I think this book’s concept was quite interesting. However, I don’t think it was executed well. I also didn’t connect with the main character as much as I’d like to.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I will not be giving feedback on this book as I couldn’t really get into it but I think others may enjoy it.

Mixed feeling about this one. Enjoyable in some parts but mostly missed the mark. I found the end unsatisfying as well.

Sadly this book wasn't for me. I tried to get into it and it just didn't work. so I DNFd it. Like the saying goes, not ever book is for everyone. But I'm happy I tried it.

I was intrigued by this premise, but overall I think I've just grown out of the 'youtube sensation' stories. Following a celebrity/ influencer character is a hit or miss, and so far it was been a miss with this one. Unfortunately, not for me!

I'm really split with how I feel about this book. I found the concept quite interesting, but I didn't think it was executed well. It was enjoyable at times, the writing style was good, and I thought the subject of YouTube popularity was handled well. However, I found some of the book's other story lines didn't click with me. At times, when there were no consequences for some of the decisions the characters made, the story got frustrating. And I found the ending unsatisfying, it left me with many questions, and there were some set ups that just didn't pay off in the end.

This book wasn't exactly for me. But I did enjoy the writing, and I liked some aspects of it, so I'm giving it three stars.

You can find this review and all of my others over at www.readbookrepeat.wordpress.com

Fit is determined to become famous. She's already got a steady slew of followers on YouTube, but she wants more. She wants to be able to get out of the small town she lives in with her Grandfather and her brother. She simply wants more. She shares videos about her life and makes up clever raps parodying songs and videos, always sporting some accessory made out of tinfoil. The one thing she hasn't shared with her fans is that at the age of 3 years old, her mother attempted to kill her and her baby brother, and subsequently when to prison for it. She may not be able to keep a secret much longer though, as River, Fit's mother, is out of prison and heading to live with them in their cramped apartment. When Fit realises that she won't be able to hide what happened forever, she attempts to fake at mending the relationship between her and her mother in an attempt to boost her popularity, but is it enough?

I was pretty excited to read this title. The blurb just really sounded fantastic and I thought that this would be an amazing story that really showed growth and went into the depths of what I assumed was post-natal depression, and the toll that it takes not only on the children, but on the mother and the relationships in her life. I was sorely disappointed though.

Don't get me wrong, the book kept me going because I just NEEDED to know what happened next, but by the time I got to the end, I couldn't help but think...that was it? That was the story? I honestly felt like nothing really HAPPENED. We saw the struggle of Fit coming to terms with the fact that her Grandfather didn't hate her mother after what she did, as well as having to come to terms with the fact that her mother was coming to live with them. I couldn't help but feel annoyed by the fact that Frankie (Fit's younger brother) and her Grandfather were actually ANGRY at Fit for being pissed that her mother was coming to stay. I'm sorry, but if you were almost murdered at the hand of your mother, why should you be okay with it? And they didn't try and help Fit in anyway, clearly, with her tantrum throwing and swearing and yelling and smashing, she had some severely deep seated issues that were centered around the event that happened to her at three years of age, but no one thought that maybe she should seek professional help? No one tried to address that she hadn't dealt with anything? AND NOTHING ENDED UP BEING DONE ABOUT THIS!

Then!! We have River! So this was a beautiful opportunity for post natal psychosis and depression to be explored, we got a little bit of an insight into what happened that day and what was going through River's head leading up to it, but I just felt like it wasn't explored. Yes, Fit did a little bit of research but I just felt like it was a huge missed opportunity here. There was no revelation of Fit coming to terms with what happened, there was no revelation of Fit understanding exactly what had happened to River to make her do what she did. It was like nothing happened. Fit was angry, then was using River, then went back to the same old thing.

