Seven Percent of Ro Devereux

YA romance 

     "My app takes the idea of the kids' game Mansion Apartment Shack House and pairs it with a science-based survey to accurately predict your future.  I worked with Vera Kincaid, renowned human behavior expert, to develop the survey.  Once you take it, MASH chews up your data and spits out four key aspects of your future: the city you'll live in, your profession, how many kids you'll have, and who your partner will be."

     Ro Devereux is starting her senior year of high school.  Her father is on her case about applying to colleges.  She has no interest in higher education.  Why should he rack up debt that would further defer his own goals when she can fulfill her dreams without incurring the costs?

     It seems as though her dream will come true faster than even she expected.  The app she developed for her senior project, basically a graduation requirement, catches the eye 👁 of Evelyn Cross, the head of XLR8.  

     Evelyn smiles, and when she speak, her words are directed at me.  'We want in on this idea, Rose.  It's a smart one.  And the amount of public interest you've received without any marketing or funding is astounding.  Imagine what you could do with our resources.'"

     There is one fly 🪰 in the ointment.  At the event called Match Day Ro has her ideal match revealed.  Shall we say they have a history.  Former best friends, they are now no longer speaking to each other even though they attend the same school.  He agrees to be her pretend boyfriend in exchange for the money 💰 he needs to bankroll college.  And when they're not performing relationship he's painfully cold and aloof.

     The relationship drama alone would be more than enough to make Seven Percent of Ro Devereux a truly engaging read.  But it also raises questions about the potential unintended consequences of apps, especially when corporate interests demand downplaying, denial, and sometimes outright dishonesty.  For that reason I recommend this fine book 📖 for multi generation book clubs.

On a purrrsonal note, I had a wonderful time last night.  I did a drag workshop for Upward Bound.  We started out in the Swap Shop putting together outfits and talking.  People were really having fun, putting together ❤️ really 👁 catching combos.  Even I created an outfit everyone agreed I should take home.  Then Jasmine went down to the basement with us to film us.  Each of us did an individual song.  I chose Only The Good Die Young.  Then we did an ensemble song.  The atmosphere was pure joy.  I was glad Jasmine was able to see that.  (Jules)

The other cats get to go out.  Why don't I? (Tobago)

A great big shout out goes out to the enthusiastic participants and Jasmine.

Tobago and Jules Hathaway 

     

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