Don't Read the Comments
by Eric Smith
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Pub Date Jan 28 2020 | Archive Date Apr 30 2021
Harlequin TEEN (US & Canada) | Inkyard Press
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Description
In this charming novel by Eric Smith, two teen gamers find their virtual worlds—and blossoming romance—invaded by the real-world issues of trolling and doxing in the gaming community.
We all need a place to escape the real world. For Divya and Aaron, it’s the world of online gaming. While Divya trades her rising-star status for sponsorships to help her struggling single mom pay rent, Aaron plays as a way to fuel his own dreams of becoming a game developer—and as a way to disappear when his mom starts talking about medical school.
After a chance online meeting, the pair decides to team up. But they soon find themselves the targets of a group of internet trolls, who begin launching a real-world doxxing campaign, threatening Aaron’s dream and Divya’s actual life. They think they can drive her out of the game, but Divya’s whole world is on the line…
And she isn’t going down without a fight.
Looking for more from Eric Smith? Don't miss You Can Go Your Own Way!
Advance Praise
—Marieke Nijkamp, #1 New York Times bestselling author of This Is Where it Ends
"Don't Read the Comments is a modern-to-the-minute adventure about rising above expectations of family, class, and social media, to find your true destiny and grab it by the controller."—Whitney Gardner, award-winning author of You're Welcome, Universe
"Don't Read the Comments has so much heart: the kind that makes you fall in love, and the kind that makes your breath short. If you're not already a gamer, you might be after this book. And if you need a little hope, Eric Smith delivers the sunshine."—Olivia A. Cole, author of A Conspiracy of Stars
"Smith's (contributor: Color Outside the Lines, 2019, etc.) characters are achingly sincere, and his smooth and witty dialogue's a pleasure to read. He artfully immerses the reader in the world of gaming, building characters and settings that are fun and compelling to read."—Kirkus Reviews
"Smith realistically juxtaposes the benefits of online relationships with the dangers of doxxing and other types of virtual harassment, underlining Divya’s strength and determination online and IRL."—Publishers Weekly
"A solid pick for fans of Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One looking for something a little more immediate to our times. A worthy purchase for communities where nerd and gaming culture thrive."—School Library Journal
"This novel offers a complex examination of racism, sexism, and toxic masculinity in gaming, as well as a celebration of friendship and family."—Booklist
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781335016027 |
| PRICE | $19.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 320 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Librarian 487336
*Thanks to Netgalley and Inkyard Press for providing me an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.
With aspects of Ready Player One with some Kasie West, I would recommend this book to fans of both.
I loved this book. I read it while at work and my friend turned to me and said, “I kind of want to read it based off your reactions.” I was laughing, gasping, I think I even said, “Oh no they didn’t” once.
Divya uses the online game, Reclaim the Sun, as a way to earn money to support her mom’s schooling, and pay for rent, groceries, and amenities.
Aaron uses Reclaim the Sun to escape from his mom who has his whole life as a doctor planned out. Aaron wants to write for video games and spends his free time doing so for a local developer.
When they end up on the same planet in game, they quickly become friends. As their friendship (and maybe something more) grows, their lives in the game begin to seep into their real lives.
Facing trolls, betrayals and secrets they have to learn how to move on when both worlds crashing down around them.
Utopia S, Reviewer
Don't Read the Comments is a story that even after finishing makes you want to immediately start again. Whether it be the YA book shout outs, our mutual love of enamel pins, or Divya's love for her mother, you will want to jump right back in. I read Don't Read the Comments in one sitting because not only are there moments of tenderness and hilarity, but it's emotionally gripping.
Incredibly timely, Don't Read the Comments is a story that made my heart ache - how Divya is harassed by these trolls, the lengths they go out of fear and insecurity to make her feel unsafe and unwelcome. But at the same time, my heart ached in the best way as we see Divya's call to action, the community she has online, and her budding friendship with Aaron. Don't Read the Comments is an emotional roller coaster of the best variety.
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