Okay, so I finally got around to reading 'Fake Accounts' after seeing it everywhere—Bookstagram, literary podcasts, you name it. Here's my totally unfiltered take.
First off, the writing is undeniably sharp. Oyler has this way with words that makes even mundane observations feel witty. There were moments where I actually laughed out loud at how perfectly she nailed certain millennial anxieties. The Berlin/NYC backdrop also gave it a cool 'wish I were there' vibe (though let's be real, my budget is more 'IKEA couch surfing').
BUT. The protagonist? Ugh. Imagine being stuck at a party with that friend who won't stop talking about their ~existential crisis~ while scrolling through dating apps. For 300 pages. She's not even entertainingly awful—just exhaustingly self-absorbed in the most basic way possible.
The internet culture commentary had potential, but it felt like reading someone's overly long Twitter thread that starts insightful then devolves into rambling. Several times I caught myself thinking 'Wait, what was the point again?'
Final verdict: 2.5 stars rounded up for the occasional brilliant line. Would recommend borrowing instead of buying—this one's more 'skim in a coffee shop' than 'display on your shelf proudly.'