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Hate Follow
To her one million Instagram followers, influencer Whitney Golden’s life looks just about perfect. But her curated existence explodes when her teenage daughter Mia sues her for invasion of privacy. The monumental case throws their relationship into a tailspin and has mother and daughter grappling with what it truly means to be in the public eye.
Influencer Whitney Golden has it all: beautiful, photogenic children; a handsome new boyfriend; a gorgeous house; and designer clothes and beauty products that arrive on her doorstep every day. After spending years building her brand as a widowed mother of four (including twins!) to over a million followers, the thirty-seven-year-old is at the peak of her career.
But it all comes to a screeching halt when Mia, her teenaged daughter, announces she’s tired of the social media life. She wants nothing more to do with her mother’s online brand—and demands that not just she, but her siblings and their deceased father be removed from Whitney’s Instagram, blog, and just about everywhere else on the internet.
When Whitney doesn’t agree, Mia does the unthinkable: She sues her mother. What started as a family spat turns into a monumental case about child privacy, individual agency, and modern parenting that shatters Mia and Whitney’s relationship and wreaks havoc on both their lives. As the case ignites a media firestorm and unrelenting online bashing from a Greek chorus of internet snarkers, Whitney has to decide whether she’s willing to risk everything she’s built to win back her daughter.
For fans of Emily Giffin and Kathleen West, Hate Follow is a sparkling and engaging debut novel that explores whose story parents are allowed to tell and how this generation of kids may revolt when they realize their entire lives have been shared online without their consent.
Influencer Whitney Golden has it all: beautiful, photogenic children; a handsome new boyfriend; a gorgeous house; and designer clothes and beauty products that arrive on her doorstep every day. After spending years building her brand as a widowed mother of four (including twins!) to over a million followers, the thirty-seven-year-old is at the peak of her career.
But it all comes to a screeching halt when Mia, her teenaged daughter, announces she’s tired of the social media life. She wants nothing more to do with her mother’s online brand—and demands that not just she, but her siblings and their deceased father be removed from Whitney’s Instagram, blog, and just about everywhere else on the internet.
When Whitney doesn’t agree, Mia does the unthinkable: She sues her mother. What started as a family spat turns into a monumental case about child privacy, individual agency, and modern parenting that shatters Mia and Whitney’s relationship and wreaks havoc on both their lives. As the case ignites a media firestorm and unrelenting online bashing from a Greek chorus of internet snarkers, Whitney has to decide whether she’s willing to risk everything she’s built to win back her daughter.
For fans of Emily Giffin and Kathleen West, Hate Follow is a sparkling and engaging debut novel that explores whose story parents are allowed to tell and how this generation of kids may revolt when they realize their entire lives have been shared online without their consent.
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2024
54 people are currently reading
9688 people want to read
About the author
Erin Quinn-Kong
1 book71 followersErin Quinn-Kong is a longtime magazine editor and a debut author. Currently managing editor of Texas Highways, she has also been an editor at Austin Monthly, Allure, and US Weekly. Her writing has also appeared in Woman's Day, Good Housekeeping, Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper, Self, and Shape. Erin is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and lives in Austin, TX, with her husband and their two children. Hate Follow is her first novel.
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October 16, 2024
Hate Follow written by Erin Quinn-Kong was supposed to be one of my anticipated reads for 2024 after receiving a widget from Netgalley and one of their marketing people saying it was one of their favorite books, but unfortunately I didn't love it. I was so excited to get my hands on this book, but I'm so disappointed to say it wasn't a favorite for me, Hate Follow wasn't a horrible book by any means, but it wasn't the best either. When I saw the beautiful cover and read the synopsis, I was jumping with excitement that I finally got to read this book, but I don't know, it just felt like something was missing. I just wanted more from this book, but it missed the mark for me. What really bothered me about this book was the ending, it just ended so abruptly, like I wanted to know what happened after the whole fiasco, but I was left with unanswered questions. Hate Follow was a pretty good story for a debut novel, but I just needed more. I know many people loved this book by looking at all of the positive reviews, so don't let my review stop you from reading this book, please do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book if you are looking for something quick. These are my OWN opinions, if you don't like what I've said, kindly keep scrolling, please. There's absolutely no need to be rude and leave nasty comments.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND WILLIAM MORROW FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
"😍I remember high school like it was yesterday. It's a complicated time for everyone, especially when your mother is a gorgeous influencer😍."
"👏This case could change internet privacy laws for children forever👏."
"💪You've got to fight for what is right💪."
