No Filter and Other Lies

In "No Filter and Other Lies" by Crystal Maldonado, we dive into the complex life of Kat Sanchez, a 17-year-old with a flair for crafting small, seemingly harmless falsehoods about herself. Despite her unremarkable surroundings in Bakersfield, California, where her daily life is filled with disappointing house parties and school struggles, Kat finds an escape. She transforms into Max Monroe online—a radiant and popular persona with countless admirers and an appealing lifestyle. Max captures the world's attention with her sage advice, captivating images, and engaging interactions, even forming a genuine connection with Elena, a stunning follower. However, as her bond with Elena deepens, Kat feels the pressure to maintain her carefully built deception. With Max being the first persona through which Kat genuinely feels heard, she grapples with the notion of stepping away from it all, especially given the years of neglect she's experienced, even from her own family. The story takes a dramatic turn when one of Kat's posts becomes viral, inadvertently alerting the real owner of the images she's been using. This revelation threatens to collapse the delicate balance between her authentic and fictitious worlds. Kat must confront the difficulties of disentangling herself from the lies without causing harm to those she cares about. This captivating and thought-provoking narrative, both humorous and deeply honest, is the second novel from Crystal Maldonado, following her acclaimed "Fat Chance, Charlie Vega." With its intricate storytelling and poignant themes, "No Filter and Other Lies" explores issues like the fear of missing out, the trials of young love, familial conflicts, the pressures of social media, and the journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Recognized as a top young adult pick by POPSUGAR and Seventeen, the book has been lauded for its intelligence and emotional depth. - **Author:** Crystal Maldonado - **Publisher:** Holiday House Inc - **Publication Year:** 2023 - **Format:** Paperback - **Pages:** 336 - **Dimensions:** 13.9 x 21.1 x 3.4 cm - **Language:** English - **ISBN:** 9780823453320