Don't Read the Comments

by Eric Smith

On Sale: 01/28/2020

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Don't Read the Comments

by Eric Smith

On Sale: 01/28/2020

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Amazon Indigo

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About the Book

"Wonderfully geeky and deeply compassionate." —Marieke Nijkamp, #1 New York Times bestselling author

In this charming novel by Eric Smith, two teen gamers find their virtual worlds—and blossoming romance—invaded by the real-world issues of trolling and doxing in the gaming community.

We all need a place to escape the real world. For Divya and Aaron, it’s the world of online gaming. While Divya trades her rising-star status for sponsorships to help her struggling single mom pay rent, Aaron plays as a way to fuel his own dreams of becoming a game developer—and as a way to disappear when his mom starts talking about medical school.

After a chance online meeting, the pair decides to team up. But they soon find themselves the targets of a group of internet trolls, who begin launching a real-world doxxing campaign, threatening Aaron’s dream and Divya’s actual life. They think they can drive her out of the game, but Divya’s whole world is on the line…

And she isn’t going down without a fight.

Looking for more from Eric Smith? Don't miss You Can Go Your Own Way!

Critical Praise

"Wonderfully geeky and deeply compassionate, Don't Read the Comments is a heartwarming tale of finding your community and following your dreams."—Marieke Nijkamp, #1 New York Times bestselling author of This Is Where it Ends

"Don't Read the Comments is a modern-to-the-minute adventure about rising above expectations of family, class, and social media, to find your true destiny and grab it by the controller."—Whitney Gardner, award-winning author of You're Welcome, Universe

"Don't Read the Comments has so much heart: the kind that makes you fall in love, and the kind that makes your breath short. If you're not already a gamer, you might be after this book. And if you need a little hope, Eric Smith delivers the sunshine."—Olivia A. Cole, author of A Conspiracy of Stars

"Smith's (contributor: Color Outside the Lines, 2019, etc.) characters are achingly sincere, and his smooth and witty dialogue's a pleasure to read. He artfully immerses the reader in the world of gaming, building characters and settings that are fun and compelling to read."—Kirkus Reviews

"Smith realistically juxtaposes the benefits of online relationships with the dangers of doxxing and other types of virtual harassment, underlining Divya’s strength and determination online and IRL."—Publishers Weekly

"A solid pick for fans of Ernest Cline’s Ready Player One looking for something a little more immediate to our times. A worthy purchase for communities where nerd and gaming culture thrive."—School Library Journal

"This novel offers a complex examination of racism, sexism, and toxic masculinity in gaming, as well as a celebration of friendship and family."—Booklist -