Off the Record | Blog Tour

Synopsis

Content Warnings: Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment

The behind-the-scenes access of Almost Famous meets the searing revelations of #metoo in this story of a teen journalist who uncovers the scandal of the decade.

Ever since seventeen-year-old Josie Wright can remember, writing has been her identity, the thing that grounds her when everything else is a garbage fire. So when she wins a contest to write a celebrity profile for Deep Focus magazine, she’s equal parts excited and scared, but also ready. She’s got this.

Soon Josie is jetting off on a multi-city tour, rubbing elbows with sparkly celebrities, frenetic handlers, stone-faced producers, and eccentric stylists. She even finds herself catching feelings for the subject of her profile, dazzling young newcomer Marius Canet. Josie’s world is expanding so rapidly, she doesn’t know whether she’s flying or falling. But when a young actress lets her in on a terrible secret, the answer is clear: she’s in over her head.

One woman’s account leads to another and another. Josie wants to expose the man responsible, but she’s reluctant to speak up, unsure if this is her story to tell. What if she lets down the women who have entrusted her with their stories? What if this ends her writing career before it even begins? There are so many reasons not to go ahead, but if Josie doesn’t step up, who will?

From the author of Full Disclosure, this is a moving testament to the #MeToo movement, and all the ways women stand up for each other. 

Review

This was a lovely realistic fiction read with pieces of romance and discussions on mental health and sexual harassment.

I liked how well the sensitive topics in this book were covered. It mainly talks about sexual harassment and mental health (anxiety specifically), but there are a few other topics mentioned. Garrett did a good job of making sure these topics were discussed and discussed well. She did a good job of speaking up about these important topics and adding in her own experiences where relevant.

As well, Marius was such a lovely character. He’s a sweet and compassionate guy who does so much to support our main character, Josie. He was like a soft little teddy bear that I just wanted to hug and keep safe. And he was a great contrast to the heavy topics discussed throughout the book. I really liked him.

Overall, I was happy to get to know these characters and to have been enlightened on some topics I admittedly don’t know enough about. I think I’ve been converted to realistic fiction.

Rating

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