Whitney Golden is a widowed mom to four children ten year old twins, Chloe and Charlotte, three year old, Mason, and fifteen year old, Mia. Whitney's husband, Michael unexpectedly passed away four years ago, and now Whitney has a boyfriend of six months, Ace. Whitney's relationship with Ace is a bit rocky and unstable, Whitney has four children and Ace doesn't want kids, he's not ready to be a step dad just yet, even though no one has asked him to jump into that role, he was just jumping to conclusions way too quick. Whitney's youngest sister, Rosie also lives with the Golden family while she attends college in town and help out with the kids. Whitney is an influencer mom, she has one million followers on Instagram, Whitney also has Tiktok, and her own blog where she posts family photos, make up reviews, clothing try on's, cute videos of the twins dancing, life hacks, and parenting tips. Whitney is a grieving mom, she felt like she was swimming in the ocean, struggling to breathe, wave after wave crashed over her, but let's be honest, Whitney cares more about social media, being tipsy, and being sunburned more than she cares about her own children. After Michael died, he left Whitney in debt, so she vows to never financially rely on a man ever again. Whitney does social media to provide for her family, but I was not okay with the things she posted on social media at all.
Whitney posted her dead husband's open casket photo on social media, she also posted pictures of her two twin daughters naked in the bathtub on social media, this just doesn't sit well with me at all. The photos of the twins have found their way to the walls and lockers of Mia's high school, Mia decides to have a talk with her mom about the things she has been posting, Mia asks her mom to delete these pictures, but when Whitney doesn't, Mia decides to sue her mother. Mia wants to sue her mom for violation of privacy, but if Mia decides to follow through with this case, she would be the center of attention all across the world because she's fighting for children's privacy on social media. Mia Golden never gets her way, she wanted to decorate her bedroom with Harry Styles posters, Broadway ticket stubs, and vision boards, but instead she gets lavender and mint colored walls. Mia wants to be a cardiologist, and Mia also wants to attend her dad's alma mater for undergrad. I absolutely felt so bad for Mia, she has a whole group of people judging her, strangers on the internet, and even students at school. Let's just say school for Mia is an absolute shit show, bullies are absolutely heartless. There's a website called HateFollow.com which is an online forum where people bash influencers, and as you can guess many people bash Whitney on this website. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Mia the biggest hug.
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND WILLIAM MORROW FOR AN ARC OF THIS BOOK IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!!!!!
"😍I remember high school like it was yesterday. It's a complicated time for everyone, especially when your mother is a gorgeous influencer😍."
"👏This case could change internet privacy laws for children forever👏."
"💪You've got to fight for what is right💪."
Whitney Golden is a widowed mom to four children ten year old twins, Chloe and Charlotte, three year old, Mason, and fifteen year old, Mia. Whitney's husband, Michael unexpectedly passed away four years ago, and now Whitney has a boyfriend of six months, Ace. Whitney's relationship with Ace is a bit rocky and unstable, Whitney has four children and Ace doesn't want kids, he's not ready to be a step dad just yet, even though no one has asked him to jump into that role, he was just jumping to conclusions way too quick. Whitney's youngest sister, Rosie also lives with the Golden family while she attends college in town and help out with the kids. Whitney is an influencer mom, she has one million followers on Instagram, Whitney also has Tiktok, and her own blog where she posts family photos, make up reviews, clothing try on's, cute videos of the twins dancing, life hacks, and parenting tips. Whitney is a grieving mom, she felt like she was swimming in the ocean, struggling to breathe, wave after wave crashed over her, but let's be honest, Whitney cares more about social media, being tipsy, and being sunburned more than she cares about her own children. After Michael died, he left Whitney in debt, so she vows to never financially rely on a man ever again. Whitney does social media to provide for her family, but I was not okay with the things she posted on social media at all.
Whitney posted her dead husband's open casket photo on social media, she also posted pictures of her two twin daughters naked in the bathtub on social media, this just doesn't sit well with me at all. The photos of the twins have found their way to the walls and lockers of Mia's high school, Mia decides to have a talk with her mom about the things she has been posting, Mia asks her mom to delete these pictures, but when Whitney doesn't, Mia decides to sue her mother. Mia wants to sue her mom for violation of privacy, but if Mia decides to follow through with this case, she would be the center of attention all across the world because she's fighting for children's privacy on social media. Mia Golden never gets her way, she wanted to decorate her bedroom with Harry Styles posters, Broadway ticket stubs, and vision boards, but instead she gets lavender and mint colored walls. Mia wants to be a cardiologist, and Mia also wants to attend her dad's alma mater for undergrad. I absolutely felt so bad for Mia, she has a whole group of people judging her, strangers on the internet, and even students at school. Let's just say school for Mia is an absolute shit show, bullies are absolutely heartless. There's a website called HateFollow.com which is an online forum where people bash influencers, and as you can guess many people bash Whitney on this website. I just wanted to reach into my kindle and give Mia the biggest hug.
July 31, 2024
Thank you NetGalley, Harper Collins, and the author for an advanced copy of this book.
I’m disappointed to be rating this so low since I was really excited to get this ARC, however this story is all over the place.
First and most importantly, how is this being advertised as a child suing their parent and they never end up going to court after building the anticipation? This story took too many liberties with its side plots which added no substance to the main theme of the story. Because of this, the reader meanders around the plot which never truly unfolds. The beginning 25% of Hate Follow created intrigue into what’s to come, but then it comes crashing down in the back 75%. Ace, the Garcia’s, Tawny, Judith, and Whitney’s family were all plot devices that didn’t provide anything meaningful.
