Bad Influence - by Claire Ahn (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Goh is juggling two very different personas: the dutiful Korean daughter, and the hustling NYC fashion influencer st friend Steven scoffs at her ambition, but she secretly hopes that her posts will help financially support her struggling family. Then one night, after posting about a racist experience she had at an influencer event, Charlotte finds herself going viral and garnering the fame she's always craved. And as much as she doesn't want her newfound popularity to change her, she can't help but be swept away by the exciting perks: chic new friends, the attention of one of Hollywood's hottest heartthrobs, and a slew of companies clamoring to sponsor her. But as she falls deeper into the influencer world, she finds that she may have to sacrifice more than she bargained for--including her unexpected new feelings for Steven. Will Charlotte be able to stay true to herself, or will she lose the things that are most important to her?"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

In this contemporary YA novel, high school student Charlotte Goh is an aspiring Asian American fashion influencer desperately trying to lift her family out of hardship, only to find it may come at a cost higher than any Chanel bag.

Seventeen-year-old Charlotte Goh is juggling two very different personas: the dutiful Korean daughter, and the hustling NYC fashion influencer. Her best friend Steven scoffs at her ambition, but she secretly hopes that her posts will help financially support her struggling family. Then one night, after posting about a racist experience she had at an influencer event, Charlotte finds herself going viral and garnering the fame she's always craved. And as much as she doesn't want her newfound popularity to change her, she can't help but be swept away by the exciting perks: chic new friends, the attention of one of Hollywood's hottest heartthrobs, and a slew of companies clamoring to sponsor her.

But as she falls deeper into the influencer world, she finds that she may have to sacrifice more than she bargained for--including her unexpected new feelings for Steven. Will Charlotte be able to stay true to herself, or will she lose the things that are most important to her?

Review Quotes

"An absorbing, empathetic story that explores personal ethics and peeks behind the curtains of online perfectionism." --Kirkus Reviews

"Readers will find Ahn's characters to be likable and sympathetic as they face difficult questions around social media and familiar social convictions." --Booklist

"Ahn explores the importance of being present in a moment and being true to yourself. An enjoyable ... read for readers looking for a love story with a little drama." --SLJ

"Utterly charming, hyper-modern, full of heart. Ahn always does a phenomenal job exploring coming-of-age identity in a thoroughly entertaining way. Loved it!" --Frances Cha, author of If I Had Your Face

"A sharp look at both the glitter and darkness in the influencer world. A poignant story of a teen scrambling to support her family and her own dreams. Tender, biting, and fresh!" --Kat Cho, New York Times bestselling author of Once Upon a K-Prom

"Claire Ahn writes characters so real I feel like I've known them my whole life. An engaging, deeply provocative story about finding your place in the world, both online and off." --Sarah Suk, author of Meet Me at Blue Hour and The Space Between Here & Now

"One of the most realistic takes I've seen on what it means to grow up under the grip of social media--in both its suffocating pressures and addictive euphoria. Deeply empathetic and relatable." --Maurene Goo, author of Throwback

"I laughed and cried my way through this wonderful page-turning story of family, friendship, and love." --Ruth Chan, author and illustrator of Uprooted

About the Author

Claire Ahn grew up in Seoul, Korea, and still considers it home. She moved to New York to attend university and now lives in Long Island City with her husband, daughter, and their dog, Dante. She writes about transcultural experiences and the traditions, values, and legacies that shape who we are. Follow her on Instagram @CuhlaireAhn.