“Booktalk: Gone are the days when goth typically consisted of black eyeliner, black t-shirt, black pants, and black boots, frequently worn despite summer's stifling heat. Nowadays you can mix-n-match all types of apparel to create: Oriental Goth//Diva Goth//Dark Fairy Goth//Cyber Goth//Egyptian Goth//Vampire Goth//Punk Goth.
Jade Leigh is punk goth, an outsider with few friends, and misunderstood. Jade is also at the bottom of the HS food chain and ostracized by its general population. Sent to the principal's office (once again), Jade is sentenced to accompany the principal on a field trip. To her horror Jade discovers that her nemesis, the popular the beautiful, Mercedes is to share her punishment.
Both ladies are ordered to a non-descript building where they are forced to enter a virtual reality game. Within this realm Goth is the norm. *screams* Oh yes, EVERYONE is goth. In addition to these outlandish fashion changes, Jade and Mercedes have also swapped each others social status. Jade is now admired and adored while Mercedes battles her frustration with falling from fame. Besides facing their worst fears, the duo must put aside their ill will in order to work together if they are to ever exit this new hell.
Notes: Although the storylines are predictable and preposterous and the plot's moral dilemmas may seem too blatant, the self-reflection created by the outrageous drama should promote positive discussion in teen book groups. Never thought being goth could be "fright." Kudos to the Internet Generation for making it even more interesting and often for adults to raise their brows.
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