Next, some elements of this story are pretty unbelievable. When we get to the end of this story, we find a “changed Whitney” who truly only changed because her mom and MIL apologized for things that had nothing to do with the fact that she exploited her children including indecent photos of toddlers?? She fails to realize the harmful effects of her actions but we are lead to believe she’s seen the error of her ways. Another example, the man at the thrift store who tries to ask Mia out on a date when he knows she’s a minor due to following her mom online. He then finds her on social media and reaches out to her. This could’ve been used as a standing argument for Mia’s side of the court case to show negative ramifications, however this never comes up again. There’s other little examples like how Alex got his journalism scholarship revoked after Mia outted him on social media when she didn’t show any tangible proof. I have to believe a college would need that to move forward with allegations.
The last thing I’ll mention that was a big turn off for me was the shallow writing and the hollow characters. The writing was beyond simplistic which made for an easy read, however failed to bring character to the story. Some of the dialogue was unrealistic for the minors in the story as well. This leads into the surface level characterization of basically the entire cast which makes for a lack of connection and care to what’s going on with them.
Truthfully this leans more on the side of 1 star but the beginning hooks you in enough where I don’t think it’s terrible. However, I am majorly disappointed in this since it showed a lot of promise.
I’m disappointed to be rating this so low since I was really excited to get this ARC, however this story is all over the place.
First and most importantly, how is this being advertised as a child suing their parent and they never end up going to court after building the anticipation? This story took too many liberties with its side plots which added no substance to the main theme of the story. Because of this, the reader meanders around the plot which never truly unfolds. The beginning 25% of Hate Follow created intrigue into what’s to come, but then it comes crashing down in the back 75%. Ace, the Garcia’s, Tawny, Judith, and Whitney’s family were all plot devices that didn’t provide anything meaningful.
Next, some elements of this story are pretty unbelievable. When we get to the end of this story, we find a “changed Whitney” who truly only changed because her mom and MIL apologized for things that had nothing to do with the fact that she exploited her children including indecent photos of toddlers?? She fails to realize the harmful effects of her actions but we are lead to believe she’s seen the error of her ways. Another example, the man at the thrift store who tries to ask Mia out on a date when he knows she’s a minor due to following her mom online. He then finds her on social media and reaches out to her. This could’ve been used as a standing argument for Mia’s side of the court case to show negative ramifications, however this never comes up again. There’s other little examples like how Alex got his journalism scholarship revoked after Mia outted him on social media when she didn’t show any tangible proof. I have to believe a college would need that to move forward with allegations.
The last thing I’ll mention that was a big turn off for me was the shallow writing and the hollow characters. The writing was beyond simplistic which made for an easy read, however failed to bring character to the story. Some of the dialogue was unrealistic for the minors in the story as well. This leads into the surface level characterization of basically the entire cast which makes for a lack of connection and care to what’s going on with them.
Truthfully this leans more on the side of 1 star but the beginning hooks you in enough where I don’t think it’s terrible. However, I am majorly disappointed in this since it showed a lot of promise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2024
Be prepared to buy some extra copies of this powerful debut. Fast-paced and compelling, Hate Follow is one of those books you’ll read and then immediately want to discuss with everyone you know. The mother-daughter relationship at the heart of the book is both deeply emotional and relatable, with two female characters you’ll root for even amidst their missteps and struggles to do what’s right. Erin Quinn-Kong does a superb job weaving a riveting plot with a complex modern-day parenting topic of which we’ve only begun to understand the implications. You won’t be able to put this book down—or stop talking about it once you’re done. I loved it! Quinn-Kong is a writer to watch!
did-not-finish
May 23, 2025DNF @ 60%.
I was really into the story, but I am sooooo over c*ncer being the plot twist/device/carelessly thrown into books. It’s gotten to a place where it’s an automatic DNF for me omg. Some of us are trigged by cancer/don’t want to read about it at all and I don’t get why we can’t get a content warning in books about it so we can choose to go on the journey or not.
This is very much a me thing; I was mostly enjoying it up until this point.
The other thing I didn’t like about this book is that it should’ve been a mystery/thriller because contemporary fiction about influencer mommies is kinda boring when someone is being awful to their kids but not explicitly being framed as a villain for it.
I was really into the story, but I am sooooo over c*ncer being the plot twist/device/carelessly thrown into books. It’s gotten to a place where it’s an automatic DNF for me omg. Some of us are trigged by cancer/don’t want to read about it at all and I don’t get why we can’t get a content warning in books about it so we can choose to go on the journey or not.
This is very much a me thing; I was mostly enjoying it up until this point.
The other thing I didn’t like about this book is that it should’ve been a mystery/thriller because contemporary fiction about influencer mommies is kinda boring when someone is being awful to their kids but not explicitly being framed as a villain for it.
