Off the Record

(Author's note: I originally read and finished this book May 2021)

I'd like to take a moment to appreciate all book cover designers, and especially the ones in charge of this particular cover. It is simply gorgeous, and my favorite book cover of the year.

I saw this book advertised on twitter months in advance of its release date. As soon as I saw it I knew I had to read this book. After about a year of waiting I can say that this book met my expectations.

Recap:

Josie, an aspiring journalist in her senior year, enters a competition that could land her her big break. This opportunity means she gets to travel the country on a press tour following the lead actor from his new hit movie. Once on the press tour she bonds with the actor she's supposed to be interviewing, but she also uncovers a Hollywood secret. She's only 17, so is she able to handle writing such an intense story?

This is the type of story I wish I had when I was in high school. I had fallen in love with journalism, and wanted to make this my major, but that was not a major at the university I decided to go to. I was really into writing and social justice (still am), and I always felt like I had something to say, but didn't always had the courage to share it. If I had this book growing up I think it would have inspired me and given the courage to write more and share that at a younger age.

I think this book covered various topics well. Josie is plus size, Black, and has anxiety. She deals with her insecurities throughout this book, and the reader sees how this impacts her work and daily life. I never felt like these topics were forced or not genuine.

The big topic of this book is inspired by the #MeToo movement. It was interesting to see the movement through the eyes of a teenager. This is an important topic so I am glad this story exists for teen readers.

I really enjoyed this story. I felt the story was fast paced, and I loved the tweets that started off the beginning of each chapter. My biggest critique (and really only one) is the ending. Once everything came together I was curious as to the aftermath of the events that had just taken place. I can understand why the author chose to do what she did. But I still felt like there was more that needed to be said. I want to know how Josie handles the aftermath. I want to know how this affects Josie's future. I think it would be cool to get a sequel of Josie in college where these questions are explored.

Overall, this was an enjoyable and important book. I am glad I was given the opportunity to read this book. and I believe many young people will be inspired by Josie.

4/5 stars

Thank you Net Galley and Knopf books for young readers for an ARC of this book.