In True Life in Uncanny Valley, Deb Caletti delivers a compelling coming-of-age narrative that intertwines themes of identity, deception, and the pervasive influence of technology. The story follows Eleanor, a sixteen-year-old girl who, under an assumed identity, becomes a live-in nanny for her estranged billionaire father, tech mogul Hugo Harrison. As Eleanor delves into her father's world, she uncovers unsettling truths about his AI inventions and the blurred lines between reality and artificial constructs. Caletti's writing captures the complexities of family dynamics and the quest for self-discovery, making this novel both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. True Life in Uncanny Valley is a must-read for those interested in contemporary YA fiction that explores the intersection of technology and personal identity.

Eleanor really wants a chance to meet her dad, the famous Hugo Harrison. So when she finds out they are looking for a nanny - for her half brother - she has to apply. A chance meeting with Hugo's wife Aurora leads Eleanor down a path she never knew she needed. Getting to care for her little brother is amazing. Seeing her dad every so often turns out to be harder. He is in the software business and she doesn't quite agree with his new project. But, along the way she finds out how much she loves her little brother, gets a boyfriend, and has the best friends a girl could ask for. She also discovers how much she likes Aurora, her stepmother. Her own mom & sister could use a little work, however.

Overall, this was a sweet coming of age story where Eleanor has to face some hard truths about her life and her dad. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Labyrinth Road for the opportunity to read an advanced reader's copy of this book for an honest review.

“True Life in Uncanny Valley” sounded like a great summer read and it absolutely delivered! It's age appropriate, engaging, and full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. I really connected with the main character, Eleanor, whose determination to understand her divided family and her place in it makes her both relatable and easy to root for.

The story pulled me in emotionally as Eleanor takes a bold step: applying for a live-in nanny position with her absent tech-genius father to get closer to the half-brother she’s dying to connect with. The hitch is that she must lie about almost everything since her mom would never approve of this arrangement, and her dad hasn’t shown any interest in knowing her. As Eleanor steps into her father’s world of wealth, image, and cutting-edge AI, she becomes entangled in a web of secrecy, deception, and unexpected emotions.

The tension between Eleanor’s longing to bond with her father and the constant fear of being discovered creates an emotionally rich and suspenseful story. I especially liked the relationship that developed between Eleanor and Aurora - her dad’s new wife and her half-brother’s mom. Aurora warms up to Eleanor quickly, and they develop a sisterly dynamic that adds warmth and depth to the narrative.

That said, while the AI elements add a timely and eerie edge, I could have done without so much of the tech focused creepiness. Eleanor’s emotional journey of trying to connect with her brother and understand her father was compelling enough on its own.

Overall, it’s a thoughtful, emotionally grounded YA novel with a strong protagonist and a bittersweet summer setting. The AI-infused mystery occasionally overshadows Eleanor’s heartfelt story, but it’s still a worthwhile read for those who enjoy books about growing up, uncovering family secrets, and a touch of summer romance.

DNF @ 41%

I was looking forward to this one since I love a good summer job story, and the concept of the main character secretly infiltrating her father's family sounded interesting. The AI angle also isn't something I've seen much of, and this feels very timely. Unfortunately, this one has an incredibly slow start, and it's the kind of book that's written in a way that doesn't feel very authentic to the way young adults speak or act--some of it feels pretty cringe to me. Additionally, while the comics/superhero motif is interesting, it's so overdone that it gets old very fast. At over 400 pages, this one is way longer than it needs to be, and I'm not interested enough to continue reading.

I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for letting me get an advanced copy of the book. The start of the book comes off as a stalker who is obsessed with a billionaire, his family, his staff. The main character also goes back and forth with the real world and her favorite comic series. Then she even calls herself a stalker/not stalker and it sealed it for me. The whole beginning just rubbed me the wrong way and I dnf this title. Maybe it got better but I couldn’t enjoy the character as she rattling off facts about this man and his life.

