I really liked the concept behind this one; grief, internet fame, and what happens when a viral moment turns into a full-blown identity. Lola is a mess in the best way: flawed, reactive, and just trying to figure it out. Her arc felt honest, and I appreciated how the book tackled belief, performance, and the chaos of being seen.
There’s a stretch in the middle that leans heavy into self-help and philosophical talk… some of it worked for me, some didn’t, but overall the novel held together. Strange in places (including one particularly weird twist), but thoughtful. It’s sharp, layered, and doesn’t wrap things up too neatly. I’d recommend it to readers interested in contemporary fiction with a satirical edge and emotional weight.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was a hilarious and entertaining read. So perfect for the times we live in where you can practically become a viral sensation overnight, I was rooting for Lola but then wanting to warn her along the way. This book actually helps to give us all a look at the other side of the screen and the pressure it can put on these individuals who suddenly sky rocket to social media fame. There is plenty of entertaining drama in this novel, but the undertones of how we view and judge these famed folks is a great lesson to everyone whether it’s us who go viral overnight or if we just stay the ones on the other side of the screen that judge.

This novel is messy in all the best, most human ways. What a Time to Be Alive is funny, sharp, and quietly devastating—a story about grief, internet fame, and the blurry line between authenticity and performance. Lola Treasure Gold is such a vivid, chaotic, lovable character. Watching her stumble into viral fame while grappling with personal loss and long-buried family pain felt both timely and timeless. Jade Chang explores self-help culture, cancel culture, and the desperation for meaning with wit and empathy.I laughed, I winced, I got choked up more than once. It’s a novel that asks big questions without pretending to have all the answers—just the kind of story I love.

Rally enjoyed this well written novel. Thoughtful engaging entertaining,I was drawn right into the lives of the characters kept me engrossed from first to last page.#NetGalley #eccobooks

Really liked this. A great read that felt introspective but also made me laugh out loud. A good read.