Play Book Tag discussion

Followers by Megan Angelo - 4.5* - My Review

In 2016, Orla is an aspiring author working as a celebrity blogger when she gets involved in manipulating events that will help her roommate Floss become a social media sensation, eventually leading to a live feed show. In 2051, Marlow lives in a government-controlled community called Constellation, where every moment of her life is broadcast to millions of followers. The storyline is driven by a thread of mystery about the relationship among these three characters.

In the future timeline, the internet is controlled by the government, purportedly to “protect” us, while simultaneously tracking our every move. This scenario feels uncomfortably plausible. It makes the reader think about what people are sacrificing for the sake of validation. It also serves as a warning about how technology could be used to invade our privacy even more than it already does. I found it particularly insightful in describing how social media warps human behavior. It is well-written and addresses relevant and important topics. I am impressed, especially since it is a debut novel.

4.5