Off the Record

Starred review from April 5, 2021
Garrett (Full Disclosure) interrogates body image, familial tension, power dynamics, and sexual assault in this contemporary feminist novel about aspiring journalist Josie, a Black 17-year-old from Atlanta. Struggling with her family’s commentary on her body and resigning herself to wait until college to find friends, Josie’s delighted when a magazine contest offers her a chance to travel on a multicity press tour and write a cover story on Marius, the Black star of an upcoming film, whom she soon finds herself falling for. When an actor reveals she was sexually assaulted by a famous director—the same director Marius will be working with in his next film—Josie digs deeper into the rumors while coping with her own past sexual assault. Josie is a talented, self-conscious teen who clearly critiques the way women are treated in the world around her. Expositional plot points gleaned through Josie’s interviews can drag at times, but a side story offers a sweet romance, and Josie’s largely internal journey remains a clear portrait of a young woman finding her voice while coming into her own. Ages 14–up. Agent: Brianne Johnson, Writers House.

Starred review from May 1, 2021

Gr 9 Up-Seventeen-year-old Josie Wright wins a contest that allows her to write a celebrity profile for Deep Focus magazine so she tags along with her subject, Marius Canet, on a multicity press tour where he is promoting his upcoming movie. While her reason for being on this tour is to write about Marius, she soon finds herself with another article staring her in the face: Marius' co-star Penny informs her about being sexually assaulted by a big-time director, and that she isn't the only one. Josie collects the stories of various women but still wonders if she is the one to share them publicly and expose the truth. Garrett's sophomore novel is a fantastic story and remarkable testament to the #MeToo movement. All of the sexual assault happens off-page, with the stories only being mentioned to Josie. The subject matter is handled in an appropriate manner, suitable for teens. Josie and Marius are Black, and Penny is white. VERDICT A worthy purchase on a timely subject.-Amanda Borgia, Uniondale P.L., NY

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2021
Grades 9-12 Josie's dedication to writing has paid off. In addition to having her name in bylines all over the internet, she's been chosen to be an on-site reporter on the press junket for the movie Incident on 57th Street. Her task: compile a profile on the film's up-and-coming star, Marius Canet. It's the experience of a lifetime--in more ways than one. While conducting interviews, she stumbles upon a secret regarding famed director Roy Lennox and several actresses in his movies. As she learns more about Lennox's sexual misconduct, Josie must decide whether to remain an innocent teen pop-culture reporter or to do the right thing and cover this story. In Garrett's capable hands, Josie is a uniquely empathetic protagonist. Despite her accolades, she still harbors insecurities due to her age and her complex relationship with her full-figured body. Her vulnerability is a narrative strength that empowers her later dilemma about exposing a sexual predator. Readers will be gripped by Josie's tenacity, courage, and skill as she navigates a complex adult world of reputations and journalistic integrity.

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Starred review from April 1, 2021
With an all-access pass to cover a movie press tour, a teen journalist uncovers a celebrity scandal. High school senior Josie Wright wins a competition to write a profile of up-and-coming actor Marius Canet for Deep Focus magazine. Marius is promoting his new film, and for Josie, leaving her home in Georgia for the two-week, multicity tour is the chance of a lifetime. Despite her anxiety, Josie holds her own during interviews and becomes smitten with Marius. But after a young actress shares a shocking secret--and subsequently other women come forward about their encounters with the same powerful man--Josie realizes she's got a second, more explosive story on her hands. She's determined to pursue justice, but at what cost? Garrett takes readers along for a wild ride as smart, socially conscious Josie learns that life is full of gray areas. The narrative deftly deals with several weighty topics at once, including mental wellness, sibling drama, body-image issues, and sexual and racial identity (Josie, her family, and Marius are Black; most of the other central characters are White.) This fresh, engrossing read will appeal to fans of Garrett's debut novel, Full Disclosure (2019), as well as those new to her fast-paced prose, wit, pitch-perfect dialogue, and memorable characters. An irresistible, unapologetically feminist story. (Fiction. 13-18)

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