Social Creature is receiving hype as one of the best summer reads of 2018.  Frankly, I get why. The premise revolves around our obsession with social media and how lives are illustrated (or even fabricated) through pictures, videos, stories and, ultimately, the persona one creates on such platforms.

Louise’s life isn’t glamorous – she lives deep in Brooklyn, works three jobs and still barely has enough money to survive.  Cue Lavinia who lives in the upper echelon of society filled with vintage dresses, expensive art and exclusive parties.

Louise and Lavinia become fast friends.  However, Lavinia is quickly exposed as highly volatile, narcissistic and oddly lonely.  Something just doesn’t seem right.  Despite feeling like a pet project, Louise becomes more and more enamored with her new friend’s life – wearing her clothes, makeup, and jewelry.  She soon becomes reliant on Lavinia.

The plot is The Talented Mr. Ripley for the social media age.  Unfortunately, I was never totally emotionally invested.  I admit I may not be the target audience.  Despite being the same age as Louise in this novel (29), I don’t have the same inclination or addiction to social media.

My biggest issue was Louise never sufficiently creeped me the f*** out like Tom Ripley (Matt Damon).  While she certainly becomes enamored with Lavinia, I never really felt she was dangerously obsessed with her.  I wanted to fear what happened on the next page, but I never did.

Jen’s take:

I agree with Pasquale.  When the book started out, I was engaged and excited, wondering what would happen next.  However, I felt like the book lacked a climax as well as resolution.  It built, but there was never a culmination of everything that happened.  That being said, it was a fun, easy and quick read.

I really enjoyed the social media aspect of the book, and that it highlighted the cultural shift that often people interact on social media but not in real life.  It spotlights the issues of Social Media Obsession and Anxiety, two things that have an increasing prevalence in a world where people rely so heavily on social media.  I found Burton’s commentary interesting and important, but the story itself fell flat for me and never got where I wanted it to go.

This book lived up to some of the hype, as it really is a peek into the wealthy elite and a timely commentary on social media.  If you are someone who values “Likes”, definitely check out this summer read!

Verdict: Read it 3.5/5 Stars
Length: 278 pages
When: If you value “Likes” or had a taste of the high life and never wanted to leave!
Quote:  “There’s a reason people are able to function, in this world, as social creatures, and a good part of that reason is that there are a lot of questions you’re better off not knowing the answer to, and if you’re smart you won’t even ask.”
Also Try: Watching The Talented Mr. Ridley with Matt Damon and Jude Law!

Buy Social Creature by Tara Isabella Burton

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