Starred Review Aaron O'Faolain wants no more FUN in his life, but there's a catch. In order to get rid of FUN e augmented reality chip he had implanted into his skull to directly stream social media ron has to complete the ominous-sounding Application for Termination. That's no simple matter, and it's further complicated by the suicide of his grandfather, a mysterious search for hidden treasure, and a beautifully strange girl. As Aaron learns, there are resisters out there rebelling at the concept of the Big Brother like chip, and McGinty ably describes a system that appears to be free of charge but which costs dearly in terms of understanding what's important IRL. The not-too-distant-future setting and slightly dystopian bent provide plenty of fodder for social commentary on the overreach of technology, the complex business of doing business, and even bird flu. Reminiscent of M. T. Anderson's Feed (2002) th a touch of John Green's Paper Towns (2008) is is wildly funny, bittersweet, and wholly original. Moreover, it's perfectly pitched to a teen audience that has grown up being targeted by media in increasingly specific and sophisticated ways, is intimately familiar with virtual friends (and enemies), and knows firsthand what it's like to be addicted to a device.

Reminiscent of Feed and Snow Crash, this depiction of a consumerist futuristic society takes readers on a wild ride with high-school dropout Aaron. Plagued by the glitchy computer game lodged in his head, he negotiates rapprochement with his father, a mysterious bequest, first love, and sex. McGinty offers a piercing blend of social commentary, technology-infused coming-of-age, and clever comedy.