The story was intriguing because it captured the dependence of people on social media platforms and the obsession that can come of following your favourites on their socials, but it just felt so flat to me. As I said above, there just honestly did not feel like there was a reason behind the book? There was no growth in any of the characters that I could see, it's like the loop just started again once we got to the end. This is one of only a small amount of books that I've read that I got to the end and just didn't see the point in having read it at all. I feel like if the deeper issues were explored, and maybe Fit went got some mental health counselling and maybe if River actually spoke about what happened to her, it would have been so much better than what it was, I'm not saying it was outright terrible, just for me, I feel like I could have done without reading it. I just really wish that deeper things were explored here. The only reason I'm giving it a 2 star rating is because it did keep me engaged, up until that last page when I realise that NOTHING HAPPENED!!

The characters themselves were annoying, and while I know that this is a young adult title, and the characters are teenagers, they were just infuriating. Fit is the most unlikable character I think I've come across. She's whiney, bratty and has such deep seated problems that she never gets help for, her friends all indulge her, and the only good character was her Grandfather, and I feel like at times I wanted to throttle him as well. There is a gender fluid character in this story for about a chapter or two, and our protagonist is actually at least bi-sexual herself, but once again, something happens and then it's just left hanging and as though nothing happened at all. All of these amazing things that could have been explored and light could have been shed on them and they were just left to flap about in the wind like forgotten Christmas decorations.

All in all, it was a great idea but I feel like it's execution let it down big time. An opportunity to really delve into deeper subjects was not taken and I feel that it would have made all the difference in the story as a whole

I was really excited to read this book. The summary of the book was not only interesting but timely. It was a decent read with an interesting plot that I haven’t seen much although it is a very timely subject. Now that social media is part of our daily lives it can be very easy to forget how cruel it can be as a whole. This novel follows an “internet personality”, Fit as she realizes the reality of what she is getting into and the true cost. It was kind of a slow paced read. It ends with a cliffhanger. At the time I didn’t know that there would be a sequel so it was somewhat frustrating. However, overall a mediocre read. I would recommend it for old high schoolers and above.

Realistically I'm not sure this book was for me. I missed caring anything about the YouTube generation by quite a few years, and this book didn't make me want to dive in. Fit's life is complicated and her family's past is heartbreaking and disturbing. There were times it was difficult for me to keep reading or finish the book. I hated so much of what was happening to Fit and just wanted to give her a giant hug. For reader who love watching the family dramas unfold, Tinfoil Crowns is definitely for you.

I really, really wanted to like this but the main character made it super difficult. For me, the main character is such an important person that if I'm meant to dislike them, I still might like them but if the character's personality is pathetic, I will not like them at all. The premise of this book was interesting with the whole YouTube celebrity taking the limelight and dealing with issues in her life like the mother that just returned after a prison sentence. I appreciated the dual point of view because the mother needed her own voice to be narrated so that was a good take. However, Fit (the daughter and Internet celebrity) annoyed and irritated me to extremes at some points and I felt like she acted too stereotypically when it comes to famous young people. The duality that I previously mentioned is a strong aspect of the book because if there's something you would feel for sure is the thin thread tying the mother and daughter while also keeping them separated as individuals. Then there was the ending that didn't outright disappoint me but picked up the gear of the story suddenly and crashed. Anyway, overall, the book was good but didn't meet my expectations.

Wonderful LBTQ story with an interesting take on mental illness and family. I am not a YouTube fan, but as a Teen Librarian, my patrons are. They will read this book because of the fame, fortune, YouTube theme. But the family relationships just make it so much more.

With a very timely focus on YouTube at its center, this book is a hard-hitting yet powerful story of surviving abuse, deciding whether or not to forgive someone who did something horrible, and the lengths some will go to keep up appearance. Bonus points for fantastic bisexual representation in the protagonist.

I sort of had mixed feelings about this one...

Examining the way social media plays a general role in our lives is vital. This executed it in a mediocre way. I just expected more?

The backstory to the characters actually filled up the story and gave the plot body.

