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srubin12 's review for:
Julie Chan Is Dead
by Liann Zhang
Read this if you’re fascinated by influencer culture, love sharp social satire, and don’t mind your realism bending into something stranger.
Julie Chan is Dead is a whip-smart, fast-paced dive into the glossy yet hollow world of social media fame. At first, the story feels grounded—wealth, curated lives, and the behind-the-scenes mess of influencers all ring uncomfortably true. But about three-quarters in, the novel takes a sharp left turn into the supernatural, making it more unpredictable and, honestly, more fun.
The writing is quick, biting, and unapologetic in its critique of influencer culture. It peels back the curtain on the perfect feeds and manicured brands to expose the messier realities beneath. The supernatural element doesn’t feel tacked on—it amplifies the sense that this world is already surreal, distorted, and maybe even dangerous.
It’s a wild ride, and while the tonal shift might not work for everyone, I enjoyed it. The supernatural twist kept me on my toes and elevated what could have been a straightforward satire into something more memorable.
Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the chance to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
Julie Chan is Dead is a whip-smart, fast-paced dive into the glossy yet hollow world of social media fame. At first, the story feels grounded—wealth, curated lives, and the behind-the-scenes mess of influencers all ring uncomfortably true. But about three-quarters in, the novel takes a sharp left turn into the supernatural, making it more unpredictable and, honestly, more fun.
The writing is quick, biting, and unapologetic in its critique of influencer culture. It peels back the curtain on the perfect feeds and manicured brands to expose the messier realities beneath. The supernatural element doesn’t feel tacked on—it amplifies the sense that this world is already surreal, distorted, and maybe even dangerous.
It’s a wild ride, and while the tonal shift might not work for everyone, I enjoyed it. The supernatural twist kept me on my toes and elevated what could have been a straightforward satire into something more memorable.
Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for the chance to read this story in exchange for an honest review.