How to Disappear

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Vicky's only friend Jenna moved 2 months ago and Vicky is left to negotiate high school through the paralyzing fear and self-regulating thoughts that keep her from making new friends at school. When Vicky accidentally overhears Jenna's negative perception of their relationship, she turns her hurt into a new creative outlet. On Instagram she creates a new persona called Vicarious and blends pictures of herself in crazy wigs and outfits from the comfort of her bedroom with famous scenes and activities. Over the course of a few days her own campaign for placing herself in chaotic social situations inspires multiple followers to support her #alone thread. Vicky feeds off this safe attention and starts gently exploring school relationships until her real life relationship with Jenn takes a life threatening turn and Vicky must do something drastic like revealing who she really is in order to save her friend. The topic and Vicky's character will appeal to a wide range of readers.

Overall Book Score: good