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Memoir of an Innocent Brat
“A clever, hyperonline thriller heavy on the cultural commentary.” — Kirkus Reviews
In June 2024, Pete Chan’s life takes a sharp turn after he hears BRAT by Charli XCX for the first time. He quits his corporate job, dumps his cheating boyfriend, and reinvents himself as a barista. He’s finally living life on his terms–until he hurls an iced latte at a Male Karen and accidentally becomes internet famous as BRATista.
Viral fame is a double-edged sword that puts him in the crosshairs of a relentless online troll named Frankie. Determined to correct the narrative, he embarks on a road trip from Brooklyn to Chicago to confront Frankie IRL–but what starts as a petty, chaotic quest for revenge takes an unexpected turn into something romantic.
Then the unthinkable happens: Pete’s ex, Toby, is found dead, and Pete is arrested for murder. And the only person who can clear his name is Frankie, the hater he just dissed and blocked. Now Pete has to do whatever it takes to prove his innocence and catch Toby’s killer.
Darkly hilarious and razor-sharp, Memoir of an Innocent BRAT is a queer mystery that explores viral fame, pop culture, and the price of being truly seen.
In June 2024, Pete Chan’s life takes a sharp turn after he hears BRAT by Charli XCX for the first time. He quits his corporate job, dumps his cheating boyfriend, and reinvents himself as a barista. He’s finally living life on his terms–until he hurls an iced latte at a Male Karen and accidentally becomes internet famous as BRATista.
Viral fame is a double-edged sword that puts him in the crosshairs of a relentless online troll named Frankie. Determined to correct the narrative, he embarks on a road trip from Brooklyn to Chicago to confront Frankie IRL–but what starts as a petty, chaotic quest for revenge takes an unexpected turn into something romantic.
Then the unthinkable happens: Pete’s ex, Toby, is found dead, and Pete is arrested for murder. And the only person who can clear his name is Frankie, the hater he just dissed and blocked. Now Pete has to do whatever it takes to prove his innocence and catch Toby’s killer.
Darkly hilarious and razor-sharp, Memoir of an Innocent BRAT is a queer mystery that explores viral fame, pop culture, and the price of being truly seen.
218 pages, Paperback
Published September 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 10, 2025
How Aaron Wang managed to write a story that includes a mystery, a viral moment and the backlash from it and a budding romance in under 300 pages amazes me.
I'm happily seeing a recent trend in more stories written about LGBTQIA characters where their queerness isn't the point of the story. Or at least, it's not what gets the ball rolling for a majority of the events. When this happens, we get to read about queer people doing them while just also happening to be queer.
Pete is a very flawed character, and it was refreshing that he recognized that about himself. For him, he was just existing and going with the flow of things until hearing a Charlie XCX song slaps him out of his slump. From here we watch Pete make some arguably good decisions and then many bad/stupid ones. Despite watching him make very stupid decisions, I really enjoyed exploring how being online and thinking you're "safe" isn't a reality.
Although this was a murder mystery, it felt like a warning label for what not to do on the web and how easy it is to track people down.
I enjoyed Frankie's character and thought they meshed well with Pete. They were both on board with the shenanigans and often a voice of reason for some of Pete's bad ideas.
The big reveal at the end was completely unexpected but felt real and was definitely the most plausible outcome of going viral in this day and age. There are a lot of pop references in the novel so I'm not sure how well it'll age but I really enjoyed the inclusion of them and thought it was done tactfully and not cringe.
This is my first work by Aaron Wang and I'm definitely a fan and will look out for their future works. Thanks so much to Books in Color for the DRC!
I'm happily seeing a recent trend in more stories written about LGBTQIA characters where their queerness isn't the point of the story. Or at least, it's not what gets the ball rolling for a majority of the events. When this happens, we get to read about queer people doing them while just also happening to be queer.
Pete is a very flawed character, and it was refreshing that he recognized that about himself. For him, he was just existing and going with the flow of things until hearing a Charlie XCX song slaps him out of his slump. From here we watch Pete make some arguably good decisions and then many bad/stupid ones. Despite watching him make very stupid decisions, I really enjoyed exploring how being online and thinking you're "safe" isn't a reality.
Although this was a murder mystery, it felt like a warning label for what not to do on the web and how easy it is to track people down.
I enjoyed Frankie's character and thought they meshed well with Pete. They were both on board with the shenanigans and often a voice of reason for some of Pete's bad ideas.
The big reveal at the end was completely unexpected but felt real and was definitely the most plausible outcome of going viral in this day and age. There are a lot of pop references in the novel so I'm not sure how well it'll age but I really enjoyed the inclusion of them and thought it was done tactfully and not cringe.
This is my first work by Aaron Wang and I'm definitely a fan and will look out for their future works. Thanks so much to Books in Color for the DRC!
July 3, 2025
This was my first experience with an Aaron Wang book, and I was entranced by the brutal vulnerability of the way the main character is written. He is a chaotic, ridiculous, messy little donut you can’t help but root for even through his many, many flaws. It’s refreshing having a character being so self-aware that they know when they’re being (really) dramatic, and then internally call themself out on it.
Absolutely nails the queer life experience, especially from a POC/minority perspective. There were so many moments that felt like inside jokes within our community, it felt like a wave from a friend saying “I see you!”
