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stephanie_jmc 's review for:
Julie Chan Is Dead
by Liann Zhang
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book. Giving it an 8.8/10. Bonus points that the author is Canadian.
I thought this book was both relevant and creative in relation to the world we live in with influencers and conspiracy theories about how famous people are part of a cult and “sell their soul” for fame and fortune. This book is intricately layered with both direct and subliminal messaging about how being an internet sensation / celebrity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, but also about how the rich get richer and various levels of privilege play into that. It speaks to how where you start in life likely is going to have a huge impact on where you end up unless you’re willing to get your hands dirty. I also felt the author did a great job of giving a voice to the main character and making it pretty believable that these are likely the thoughts that occur to someone who becomes famous and wealthy overnight. (The author had a brief stint as an influencer and has a degree in psych / criminology so this made sense how she did such a good job).
I did find this book to be a little slow at times. And while I found it mostly realistic given the premise, I didn’t like how “easily” the main character traded places with her dead twin (not a spoiler, it’s in the synopsis) and how no one thought to question the “hidden twin” being dead in the famous twin’s apartment… I just found that very unrealistic that the authorities wouldn’t want to double check identities when identical twins are involved and the less privileged one happens to be the one that died.
Other than that, truly a great book. Would recommend to anyone but especially people who love conspiracy theories and analyzing the internet world of influencers - however trigger warning - there are some moderately graphic / gross parts.
I thought this book was both relevant and creative in relation to the world we live in with influencers and conspiracy theories about how famous people are part of a cult and “sell their soul” for fame and fortune. This book is intricately layered with both direct and subliminal messaging about how being an internet sensation / celebrity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, but also about how the rich get richer and various levels of privilege play into that. It speaks to how where you start in life likely is going to have a huge impact on where you end up unless you’re willing to get your hands dirty. I also felt the author did a great job of giving a voice to the main character and making it pretty believable that these are likely the thoughts that occur to someone who becomes famous and wealthy overnight. (The author had a brief stint as an influencer and has a degree in psych / criminology so this made sense how she did such a good job).
I did find this book to be a little slow at times. And while I found it mostly realistic given the premise, I didn’t like how “easily” the main character traded places with her dead twin (not a spoiler, it’s in the synopsis) and how no one thought to question the “hidden twin” being dead in the famous twin’s apartment… I just found that very unrealistic that the authorities wouldn’t want to double check identities when identical twins are involved and the less privileged one happens to be the one that died.
Other than that, truly a great book. Would recommend to anyone but especially people who love conspiracy theories and analyzing the internet world of influencers - however trigger warning - there are some moderately graphic / gross parts.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Murder, Toxic friendship