November 6, 2024
I really loved this book but hated the ending. I’m curious if you think it could have ended differently. Whitney is a mommy blogger/influencer with lucrative contracts, a hefty mortgage and a great boyfriend. Widowed at 35 and pregnant, she made a career out of being an influencer. Mia is 15 and wants her privacy and can’t understand why her mom has to use her siblings as content.
Really thought provoking, great characterization, good story. I thought this was going to be a five star read until the very end.
Really thought provoking, great characterization, good story. I thought this was going to be a five star read until the very end.
June 1, 2024
It has been said that influencers will soon surpass movie and music stars as the new “it” celebrities. While the children of stars have often been considered to be “off-limits” to the media and paparazzi, does the same principle apply to the children of influencers with a huge following … especially when said influencers have built their brand on the backs of their children?
Erin Quinn-Kong’s Hate Follow raises some very interesting questions with real-world implications. What degree of privacy is owed to the children of influencers, or to any child in fact, in this age of social media? In a time when daily photo updates of children are posted on the Internet from the moment of their birth, chronicling their every milestone and embarrassing moment, what say do these children have in what is shared about them on social media for the entire world to see?
Such sets the background for the story Quinn-Kong tells in the absorbing Hate Follow. When a teenage daughter says “enough is enough” in regard to the personal family moments her influencer mother shares on social media, she throws their lives into a tailspin, threatening her mother’s livelihood and ability to support their family as a widow, while also setting a precedent for future cases that are sure to arise as more and more children express the desire to not be featured on their parents’ social media.
I love issue-oriented novels that shine a spotlight on current events or real world hot topics. Momfluencers have, in some ways, replaced the stage mom, no longer needing to live through and gain attention and praise through their children. Instead they produce the same high by building a platform that places themselves on a shiny pedestal while “likes” are heaped on them for their stellar (albeit carefully curated) parenting skills. Hate Follow’s thought-provoking narrative will have readers questioning the ethics of parenting in the digital age, firmly drawing a line in the sand and asking you where you stand.
I found Hate Follow to be thoroughly enjoyable and engaging. Told from both the point of view of Whitney, the mom, and Mia, the daughter, we see both sides of this controversial issue. Do parents have a right to share info and photos of their kids with the world considering said children wouldn’t even be on this Earth if it weren’t for them, or do parents have a responsibility to protect their children’s privacy at all costs? Go into Hate Follow prepared to face some tough questions as you tackle this issue alongside Whitney and Mia.
Erin Quinn-Kong’s Hate Follow raises some very interesting questions with real-world implications. What degree of privacy is owed to the children of influencers, or to any child in fact, in this age of social media? In a time when daily photo updates of children are posted on the Internet from the moment of their birth, chronicling their every milestone and embarrassing moment, what say do these children have in what is shared about them on social media for the entire world to see?
Such sets the background for the story Quinn-Kong tells in the absorbing Hate Follow. When a teenage daughter says “enough is enough” in regard to the personal family moments her influencer mother shares on social media, she throws their lives into a tailspin, threatening her mother’s livelihood and ability to support their family as a widow, while also setting a precedent for future cases that are sure to arise as more and more children express the desire to not be featured on their parents’ social media.
I love issue-oriented novels that shine a spotlight on current events or real world hot topics. Momfluencers have, in some ways, replaced the stage mom, no longer needing to live through and gain attention and praise through their children. Instead they produce the same high by building a platform that places themselves on a shiny pedestal while “likes” are heaped on them for their stellar (albeit carefully curated) parenting skills. Hate Follow’s thought-provoking narrative will have readers questioning the ethics of parenting in the digital age, firmly drawing a line in the sand and asking you where you stand.
I found Hate Follow to be thoroughly enjoyable and engaging. Told from both the point of view of Whitney, the mom, and Mia, the daughter, we see both sides of this controversial issue. Do parents have a right to share info and photos of their kids with the world considering said children wouldn’t even be on this Earth if it weren’t for them, or do parents have a responsibility to protect their children’s privacy at all costs? Go into Hate Follow prepared to face some tough questions as you tackle this issue alongside Whitney and Mia.
September 18, 2024
I was super excited to have received this arc— however it felt so flat for me.
First off, there was too much going on. Second, I felt like the story dragged you through this plot that didn’t even happen which then gave me the feeling of “what the heck did I even just read?”. By the end I was feeling like 80% of the story was pointless going in different directions that didn’t stick to the plot, add to the story or really make sense.
Honestly disappointed and from my rating I’m clearly the outlier here so I recommend reading and making your own choices/determinations about this story. I read other reviews and truly wonder how we read the same book.
First off, there was too much going on. Second, I felt like the story dragged you through this plot that didn’t even happen which then gave me the feeling of “what the heck did I even just read?”. By the end I was feeling like 80% of the story was pointless going in different directions that didn’t stick to the plot, add to the story or really make sense.
Honestly disappointed and from my rating I’m clearly the outlier here so I recommend reading and making your own choices/determinations about this story. I read other reviews and truly wonder how we read the same book.
