Seventeen-year-old Josie is on top of the world when she wins a contest to write a celebrity profile for her favourite magazine. Yet, beneath the glitzy facade of Hollywood, a hidden world of scandal lurks, and Josie unexpectedly finds herself in the perfect position to uncover its secrets. When a young actress confides in her with a chilling secret, Josie grapples with the weight of responsibility. She's faced with tough questions. Is it her place to reveal this hidden truth? What if she lets down the brave women who've entrusted her with their stories? And could exposing these secrets spell doom for her budding writing career? As one revelation leads to another, Josie faces a crucial crossroads. She must decide whether to step up and unearth the truth, or to remain silent.
Josie is a protagonist who you cannot help but love. Camryn's talent in depicting teenage and younger characters shines brightly here. Josie serves as an engaging narrator, and her vulnerabilities add depth to her character, making her both endearing and relatable on a personal level. What is particularly impressive about Josie's voice is how seamlessly the story interweaves various facets of her life: her moments of self-doubt, her reflections on her identity as a Black and plus-size young woman, and her struggles with anxiety. The portrayal of anxiety in the story is particularly well-handled. Initially, Josie attempts to manage her anxiety independently, but gradually comes to understand that healing requires seeking assistance and support from others. Throughout the novel, she comes to terms with the idea that experiencing emotions, even in the presence of anxiety, is nothing to be ashamed of. For instance, when her sister reveals Josie’s anxiety to Marius, the actor Josie is interviewing, Josie is initially flooded with embarrassment. However, Marius helps her see that there’s no reason to feel ashamed.Her journey underscores the universality of mental health struggles, highlighting that she is not alone in her struggle.
Additionally, Off the Record confronts the complex intersection of power and sexual violence within the glamorous world of Hollywood. Garrett navigates these sensitive topics with finesse and care. Given the significance of the recent #MeToo movement, these conversations hold considerable relevance in today's world, and it's commendable to find them addressed within the pages of a YA novel. One noteworthy aspect of the book was the exploration of Josie’s personal experience. Her middle school encounter with sexual assault, dismissed as ‘boys being boys’ due to her age, highlights a distressing pattern familiar to many women. Garrett underscores the significant issue of excusing male behaviour, a point that reverberates throughout her exploration of sexual harassment within the entertainment industry. She compellingly demonstrates how influential figures can often escape accountability for their actions.
In conclusion, Off the Record delves courageously into the vital discussions of power, sexual violence, and accountability. Garrett reminds us that our collective voices and support for one another are essential for instigating positive change
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