The Obsession Author Natasha Preston
Book Review
4 out of 5 stars!
"I'd never thought I'd crave phone-free time but that honestly sounds so good. I crave being off-grid. Not in a "go live in a forest and bathe in a stream" way but a "not showing the internet what I'm doing every second" way." - Connie
Every teenager prays and hopes for the days or even a week of freedom from parents. Being home alone with no rules or siblings to report back to parents! No one looks forward to two weeks without mom in the house more than Connie!
Since her mom has become an extremely active vlogger and social media celebrity, Connie and her sister have had zero privacy. Forcing smiles on their faces and playing the part, though Connie wonders if Isla isn't trying so hard and possibly turning into mom 2.0. But whatever, this time alone Connie's going to do what she wants! Only things begin going wrong when an accident happens right in front of her. And she may have a stalker who is a little too close for comfort. Like in her backyard close! Is she really safe? Can she convince her mom and big sister to come home?
"What does it say that strangers care about me more than my own mom?" - Connie
I had to get the latest Natasha book, and this one really pointed out a lot of flaws and dangers of social media. Especially with those who post about their families and personal lives. Not ensuring their children are safe or that their personal locations are not filmed. Social media is a double-edged sword but, in some cases, the sharper side is more prominent.
I enjoyed getting to see the reality of a teenage “influencer” who didn't want that title to begin with. The hardships of dealing with a mom who is too far gone and focused on likes and shares more than what's right in front of her face without a camera in between! Connie desperately wanting a protective maternal figure and instead getting a fake smile and fake happiness. Seeing how she really feels about all the filming, making and posting of shorts, etc. is very interesting and a brutal honesty.
Connie trying to break free and some friends telling her hard truths of what drastic actions she would have to take to be rid of all this. Only Connie is still hanging onto that frayed thread of love because her mom is her mom and she has to love her. When we get to see the reality of the relationship between mother and daughter as Connie's side gets more and more dangerous it's a bit disheartening. Oh, the drama and the tension building as Connie tries to solve what's going on to her and trying to catch her stalker.
This read is YA rating but there is language, teenagers partying and drinking alcohol unsupervised, and feelings of who can be trusted and who can't. An irresponsible, conditional love, mother who is more focused on her media presence than the safety and well-being of her daughters. Brainwashing and the darker side of being a social media star and how morals start shifting. What used to be not okay is suddenly perfectly fine. . . Moments of genuine fear and anxiety. Accidents with bloodshed but nothing over the top. Deaths do occur in this read.
The ending was so good and that famous Natasha Preston of just dropping readers right here. Leaving you to figure out your own ending. I also got a copy of the book that has an author Q&A, and I loved her answer about her abrupt endings! I've read a lot of books, and I dislike reads that seem like they just don't want to stop. The author wanting to hand everything to the reader and not allow for some open interpretations/reader imagination!
Enjoy the fun thriller as it lured you into a major crescendo and that fun ending! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
The Obsession by Natasha Preston, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®
Amazon.com: The Obsession eBook : Preston, Natasha: Kindle Store
Natasha Preston | New York Times Bestselling Author
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