3.5 

Catfishing on CatNet

By Naomi Kritzer
Catfishing on CatNet by Naomi Kritzer digital book - Fable

Publisher Description

LODESTAR AWARD WINNER FOR BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK

From Hugo and Locus Award-winning author Naomi Kritzer, Catfishing on CatNet is a thought-provoking near future YA thriller that could not be more timely as it explores issues of online privacy, artificial intelligence, and the power and perils of social networks.

A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice/Staff Pick
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book
A Junior Library Guild Selection
An Edgar Award Winner for Best Young Adult Novel
A Minnesota Book Award Winner for Best Young Adult Novel
An Andre Norton Nebula Award Finalist
An ITW Thriller Award for Best YA Novel Nominee
A Lodestar Award Winner for Best Young Adult Book

“A pure delight...that’s as tender and funny as it is gripping and fast-paced. This book is perfect. From the believable teenage voices to the shockingly effective thriller plot, it swings effortlessly from charming humor to visceral terror, grounding it all in beautiful friendships, budding romance, and radical acceptance.” —The New York Times

Because her mom is always on the move, Steph hasn’t lived anyplace longer than six months. Her only constant is an online community called CatNet—a social media site where users upload cat pictures—a place she knows she is welcome. What Steph doesn’t know is that the admin of the site, CheshireCat, is a sentient A.I.

When a threat from Steph’s past catches up to her and ChesireCat’s existence is discovered by outsiders, it’s up to Steph and her friends, both online and IRL, to save her.

“Alongside the uplifting message about inclusivity, diversity, and found family—characters of various ethnicities identify as gay, bisexual, nonbinary, asexual, and still exploring—Kritzer’s take on a benevolent AI is both whimsical and poignant. An entertaining, heart-filled exploration of today’s online existence and privacy concerns.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

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Catfishing on CatNet Reviews

3.5
“It feels hypocritical to say this, but the tumblr aura reeking from this book was too powerful for me to fully enjoy. The conversations between characters online were so heavy-handed with regard to queer identities. It sort of felt like every friend existed just to fit a different queer identity and we didn't get enough time with them to know anything beyond that they were non-binary or lesbian etc. But at the same time, this shit happens on tumblr constantly and it's normal. So the book isn't wrong, I'm just cringing at my former self, I think. I got used to the characterization halfway through the story, but I could see why people would be put off by this because it felt silly. Also, is it just me or does a character's username being Firestar just scream "warrior cat reference" to you? On a website named CatNet no less. God help me. I did enjoy exploring the idea of an AI that doesn't become evil and instead develops friendships with humans and protects them. I hate that authors often make AI scary when it's possible for a new type of consciousness to have kindness as well. At first, the plotline with Steph's deranged father felt unrealistic to me, but I don't think it is. It's so hard to stay safe from abusive people that are willing to stalk you, especially if they aren't limited by resources or time. Law enforcement are often not helpful either, especially when it's the word of an adult versus a minor with a history of truancy. I was glad to see the internet friends banding together to protect Steph and their AI companion. I do love a good internet found family. It was a mix of wholesome moments, adorable teenage road-tripping across the country, and the fallout of domestic abuse. A weird combination for sure. Not sure if I'll pick up the next book, as I felt it ended on a good note.”

About Naomi Kritzer

NAOMI KRITZER has been making friends online since her teens, when she had to use a modem to dial up at 2400 baud. She is a writer and blogger who has published a number of short stories and novels for adults, including the Eliana's Song duology and the Dead Rivers Trilogy. Her 2015 short story “Cat Pictures Please” won the Hugo Award and Locus Award and was a finalist for the Nebula. Naomi lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her family and four cats. The number of cats is subject to change without notice.

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