Editorial Content for Little White Lies
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There are few young adult books out there that truly portray a completely modern, present-day situation. While many other books will focus on dystopian, fantasy or unrealistic stories, LITTLE WHITE LIES by Brianna Baker and F. Bowman Hastie takes the road less travelled. And while the book's point of view is rather unconventional (it isn't of the main character, Coretta, but rather a forty-one-year-old ghostwriter, Karl), it does allow the reader to examine Coretta as a person from the outside, which makes her much more relatable and understandable.
The spontaneous and often comedic nature of the book is entirely reflective of the authors. Brianna Baker is, among other things, an improviser, sketch comedy writer and actress. F. Bowman Hastie is a ghostwriter (like Karl) who also wrote a biography for his Jack Russell terrier.
In LITTLE WHITE LIES, 17-year-old honors student Coretta White literally becomes famous overnight for her fascinating Tumblr blog, which is coincidentally named LITTLE WHITE LIES. She attracts a following of hundreds of thousands, and even manages to acquire a TV deal. A fiercely determined overachiever, Coretta is soon overwhelmed by the demands of succeeding in school and running her famous blog.
If you're looking for a modern book that captures the reality of being a teenager, than LITTLE WHITE LIES is perfect for you. If you're looking for a book that addresses race and identity, definitely read this book. And if you like debating the ever-growing scope of the internet, LITTLE WHITE LIES is the book for you.
In order to alleviate the stress, Coretta hires a ghostwriter, Karl Ristoff, to run her blog. When she confesses this to the world, she becomes an instant laughing stock. Everything turns for the worse; Coretta loses her boyfriend, her TV deal and the trust of everyone around her. And then the same happens to Karl. Coming together, the two realize that someone has to be behind their respective downfalls. With this revelation, they vow to uncover the truth and discover who has caused them to fall from grace.
Admittedly, the book is quite fast-paced. But then, so is the hectic life of a teenager! I found myself relating to Coretta throughout the book; her academic drive really hit home with me, as did her perfectionism. One of the greatest parts of the book is Coretta's accessibility and realness. As a teenager, I understand how she feels at her low points, and how she feels when she is on top of the world. I even see a bit of myself in her, especially with her persistent ambition.
I do think that LITTLE WHITE LIES could have been a tad more realistic. Many elements of the book (such as the speed at which Coretta's blog went viral and her parents' reaction to her dishonesty) seemed to be all too farfetched, even for a book. To add, Karl's point of view ultimately trumped Coretta's, which was upsetting because I really wanted to hear more from the girl behind the blog herself.
LITTLE WHITE LIES is perfect for anyone who likes a quick read. If you're looking for a modern book that captures the reality of being a teenager, than LITTLE WHITE LIES is perfect for you. If you're looking for a book that addresses race and identity, definitely read this book. And if you like debating the ever-growing scope of the internet, LITTLE WHITE LIES is the book for you.
Teaser
Seventeen-year-old honors student Coretta White’s Tumblr,Little White Lies --- her witty thoughts on pretty much…everything --- has gone viral. She’s got hundreds of thousands of followers; she’s even been offered a TV deal. But Coretta has a secret. She hasn’t been writing all her own posts. Stressed from the demands of the sudden attention, she hired an expert ghostwriter, forty-one-year-old Karl Ristoff, to keep the Tumblr going. Now consumed with guilt, she confesses. Almost instantly, she suffers a public humiliation. Then Karl is thrust into the limelight, only to suffer a dramatic fall himself. Together, they vow to find out who is responsible for ruining both of their lives, and why. But in order to exact justice and a wicked revenge, they must first come clean with each other.
Promo
Seventeen-year-old honors student Coretta White’s Tumblr,Little White Lies --- her witty thoughts on pretty much…everything --- has gone viral. She’s got hundreds of thousands of followers; she’s even been offered a TV deal. But Coretta has a secret. She hasn’t been writing all her own posts. Stressed from the demands of the sudden attention, she hired an expert ghostwriter, forty-one-year-old Karl Ristoff, to keep the Tumblr going. Now consumed with guilt, she confesses. Almost instantly, she suffers a public humiliation. Then Karl is thrust into the limelight, only to suffer a dramatic fall himself. Together, they vow to find out who is responsible for ruining both of their lives, and why. But in order to exact justice and a wicked revenge, they must first come clean with each other.
About the Book
Seventeen-year-old honors student Coretta White’s Tumblr,Little White Lies --- her witty thoughts on pretty much…everything --- has gone viral. She’s got hundreds of thousands of followers; she’s even been offered a TV deal. But Coretta has a secret. She hasn’t been writing all her own posts. Stressed from the demands of the sudden attention, she hired an expert ghostwriter, forty-one-year-old Karl Ristoff, to keep the Tumblr going. Now consumed with guilt, she confesses.
Almost instantly, she suffers a public humiliation. The TV deal disappears. Her boyfriend breaks up with her. Then Karl is thrust into the limelight, only to suffer a dramatic fall himself. Together, they vow to find out who is responsible for ruining both of their lives, and why. But in order to exact justice and a wicked revenge, they must first come clean with each other.