Deb Caletti is another must-read author of mine. Even though I am well past the target audience, I find her novels difficult to resist, knowing that I will always get an amazing story that is timely and extremely powerful. Whether her book involves a girl running from loss, trying to obtain an abortion in a post-Dodds world, or, in the case of TRUE LIFE IN UNCANNY VALLEY, attempting to learn more about her biological father, each one is memorable as it leaves you with a haunting picture of what it is like to come of age during these turbulent times.

Ms. Caletti's novels are rarely about the problem the main character faces. As in life, those problems always have some underlying issue. In TRUE LIFE IN UNCANNY VALLEY, Ms. Caletti tackles artificial intelligence. In her novel, its use is a little further along than it currently is in real life. However, that does not prevent her from capturing the feeling of impotence we feel at the inevitability of its growing use or all of the many other issues threatening humankind's existence on Earth.

Completely unfamiliar with the phrase "uncanny valley" or what it implied, I read a good portion of the book before I bothered to learn about this phenomenon. Once I did, the novel sharpened into greater focus. Eleanor's experiences in her father's house made sense in a way they hadn't prior, as did my feelings about AI. Even now, it amazes me how our primitive instincts still allow us to recognize something unnatural and potentially dangerous. AI is our uncanny valley, and our brains are screaming at us that we need to take heed of its danger. TRUE LIFE tells us that it is never too late to fight against something we recognize as dangerous.

TRUE LIFE IN UNCANNY VALLEY is one of the rare novels that made me shed physical tears. Eleanor's attempt to learn more about her father and the tough realizations she must make broke me in a way stories rarely do. I appreciate that TRUE LIFE does not end with a traditional happily-ever-after because life so rarely does. Ms. Caletti's novels never disappoint me. They always engage and awe me with their truth and realism. TRUE LIFE IN UNCANNY VALLEY is yet another in a long list of stories by Ms. Caletti that blew me away.

True Life in Uncanny Valley is a cute and entertaining if somewhat uneven ya story that tackles family issues, AI, and various other issues while providing a unique story. It kept me reasonably engaged throughout.

Thank you Deb Caletti, Labyrinth Road, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to Random House Children's | Labyrinth Road and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel. This one was out of my normal wheelhouse but felt the blurb gave an interesting premise. So much of what we see in social media from influencers or those who are considered famous is curated or not as real as it could be. Someone of Eleanor's age may not be as aware of this fact so her eye opening experience does lead her into maturity. This is not one of my favorite books and it did feel like a slog at some points to get through but that could be because I was frustrated by the supporting characters of her mom and sister. There was a good denouement at the end but I would give this 2.5 stars.

really good mystery. Kept me on my toes and loved all of the characters and what they went through on this journey. Loved that they a happy ending happened.

I was really interested in the synopsis and the potential for some really great commentary was there, but the writing style and characterization didn't work for me. The approach in wanting to get to know her father more and infiltrating his family came off too stalkery for me, so I was uncomfortable more than intrigued. The tone and point of view of the writing itself was really off putting and slowed the pacing down.

I was on the fence on whether or not I liked this book or not. It covered two big topics and squished them into one novel. I probably would have enjoyed it more if it focused on her child abandonment issues but the section on AI was informative if yet also creepy.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Random House Children's for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

This was such an absolutely incredible heartwarming read that I truly loved to read.

The beginning was slow but once the writing took off and the characters all became known, I was hooked. I finished this book in an afternoon as I truly found myself unable to put it down!

Eleanor is THE character; she's strong and fierce (in spite of her mom & sister - my goodness they treated her so poorly!) and she struggled but stayed strong overall. The growth that she managed throughout the book was truly impressive and really nice to read. Arden Lee & Clementine also stepped into her life and they were both so great - those are lifelong friends and it was truly heartwarming with the level of support!

My Top 5 Reasons to Read True Life in Uncanny Valley

1️⃣ A Bold and Intriguing Protagonist

Eleanor is the kind of main character who keeps you hooked from the first page. She’s determined, clever, and a little reckless—but in the best way. Her decision to infiltrate her father’s life as a nanny is bold, and watching her navigate her deception while searching for the truth is both nerve-wracking and exhilarating.


