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
Jackie's life wasn't perfect, but at least it was normal. That is, until her dad received a terminal cancer diagnosis. Then he went and did what anyone faced with mountains of medical bills and a family to support would do: he sold his life to the highest bidder.
| Suitable For: | |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
Jackie's life wasn't perfect, but at least it was normal. That is, until her dad received a terminal cancer diagnosis.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Life in a Fishbowl and determined it is suitable for children aged 13-14 years old
Life in a Fishbowl features in the following genres: Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, Recommendations, Stories about Family and Friends, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Funny, Recommended Children's eBooks, Featured Books for 13+ readers
Paperback. Not Available.
Life in a Fishbowl was written by Len Vlahos and published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Life in a Fishbowl has 328 pages
