Dumplin' meets Geekerella in debut author Jenna Miller's queer, body-positive love story that explores online and offline relationships in all of their messiness.
If you asked seventeen-year-old Cass Williams to describe herself, she'd happily tell you she's fat, a lesbian, and obsessed with the Tide Wars books. What she won't tell you--or anyone in her life--is that she's part of an online Tide Wars roleplay community. Sure, it's nerdy as hell, but when she's behind the screen writing scenes as Captain Aresha, she doesn't have to think about her mother who walked out or how unexpectedly stressful it is dating resident cool girl Taylor Cooper.
But secretly retreating to her online life is starting to catch up with Cass. For one, no one in her real life knows her secret roleplay addiction is the reason her grades have taken a big hit. Also? Cass has started catching feelings for Rowan Davies, her internet bestie . . . and Taylor might be catching on.
As Cass's lies continue to build, so does her anxiety. Roleplaying used to be the one place she could escape to, but this double life and offline-online love triangle have only made things worse. Cass must decide what to do--be honest and risk losing her safe space or keep it a secret and put everything else on the line.
What happens when your online escape becomes the one thing you can't escape from?
- An Unforgettable Love Triangle: She's dating cool-girl Taylor Cooper in real life, but she's falling for her internet bestie Rowan Davies online. Who does your heart root for?
- Online Friends to Lovers: Cass and Rowan are just online friends and roleplay partners... until late-night writing sessions and secret confessions blur the line between fiction and reality.
- A Love Letter to Fandom: Dive into the world of the Tide Wars fandom, where Cass escapes her real-life drama by becoming the heroic Captain Aresha in a vibrant online roleplay community.
- A Body-Positive Queer Romance: A heartfelt and hilarious coming-of-age story starring a fat, lesbian heroine who is proud of who she is, even when her life is a complete mess.
About the Author :
Jenna Miller (she/her) writes young adult books about fat, queer, nerdy girls who deserve to be seen and have their voices heard. When she's not obsessing over words, she can be found making charcuterie boards, befriending people online, cross-stitching, or adventuring in the Minneapolis area. Out of Character is her debut novel and is followed by We Got the Beat.
Review :
"A sweet queer romance that celebrates fandoms and explores the complications of balancing online and offline relationships." - School Library Journal
Miller unpacks the mess that comes along with loving other people. A thoughtful companion read for fans of Emma Mills' This Adventure Ends. - Booklist Online
"Bursting with heart and filled with endearing characters I couldn't help but adore, Out of Character is an unputdownable tale of complex relationships online and off that charmed me from the first page and lingered with me long after the last. I loved it!" - Meredith Tate, author of Shipped
"Full of heart and humor, Jenna Miller's Out of Character is a love letter to fandoms, online friendships, and self-acceptance. I adored this debut and its take on how the greatest role you can play is the one truest to yourself!" - Amelia Coombs, author of Exactly Where You Need to Be
"Out of Character is a warm, charming story, unafraid to tackle more serious topics, while exploring reality, fantasy, and the magic that can be found at the intersection of the two." - Rachael Lippincott, #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Five Feet Apart
"This character-driven portrait--narrated by a confident "fat-girl" whose positive interpretations of her body type and queerness critically inform her hobbies, personality, and relationships--boasts a bevy of supportive characters, meaningful dialogue, and dynamic relationships. Hopeful with memorably constructive portrayals of healthy communication, Miller offers a strong debut." - Publishers Weekly
"Utterly enchanting and fantastically nerdy, Out of Character is full of heart, found family, and first love. With friends like these, heartbreak doesn't stand a chance. A lovely debut!" - Ashley Poston, New York Times bestselling author
"Out of Character is a heartfelt reminder that real life can be way more complicated than fantasy realms, and that--even if they aren't packed with pirates or warships or epic battles--friendships, family, and love can be truly legendary." - Jason June, New York Times bestselling author
"Heartfelt and honest, Miller's Out of Character is a perfect love letter to online fan communities. Miller expertly weaves a wonderfully body positive tale of a girl navigating the choppy waters of adolescence and first love that is sure to leave readers smiling long after the book ends." - Jennifer Dugan, author of Some Girls Do
"Geek-tastic! A celebration of all the best parts of internet friendships. This is the perfect story for readers who have lost themselves in a fictional world in order to find themselves in this one." - Lana Wood Johnson, author of Speak for Yourself
"Starring a heartfelt and relatable heroine and filled with sapphic wholesomeness, Out of Character is a joy to read from cover to cover. A love letter to found family, Cass's story is as sweet and comforting as a fresh plate of waffles." - Jen Wilde, author of Queens of Geek
"A funny, unflinchingly honest look at what it means to be your most authentic self both online and off. Cass is written like a real teen--just as layered as her beloved Tater Tot hotdish. After reading Out of Character, I'm officially a member of Jenna Miller's fandom." - Brian Kennedy, author of A Little Bit Country
"Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Kelly Quindlen, Out of Character is an effortless blend of fandom, friendship, and firsts with a can't-miss romance. Miller's earnest debut will instantly capture readers' geeky hearts!" - Julian Winters, award-winning author of Running With Lions
