This Is Not the Jess Show by Anna Carey

Jess has a normal life. She lives in a small town that she has never left. She is a decent student with close friends. There is a guy she likes who might like her, too. Her life isn't perfect. Her sister is practically bedridden with a rare disease. Her parents...what teen doesn't have issues with their parents? Overall, things are good. 

It's all fake. Jess is the star of a reality show all about her life. She doesn't know it, though. Everyone else does. They are all actors. As far as Jess knows, she is living life as a typical 90s teenager. In reality, Jess lives on a closed compound in the distant future. 

Jess starts to see cracks in the system - not that she could ever guess what is really happening. She starts asking questions and hearing things that don't make sense. The moment she comes home to find her beloved dog has been replaced by a look alike that does not behave the same, she knows she is being lied to. She just doesn't know how big the lie is. 

Imagine if your life was a lie. Everyone you knew was lying to you and had been lying to you for years. They were pretend players in your life. What a cruel joke. Jess should be justifiably angry and be able to walk away from this 'entertainment' program. Except, the show is hugely popular. The future world is pretty bleak, and this show is the only bright light for some. Also, it makes lots of money for a lot of people. The producers of the show are not going to let Jess just quit. 

Fascinating story with themes that will resonate with readers who live in today's world

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site. 

Dead End Girls by Wendy Heard

I keep reading these 'teens in peril' books. Obviously, I am not the only one because they keep publishing them. So here's my latest one. 

Maude has been plotting to fake her death for awhile. She has a plan to escape her family and go live in London with a new identity. Before she even starts, her step cousin Frankie discovers the plan and begs to go with her. Frankie's home and school life isn't so great either. Maude is reluctant, but agrees. 

Maude's plan never included another person, so even though initially everything goes well it soon goes off the rails. At a time when Maude should have been on a boat to another country, she is running around Hawaii trying to figure out how to get both of them back to California. 

After an accidental death, things get really bad. Oh, did I say death? I don't think that's a spoiler. Once they've dealt with someone dying, their lives become less about running away and more about running. Maude tries to keep them on track, but nothing seems to work out. 

When reading books where teens are in danger, I usually have someone who I can clearly root for. Sometimes, they do questionable things but often as a response to the 'bad guy'. I was not always quite so sure with Maude and Frankie. The reader does not know their reasons for running away at the beginning. The story begins Maude who has already committed several crimes (fake passport, stolen IDs, etc.). Then that first death...Oh, did I say first? That makes it seem like there is another. I hope that's not a spoiler, either. 

I was fascinated by Maude's quick thinking in the face of unexpected circumstances. And ultimately, I did hope the girls were successful. 

For more info, check out the Indianapolis Public Library catalog and the author's site.