July 15, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, I loved this book. Out October 8th, this books follows a momfluencer navigating privacy, her children’s role in her online presence, and what it means to “hate follow” someone. I devoured this book, read it in a day! The characters were well developed and I really enjoyed the writing. The author definitely drew some inspiration from snark pages on Reddit and her commentary was apt. This would be a fabulous book for book club, a great conversation starter on parenting in the digital world. 4.5 stars!
June 13, 2024
POV: my first-ever ARC experience, and I am thrilled to be among the first to read this book. I found the premise fascinating, timely, and close-to-home (even though my 571 Insta followers pales in comparison to Whitney). While not an entirely surprising ending, the book was engaging, fast-moving, and just right to start my summer. Congratulations to Erin Quinn-Kong on her debut--I look forward to more from her!
July 3, 2024
I am so thankful to have received an ARC of this book from a Goodreads giveaway! I'll admit, I was a little apprehensive to start this book, as I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. However, I learned within the first chapter or two that not only was I going to love the book, but that it also is an important book that raises incredibly poignant questions about social media and the moral implications of sharing information about minors via social media (even if those children are your own).
Mrs. Quinn-Kong does an excellent job of portraying the all-too-rough mother & teenage daughter relationship. Her writing style draws you in and keeps you wanting more, which makes Hate Follow a quick, easy read. It's no easy task to dive into ethics and philosophy and while keeping the story and text feeling light and fun, but Mrs. Quinn-Kong pulls it off in an incredible way with Hate Follow.
This book is perfect for fans of My Sister's Keeper and the mother/daughter dynamics found in novels like Regretting You and Firefly Lane. This book will be near the top of my recommendations list from now on!
Mrs. Quinn-Kong does an excellent job of portraying the all-too-rough mother & teenage daughter relationship. Her writing style draws you in and keeps you wanting more, which makes Hate Follow a quick, easy read. It's no easy task to dive into ethics and philosophy and while keeping the story and text feeling light and fun, but Mrs. Quinn-Kong pulls it off in an incredible way with Hate Follow.
This book is perfect for fans of My Sister's Keeper and the mother/daughter dynamics found in novels like Regretting You and Firefly Lane. This book will be near the top of my recommendations list from now on!
May 9, 2024
This one is sure to get book clubs talking! Full of characters making excruciating choices, and lots of questions at the end. The plot follows the story of a family torn apart by social media, diving deep into issues from multiple perspectives. A great read!
March 4, 2025
interesting topic, very poorly executed
October 4, 2024
As a parent to a tween and a teen, HATE FOLLOW by Erin Quinn-Kong really struck a chord with me. I believe any parent in a similar season of life would be intrigued by this premise:
“𝙏𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙂𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙣’𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙞𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙘𝙮.”
With oodles of juicy drama and an addictive writing style, HATE FOLLOW kept me entertained, and most importantly, enlightened. It opened my eyes to the dangers of over-sharing online and the unpleasant side of social media. In this modern (and digital) age of parenting, it was beneficial and refreshing to read a novel so focused on relevant and hot topics like online privacy laws, consent, and the creation of one’s digital footprint.
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Social media and blogging
- Influencer lifestyle
- the #momlife
- Teenage behavior
- Family drama and dynamics
- Mother/daughter relationships
- Caring for aging parents
- Reflections on loss and grief
- Dual POVs
- Drama, drama, and more drama
Both of my kids started speaking up about what I could and could not share about them online around the age of ten. I was annoyed at first, but then I really started to listen to their concerns. Without even realizing it, I already started their digit footprint when they were babies on Facebook.
This novel mainly points a finger at mommy bloggers and momfluencers, but I truly think that all parents could learn a lesson from it. Overall, Quinn-Kong’s debut is a very thought-provoking and timely read that might make you reconsider posting your monthly photo dumps and lengthy blog posts that include personal information about your tiny humans. Just saying. 🤷🏻♀️
HATE FOLLOW releases on October 8th, and it gets 4/5 stars from me!
“𝙏𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙡𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙂𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙣’𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙨 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩. 𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙚𝙭𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙞𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙘𝙮.”
With oodles of juicy drama and an addictive writing style, HATE FOLLOW kept me entertained, and most importantly, enlightened. It opened my eyes to the dangers of over-sharing online and the unpleasant side of social media. In this modern (and digital) age of parenting, it was beneficial and refreshing to read a novel so focused on relevant and hot topics like online privacy laws, consent, and the creation of one’s digital footprint.
READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Social media and blogging
- Influencer lifestyle
- the #momlife
- Teenage behavior
- Family drama and dynamics
- Mother/daughter relationships
- Caring for aging parents
- Reflections on loss and grief
- Dual POVs
- Drama, drama, and more drama
Both of my kids started speaking up about what I could and could not share about them online around the age of ten. I was annoyed at first, but then I really started to listen to their concerns. Without even realizing it, I already started their digit footprint when they were babies on Facebook.
