Life in a Fishbowl

LoveReading4Kids Says

In a Nutshell: Love, loss, reality TV and the real value of life  |  Powerful novel exploring the turmoil that arises when a dying dad sells the last months of his life to a reality TV show.

Fifteen-year-old Jackie Stone is an introvert who lives in anonymity online and “loved her father. She loved him a lot”. Of course, Jackie is utterly devastated when her dad, Jared, announces that he’s been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and only has a few months to live. But, rather than dwelling on his own demise, Jared’s worries are for his family. He knows they won’t survive on his wife’s income alone, so he decides to auction off his life. Among the hotchpotch of people who bid is egotistical TV executive Ethan Overbee, who knows a hit show when he sees one. And so, for a big fee, the family’s home is taken over by cameras, their every move – and Jared’s decline - broadcast to millions across the nation.

While the novel confronts big ethical issues head-on, there’s also plenty of humour and action (the grippingly madcap plot involves a psycho billionaire boy, a fame-hungry Internet-addicted nun and Jackie’s supportive Russian friend from an online forum). Ultimately, though, this is a novel about the importance of memories, and doing the right thing by loved ones. “Love,” according to Jackie’s mom, “can make us weak-kneed and wobbly, but when it needs to, it can make us stronger than steel”. Heartbreaking, life-affirming and highly recommended for fans of Jandy Nelson, John Green and Jennifer Niven. ~ Joanne Owen

LoveReading4Kids

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