What happens when the pursuit of Instagram fame becomes deadly? In this episode, we dive deep into Liann Zhang's explosive debut thriller "Julie Chan Is Dead", a novel that pulls back the curtain on influencer culture's darkest secrets.

Drawing from her own experience as a beauty content creator with over 20,000 followers, Zhang crafts a story that's equal parts psychological thriller and biting social commentary. We explore how the book tackles identity theft, privilege, class inequality, and the cult-like dynamics of social media fame through the story of Julie Chan, who assumes her dead twin sister's influencer identity.

We'll discuss why this book has been called the "Yellowface of influencer culture," examine its controversial gonzo third act, and unpack the uncomfortable questions it raises about authenticity in the digital age. Whether you're a content creator, social media consumer, or simply fascinated by the psychology behind online personas, this conversation will change how you view every curated feed.

Join us as we analyze why this unhinged thriller is the must-read book of 2025 for anyone navigating our increasingly digital world.

Read more: https://theurb.co/julie-chan-is-dead