There are vastly layered truths about online presence and the dangers it can carry when it gets out of hand, all while reminding us that most of what we see from people online is a beautifully curated snapshot into what they wish their lives were — rather than anything resembling how they are day-to-day. It’s been fascinating watching what happens when the illusion unravels.
The story is wild, over the top, and just this side of unbelievable in all the right ways.
Makes you want to go storm the world until you have a brat anecdote of your very own — but… maybe without the handcuffs.
*I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this brilliant book in exchange for an honest review, and I’m so thankful I was because I’ve found an author I truly love and will definitely be reading more from in the future.*
Absolutely nails the queer life experience, especially from a POC/minority perspective. There were so many moments that felt like inside jokes within our community, it felt like a wave from a friend saying “I see you!”
There are vastly layered truths about online presence and the dangers it can carry when it gets out of hand, all while reminding us that most of what we see from people online is a beautifully curated snapshot into what they wish their lives were — rather than anything resembling how they are day-to-day. It’s been fascinating watching what happens when the illusion unravels.
The story is wild, over the top, and just this side of unbelievable in all the right ways.
Makes you want to go storm the world until you have a brat anecdote of your very own — but… maybe without the handcuffs.
*I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this brilliant book in exchange for an honest review, and I’m so thankful I was because I’ve found an author I truly love and will definitely be reading more from in the future.*
July 3, 2025
Memoir of an Innocent Brat is basically a campy take on what Fox News warned all of us would happen if we tried to have our own brat summer.
Pete Chan has become a corporate drone just autopiloting through his twenties...until 360 by Charli XCX blasting through his headphones one morning awakens him from his corporate haze, allowing him to break free and realize that he needs to live this next summer as brat as possible. What happens next is a fascinating combination of a murder mystery, a cute lil romcom, and some surprisingly nuanced takes on being chronically online and social media use in modern life. This definitely captured a moment in time, a snapshot of online trends and slang, and most importantly...brat summer 4ever.
This novel has range, swinging back and forth between being over the top and having its tender moments. Pete has a flair for the dramatic, which can be hilarious, but he also comes at you with unexpected moments of subtly beautiful wisdom and insight into being gay in the era of the all-powerful algorithm. Overall, I came for the vibes and the giggles, and walked away with more than I expected.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Big thank you to Books in Color and Netgalley for giving me a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Pete Chan has become a corporate drone just autopiloting through his twenties...until 360 by Charli XCX blasting through his headphones one morning awakens him from his corporate haze, allowing him to break free and realize that he needs to live this next summer as brat as possible. What happens next is a fascinating combination of a murder mystery, a cute lil romcom, and some surprisingly nuanced takes on being chronically online and social media use in modern life. This definitely captured a moment in time, a snapshot of online trends and slang, and most importantly...brat summer 4ever.
This novel has range, swinging back and forth between being over the top and having its tender moments. Pete has a flair for the dramatic, which can be hilarious, but he also comes at you with unexpected moments of subtly beautiful wisdom and insight into being gay in the era of the all-powerful algorithm. Overall, I came for the vibes and the giggles, and walked away with more than I expected.
3.5 stars, rounded up.
Big thank you to Books in Color and Netgalley for giving me a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 21, 2025
So entertaining and insightful at the same time. Really loved it and loved to read a queer story. I recommend it!!
November 21, 2025
This is my first book by this author, and when I say I need 5,000 more pages, I mean it! The way the author writes is incredible, especially the vulnerability and relatability of the main character. It's so refreshing to see such depth in a protagonist. The pacing of the book is spot on too. There's so much packed into the story, but it never feels rushed or cramped. And then there's the romance!!!!! honestly, I'm such a romance girlie and It’s the perfect cherry on top of an already amazing book. The representation of queer characters is so important, and it's clear that Aaron Wang, is stepping up to show what true, authentic representation can look like in popular media. We desperately need more of this, and I’m all in for it!This is my first book by this author, and when I say I need 5,000 more pages, I mean it! The way the author writes is incredible, especially the vulnerability and relatability of the main character. It's so refreshing to see such depth in a protagonist. The pacing of the book is spot on too. There's so much packed into the story, but it never feels rushed or cramped. And then there's the romance!!!!! honestly, chef’s kiss! I'm such a romance girlie and It’s the perfect cherry on top of an already amazing book. The representation of queer characters is so important, and it's clear that Aaron Wang, is stepping up to show what true, authentic representation can look like in popular media. We desperately need more of this, and I’m all in for it!
September 3, 2025
This was an absolute miss for me, unfortunately.
I will preface the review by saying: if someone is reading a book that draws heavily from the BRAT album by Charli XCX, odds are … they know the album and don’t need it micro-explained to them the way the book did.
Rather than let themes and ideas speak for themselves, they are spelled out in detail in a poorly-written narrative voice.
The writing itself was questionable -- some of it even sounded like it could’ve been AI-generated.
The plot was far-fetched and not at all believable, realistic, or cohesive. I won't add specific plot points, as the book has not been released yet.
The book has a mystery element to it, but that mystery is easily solved by the halfway mark of the story.
The characters were shallow and paper-thin. I understand that our main character was supposed to be “a brat,” but he was genuinely unlikeable -- and because there was minimal character development, I finished the book disliking the narrator as much as I did when I started the book.
The queer lingo and pop culture references were clunky and overdone, in an information-dumping way that didn't feel organic.
I am an enormous fan of Charli XCX and the BRAT album, which is why I was eager to give this book a go. I really wish I had more positive things to say about it, but it just didn’t hit the way I wish it had.
I do hope it resonates with other readers.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I will preface the review by saying: if someone is reading a book that draws heavily from the BRAT album by Charli XCX, odds are … they know the album and don’t need it micro-explained to them the way the book did.
Rather than let themes and ideas speak for themselves, they are spelled out in detail in a poorly-written narrative voice.
The writing itself was questionable -- some of it even sounded like it could’ve been AI-generated.
The plot was far-fetched and not at all believable, realistic, or cohesive. I won't add specific plot points, as the book has not been released yet.
The book has a mystery element to it, but that mystery is easily solved by the halfway mark of the story.
The characters were shallow and paper-thin. I understand that our main character was supposed to be “a brat,” but he was genuinely unlikeable -- and because there was minimal character development, I finished the book disliking the narrator as much as I did when I started the book.
The queer lingo and pop culture references were clunky and overdone, in an information-dumping way that didn't feel organic.
I am an enormous fan of Charli XCX and the BRAT album, which is why I was eager to give this book a go. I really wish I had more positive things to say about it, but it just didn’t hit the way I wish it had.
I do hope it resonates with other readers.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
August 31, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read a copy of this book.
For the first 20% of this book, I wasn't that into it. It seemed like it was trying to be too quirky. But slowly as the book progressed I started liking it more and more! I ended up kind of enjoying the way pop culture was referenced in this book, eventho it felt like In the beginning it felt a bit over the top.
The last half of the book was definitely my favorite, I actually almost cried at some of the passages which I really wasn't expecting considering how unattached I felt from this book at the beginning. I'm really glad it ended the way it did and the main character got his happy ending, especially because it was with the person he was least expecting it from. Sounds cliche, but yeah I ended up liking the way they became a couple!
Surprisingly enough another thing I really liked about this book was the authors note, especially the part about his editor. It was so beautifully written and you could really hear that it was the author talking this time as himself and not as the main character in the book. I hope I explained that well, so you can understand what I'm trying to say?
Anyway will be looking forward to more books by this author and potentially buying a physical copy of this one once it comes out! Highly recommend it!
For the first 20% of this book, I wasn't that into it. It seemed like it was trying to be too quirky. But slowly as the book progressed I started liking it more and more! I ended up kind of enjoying the way pop culture was referenced in this book, eventho it felt like In the beginning it felt a bit over the top.
The last half of the book was definitely my favorite, I actually almost cried at some of the passages which I really wasn't expecting considering how unattached I felt from this book at the beginning. I'm really glad it ended the way it did and the main character got his happy ending, especially because it was with the person he was least expecting it from. Sounds cliche, but yeah I ended up liking the way they became a couple!
Surprisingly enough another thing I really liked about this book was the authors note, especially the part about his editor. It was so beautifully written and you could really hear that it was the author talking this time as himself and not as the main character in the book. I hope I explained that well, so you can understand what I'm trying to say?
Anyway will be looking forward to more books by this author and potentially buying a physical copy of this one once it comes out! Highly recommend it!
June 12, 2025
The book starts with Pete working at his corporate job in NYC. As he listens to the new Charli XCX album, it awakens his inner BRAT, and in a whim, he decides to quit his job and break up with his boyfriend. Having no place to go, he hits up a friend to stay with them. He gets a barista job through his friend, and when met with a particularly prickly customer, Pete throws an iced coffee in his face and storms out in a bratty rampage!! Little does Pete know, the entire thing was filmed, and he becomes the infamous BRATista. Attempting to piggyback off of his newfound internet fame, Pete creates a TikTok to do music reviews. What happens next is a little cyberbullying, light stalking, catfishing, murder, detective work, and falling in love.
I really enjoyed reading Pete’s inner thoughts through Memoir of an Innocent Brat. Pete’s rationalization and thought processes are unhinged and a bit chaotic. It had me cracking up left and right. This book definitely targets a certain audience, and my worry is that it is a tad too niche. I do wish the “twist” was a little more drawn out. I found myself wanting more from it at the end.
I’m grateful to Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review!
I really enjoyed reading Pete’s inner thoughts through Memoir of an Innocent Brat. Pete’s rationalization and thought processes are unhinged and a bit chaotic. It had me cracking up left and right. This book definitely targets a certain audience, and my worry is that it is a tad too niche. I do wish the “twist” was a little more drawn out. I found myself wanting more from it at the end.
I’m grateful to Victory Editing and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review!
June 15, 2025
This book was something else. More than what I expected. From the description, it sounded like it was going to be a fun, very interesting read, but I wasn't prepared for so much fun, laughs, and such a lovable, well-developed cast of characters. The main character throughout the book, trying to find who murdered his cheating ex-boyfriend not only discovered who killed him, but also went upon a journey of self-discovery. I love how the book used social media and the crazy things that go on on there and modern sayings such as "Karen". Even the minor characters were very addicting and you felt for them. The book was a fast read....bite sized chapters...not too long, not too short. It gotten to the point and never lagged on. It gave just enough detail, description, and everything felt paced correctly. Also great character growth and development. 5 of 5 stars. I couldn't stop reading.
June 17, 2025
Going into reading this, I don't think I truly knew what a Brat was, at least not in the sense of how the author meant it. This book was a little silly, not very realistic and at times utterly outrageous. I could see how people could love this book but it wasn't necessarily for me.
September 7, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!
I was genuinely excited for "Memoir of an Innocent Brat." I’m a huge fan of Charli XCX’s BRAT, the chaotic brilliance, the memes, the aesthetic, the whole "BRAT Summer" vibe. So when I got an ARC of a fictional queer mystery somehow inspired by the album? I was intrigued.
The premise is definitely out there: Pete Chan hears "BRAT,” and decides to blow up his life. He quits his “high-powered” job (though he was a Comms Coordinator at a startup?), leaves his cheating boyfriend, and reinvents himself as a barista. Then, after tossing an iced latte at a Male Karen, he goes viral as the “BRATista.” Cue online fame, troll drama, a road trip, surprise romance, and eventually… a murder accusation. It’s marketed as a darkly hilarious, pop-culture-soaked mystery, and I really wanted to love that.
But unfortunately, this just didn’t work for me.
First off, the logistics made no sense. I understand wanting to live freely and dramatically at 24/25, but quitting your job with no plan because of a pop album? That needed a lot more grounding to be believable. The supposed “high-powered” role felt exaggerated, and the choices Pete made didn’t feel rooted in anything other than chaos for chaos’s sake.
Then there’s the tone. The infamous coffee shop scene was painfully cringe. The overuse of Gen Z slang, hashtags, and rapid-fire social media references made it feel like a parody, and not in a smart, self-aware way. It read more like someone trying too hard to go viral on the page, and the result was juvenile and awkward instead of clever or satirical.
As for the mystery element - it was there, technically, but it felt rushed and wildly implausible. The pacing picked up dramatically in the final act, but not in a satisfying way. It just felt like the story took a hard left into a completely different genre without the setup to support it. The twists weren’t earned, and the resolution didn’t feel believable in any shape or form.
Overall, this was a quick read, but one I wouldn’t recommend. The writing was choppy and immature, the tone was inconsistent, and the characters didn’t feel fully realized. It had potential to be a clever, pop-culture-laced satire, but instead it felt more like a Twitter thread turned into a novel: loud, messy, and not quite sure what it wanted to be.
I was genuinely excited for "Memoir of an Innocent Brat." I’m a huge fan of Charli XCX’s BRAT, the chaotic brilliance, the memes, the aesthetic, the whole "BRAT Summer" vibe. So when I got an ARC of a fictional queer mystery somehow inspired by the album? I was intrigued.
The premise is definitely out there: Pete Chan hears "BRAT,” and decides to blow up his life. He quits his “high-powered” job (though he was a Comms Coordinator at a startup?), leaves his cheating boyfriend, and reinvents himself as a barista. Then, after tossing an iced latte at a Male Karen, he goes viral as the “BRATista.” Cue online fame, troll drama, a road trip, surprise romance, and eventually… a murder accusation. It’s marketed as a darkly hilarious, pop-culture-soaked mystery, and I really wanted to love that.
But unfortunately, this just didn’t work for me.
First off, the logistics made no sense. I understand wanting to live freely and dramatically at 24/25, but quitting your job with no plan because of a pop album? That needed a lot more grounding to be believable. The supposed “high-powered” role felt exaggerated, and the choices Pete made didn’t feel rooted in anything other than chaos for chaos’s sake.
Then there’s the tone. The infamous coffee shop scene was painfully cringe. The overuse of Gen Z slang, hashtags, and rapid-fire social media references made it feel like a parody, and not in a smart, self-aware way. It read more like someone trying too hard to go viral on the page, and the result was juvenile and awkward instead of clever or satirical.
As for the mystery element - it was there, technically, but it felt rushed and wildly implausible. The pacing picked up dramatically in the final act, but not in a satisfying way. It just felt like the story took a hard left into a completely different genre without the setup to support it. The twists weren’t earned, and the resolution didn’t feel believable in any shape or form.
Overall, this was a quick read, but one I wouldn’t recommend. The writing was choppy and immature, the tone was inconsistent, and the characters didn’t feel fully realized. It had potential to be a clever, pop-culture-laced satire, but instead it felt more like a Twitter thread turned into a novel: loud, messy, and not quite sure what it wanted to be.
August 24, 2025
*This ebook was kindly given to me by the publisher Books in Color through NetGalley. This doesn't affect my review. Thank you Books in Color!*
Memoir of an Innocent Brat - 4.5 stars!
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I opened this book. When I was reading the synopsis, I assumed it would be a silly read, which it is, but it's also a great exploration about social media and how it affects people. Aaron Wang does a great job of balancing the chaos and the seriousness of this book. Yes, wild things happen in this book, but you never have to sit and wonder, "Hm... is that too wild?" because it's also grounded enough to feel real.
"I didn't want to be real. I wanted to be Interesting. Artistic. Unique."
Aaron Wang also handles the topic of social media well. Pete as a main character is a very vulnerable narrator, but in his online life it's the opposite. He works incredibly hard on his image and is somewhat addicted to the attention you can gain online. Wang also explores para-social relationships quite well.
The comments on queerness and queer culture were also interesting. I'm queer, but not a gay man, so I won't speak too much on this, but in my opinion Aaron Wang makes some great commentary about the unrealistic beauty standards and the toxicity that can be present in the gay community.
Overall, this book was a great read. There are quite a bit of pop culture references which I feel could age the book quickly, however, in this circumstance I don't think it's an issue. I loved this book and I flew through it because I really wanted to know what was going to happen to everyone! The character development was good and the romance was cute.
If you like books that has a mixture of mystery and romance, are a quick read, and are a bit silly, but still makes some commentary on serious topics (all handled well, in my opinion), then this is the book for you.
Memoir of an Innocent Brat - 4.5 stars!
I wasn't really sure what to expect when I opened this book. When I was reading the synopsis, I assumed it would be a silly read, which it is, but it's also a great exploration about social media and how it affects people. Aaron Wang does a great job of balancing the chaos and the seriousness of this book. Yes, wild things happen in this book, but you never have to sit and wonder, "Hm... is that too wild?" because it's also grounded enough to feel real.
"I didn't want to be real. I wanted to be Interesting. Artistic. Unique."
Aaron Wang also handles the topic of social media well. Pete as a main character is a very vulnerable narrator, but in his online life it's the opposite. He works incredibly hard on his image and is somewhat addicted to the attention you can gain online. Wang also explores para-social relationships quite well.
The comments on queerness and queer culture were also interesting. I'm queer, but not a gay man, so I won't speak too much on this, but in my opinion Aaron Wang makes some great commentary about the unrealistic beauty standards and the toxicity that can be present in the gay community.
Overall, this book was a great read. There are quite a bit of pop culture references which I feel could age the book quickly, however, in this circumstance I don't think it's an issue. I loved this book and I flew through it because I really wanted to know what was going to happen to everyone! The character development was good and the romance was cute.
If you like books that has a mixture of mystery and romance, are a quick read, and are a bit silly, but still makes some commentary on serious topics (all handled well, in my opinion), then this is the book for you.
June 25, 2025
Will I get canceled if I admit that I haven’t listened to the BRAT album beyond a few viral clips on TikTok and what I’ve overheard on my partner’s girlie pop playlists from the other room? I’m slow to adapt to new music so I’ll get around to giving this diva her due eventually. So even though I don’t have Pete’s direct connection to BRAT I fully believe in the power of music to give you new direction in life. Watching Pete stumble headlong into BRAT infused freedom (and a domino effect of bad decisions) brought me the same euphoria of blowing my own life up but without the consequences of the fallout afterword.
The murder mystery had some fun twists and dead ends that kept things moving, why still maintaining the book’s a fairly light tone. A difficult balance, but I felt that the murder was given the gravity it deserved without bogging down the tone. This could have easily gone in a much darker direction or could have treated the tragedy flippantly, but I was glad to see that it was handled with a lot more finesse than that.
A warning though, don’t try to get through this story without your favorite coffee at your side lest you end up like me, scouring my feed for a hip coffee place to grab a latte at in the middle of the day because the multitude of coffee mentions have clawed at my brain until I had no choice but to give in. Just my luck that I would read this on the week my coffee maker died, and this book is the push I needed to get a new one right away.
Though this is about a specific album and time period, this is the kind of cultural moment that will keep this book relevant no matter how many more summers pass.
The murder mystery had some fun twists and dead ends that kept things moving, why still maintaining the book’s a fairly light tone. A difficult balance, but I felt that the murder was given the gravity it deserved without bogging down the tone. This could have easily gone in a much darker direction or could have treated the tragedy flippantly, but I was glad to see that it was handled with a lot more finesse than that.
A warning though, don’t try to get through this story without your favorite coffee at your side lest you end up like me, scouring my feed for a hip coffee place to grab a latte at in the middle of the day because the multitude of coffee mentions have clawed at my brain until I had no choice but to give in. Just my luck that I would read this on the week my coffee maker died, and this book is the push I needed to get a new one right away.
Though this is about a specific album and time period, this is the kind of cultural moment that will keep this book relevant no matter how many more summers pass.
July 5, 2025
I requested and received an eARC of
Memoir of an Innocent Brat
by Aaron Wang via NetGalley. Pete Chan's life takes a sharp turn after he hears BRAT by Charli XCX for the first time. He quits his job, dumps his cheating boyfriend Toby, and reinvents himself as a barista. Unfortunately, Pete’s barista dreams are abruptly interrupted by an encounter with a male Karen that goes viral, he pivots to embrace a future as a pop music critic. When his ex-boyfriend is murdered, Pete finds himself accused of the crime and must team up with his Internet nemesis to help unearth the identity of Toby’s killer.
I love the way this book drops you into the action in the very first chapter with Pete being arrested for Toby's murder. The combination of the mystery and Wang's humor had me hooked. I immediately queued up "Rewind" by Charli XCX and settled in for what I was sure would prove to be a fabulous mystery. Pete absolutely serves brat energy and while I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at some of his choices, I found him to be an endearing and funny character.
In Memoirs of an Innocent Brat, Wang shows that he knows his audience. The humor and references in the novel fully embrace both gay and stan culture. The mystery element of the novel was fun! And the pacing made this an easy book to breeze through, because I couldn’t allow myself to put it down until I discovered what happened next! The story took a couple of turns that I wasn’t fully expecting and allowed me to fully appreciate Pete’s character arc.
I love the way this book drops you into the action in the very first chapter with Pete being arrested for Toby's murder. The combination of the mystery and Wang's humor had me hooked. I immediately queued up "Rewind" by Charli XCX and settled in for what I was sure would prove to be a fabulous mystery. Pete absolutely serves brat energy and while I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at some of his choices, I found him to be an endearing and funny character.
In Memoirs of an Innocent Brat, Wang shows that he knows his audience. The humor and references in the novel fully embrace both gay and stan culture. The mystery element of the novel was fun! And the pacing made this an easy book to breeze through, because I couldn’t allow myself to put it down until I discovered what happened next! The story took a couple of turns that I wasn’t fully expecting and allowed me to fully appreciate Pete’s character arc.
August 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Books in Color for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. While the premise is intriguing, the execution felt scattered and unfocused. The plot tried to do too much at once, and as a result, the pacing felt uneven and the character motivations often made little sense.
Pete’s personality and decisions shifted dramatically from scene to scene, sometimes contradicting himself within pages. For example, his attitude toward his roommate’s gun, his feelings about his ex, and his financial situation were inconsistent in ways that made it hard to follow or connect with his journey. The romance development was awkward and insta-love, and the resolution to the central conflict stretched believability.
On top of that, parts of this read like pop culture MadLibs with heavy reliance on TikTok-speak to make Pete believable as an influencer, which I think will age the story very quickly. Tangents about coffee orders and online dating apps slowed the momentum even more, while side characters appeared and disappeared conveniently to serve the plot.
I appreciate that the author was aiming for a darkly funny look at viral fame, queerness, and internet culture, but the results just didn’t land. Readers who enjoy chaotic, satirical takes on online life might still find this entertaining. Ultimately, it wasn’t for me.
Unfortunately, this one didn’t work for me. While the premise is intriguing, the execution felt scattered and unfocused. The plot tried to do too much at once, and as a result, the pacing felt uneven and the character motivations often made little sense.
Pete’s personality and decisions shifted dramatically from scene to scene, sometimes contradicting himself within pages. For example, his attitude toward his roommate’s gun, his feelings about his ex, and his financial situation were inconsistent in ways that made it hard to follow or connect with his journey. The romance development was awkward and insta-love, and the resolution to the central conflict stretched believability.
On top of that, parts of this read like pop culture MadLibs with heavy reliance on TikTok-speak to make Pete believable as an influencer, which I think will age the story very quickly. Tangents about coffee orders and online dating apps slowed the momentum even more, while side characters appeared and disappeared conveniently to serve the plot.
I appreciate that the author was aiming for a darkly funny look at viral fame, queerness, and internet culture, but the results just didn’t land. Readers who enjoy chaotic, satirical takes on online life might still find this entertaining. Ultimately, it wasn’t for me.
July 18, 2025
In Wang’s blistering debut, a queer millennial’s search for freedom spirals into chaos, fame, and a murder charge. When Pete Chan, a self-aware and pop-savvy Chinese American in his late twenties, impulsively quits his corporate job and dumps his artist boyfriend Toby, he’s chasing reinvention. But when a latte-throwing incident at his barista gig goes viral, he becomes internet-famous overnight. Frankie, a sharp-tongued troll, becomes Pete’s most relentless critic, and unexpected romantic entanglement. But just as things begin to shift, Toby is found dead, and Pete is arrested for murder. His only alibi? Frankie, the hater he blocked.
Wang’s prose is razor-sharp, blending biting cultural critique with raw emotional undercurrents. Equal parts bratty, wounded, and brilliant, Pete’s voice carries the novel with confessional energy. As Pete tries to prove his innocence, Wang carefully builds a layered mystery, not just of who killed Toby, but of who Pete is beneath the posturing. Throughout, the novel examines digital identity, queer longing, and the disconnect between the curated self and the lived self. A savage, smart, and emotionally layered novel about visibility, shame, and what it means to be truly known.
Wang’s prose is razor-sharp, blending biting cultural critique with raw emotional undercurrents. Equal parts bratty, wounded, and brilliant, Pete’s voice carries the novel with confessional energy. As Pete tries to prove his innocence, Wang carefully builds a layered mystery, not just of who killed Toby, but of who Pete is beneath the posturing. Throughout, the novel examines digital identity, queer longing, and the disconnect between the curated self and the lived self. A savage, smart, and emotionally layered novel about visibility, shame, and what it means to be truly known.
August 4, 2025
4.5 stars
Interesting and gripping. Memoir of an Innocent Brat is the first book I have read from Aaron Wang and it won't be the last. The prose is well done and helps build the intrigue of the overarching murder mystery plot. The character development is strong, and each character is unique. The story itself has the vibe of a dark comedy. There are moments that feel a little ridiculous and over-the-top (complimentary) alongside the seriousness of murder and other bits of real-world commentary in the story. Wang also includes great commentary on race and body image in the gay community, as well as on the workings of social media and some of the toxicity that comes with that. The characters are unique and flawed, so they're very recognizably human and somewhat relatable. Pete isn't exactly likable, but he's very real, and I kind of loved that. Overall, I found this to be a super interesting read that really held my attention. I powered through this over the span of 24 hours after all. This is definitely worth checking out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Interesting and gripping. Memoir of an Innocent Brat is the first book I have read from Aaron Wang and it won't be the last. The prose is well done and helps build the intrigue of the overarching murder mystery plot. The character development is strong, and each character is unique. The story itself has the vibe of a dark comedy. There are moments that feel a little ridiculous and over-the-top (complimentary) alongside the seriousness of murder and other bits of real-world commentary in the story. Wang also includes great commentary on race and body image in the gay community, as well as on the workings of social media and some of the toxicity that comes with that. The characters are unique and flawed, so they're very recognizably human and somewhat relatable. Pete isn't exactly likable, but he's very real, and I kind of loved that. Overall, I found this to be a super interesting read that really held my attention. I powered through this over the span of 24 hours after all. This is definitely worth checking out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2025
Pete Chan is a young Chinese-American, gay, and a little lost in the middle of his own life. Tired of corporate routine and with a heart broken by an unfaithful boyfriend, he ends up working as a barista. Nothing unusual there. But one day, in a very well-deserved burst of anger, he throws an iced latte at an abusive customer. That moment, recorded and shared, turns him into the “BRATista”: a viral symbol of resistance against everyday mistreatment.
From that point on, Pete finds himself caught between digital glory and personal misfortune: his ex turns up dead, and suddenly he becomes the prime suspect. What follows is a spiral of laughter, paranoia, internet trolls (one in particular who will turn out to be crucial), and the eternal question: how can you be yourself when the whole world is watching?
Pete is not a perfect hero. He’s sarcastic, sometimes unbearable, but always human. He doesn’t just want to prove his innocence, but also to make it through to the end of this situation.
It’s a story that brings together many aspects of life, set in the present day with modern personalities, current characters, and everyday struggles that matter to all of us.
It shows how anything can happen at any moment and how life can change in the blink of an eye, but also that in the end, things can always get better—if you’re honest with yourself, give yourself the worth you deserve, and act in the name of maturity.
This novel is a journey between that immature age and the awareness of what it means to carry the title of “adult”: to sit down, think, and act.
From that point on, Pete finds himself caught between digital glory and personal misfortune: his ex turns up dead, and suddenly he becomes the prime suspect. What follows is a spiral of laughter, paranoia, internet trolls (one in particular who will turn out to be crucial), and the eternal question: how can you be yourself when the whole world is watching?
Pete is not a perfect hero. He’s sarcastic, sometimes unbearable, but always human. He doesn’t just want to prove his innocence, but also to make it through to the end of this situation.
It’s a story that brings together many aspects of life, set in the present day with modern personalities, current characters, and everyday struggles that matter to all of us.
It shows how anything can happen at any moment and how life can change in the blink of an eye, but also that in the end, things can always get better—if you’re honest with yourself, give yourself the worth you deserve, and act in the name of maturity.
This novel is a journey between that immature age and the awareness of what it means to carry the title of “adult”: to sit down, think, and act.
October 6, 2025
I love that this book starts with a witty, yet pessimistic and egotistical writing style. It perfectly emulates the main character Pete, and gives the reader a close look into his mind. From the middle of the book onwards, the writing style shifts from egotistical to reflective and contemplative, which also marks the shift in Pete's attitude towards life, and how he views his life and experiences.
This book also contains tons of great conversations, about how personal freedom is connected to innocence, how being gay no longer signifies freedom, and instead puts you in narrowly defined boxes, or else you aren't deemed attractive, and how being Asian is often fetishized in gay online spaces.
The main plot was less of a mystery, and more a literary fiction, but I think that fits well with the character development throughout the story. Finally, I loved how the ending comes full circle in a retrospective way, and I think it wraps up the story very nicely. Overall, I would recommend this book to readers as a good reflective read, with an engaging plot and lots of character development.
A huge thank you to Books in Color and Netgalley for this ARC!
This book also contains tons of great conversations, about how personal freedom is connected to innocence, how being gay no longer signifies freedom, and instead puts you in narrowly defined boxes, or else you aren't deemed attractive, and how being Asian is often fetishized in gay online spaces.
The main plot was less of a mystery, and more a literary fiction, but I think that fits well with the character development throughout the story. Finally, I loved how the ending comes full circle in a retrospective way, and I think it wraps up the story very nicely. Overall, I would recommend this book to readers as a good reflective read, with an engaging plot and lots of character development.
A huge thank you to Books in Color and Netgalley for this ARC!
August 31, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and Books in Colors for Earc exchange for honest review.
What happens when a BRAT is accused of murdering his ex-boyfriend. After instant fame for coffee being thrown. Trying to find out what you want to do with life. What else could go wrong or right for Pete Chan?
What I like the most was the opinions and facts about music. How Pete views the world and music. Also, Pete energy and personality was great. But it was also his biggest downfall at times. I like the fact that he learned a big life lesson with everything that happened to him. There was a few parts that I didn’t like. Because you could tell that Pete was ignorant. How he didn’t see a problem with what he was doing. But later he learned from his mistakes. Overall, the story was interesting. There’s the mystery of who the killer is. Them trying to find out clues who did it. Also get a little bit of love story happening for Pete. At the end I like the fact that he did grow up a little bit.
What happens when a BRAT is accused of murdering his ex-boyfriend. After instant fame for coffee being thrown. Trying to find out what you want to do with life. What else could go wrong or right for Pete Chan?
What I like the most was the opinions and facts about music. How Pete views the world and music. Also, Pete energy and personality was great. But it was also his biggest downfall at times. I like the fact that he learned a big life lesson with everything that happened to him. There was a few parts that I didn’t like. Because you could tell that Pete was ignorant. How he didn’t see a problem with what he was doing. But later he learned from his mistakes. Overall, the story was interesting. There’s the mystery of who the killer is. Them trying to find out clues who did it. Also get a little bit of love story happening for Pete. At the end I like the fact that he did grow up a little bit.
June 20, 2025
“I had gotten so lost in the noise of everything, the endless push and pull of social media validation, that I barely recognized who I had become. There was a time when being reckless felt like freedom, like I was finally taking control of my life. But control is an illusion, isn’t it? One moment, you’re holding the wheel, and the next, you’re in a free fall.”
The power of social media. This book had everything from LGBTQAI+ POV, social media implications, an unlikely friendship to a who done it. It was a quick read that kept me on my toes. Was it outstanding? Meh. Worth the read? Absolutely.
The power of social media. This book had everything from LGBTQAI+ POV, social media implications, an unlikely friendship to a who done it. It was a quick read that kept me on my toes. Was it outstanding? Meh. Worth the read? Absolutely.
September 3, 2025
Memoir of an Innocent Brat by Aaron Wang
Ever felt so inspired by a song you wanted to quit your job and break up with your boyfriend? That's basically what Pete does after listening to Charli XCX's BRAT. But his new life as a barista who goes tiktok viral gets a lot more complicated when his ex is murdered and he becomes the number one suspect.
This book is a nonstop roller coaster, it's chaotic, messy, and totally over-the-top mystery. Pete is the definition of "do-first-think-later". It's a fun, quick read with big ✨vibes✨ and I was completely here for it.
Thanks to @netgalley and Aaron Wang for the ARC!
Ever felt so inspired by a song you wanted to quit your job and break up with your boyfriend? That's basically what Pete does after listening to Charli XCX's BRAT. But his new life as a barista who goes tiktok viral gets a lot more complicated when his ex is murdered and he becomes the number one suspect.
This book is a nonstop roller coaster, it's chaotic, messy, and totally over-the-top mystery. Pete is the definition of "do-first-think-later". It's a fun, quick read with big ✨vibes✨ and I was completely here for it.
Thanks to @netgalley and Aaron Wang for the ARC!
June 12, 2025
I can't say that I expected this to be good, but I did expect it to be entertaining. And it was! Utterly absurd, but I couldn't put it down. I did hit a block about halfway through where I got a bit tired of the conflicts, but the return to the murder plotline roped me back in. I'm not sure if I'll remember much of this one, but the pop culture references were fun and it'll be a silly one to recap to friends.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
August 6, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pete listens to BRAT and it changes his life. Suddenly he's throwing coffees as patrons, going viral, getting cancelled and then ends up in lockup on the suspicion of murder.
This book is really fast paced and had me reeling sometimes. As Pete says – "The thing about the gays is they work fast—no time to waste." But I really enjoyed this no-nonsense murder mystery to bits! I would recommend this for a short plane ride.
Thank you NetGalley and Books in Color for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pete listens to BRAT and it changes his life. Suddenly he's throwing coffees as patrons, going viral, getting cancelled and then ends up in lockup on the suspicion of murder.
This book is really fast paced and had me reeling sometimes. As Pete says – "The thing about the gays is they work fast—no time to waste." But I really enjoyed this no-nonsense murder mystery to bits! I would recommend this for a short plane ride.
Thank you NetGalley and Books in Color for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2025
50%Love Story, 50% Murder Mystery
I read this book thinking it would be more of a murder mystery but it definite focused more on the main character love life past and future. There are funny parts to the book as well and a lot of modern references. I’m not much for a love story but it was nice to see the main character grow near the end.
I read this book thinking it would be more of a murder mystery but it definite focused more on the main character love life past and future. There are funny parts to the book as well and a lot of modern references. I’m not much for a love story but it was nice to see the main character grow near the end.
August 7, 2025
This book was a blast! The characters, especially Pete and Frankie, are amazing. They're funny, complex, and genuinely vulnerable. The story never slows down and is so engaging that I couldn't put it down. Aaron Wang is a fantastic storyteller, and I'm really hoping to see these characters again soon.
September 6, 2025
- LGBTQIA+ book
- set in the year 2024
- easy read
- writing style is easy to get to grips with
- will get you out of a reading slump
Note to self read more Aaron Wang books.
Lastly I want to mention Tove the proof reader who sadly passed before this book was published 🩵
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced reader copy of this book
- set in the year 2024
- easy read
- writing style is easy to get to grips with
- will get you out of a reading slump
Note to self read more Aaron Wang books.
Lastly I want to mention Tove the proof reader who sadly passed before this book was published 🩵
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the advanced reader copy of this book
July 22, 2025
A real mix of murder mystery, campy viral moments and romance, this isn’t what I expected this to be at all, but the writing style makes this very readable and enjoyable.
September 26, 2025
Honestly this was such an original concept I loved it, very quirky - would definitely recommend! Received early, all views are my own.
November 5, 2025
This was an interesting read for me, I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. It was humorous but also insightful and has an unique writing style to it. There were some parts I found myself skimming sentences because the descriptiveness of things just went on and on and I felt was unneeded- We didn't need 4 pages of one description of pop culture but the mystery plotline kept me reading because I wanted to find out what happened. Overall it was an okay and easy read but nothing crazy.
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