The Blurb
Alyssa wants to be seen. Less wants to be someone. She takes two buses to class, posts pictures of her lunch, and pretends it’s all effortless. He hides his privilege beneath thrifted clothes and a sketchbook full of impossible designs. Together, they are inseparable – two outsiders constructing a version of themselves the world might finally applaud.
Then Alyssa stumbles upon the hidden world of phrogging – living unnoticed inside other people’s homes. She and Less slip through Los Angeles’ glossy veneer: influencers, producers, pop stars, all so busy performing their perfect lives they don’t notice the shadows in their attics, the scratching in their walls.
An act of rebellion. A harmless thrill. A social experiment.
Until they choose the wrong house.
Until the influencer they idolise catches them in the act.
Until the cameras, already rolling, capture everything.
What begins as a reckless adventure becomes a nightmare of lies, power … and murder...
My Review
Lyss (Alyssa) and Less (Alessandro) are best friends who do everything together. They have very different backgrounds and want different things in life but they are both outsiders and they're bonded together.
Both of them, Lyss particularly, live their lives online. Lyss has tried various things on social media but nothing has gained momentum, and she obsesses over other young women who have been successful online. And when she discovers the address of one these influencers and sees that she's not very security conscious, Lyss can't resist a wee peek inside the house. And, as always, Less comes along too. Things rapidly start to get out of control for them from this point as the week a bigger thrill.
I really liked the way the book is presented. There are various points of view, with Lyss's and Less's written in the first person. The segments are separated by little soundbites/hashtags from social media, from the (fictional) influencers featured and others - it's a really neat little touch. I loved the two main characters. Lyss is trapped by her lack of finances and opportunities but is surrounded by the love of her family. She's a good kid, caring and loving, but frustrated and bored. Less has the money and thus more opportunities, but he is not surrounded by family warmth. They're both a little bit sad but they have each other and together they're stronger.
I have read several Will Carver books now (you can search on the blog), all of which have been very original, and some feel quite angry, almost in your face, but I don't mean that in a bad way as he's always got interesting and important things to say, and he wants us to listen. This book isn't an angry book, but it still has important things to say, and we're still not listening. It tells a cautionary tale. An extreme one, perhaps, but one which should be heeded. After all, we don't know how much we see on social media is real, or how much of what we post is seen, used or abused.
Bad Influence shows us what matters, and that the connectivity we all need and crave isn't going to be found online. and it does so in a very creative way with a great story. It shows that without family, friends, and something worthwhile away from our phones and devices, life can be pretty rubbish. It's ironic that I'm writing this to be shared on social media, but let's all try to spend a bit less time online, and when we are on, that we're being sensible and making healthy choices. I know, read a book or two instead, and this one would be a great place to start!
The Author
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