2️⃣ Family Drama at Its Peak

Who doesn’t love a juicy family secret? Eleanor’s father, Hugo, is a larger-than-life tech mogul, but to her, he’s the man who’s never acknowledged her existence. Sneaking into his world to uncover the truth makes for intense, high-stakes drama. With lies piling up and unexpected twists, every chapter pulls you deeper into the tension of Eleanor’s risky double life.


3️⃣ A Thought-Provoking Look at AI and Reality

Hugo Harrison isn’t just any rich and famous tech genius—his AI creations shape the way people experience the world. As Eleanor digs deeper, she begins to question what’s real and what’s been manipulated. The book raises fascinating questions about technology, identity, and whether we can trust what we see. Fans of Black Mirror or Westworld will love the eerie, thought-provoking themes.


4️⃣ A Summer Romance with a Twist 💕

Amidst the deception and secrets, Eleanor finds herself drawn to a boy who works for her father. But in a world built on image and illusion, can their connection be real? The romance adds an emotional depth to the story, blending tenderness with the ever-present tension of Eleanor’s lies.


5️⃣ A Fast-Paced, Suspenseful Story

From sneaking into a billionaire’s house to uncovering hidden truths, True Life in Uncanny Valley keeps the suspense high. There’s always something at stake, whether it’s Eleanor’s secret identity, the mysteries surrounding her father’s latest AI invention, or the unraveling of long-buried family truths. It’s impossible to put down!


Final Thoughts

Deb Caletti delivers a gripping, emotionally charged novel that blends contemporary drama with timely discussions on technology and identity. True Life in Uncanny Valley is a must-read for fans of YA thrillers, family secrets, and stories that keep you questioning what’s real until the very last page.

I sometimes LOVE Deb Caletti, and other times she misses the mark. This feels like a book I might give a high school student who HAS to choose a technology-themed fiction book to write about for an assignment, but otherwise it feels like a load of sermonizing to teens about AI. The concept of a conceit to find out more about her tech-mogul dad got me to read this, but Eleanor was annoying and quirky to a fault. This book was trying to do too much and I felt that pieces got lost. There were so many relationships Eleanor was trying to manage or form, between friends, parents, siblings, and romance that it all got watered down. And the tech/AI innovation led down a strange path, talking about artists' rights and parenting and eyeballs. Also, why was Eleanor suddenly not allergic to pools and chlorine??

TRUE LIFE IN UNCANNY VALLEY by Deb Caletti was the first book I've read by this author and it won't be the last. Admittedly, the situation of confused, off-balance Eleanor conniving her way into her distant father's life is horrible and fascinating at the same time as are the dynamics of truly dysfunctional, terrible people. I had a hard time relating to the situations, kept reminding myself this is a highly artificial, specialized world created by very different, ultra-rich and smart people doing their best -- which is often their worst. I appreciated Eleanor's curiosity and where it leads her -- and the discoveries she makes are truly disturbing and somehow not surprising. There is much to consider about the realities and the fantasies of the tech world -- especially as seen through the eyes of a teenaged girl seeking connection, affirmation, and a place to belong. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased opinions.

I received an advanced copy of this from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book... 🤦🏻‍♀️

The premise sounded kind of interesting, so I tried. I wanted to DNF at 25%, 54%, and 63%, and 86%. But I finished it. And I wish I hadn't.

I'm sorry if that is harsh, but the narrator Eleanor isn't just quirky, she's irritating as heck. The first 100 pages I felt I learned more about Miss Fury than the story (estranged daughter ends up becoming the nanny for her half brother, whose shared father is a Tech Tycoon in Seattle). And the Miss Fury just keeps on coming... I think if you just deleted the words "Miss Fury" from the novel then it would be 25-40 pages shorter. And then, it's just a big nothing burger of a story. There could have been opportunities to dive deeper into the weird dynamics with her mother and sister. Her friends seemed super ra-ra cheerleader types, but also felt superficial. I just didn't like it. Sigh.

