I am a total sucker for anything influencer-gossip related and this scratched that itch for sure. I think Stephanie McNeal has a good reputation for reporting on influencer life without it being seedy or blown out of context. This was a fun read- nothing too earth-shattering but it was a quick guilty pleasure afternoon read. If you are into reality TV and behind the scenes of influencers this is perfect for you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Do you find behind the scenes books fascinating? I know I do! And when I had the opportunity to read and review #SwipeUpForMe by @stephemcneal I couldn't wait to dive in!! ⁣
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I have always been curious about the life of an influencer, and what their day to life really looks like, and this book delivered! Not only did it open my eyes to so many things I had never really considered, it really humanized an experience which I think a lot of us have a hard time connecting to. ⁣
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Timing was certainly on many OG bloggers and social media influencers side, but many have also worked really really hard. They also often have many people being the curtain, helping make it all happen! We all know that highlight reels are tricky (and not the whole story), but they also keeping us scrolling away!
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And in order to do the whole influencer thing well? It kind of has to look like life is a breeze...when is in reality, it is anything but! Making everything super positive or a bit too negative? Sharing too much or sharing too little? Posting too many sponsored posts? One thing I have learned by just sharing on a very small social platform, is that someone will have an opinion and they are happy to share it!
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I found this book absolutely fascinating, and I really hope there is another book on the way because I want more!!

Thank you to Penguin for my gifted review copy.

This was a really interesting read. The author follows three influencers in particular - one fashion, one mommy, one out-of-the-box athletic - and then talks to others in the industry such as assistants and husbands. She outlines the work that is done and the profits made, but also explains all the hate, harassment, and time consumption that comes with it. It's an all encompassing look at the field of influencing, from how they came to be and then to how they may evolve. I appreciated understanding just how much influencers can make, and empathized at the extent IG's algorithm can influence the influencers.

I'll admit I was inspired at first and posted a photo of my dog with some sort of hashtag like #doginfluencer - and was immediately bombarded with scam requests to use my dog for their promotions. I was exhausted in ten minutes. #notforme

I do recommend the book as an interesting somewhat-quick read that gives a good foundation of information and insight into influencers' lives. It really shows the scales between great money and giving up your life (and your children's lives) to the masses. I wonder if, years from now, there will be studies about the children of mommy influencers, just as we now realize child entertainment stars have risks (and finally some protections). It was a lot to think about, and I understand the push-pull of the pros and cons.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. It's really interesting! You should read it!