Justine is mostly an average teen, although some emotional issues are alluded to. Her psychologist mother and artist father are getting a divorce. Her mother leaves Justine with her aunt over the summer, but Justine bribes her aunt and ends up going home to stay by herself.
A new neighbor has move in across the street, and it is Eva-Kate Kelly, an ex-child star. Eva-Kate pulls Justine into her circle, and a wild summer begins, full of drinking, partying, and drugs. It all ends in tragedy, which is foreshadowed at the beginning of the book.
First, some issues. It is really far-fetched that Justine doesn't get caught by her parents or her aunt. Really? No one is checking on her, given her history? Actually, it is pretty far-fetched that her mother would even leave her to begin with. Although, her problems are left very vague. We know she spent time at Bellevue, and she's on medication. We don't really get a clear picture of what Justine's issues are. Also, everything Justine is doing is all over social media and no adults find out? But without suspending our disbelief, there is no story. And teens, who are much more the target audience than I am, usually have an easier time of doing so.
There is tragedy at the end, and then that is it. Except for the assurance that the story will continue in March, 2020. I hate cliffhangers like this. 'Nuff said.
But, in Fake Plastic Girl's favor, the story moves very quickly and is easy to read. Great for starstruck reluctant readers. I think younger, mature teens (who can handle the drug and alcohol references) would be the target audience.
Published by Henry Holt & Co. (BYR), March 26, 2019
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
288 pages
Rating: 3.5/5
Sounds perfect for a vacuous read by teens. I may skip this one a my TBR shelves are bursting!
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