Review: Going Dark

Melissa de la Cruz’s “Going Dark” is a whirlwind of action and a study of sleight of hand. To whom do we show our “real” selves? What IS our “real” self in an age of ubiquitous social media?

Influencer Amelia Ashley has gone missing thousands of miles from home. Her boyfriend, Josh, claims that she walked away from him after a violent fight in Rome. Soon, the outcry on social media draws attention to the case of the missing teen. Josh isn’t wavering from his story, but a hacker’s investigation leads to more questions than answers about what really happened. What is real? What is manufactured for social media? In the modern world, how can you tell?

The fast pace and variety of sources used to tell the story engage the reader and enhance the sense of urgency. As the threads of truth and lie are gathered together you won’t be able to put it down. I appreciated the undercurrent about whose story gets attention when a young woman goes missing. I could see using this book to have a discussion with students about our own social media presence and how it reflects our true selves…or doesn’t.

This book is great for teens who like fast-paced thrillers and mysteries. It’s also great as a jumping off point for exploring issues in media such as “missing white woman syndrome” and questions around reality in social media. I will definitely recommend this book to my students.

Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for an ARC in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.