Saira Imran An engaging book review of If You’re Seeing This, It’s Meant for You by Leigh Stein. A gothic social satire about influencers, a missing tarot star, and digital fame.
“If You’re Seeing This, It’s Meant for You” takes you into a haunting yet addictive world. The story starts when Dayna, a 39-year-old former writer, gets dumped via a Reddit post. She’s left homeless and jobless—until a distant acquaintance offers her a strange job. She must turn his old, crumbling mansion in Los Angeles into a TikTok “hype house” for social media creators.
The novel blends two fascinating elements. First, it’s a gothic mystery. A young influencer named Becca, who is a tarot reader, has vanished without a trace. The house itself pulses with atmosphere—fading glamour, hidden corners, and the sense that its walls hold secrets. Second, it’s a satirical social comedy. Leigh Stein writes with biting humor. She skewers influencer culture, showing how followers, brand deals, and online fame warp real life.
Dayna is a strong, complicated narrator. She’s baffled by today’s “Platform” culture but drawn into it more than she expects. Then comes Olivia, Becca’s biggest fan—a 19-year-old with a mission to uncover what happened. Together, these two form an unlikely alliance. They launch a campaign around Becca’s disappearance while living in this eerie mansion. Their search for truth becomes a commentary on how we consume stories, clicks, and intrigue.
Characters in the house are eccentric and often unlikable—which is the point. Each influencer chases views, clout, or a storyline. Some readers may find this chaotic, but Stein’s pacing is swift, and the plot unfolds like a fever dream. Critics describe the novel as a blend of MTV’s The Real World, Clue, and gothic suspense—and it fits. And as the mystery unravels, yes, there are twists you don’t see coming.
Still, the book isn’t perfect. Some readers point to a rushed ending or too much happening too fast. The blend of satire and thriller sometimes leaves scenes feeling incomplete. Yet, that fast pace mirrors the unpredictable and ephemeral nature of online fame. The messy feel can feel intentional, reflective of real digital lives.
What stands out is how Stein captures the tension between the online world and real life. The novel asks: Do we shape reality—or does the Platform shape us? In a time when content creation is a full-time job, this story is timely, witty, and sharp. It’s not just a review of influencer life—it’s a deeper look at how we project, consume, and disappear in the endless scroll.
If you love gothic mystery, social commentary, and a dash of dark humor, this book is for you. It’s bold, quirky, and leaves a lingering question: Who are we when we perform for the screen?