This novel mainly points a finger at mommy bloggers and momfluencers, but I truly think that all parents could learn a lesson from it. Overall, Quinn-Kong’s debut is a very thought-provoking and timely read that might make you reconsider posting your monthly photo dumps and lengthy blog posts that include personal information about your tiny humans. Just saying. 🤷🏻♀️
HATE FOLLOW releases on October 8th, and it gets 4/5 stars from me!
October 6, 2024
I was intrigued by the premise of this women’s (general) fiction story. The story of Witney, a widowed mother of four, who makes her living as an influencer. She likes engaging with her over 1 million person fan base, sharing the carefully curated life of her family and surviving a tragedy. When teen daughter Mia pushes back and no longer wants to be part of any social media campaigns she is shocked and a little tone deaf.
The issues are relevant today as children are growing up and finding their parents have shared their entire lives on the internet. Mia decides to fight back. Her best friend's father is a paralegal and helps her find a lawyer who takes the case pro bono as it could be ground breaking. There are issues and thoughts on both sides. Mia is a little naive in not understanding this is how her mother provides for their family. And Whitney is so caught up in her social media she doesn’t realize the negative side for Mia and her other children.
I think my only disappointment is how easily everything gets resolved. It becomes less about case law and more about listening and understanding the relationship between mothers and daughters. I found it easily readable and breezed through it in one sitting. Thank you to William Morrow for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
The issues are relevant today as children are growing up and finding their parents have shared their entire lives on the internet. Mia decides to fight back. Her best friend's father is a paralegal and helps her find a lawyer who takes the case pro bono as it could be ground breaking. There are issues and thoughts on both sides. Mia is a little naive in not understanding this is how her mother provides for their family. And Whitney is so caught up in her social media she doesn’t realize the negative side for Mia and her other children.
I think my only disappointment is how easily everything gets resolved. It becomes less about case law and more about listening and understanding the relationship between mothers and daughters. I found it easily readable and breezed through it in one sitting. Thank you to William Morrow for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review.
December 26, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised by 'Hate Follow'! Going into this contemporary fiction novel, I wasn't sure what to expect. But Erin Quinn Kong's story about the pervasive influence of social media on our lives quickly captivated me.
The pace was excellent, keeping me engaged from start to finish. I found myself constantly rooting for different characters, sometimes even rooting against them in the next moment. The narrative is incredibly straightforward, focusing on the core themes without unnecessary distractions.
What resonated most with me was the authenticity. As a woman who's witnessed the rise of social media, and as a mother navigating this digital world with my own children, the story hit close to home. It provided a much-needed reflection on how these platforms shape our lives, both positively and negatively.
While I wouldn't necessarily rush out to read another book in this exact genre, 'Hate Follow' was a refreshing change of pace. It was the perfect light and fluffy read for the holidays, without being overly heavy.
Honestly, I wouldn't have picked up this book based on the title alone. But the author's name caught my eye, and I'm so glad I decided to give it a try. 'Hate Follow' pushed me out of my comfort zone and reminded me of the power of a well-told story.
The pace was excellent, keeping me engaged from start to finish. I found myself constantly rooting for different characters, sometimes even rooting against them in the next moment. The narrative is incredibly straightforward, focusing on the core themes without unnecessary distractions.
What resonated most with me was the authenticity. As a woman who's witnessed the rise of social media, and as a mother navigating this digital world with my own children, the story hit close to home. It provided a much-needed reflection on how these platforms shape our lives, both positively and negatively.
While I wouldn't necessarily rush out to read another book in this exact genre, 'Hate Follow' was a refreshing change of pace. It was the perfect light and fluffy read for the holidays, without being overly heavy.
Honestly, I wouldn't have picked up this book based on the title alone. But the author's name caught my eye, and I'm so glad I decided to give it a try. 'Hate Follow' pushed me out of my comfort zone and reminded me of the power of a well-told story.
February 24, 2025
Rounding up to 3.5
Hey mommy influencers, before you post your child’s life all over the internet—have you gotten their consent? Are you compensating them for their time and effort? Could they be targeted by creeps? This book dives into these questions and many more, making you rethink every post.
Hey mommy influencers, before you post your child’s life all over the internet—have you gotten their consent? Are you compensating them for their time and effort? Could they be targeted by creeps? This book dives into these questions and many more, making you rethink every post.
July 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
August 13, 2024
Hate Follow tells the story of picture-perfect momfluencer Whitney Golden and her teenage daughter Mia who is rejecting the idea of being posted on her mother's accounts. They experience a major fallout after Mia learns just how much of their whole family's lives are posted including the picture of a younger her crying at her father's open casket funeral. She decides to sue her mother regarding her privacy and her siblings privacy. It discusses the ethics of children and social media and opens up the beginning of a conversation that is very much needed in our modern society.
Unfortunately this book was not for me. I had originally been very excited for it based on the premise and zoomed it up my TBR.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
Unfortunately this book was not for me. I had originally been very excited for it based on the premise and zoomed it up my TBR.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
July 29, 2024
Hate Follow is as addicting as it can be to check up on that influencer you just can’t believe. This novel follows the story of an influencer mother and her daughter who can’t stand being content any more.
