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 The moment she comes home to find her beloved dog has been replaced by a look alike that does not behave the same, she knows she is being lied to.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.