This novel should have been a home run for me. It had all the ingredients for the perfect YA sob fest. A lonely girl who acts like she's awesome on camera, a deep seeded chilhood trauma, a quest for self discovery. I wanted to, and at many times DID, feel for Fit - but I just couldn't feel enough to really care for her or her story. While the writing was good, the story felt forced at times - using themes to propel the plot forward at an awkward and uncomfortable ebb and flow of a pace. The concept of the book was amazing. I would absolutely read another book from the perspective of a child who survived their parent trying to kill them, BUT this example was poorly executed and lacked the emotional depth for me to truly connect with the characters. I feel like there are many that would love this book, it just was not for me. 3/5 stars.

I had to DNF this book because I thought it taught the wrong message. Yes, contained LGBT representation, and it spoke about how dangerous a place the internet is. But it also told us that it’s okay to treat the people who care about you horribly while being nice to strangers online. It was also written immaturely, like a Jaqueline Wilson book that hasn’t quite reached the mark with a protagonist in a teenager’s body able to earn money and drive while throwing tantrums at the same time. I’m not a fan... yes she can be annoyed at her situation, but she’s not a six year old.

Tinfoil Crowns was deeply entertaining and heartbreaking. It's not often that we see mental health/disorders in ya literature without them being insensitive. This book handled the topic very really while balancing some of the more light-hearted subject matter (like romance). Solid 3.5 rating from me!

3.5 STARS

What I like:
First things first. The book cover of this novel is so appealing for me. It’s simple and yet attractive in its own way. The plot is interesting and the writing style is good and easy to understand. My first impression of this book is that it will give me a feeling of “light reading” and I’m wrong because it’s the opposite. It is heavy and thrilling for me.

I’ve had a hate-hate relationship with the main character, Fit/Jessica. I consider this one of the things that I like about this book because it gives me that mixed “intense” feelings towards the overall plot. It has riled my emotion to the point where I need to stop reading it for a while. Well, I must say, this type of emotion is what I like to get from the book I am reading. I want it to give me a roller-coaster ride of emotions and this book totally delivers!

Moreover, I definitely love seeing River’s point of view although it wasn’t enough. I am glad to see her efforts to win her daughter back and sometimes I just want to hug her and Fit while reading this book. On the other hand, I don’t have a problem with Dubs, sweet Frankie, and Fit’s friends. They all seem pretty normal for me except for the gambling and usage of drugs.

Lastly, I like how Erin Jones manifests the amazing, scary, and cruel side of social media. Well, not in general, but it gives us a glimpse of what really is happening behind the scenes and that these famous people on the internet are also human and have their own troubles and issues. This book also shows that there is no perfect mother. They make mistakes too.

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What I did not like:
I don’t like the usage of tantrums in this book. Fit is already a teenager and no longer a 4-year old child to throw tantrums every time there is a mention of her mom, River. It is so frustrating. I know and I understand where her pain is coming from but to address it as a ‘tantrum’ feels wrong for me. Correct me if I’m wrong here, but it feels really wrong for me. An example of the said tantrum is the following:

“A religious man, Dubs used to drag them to church every week, but when Fit got to high school she refused to go, throwing a tantrum at the mere mention of prayer.”

And another, “River’s wink may have thrown Fit into a tantrum."

I also did not like the part where all the people around Fit, her family and friends, acted like the tragedy which happened years ago is something that should be taken lightly and forgotten already. I feel bad for Fit.

Furthermore, as interesting as the plot is, I don’t find it exemplified well. There are parts in the book where I am left hanging and questioning certain circumstances. For the characters, River’s point of view isn’t enough for me to complete the overall ‘feel’ of the book. It feels like there is a missing piece that I cannot point out. On the other hand, I don’t think River is the only person here that needs medical help.

Lastly, I did not like or even expect that kind of ending because, to be honest, I did hope for more reconciliation between Fit and River.


