A review by caitlinjohnson6a88b
Off the Record by Camryn Garrett

challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Off the Record is one of those young adult books that full-blown adults can enjoy as much as teenagers. I put this down to the subject matter: sexual assault.

This is not to say that sexual assault is entertaining, of course. Far from it: as most of us know, harassment and assault have been making huge headlines for several years now, with Time’s Up and #MeToo showing up in so many headlines and news stories. That messaging, though, is often focused on adult survivors, whereas Camryn Garrett has chosen to view the issue through the eyes of a teenager.

Josie’s assignment seems simple at first: wrote a profile of a heartthrob actor. She lucks out when he proves to be interesting and fun, and there are—naturally—sparks flying every time they meet. In the course of following said heartthrob on a press tour, Josie meets an array of other people and ends up stumbling into a much deeper assignment, one that could cost not only her career, but those of others, as well. 

The new story? Let’s call it something along the lines of “How to Wreck an Abuser in 10 Days.” 

This is some really heavy subject matter, but I, for one, appreciate that it’s being covered for a slightly younger audience, if for no other reason than that teenagers often don’t know what sexual harassment and assault even looks like; adults tend to avoid such discussions in an effort to shield their children from some of the more vile things in this world, and it’s an understandable instinct. But people can experience such terrible violations starting at any age, and it’s important to empower them to recognize and confront the issue.

At one point in the story, Josie says, “Right now, I feel like the human equivalent of at least five question marks. Maybe an exclamation point is tossed in there, too.” Through the story she’s telling, Garrett helps ensure that some teenagers won’t have to feel so lost if they find themselves on the wrong end of sexual assault, and I commend her for it.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings