Off the Record by Camryn Garrett --> Restarting April 6th, 2022

[Aly]

Ever since seventeen-year-old Josie Wright can remember, writing has been her identity, the thing that grounds her when everything else is a garbage fire. So when she wins a contest to write a celebrity profile for Deep Focus magazine, she’s equal parts excited and scared, but also ready. She’s got this.

Soon Josie is jetting off on a multi-city tour, rubbing elbows with sparkly celebrities, frenetic handlers, stone-faced producers, and eccentric stylists. She even finds herself catching feelings for the subject of her profile, dazzling young newcomer Marius Canet. Josie’s world is expanding so rapidly, she doesn’t know whether she’s flying or falling. But when a young actress lets her in on a terrible secret, the answer is clear: she’s in over her head.

One woman’s account leads to another and another. Josie wants to expose the man responsible, but she’s reluctant to speak up, unsure if this is her story to tell. What if she lets down the women who have entrusted her with their stories? What if this ends her writing career before it even begins? There are so many reasons not to go ahead, but if Josie doesn’t step up, who will?

[Melanie]

Chapter 1 (view spoiler)[ Had to make a comment after only reading one chapter because there is already so much about Josie I identify with! The anxiety, the writing as escapism (although instead of journalism, I was hardcore into fanfiction as a high schooler), the lack of friends her own age and mostly friends on the internet. Parental pressure to do well in school but also have a social life (excuse me!?) and to lose weight. Oh my god it is seriously hitting home.
I also am loving the writing style (I've been really feeling contemporaries lately and it's kind of a nice break from all the SFF I've been reading) and I love that there are little tweets at the beginning of the chapters! So cute. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Melanie wrote: "Chapter 1 Had to make a comment after only reading one chapter because there is already so much about Josie I identify with! The anxiety, the writing as escapism (although instead of journalism, I..."

That's great you can identify with Josie! I love when I see myself in a character

[Aly]

Chapter 5 (view spoiler)[ I feel bad that Josie is being pressured so much by her parents. Usually parents want kids to focus more on school, not go to parties more. And losing weight, ugh Been there girl.

I'm glad she gets this opportunity to travel and meet new people. (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Aly wrote: "Chapter 5 spoiler hidden."
(view spoiler)[ Agreed! I think it's really great she is going to be able to travel! I'm so excited for her. I already feel really invested in this book even though I just started. I actually loved the dressing room scene with her sisters. Josie obviously hasn't completely accepted herself but she is well on her way! I love that she chose the romper even though it doesn't fit the way she thinks it is expected to. I also really like her talk of reclaiming the word fat! (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Melanie wrote: "Aly wrote: "Chapter 5 spoiler hidden."
[spoilers removed]"

That scene was super cute!

[Aly]

Chapter 7 (view spoiler)[ I feel like Alice is a bit too mean. I know she's pushing Josie to speak up but she also is constantly impatient and acting put out. You'd think getting a free trip around America would be fun? (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Aly wrote: "Chapter 7 [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ Oh my god, I agree. She is being such a jerk! (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Chapter 13 (view spoiler)[ Okay, to expound upon the Alice being too mean point from before....telling Marius about her anxiety was way over the line. She's not a little kid, and that was her info to share. I would be so mad at her, honestly. She better get better soon or I'm gonna be really annoyed.
Also what is Penny's deal? I feel like she's jealous of Josie but I don't really understand why? Because she's interviewing Marius? I wonder if Marius said something to her about how awesome Josie is so she's mad? Idk.
When Josie had dinner with Penny and she just ordered a burger for her without asking...that was so rude and entitled. I was just thinking how awkward that would be for me because I don't eat meat. Like...no. x). (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Chapter 22 (view spoiler)[ I am so glad they didn't go the Penny is jealous route. I really like her and like that she's formed a bond with Josie, too. Marius seems adorable. I'm enjoying this! I think it's really great that she's going to write an article on Lennox and expose him. It reminds me of so much stuff I've seen in the news... (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Chapter 22 (view spoiler)[ I like that she and Marius are getting closer. Even if they don't end up together, it's cute and helping Josie come out of her shell. I'm excited but nervous about the Lennox story (hide spoiler)]

[Melanie]

Finished! (view spoiler)[ I ended up really enjoying this book! I haven't written my review yet, but I thought it had great commentary and an interesting story. I wasn't sold on the Marius relationship. I really liked the friendship she developed with Penny, and I liked that things got better with her sister as well. Overall, very interesting book! (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Melanie wrote: "Chapter 13 Okay, to expound upon the Alice being too mean point from before....telling Marius about her anxiety was way over the line. She's not a little kid, and that was her info to share. I wou..."

Yes! (view spoiler)[ Alice was completely wrong to tell Marius about that. And she's not sorry and doesn't think she was in the wrong. She really makes me angry.

Penny was rude to Josie at the restaurant. Is she protective over Marius because he's new or because she likes him? (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Melanie wrote: "Chapter 22 [spoilers removed]"

Me too (view spoiler)[ Penny and Josie being friends was cute and made me happy (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Chapter 33 (view spoiler)[ Josie and Marius are so cute! I'm worried about their relationship and how the Lennox story will go but I have hope! (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Finished (view spoiler)[ Really liked this! I'm so glad the story ran and Lennox is finally getting some consequences. And Marius bringing her to the awards was adorable. (hide spoiler)]

[Aly]

Melanie wrote: "Finished! [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[ It does feel like a relationship that might not last, but at least it was cute and fun for a bit (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

***************************************************************
***************************************************************

RESTARTING APRIL 6TH, 2022

*******************************************************************
*******************************************************************

[Dr. Andy]

Ch 9 (view spoiler)[I both love Josie and feel bad for her. I’m wondering if she’s getting enough help for her anxiety. It seems like she’s struggling with it a lot. Maybe it will get dealt with during the book. I’m glad her sister came with her for this trip. Super excited to see what she writes about it. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Ch 24 (view spoiler)[okay I knew this dealt with sexual assault but I’m glad it was different from what I thought. It’s still hard but this is more distant than what I was expecting. Which I’m grateful for bc I don’t think I could do something heavier than this rn. Marius is bi! And I think he could be demisexual 👀. I’m glad Penny and Josie have become friends. I’m curious to see how they’ll get more people to their side and to reveal the truth of Roy. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

80% (view spoiler)[I’m so nervous the story won’t happen!! I need it to be published. For everyone Roy has taken advantage of and for him to finally face consequences. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Finished (view spoiler)[ I was so nervous the article wouldn't be published. So proud of Savannah and Josie and Penny. They freaking did it. I'm glad Roy faced consequences. Josie's apology to Marius was adorable, I love those two. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

25% - (view spoiler)[I really like it so far. The fear of speaking in front of a crows is so relatable. I fell a bit bad for her. I hope her and her sister will get closer during this trip. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

50% - (view spoiler)[I had no idea this was going to deal with sexual assault but I'm glad they're trying to publish their stories and take him down. It's going to be difficult though. (hide spoiler)]

[Dr. Andy]

Kelly wrote: "25% - [spoilers removed]"

So relatable!!

[Dr. Andy]

Kelly wrote: "50% - [spoilers removed]"

I knew it would in some capacity but (view spoiler)[ I was under the impression it would be the main romantic relationship and I'm really glad it's not! (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

80% - (view spoiler)[Marius too? I didn't expect that! (hide spoiler)]
100% - (view spoiler)[Finally! I'm glad they're taking him down and that her story was taken seriously. (hide spoiler)]

[Kelly]

Andy wrote: "Finished [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[The ending was cute with her going to see him in that dress. (hide spoiler)]