A thrilling story of manipulation, deceit and consequences, All of This is True is a contemporary cross between We Were Liars and The Secret History
When four Long Island teens plot to meet Fatima Ro, the elusive author of their favorite novel, they' re stunned when she befriends them and invites them into her eccentric life. Suddenly their lives seem charmed, and as they grow closer to their idol, they find themselves revealing their darkest secrets to her.
But a year later, Miri, Soleil, Jonah and Penny are shocked to discover that Fatima' s newly released YA novel is based on those same secrets. The revelations are devastating, and they can' t escape the spotlight. The friend' interview transcripts, emails, and journal entries reveal how willing they were to sacrifice everything to win Fatima' s approval - and how those sacrifices led to a tragedy from which one of them will never recover.
About the Author
Lygia Day Penaflor is a graduate of Boston University and Columbia Teachers College and a private academic teacher for young Hollywood stars. Her students have included the young casts of Gossip Girl and Boardwalk Empire as well as Jay-Z's reboot of Annie. This is her second novel for young adults. She lives on Long Island, New York.
Industry Reviews
A delicious, addictive puzzle that readers will gobble up. I had to read it twice, once because it had me by the throat, then again to really savor the wit, sarcasm and absolute humanity of these characters * Bonnie-Sue Hitchcock, author of the Carnegie Medal-shortlisted The Smell of Other People's Houses *
Prepare to be sucked into a world of privilege, obsession and manipulation. All of This is True is an addictive mix of funny and horrifying * Sue Wallman, author of Lying About Last Summer *
Flat-out addictive, devious, delicious, and gasp-worthy, All of This Is True is your next binge-read * Kathleen Glasgow, author of Girl in Pieces *
Sharp, edgy, and intensely electric, All of This Is True is a study in obsession and art, betrayal and forgiveness, and the web of connections they spin. This book is not afraid to shock * Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of Firsts and Last Girl Lied To *
Utterly addictive and psychologically delectable - Penaflor's second novel will shock at every twist and turn * Kirkus, starred review *
Penaflor keeps the tensions high and the pacing swift while giving each of the three young narrators a unique voice and perspective ... Suspenseful and smart * Publishers Weekly *
A tightly wound and plausible cautionary tale ... The unusual construct is highly effective and has the same addictive quality as sensational tabloids but with thoughtful themes and content * Booklist *
As original as it is disturbing ... Readers will be compelled to interrogate their own stances on important contemporary questions * The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review *
Even with its addictive, soap opera-esque intrigue, Penaflor's characters remain distinct and believable. Deliciously sordid yet thought-provoking ... A must-have for YA collections * School Library Journal *
