A truly unique and interesting approach to the topic of social media. This book explores the unhealthy and obsessive aspects of social media and addresses the reality of apps like Instagram, highlighting the fact that many people create fake lives online. I loved how the main character was portrayed as she communicates the thoughts of many young people in today’s society and I often found myself feeling frustrated about her social media dependency. A brilliant book for reflecting on the validity of social media, perfect for teens and adults alike.

Trigger Warning: Mentions of death & sexual assault

Vicarious Vacations" is centered around an adult woman named Paige Reynolds, who is envious of the swoon-worthy vacation pictures that her peers are constantly posting on their social media pages. As a result, she speaks to a company called Vicarious Vacations, who begin posting photos from a fake vacation to her social media account in an attempt to increase her social media following. Photos of other things (such as weight loss and dates), and it makes people perceive Paige as someone who has a picture-perfect life.

I thought that this book incorporated a couple of good discussions about how social media can impact people's self-esteem and overall well-being, as well as the fact that some people aren't 100% genuine on social media.

There are a couple of events throughout the book that could be triggering to some (in particular, death & sexual assault), so that's something I believe people should be aware of before potentially reading this book.

Overall, I felt like "Vicarious Vacations" was a very gripping read that kept me interested throughout.

Vicarious Vacations
by Michael Wojciechowski
Black Rose Writing
General Fiction (Adult) | Literary Fiction | Teens & YA
Pub Date 03 Dec 2020


I am reviewing a copy of Vicarious Vacations through Black Rose Writing and Netgalley:




Paige Reynolds like many other Millennials longs for social media stardom. Vicarious Vacations is an organization that manufactures fake vacations to increase one’s social media influence. The organization promises Paige that their services can guarantee her ascension to social media royalty.





True to their promises Vicarious Vacations elevates Paige’s online presence, but now that she’s amassed a respectable following, what will she pay to regain her privacy?


What is Vicarious Vacations and what are they really up to?



I found that this novel tackled social media, and the need some have for fame, in a unique well.






I give Vicarious Vacations four out of five stars!

Vicarious Vacations is a unique and thought provoking look at social media. The story is told via the main protagonists social media posts. It makes you think about your own social media usage and how we perceive the people we see on it because of their posts and how they see us.

This book is a sad thought of what social media has become and how much it can become the focal point of a person’s life. The book was a decent read. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review.

It was a fast read. I really enjoyed so a lot. I personally connected the characters. I would definitely recommend it to people.

This book is a brilliant if saddening insight into social media and the obsessive nature of creating a picture of your life online. The characters were drawn so well, creating a really engaging plot, It has really made me think about my own use of social media and how it affects my life and views.
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This was such an interesting read that was very relatable. Our whole lives are played out on social media and I for one have seen other peoples pictures and made assumptions about their lives and so I found this book really believable.
There are some triggering points within this book such as sexual assault but I found them handled sensitively.
It was a really good read.

This was certainly a unique storyline. Though a little over exaggerated, the author captured the idea of social media/technology addiction well.
Paige is a stereotypical shy, socially awkward girl who lives her life vicariously through other's social media posts. She follows Alexis on Instagram so closely that she seems to almost forget what reality looks like compared to online personalities. Then she learns how Alexis always gains her followers and decides to try it herself.
She quickly becomes obsessed with not only being like Alexis, but "better" and her life starts to spiral.
I enjoyed the storyline and the whirlwind of what happens to Paige throughout the story, but there was a lot that was far too overexaggerated about it and I was a little disappointed with the ending.
Overall, I would recommend the book.