
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is paralyzed by a fear of making the wrong choice or is struggling with the fallout of a significant mistake. It speaks directly to the crushing weight of social expectations and the adolescent desire to be perfect. Through Brooklyn's journey of outsourcing her life to an internet audience, the story explores themes of accountability, self-forgiveness, and the realization that mistakes are an essential part of growing up. While the premise is humorous, it addresses the very real anxiety of the digital age. Brooklyn is a relatable protagonist who feels defined by her past 'bad' decisions. The book is age-appropriate for middle and high schoolers, offering a hopeful message that our identity is not fixed by our errors. Parents will appreciate how it models the difficult process of making amends and learning to trust one's own intuition over the noise of the crowd.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewTypical YA romance including flirting and kissing.
Occasional mild teen profanity and insults.
The book deals with juvenile delinquency (vandalism and accidental arson) in a realistic, secular manner. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in personal growth rather than simple external approval.
A 14-year-old who feels like they can't do anything right and is constantly comparing their 'behind the scenes' life to everyone else's 'highlight reel' on social media.
Read cold. The book is straightforward contemporary fiction. Parents may want to discuss the ethics of the community service scenes at the senior center. A parent might choose this after seeing their child obsess over social media metrics or witnessing their child experience a 'spiral' of self-doubt following a social mistake at school.
Younger teens (12-13) will enjoy the 'what-if' fun of the blog and the light romance. Older teens (15-17) will more deeply resonate with the pressure of college prep, public image, and the fear of a permanent record.
Unlike many 'mistake-driven' YA novels that lean into dark drama, Brody uses humor and a high-concept digital hook to explore the very serious psychological concept of locus of control.
Fifteen-year-old Brooklyn Pierce is tired of being the girl who makes bad choices, especially after a party incident involving a small fire and a police car. To redeem herself and survive a summer of community service, she starts a blog called 'My Life Undecided' where she lets her readers vote on everything from her clothes to her volunteer work and potential boyfriends. However, as the votes roll in, she realizes that doing what others think is 'right' isn't the same as being true to herself.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.