This engaging book explores themes of family, sense of self, morality, loneliness, and romance. Eleanor feels excluded from her family in her own home. She just can’t seem to relate and connect with her mom and sister. In an effort to feel some sort of connection, she starts researching and spying on her secret, famous dad, Hugo. In a somewhat desperate and definitely deceptive move to get closer to her dad, she becomes a live-in nanny of her younger half brother. While trying to juggle so many different lies, she starts to develop strong bonds with her brother and his mother. To add to this already large amount of stress, she develops a crush on a boy who works for her dad’s family. As others get closer to uncovering the truth she has been researching her dad’s secret tech creations and uncovers some unsettling truths. I really enjoyed reading how Eleanor dealt with an unfamiliar environment surrounded by the elite. I was really engaged following along with the story to see how the secrets would unfold. Definitely recommend. Thank you Labyrinth Road for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I’ve slowly gotten to the point where I kind of see Deb Caletti’s books as sort of a discount version of Sarah Dessen. The themes are all there, the ideas of writing family relationships while also including some sort of romance dynamic some of the time for teenage girls, but there’s often something missing in the execution. It makes me want to revisit the books of hers that I adored as a teenager—only two—to see if they still hold up today. And, to be fair, I don’t think all of Sarah Dessen’s books hold up either.

All of that said, <i>True Life in Uncanny Valley</i> was honestly just kind of awful. I hated the main character—my goodness, the lies and lies and lies—I hated her family all across the board (except for perhaps the kid, but does the toddler really count??), and absolutely nothing about the book or its plot worked. The entire entry into her job was ridiculously dumb, though good on the stepmother—are you still a stepmother if the children aren’t involved with their father and you almost don’t know they exist?—for being more aware than initially presented. The family dynamics just didn’t make any sense which really takes you out of finding any of this believable in the slightest.

And then there’s the…tech robot plot. This really felt like more of an aside to everything else at first, but then it took center stage out of nowhere. And…I dunno. I know we’re in a time period where we’re afraid of AI and hating on a lot of the advancements that are being made for the emotional reasons of it all. And though I can fully agree that AI has no place taking over the creative work in the world, I do think that there are a lot of reasons why AI and robots could be incredibly useful for humanity in the future. So the…immediate hatred of potential advancements just felt…unreasonable. Though I get that there’s a lot to be said for a commentary of how we shouldn’t allow technology to raise our children and I agree with the motivations, I do think that the resolution was problematic in so many ways. Not to mention that it just didn’t make sense with the characterization of her father—how, exactly, did she not face harsher consequences?

So, I dunno. I think there are good aspects to the ideas in this story, but I can’t really say that the way they all came together worked well.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this ARC publication for an honest review.

This had an interesting premise but was kind of disturbing if I am being honest. Eleanor, our teenage lead is stalking her famous, biological father. Eleanor and her sister are a product of an affair her mother had with the tech billionaire, and he is not a part of their life. Hugo and his new young wife have a son who Eleanor is hired to take care of for the summer using a secret identity. Eleanor weaves a tale of lies for her mother/sister as well as being deceitful in her caretaker role. There are so many unhealthy relationships in this book that I felt uncomfortable reading about them. From Eleanor and her family homelife (toxic!) and Hugo and everyone he is involved with! His character is truly horrible. I did appreciate Eleanor and her supportive friend group/romance which helped buffer those other relationships. The project Hugo is creating is also truly disturbing...but it does make you think about the way the world is heading.

Quick summary: Eleanor, newly graduated from high school, takes a live-in nanny job with the billionaire who is her father, except she is the only one who knows that he is her father.
I’ll begin with saying that this style of writing isn’t for me–the stream of consciousness writing with little dialog just doesn’t hold my attention. Then there were so many unrealistic things that happened, it made it hard to believe. And finally, the relationship between mother and daughter was horrible and never got resolved. Honestly I wanted to give the mom a very strict talking to about how to treat your daughter! I loved Eleanor’s relationship with her step brother and step mom. The controversial AI issues were a nice modern touch that teens today should relate to. But in general, this book wasn’t for me.