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elizabethwebb's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gaslighting, and Gun violence
Moderate: Stalking, Gaslighting, Car accident, Blood, Toxic friendship, Gun violence, Terminal illness, and Bullying
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
The plan was to write a long review, but I am just not getting the words out for this amazing and fun book! Meet Jess, a girl who thinks she is living a pretty good life in the 90s... but then things start to fall apart and she notices that her world may not be what it looks like. It was really well written and reminded me of Truman Show which I absolutely loved. My heart broke for Jess and that her parents would do something like this. Poor girl, I can only imagine how hard it is going to be for her to adapt to There is plenty of action, some romance, and tons of twists and turns. While I do think the book ends perfectly as it is, I am kind of tempted to see what the next book will bring.
Spoiler
the year 2037.... and adapting to the fact her parents never told her, always kept her in the dark and even went so far to make a plotline of sick/dying sister. Plus, I was definitely shocked when she saw the polls (when outside) and what those meant.Spoiler
Especially with Mims now taking the role as Jess in the show, how will that go and I was pretty much heartbroken for Jess, not only do her parents lie and deceive they apparently don't care that the girl in their arms is not their daughter.mbenzz's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 Stars...I had such high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. If you suspend ALL belief and try your best not to over-think this story, then you'll enjoy it. The second you start questioning things (like how in the WORLD Jess failed to realize sooner that she lived in a TV show SET...or how for 17 years so many people (actors) around her let this child grow up in such a manipulative and abusive manner) then the story falls apart.
Maybe I'm just too old for this book. At 40 years old, all I could think of was how incredibly messed up all these people were. How were her parents able to do this?? How was the production company legally able to get away with such a thing?
As for the ending, if that was it, and this is a stand-alone book, then the ending was awful. It felt rushed and incredibly unresolved, not to mention utterly ridiculous. However, if this is going to continue as a series, then the ending makes a bit more sense and can be forgiven. I hope there is a second book because there are a LOT of things that need to be explained.
Overall, the plot itself is a cool idea, but I feel like the execution could have been a lot better. As it is, we never see any resolution with her 'friends' or family. The story was fleshed out in all the wrong places. In the end, I think this book will go over better with the younger set who won't over-analyze everything and just take this for what it is...a messed up reality show story. Anyone over 28 will most likely find this unrealistic and abusive.
Maybe I'm just too old for this book. At 40 years old, all I could think of was how incredibly messed up all these people were. How were her parents able to do this?? How was the production company legally able to get away with such a thing?
As for the ending, if that was it, and this is a stand-alone book, then the ending was awful. It felt rushed and incredibly unresolved, not to mention utterly ridiculous. However, if this is going to continue as a series, then the ending makes a bit more sense and can be forgiven. I hope there is a second book because there are a LOT of things that need to be explained.
Overall, the plot itself is a cool idea, but I feel like the execution could have been a lot better. As it is, we never see any resolution with her 'friends' or family. The story was fleshed out in all the wrong places. In the end, I think this book will go over better with the younger set who won't over-analyze everything and just take this for what it is...a messed up reality show story. Anyone over 28 will most likely find this unrealistic and abusive.
crystalmethany's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
yellow_weirdo's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
perchedinthedark505's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
dembury's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 rounded up.
The blurb's comparison to Black Mirror doesn't lie: "This Is Not the Jess Show" is a really punchy little novel reminiscent of Black Mirror's "White Bear" episode and packed with delightful twists, 90s nostalgia, and a solid running commentary on the manipulation of relationships and fame. Even readers who are familiar with some of the tropes of this genre will have fun reading this one; the pacing keeps you wanting to turn the pages, and the entire world feels well-realized and complete. I lowkey got Grady Hendrix vibes from the writing, too, which, in my opinion, is a excellent sign. Honestly it's been a hot second since a YA thriller really did it for me, but I read this in two sittings and had a delight seeing it all unfold!
The blurb's comparison to Black Mirror doesn't lie: "This Is Not the Jess Show" is a really punchy little novel reminiscent of Black Mirror's "White Bear" episode and packed with delightful twists, 90s nostalgia, and a solid running commentary on the manipulation of relationships and fame. Even readers who are familiar with some of the tropes of this genre will have fun reading this one; the pacing keeps you wanting to turn the pages, and the entire world feels well-realized and complete. I lowkey got Grady Hendrix vibes from the writing, too, which, in my opinion, is a excellent sign. Honestly it's been a hot second since a YA thriller really did it for me, but I read this in two sittings and had a delight seeing it all unfold!
vickyfarbs's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
msilkwolfe's review against another edition
5.0
So fun and unique. A propulsive read! Would’ve loved this as a teen and loved it now.