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Overall:
I’m torn if I should rate it 3 stars or 4 stars because this book is not for ‘light reading’. Nevertheless, I ENJOYED THE BOOK.

I had mixed feelings about the book. It is certainly important for ALL OF US to take a good, hard look at our social media usage and what it does to our relationships. And to us as people. I couldn't relate to Fit at all simply for the fact that if I behaved like she did at home, I wouldn't have lived to talk about it. I get that she had a very troubled start to life, but, she needed help going WAY back.

At home, Frankie, Fit, and River had a complicated relationship and it was interesting to watch them navigate. The other relationships between the friends seemed pretty normal, hanging out (and getting in trouble with) whoever was available, bad influence or not.

Anyway: I feel like this is REALLY swear and theme heavy for 14+. I would probably let an older teenager read it but would be prepared to discuss difficult themes like social media usage, respect, marijuana, and internet trolls.

I was provided with an eARC of this novel in exchange for a fair review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5 Stars.

This book was an interesting and intriguing read, and I found myself drawn in, finishing it in a mere day. The plot was really unique and touched on some interesting issues. The reason for my lower rating was the MC, Fit. I really just couldn’t get myself to like her. She’s selfish and self centered and very self-serving. I mean, in the first few chapters she throws several serious temper tantrums...and she’s 17. Her little brother, Frankie, was much more to my liking and I’d actually love to see a spin-off about him!
Despite my distaste for Fit, I did still enjoy this book. Will it go into the reread pile? No. But it was worth reading the once, and I could see how this would really appeal to others, especially those a little closer in age to the MC.

As much as it pains me, I am no longer the targeted audience for YA novels. Although, age will not stop me from YA fantasy. I will read those cheesy, magical novels until I am dead in the ground. Yes, I am a real visionary. That being said, I didn’t think this book was the worst. If I had been younger, I might have actually really enjoyed this novel. So I am giving the story a 3.5 star rating. Rounding down to 3 because it really did not resonate with me. But rounding up to 4 stars for my YA adult readers.

So here is the deal, Fit is a seventeen year old hellion. She behaves like a child, but does grown-up things. Basically, we have our average teenager. But Fit has a more complicated history. As a child, she was almost the victim of her mother’s postpartum psychosis. Flash forward almost fifteen years later and River is getting released from jail. Upon River’s homecoming, Fit takes the new living situation understandably poor. All the while, she is dealing with trying to become Internet Famous and is just on the brink. But the lengths she goes to get famous might be a bit drastic and could hurt some people along the way. Does fame taste as sweet when you are stepping on those who care about you to gain it? You’ll have to read to find out.

So we have some issues. Fit is a YouTube sensation of sorts. Oddly enough, she gained fame by rapping about old TV shows like Beverly Hills 90210. Which was a bit strange considering the generation of YouTube viewers that would be fans of Fit probably aren’t really watching that show. Even worse, they likely don’t even know what that show is it premiered in 1990 for heavens sake. Don’t get me wrong, I am sure some kids know about this show. But when Fit mentions fans, they are even younger than her (specifically 14 was mentioned). So I am not quite buying this authors insight into the current generation. Furthermore, Fitted Sheets?! I can’t think of a dumber nickname.

Another issue is that I really did not like Fit. It is tough to enjoy a story where you simply cannot get on board with the main character or their progression. Fit wanted to do adult things like get drink and high, but she still wanted to throw temper tantrums. Furthermore, her temper tantrums deliberately hurt others. Worst yet, she even thinks about who she is hurting before doing it. But thinks her suffering matters more. Mostly, I wanted to wring her neck pretty much the entire story. There were very few, if any, redeeming qualities about Fit. So there is that.

Overall, I couldn’t really connect with our character. She was a little dick. Her obsession with social media was intense. And she treated her grandfather terribly. But I think her story is relatable to the young generation. While I was certainly not the proper audience, I think the right one could find value in this story.

Thank you NetGalley and Flux for the read!