Influential (Book Review)
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Influential by Amara Sage is giving you present-time situations. Once upon a time, it used to be “child actors.” Who we saw in the public eye making mistakes but held to a higher degree of scrutiny.
Now, as we see in Influential, it’s the influencers on social media. Sometimes their children provide a stream of opportunities to their families and are too young to consent. What happens when everyone believes the “idea of you” they see online? Not considering your choices? Being unaware of your feelings?
Almond Brown has had her Mom document her entire life. They all have benefitted from the sponsor deals and the gifts that come from being an Influencer on Social Media. Things are coming to a crossroads, where we see Almond struggle with anxiety and mental health. Too scared to voice what she wants, and not wanting to let down her mother, things get pushed and suppressed. We know that nothing positive ever comes out of that.
Seeking Help
To help with her mental health, her Mom has signed her up for this group therapy. Where she makes two new friends, which is something new for Almond. Her previous friendships have burned to the ground, from jealousy and envy. Almond is finding her space and coming out from her dark space with her new friends.
Those pesky trolls won’t let go of her that easily. The darkest side of the Internet comes at her hard. Almond gets lost in the social media space and makes some potentially life-affecting decisions. A strong warning to young adults and their parents. All she has to do is remember who she is, who is there for her, and that she can always talk to her parents. We can all hope that the lessons Almond had to learn on Influential are a warning Amara Sage wants to make clear.
Curating Edits Review
Influential is a thought-provoking book. This a great book to open and have a conversation with young adults who are on social media. You don’t only have to be an influencer to be affected by trolls. We see cyberbullying and the toll it takes on the mental health of our young ones.
Order Yours
You can find Influential by Amara Sage on Amazon*. By clicking and using our affiliate links, we at Curating Edits may receive a small commission at no additional expense to you. To read more please visit our Affiliate Disclosure page. Curating Edits was provided this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. For another Teen/YA book review check out Curating Edits review of Tahira In Bloom.