In R
eal Life
By: Cory Doctorow & Jen Wang
In Cory Doctorow and Jen Wang’s illustrated novel, Anda has just started at a new school in a new town. She’s missing her friends and family and her self-confidence begins to plummet. When a charismatic teacher invites her to join a girls only virtual community on Coarsegold (a massively multiplayer online game) Anda is thrilled. She’s a natural warrior and levels up easily. Her skills are noticed, and she is soon recruited for virtual missions with a real world payout. Other players will pay her to slay their enemies, gain them experience points or thwart others from doing the same. All’s well until Anda forms a real life relationship with one of her virtual victims. Pick up a copy to see what Anda learns about the value of friendship in real life.
Review By: Molly Mrozowski