Honor Levy’s debut collection, My First Book, is nothing short of brilliant. As a mother of a Gen Z daughter, I approached this book with equal parts curiosity and skepticism. Could a writer so young truly capture the chaotic, internet-infused experience of her generation in a way that feels authentic, smart, and meaningful? The answer, resoundingly, is yes.

Levy’s stories are sharp, funny, and achingly self-aware. She deftly incorporates internet culture, not as a gimmick, but as an organic extension of her characters’ lives. Her references to TikTok trends, niche memes, and the peculiar language of group chats made me laugh out loud—and, to my surprise, also made me think. It’s not easy to write about a culture that moves at the speed of light, but Levy does it with grace and precision.

What struck me most about My First Book is the deep humanity at its core. Beneath the layers of irony and wit, Levy’s stories reveal a profound understanding of loneliness, connection, and the yearning for meaning. Her characters are simultaneously jaded and hopeful, caught between the cynicism of a digital age and the timeless desire for intimacy and belonging.

As someone who often struggles to understand my daughter’s world—a world dominated by screens and algorithms—I found this book both enlightening and reassuring. Levy doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of internet culture, but she also highlights its potential for creativity, community, and even beauty. Her stories gave me hope for the next generation of writers, who are clearly unafraid to tackle the complexities of the world they’ve inherited.

One of the standout stories, “Digital Ghosts,” explores the phenomenon of online grief through the lens of a teenager mourning her best friend. The way Levy captures the dissonance between public and private mourning in the digital age is nothing short of masterful. Another favorite, “Finsta Famous,” is a razor-sharp critique of performative authenticity that had me cackling one moment and tearing up the next.

Honor Levy is a writer with a voice that feels utterly fresh and alive. Her ability to navigate the intersections of humor, sadness, and insight makes My First Book a remarkable debut. As I finished the final story, I found myself filled with admiration—not just for Levy, but for the generation she represents. If this is the future of literature, we’re in very good hands.

I cannot recommend My First Book highly enough. Whether you’re a Gen Z reader or, like me, someone trying to understand this generation a little better, Levy’s work is a must-read. Her stories are a reminder that even in a world that often feels fragmented and disjointed, there is still room for connection, creativity, and hope.