Review: "How to Disappear" by Sharon Huss Roat

Vicky Decker has perfected the art of hiding in plain sight, quietly navigating the halls of her high school undetected except by her best (and only) friend, Jenna. But when Jenna moves away, Vicky’s isolation becomes unbearable. So she decides to invent a social life by Photoshopping herself into other people’s pictures, posting them on Instagram under the screen name Vicurious. Instantly, she begins to get followers, so she adds herself to more photos from all over the world with all types of people. And as Vicurious’s online followers multiply, Vicky realizes she can make a whole life for herself without ever leaving her bedroom. But the more followers she finds online, the clearer it becomes that there are a lot of people out there who feel like her— #alone and #ignored in real life. To help them, and herself, Vicky must find the courage to face her fear of being “seen,” because only then can she stop living vicariously and truly bring the magic of Vicurious to life.

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Social anxiety is a real and prominent issue that people all around the world face. It's heartbreaking to see those kids who are alone and don't have anyone to talk to. If anyone sees another person by themselves, please reach out to them because you may the the one ray of sunshine in their otherwise dreary and helpless despair.

Regarding the concept of Vicurious, I simply found that idea amazing. I loved how such a famous instagramer ould have such an effect on so many people with a few simple comments like "I see you" and "I care". Vicky had first hand experience with loneliness which I think made her posts more impactful because she knew and understood what those people felt. Even though the account stemmed from her wish to escape her lonely reality, it ended up having such a great impact on people.

Now with the book, I just found it amazing. Like I literally started the book today and ended it today - it was that good!!

Vicky is a girl who used to be friends with Jenna but then is separated from her, forcing her to stand up on her own without her friend to hold her up. Her journey throughout the book is so heartbreakingly sad but also inspirational in that even the most quiet and introverted person can do great things. I felt bad for Vicky during all her hardships, but I was glad that she found a new group of friends to be with her and especially a love interest.

The ending was so heartwarming and heart wrenching I was on the verge of tears. Okay maybe that's a bit much but it was still amazing! It was a great happy ending to a book and I felt good on the inside. The character development was pretty amazing as well. The parents weren't described as much, especially the dad, but Vicky had such character and it felt as if I knew this girl who was always in the background. And when Lipton comes into the picture... there's hope.

I recommend this book to everyone and always remember that you are not alone.

Overall rating: 5 stars