying has on a person.
The book touches on some serious topics and I feel it is a must-read for all teenagers as well as ALLLLLLLL human beings should read this.
Theodora Lee as become my new fav author, and I can not wait to read her new book.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Read
November 12, 2021A brilliant YA fiction especially for those interested in Social Media and the problems it can bring into your life. A great book for teenagers, gripping and often amusing at the same time.
June 20, 2022
This book was ok and covered really important subjects however the main character annoyed the living balls out of me. Something about her i just didn’t get the romance was really cute but everything just felt made up i felt like i was reading a seventh graders english assignment but it was still a good story for younger readers.
December 20, 2022
It was a really good book which portrayed how real the influences of social media is (this is coming from a teenager btw), but I was quote unhappy to see the way that Muslims were portrayed and how everything in the Islamic faith was just thrown out the door.
Overall though, good book, could be better and less confusing
Overall though, good book, could be better and less confusing
December 27, 2022
This book is really intresting and eye opening when it comes to the internet and the effects it has on us (and our brains)
I loved how you could really see Diana's progress throughout the book ( and throughout rehab)
Spoiler:
I felt that the whole part about Sarah being drunk and Eva and Diana going to help her was unneeded
I loved how you could really see Diana's progress throughout the book ( and throughout rehab)
Spoiler:
I felt that the whole part about Sarah being drunk and Eva and Diana going to help her was unneeded
May 14, 2025
Gave this audio book a chance to listen to and all I can personally say is, it just wasn't for me at all.
Some parts a had to pause as a just couldn't wrap my head around some of it.
A mean the plot was good but I felt it just needed more throughout the book.
So sadly it isn't a very high star rating unfortunately.
Some parts a had to pause as a just couldn't wrap my head around some of it.
A mean the plot was good but I felt it just needed more throughout the book.
So sadly it isn't a very high star rating unfortunately.
October 30, 2023
2.5 stars
March 24, 2025
Wish wr had more of kyle and Diana but I stil liked it.:)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews