Alexus Killswat’s Reviews > Can't Look Away > Status Update

Torrey finally started her YouTube channel again. She realized that there is more to life than the satisfaction of others. Torrey surrounds herself with the people she loves and Carlie would have loved. She was able to help her mom get into rehab and take care of the family. She graduates high school and attends USC to major in journalism.

Torrey begins a new relationship with Luis. She is finally in a good place with her parents, starting to become whole again. Blair is no longer on her back; she's content with her friends. The only problem is her fans and her YouTube channel. Torrey is unable to balance the morale of her fans and herself. She is at a crossroads as she tries to strike the right work-life balance.

Torrey finally musters up the courage to visit her sister's grave. For this scene, the main backdrop would be the cemetry, lined with many headstones in a very grassy area. It's beginning to get colder in Texas, so it would be windy and slightly grey skies. Torrey is accompanied by Luis at the cemetry, someone who understands death as much as she does. Luis is very sympathetic towards Torrey while she is in mourning.

Torrey's parents, who are worried for her, send her to see a shrink. In the room with her therapist, she is very fidgety, unable to stay still, and her words come out breathless. Torrey had enough of her therapist, degrading and undermining her before storming out. If it were a play, I would have Torrey isolate herself, despite not being alone. She would be very anxious and uneasy, unable to look anyone in the eye.

Torrey's YouTube account has been discovered & the truth about her sister gets out. While she managed to keep her social media life private by taking a break, she is only haunted by her biggest fear. I think this scene is a good example of what a digital footprint is. It teaches the importance of thinking twice before posting on social media. She didn't necessarily post anything bad, but she hates that it haunts her.

"I owe an explanation to my followers. I have been inactive for the past few months. My days are crammed and I have little to no time for myself. I set up my camera and see my pale, ghost-like reflection on the monitor. My eyes are heavy, my hair is messy, and my necklaces are tangled. I press record and begin, 'I'm here to talk about my sister, Miranda...' and suddenly my hands become very interesting. I can't."

Torrey is sent a threat via postcard. She has an idea of who it might be, Luis. They had made a deal to do it over a workout to get the very fit and athletic Luis to talk. I imagine her in running shorts, a light t-shirt, or maybe even a tank because of the blazing hot weather in Texas. Anything athleisure wear is needed for both of them.

Torrey is struggling with the grief of her sister. She can't help but show it on her face but hates if someone were to offer their pity. Torrey is always tense and on the edge of her seat as she shuts out her friends and family. The tone in her voice is harsh and cold, she says so much without ever really saying anything. It's different on her social media platforms since she has to put on a brave face and be happy.

I would have two different sets because, in the book, Torrey struggles with a school-life balance in her new town. At home, I would describe the set as gloomy and empty, with not a lot of energy, and also not a lot of furniture as they are moving. Torrey's home is seen as a symbol of grief and mourning. For the school, it would have more colors and is more filled as Torrey sees it as her escape from her struggles.

The first chapter's theme contrasts the public and private self. Torrey is a YouTube with over 300k subscribers. While she may portray this well-put life on screen, her life off-camera is filled with struggles and insecurity. Torrey had recently lost her sister, and her family decided to move to Texas. Mourning the loss of her sister and adapting to her new life, she struggles to keep her subscribers happy as well.