I read this during a summer weekend, and it was the perfect book for that scenario. Interesting, smart, and equally easy to read on the Kindle app and device so I barely had to put it down.
I liked that no one in the book is really awful. It’s easy to see the worst in momfluencers (for me at least), and while I never liked the one in this book, I appreciated that not every choice she made along the way was all terrible, even if mostly made me cringe. The action feels driven by the characters but also by the contexts in which they find themselves, which makes for a more interesting exploration of the issues than a lone horrible person would.
All in all, a fun fiction book that I recommend to readers who like novels that intelligently explore a contemporary topic, like Such A Fun Age (Kiley Reid) or I Have Some Questions for You (Rebecca Makkai). Also seems like it would be excellent for book club discussions.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy
I read this during a summer weekend, and it was the perfect book for that scenario. Interesting, smart, and equally easy to read on the Kindle app and device so I barely had to put it down.
I liked that no one in the book is really awful. It’s easy to see the worst in momfluencers (for me at least), and while I never liked the one in this book, I appreciated that not every choice she made along the way was all terrible, even if mostly made me cringe. The action feels driven by the characters but also by the contexts in which they find themselves, which makes for a more interesting exploration of the issues than a lone horrible person would.
All in all, a fun fiction book that I recommend to readers who like novels that intelligently explore a contemporary topic, like Such A Fun Age (Kiley Reid) or I Have Some Questions for You (Rebecca Makkai). Also seems like it would be excellent for book club discussions.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance review copy
November 6, 2024
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I really expected this book to be a bunch of fluff about an annoying mommy blogger and her bratty kids and all their superficial "struggles." I got so much more than I expected. The characters were much more three dimensional and likeable than I was betting on, and the story focused much more on the importance of family and mutual respect than on anything having to do with influencers and petty drama. This was one of the most pleasantly surprising reads I've picked up this year and I loved pretty much everything about it.
I really expected this book to be a bunch of fluff about an annoying mommy blogger and her bratty kids and all their superficial "struggles." I got so much more than I expected. The characters were much more three dimensional and likeable than I was betting on, and the story focused much more on the importance of family and mutual respect than on anything having to do with influencers and petty drama. This was one of the most pleasantly surprising reads I've picked up this year and I loved pretty much everything about it.
October 25, 2024
This was a fantastic, oh-so-relevant debut about a teen girl who sues her influencer mother when she refuses to stop posting and sharing pictures about her on social media. What follows is a contentious lawsuit where feelings are hurt, betrayals happen and the mother-daughter pair learn what's really important in life.
Great on audio narrated by Carolyn Jania, the author does an excellent job exploring both sides of the debate over the privacy rights of minors and whether their parents should be allowed to post about their offspring without consent.
Highly recommended for fans of stories about social media influencers and family drama. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! I'm excited to read what this author writes next!
Great on audio narrated by Carolyn Jania, the author does an excellent job exploring both sides of the debate over the privacy rights of minors and whether their parents should be allowed to post about their offspring without consent.
Highly recommended for fans of stories about social media influencers and family drama. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! I'm excited to read what this author writes next!
September 14, 2025
I enjoyed this book! It really educated me and shed light on the issue of privacy on social media in regards to children of adult influencers or just parents in general. There was a great point made that older teenagers and young adults are the first generation where their whole entire lives have essentially been publicly documented on the internet by their parents without their consent. There has to be stronger regulations to protect the privacy of children. They deserve better.
I also love that it took place in Austin, as I used to live there. It was fun knowing all of the references. The story and characters were really well defined. It read a bit like YA so it was fun and easy to read! I highly recommend this book!
I also love that it took place in Austin, as I used to live there. It was fun knowing all of the references. The story and characters were really well defined. It read a bit like YA so it was fun and easy to read! I highly recommend this book!
March 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was ok. Just ok. Quite an interesting premise - sort of like present day, present problems kind of idea. The issue of influencer children is something I’ve always felt pretty strongly about, and reading this book definitely gave me a lot of insight into the multidimensional problem that this is. I started of expecting to hate Whitney all the way through, and I kind of did in the beginning. However, I think the author did a good job of presenting the different layers of emotions and struggles that influencers face, and how nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Thought that was quite a nice touch. It’s pretty hard to hate someone when you see them struggling to stay afloat. The language was nothing special, just basic and informative, so it felt a bit bland. Also, the third person POV threw me off so much - I think it would have made much more sense to write in first person POV, especially since there are multiple POVs. It felt like Mia was the main character a lot of the time, even when it was in Whitney’s POV, so I don’t really understand that aspect? The ending, although nothing bad, felt very safe and guarded, and I would have really liked it to be a more unexpected or exciting way to resolve the conflict. I don’t know what that might have been, but I know the resolution just wasn’t satisfactory enough for me.
This book was ok. Just ok. Quite an interesting premise - sort of like present day, present problems kind of idea. The issue of influencer children is something I’ve always felt pretty strongly about, and reading this book definitely gave me a lot of insight into the multidimensional problem that this is. I started of expecting to hate Whitney all the way through, and I kind of did in the beginning. However, I think the author did a good job of presenting the different layers of emotions and struggles that influencers face, and how nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Thought that was quite a nice touch. It’s pretty hard to hate someone when you see them struggling to stay afloat. The language was nothing special, just basic and informative, so it felt a bit bland. Also, the third person POV threw me off so much - I think it would have made much more sense to write in first person POV, especially since there are multiple POVs. It felt like Mia was the main character a lot of the time, even when it was in Whitney’s POV, so I don’t really understand that aspect? The ending, although nothing bad, felt very safe and guarded, and I would have really liked it to be a more unexpected or exciting way to resolve the conflict. I don’t know what that might have been, but I know the resolution just wasn’t satisfactory enough for me.
June 23, 2024
This is a heartwarming cautionary tale about the external validation we seek from strangers when we reveal our lives on social media and the privacy we forsake when we post about our kids. It’s also a thoughtful, well told story that reminds us it is never too late to change and never too late to make amends to those we love and must protect. Very engaging and current in its examination of social media influencers and how their choices impact the necessary privacy of our children. Great book club read for contemporary women’s fiction audiences. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins for the privilege to read.
August 26, 2024
interesting premise, with a lot of side plots that could be taken as ways to flesh out the characters and add depth but felt a bit unnecessary to get to the finale of the main arc. still worth reading i think since the premise of a kid possibly setting a legal precedent for internet privacy from their own influencer parent is intriguing enough, plus a quick read.
many thanks to william morrow and netgalley for the advance reader copy. this title is set for release on 8 oct 2024.
many thanks to william morrow and netgalley for the advance reader copy. this title is set for release on 8 oct 2024.
May 24, 2025
“We are the first generation to face the ramifications of growing up with social media, which means we are the first generation to fight for our right to online privacy.” This was an easy straightforward read but the story opens up a good afterthought or discussion on children and social media - are kids entitled to privacy? Do parents need to pay their children for monetizing them for content? Love how the author told two sides of the story - the struggle of the mumfluencer and her children.
August 1, 2024
3.0/5.0⭐
In "Hate Follow," Erin Quinn-Kong explores the unraveling of influencer Whitney Golden's seemingly perfect life when her teenage daughter, Mia, demands her mom to remove her and her late father from her blog and socials. Whitney, a widowed mom of four with over a million followers, has built her brand and financial stability around sharing her family's life online. The situation quickly spirals into a legal battle that challenges the boundaries of online privacy and modern parenting. The story, while sparking interesting discussions about these topics, feels a bit far-fetched and struggles with character likability.
I was excited to read this book because I enjoy social satires, even when they're a bit over the top. However, I found it difficult to connect with the characters, none of whom were particularly likable or logical. The book does provide a good starting point for book clubs to discuss issues like online privacy, the impact of social media on children, and the ethics of mommy influencers. Overall, it was okay, but not quite what I had hoped for. I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars.
A big thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the widget.
In "Hate Follow," Erin Quinn-Kong explores the unraveling of influencer Whitney Golden's seemingly perfect life when her teenage daughter, Mia, demands her mom to remove her and her late father from her blog and socials. Whitney, a widowed mom of four with over a million followers, has built her brand and financial stability around sharing her family's life online. The situation quickly spirals into a legal battle that challenges the boundaries of online privacy and modern parenting. The story, while sparking interesting discussions about these topics, feels a bit far-fetched and struggles with character likability.
I was excited to read this book because I enjoy social satires, even when they're a bit over the top. However, I found it difficult to connect with the characters, none of whom were particularly likable or logical. The book does provide a good starting point for book clubs to discuss issues like online privacy, the impact of social media on children, and the ethics of mommy influencers. Overall, it was okay, but not quite what I had hoped for. I'd give it 3 out of 5 stars.
A big thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the widget.
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September 9, 2024I am one of those people who are patiently waiting for the wave of lawsuits against "mom-fluencers" who share photos of their children without their consent in sponsored posts, so this was a fun read. It's also a quick read, one that would be an appropriate choice for teens and parents to read together. I was intrigued the entire time I read this one and flew through it. Plus, if you live in Austin, there are a lot of fun local shout-outs that will make you smile. I can't wait to see what Erin Quinn-Kong writes about next!
November 4, 2024
A cautionary tale about social media vs privacy when it comes to families. It could have been ripped from the headlines, but I don't think it's actually happened yet. The story clearly portrays the reality of there being no good vs bad, black vs white when it comes to the decisions both mother and daughter make in this thought-provoking story. Recommend!
January 1, 2025
This book was easy to read and enjoyable. I believe it did cover some of the "hot topics" surrounding social media and in a well written way. I definitely think people forget that there are people on the other side of a screen & that there's truly no reason to comment mean stuff on social media. Not a bad book to start the year of with.
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