Author Tara Hodgson on When the Search for Freedom Leads to Dangerous Consequences|S5 EP221: Book Banter Podcast
Tara Hodgson discusses manipulation, social media pressure, identity, and the emotional realities facing teens in her young adult suspense novel At Least I’m Trying.
Hello My Happy People,
Today we’re exploring a new young adult suspense novel by Tara Hodgson that is sure to spark more than one in-depth conversation.
When a teen’s search for a new identity turns into something far more dangerous, Reese finds herself pulled into a world that feels exciting and freeing at first, but quickly reveals a darker side. Drawn in by a new friendship and the attention of someone who seems to offer everything she’s been missing, Reese begins to ignore the warning signs. What starts as a chance to escape the pressure of being perfect quickly shifts into something far more dangerous, where manipulation, control, and fear begin to take hold.
As girls start disappearing from nearby towns and behavior becomes more unpredictable, the story highlights how easily vulnerability can be exploited, especially in a world shaped by social media and constant connection. It raises questions about trust, identity, and how quickly situations can escalate when instincts are pushed aside.
Tara Hodgson joins the show to talk about At Least I’m Trying, her second novel, and how it builds on the themes she introduced in her debut, Chasing Through Time. Both books center on the emotional realities teens face while navigating relationships, identity, and the pressures of a technology-driven world. Through her work, she explores how social media, isolation, and the need for connection can shape decisions and outcomes in ways that are not always immediately visible.
As a teacher in the Canadian school system, Tara has seen firsthand how these challenges impact students, their friendships, and their families. She brings that perspective into her writing, creating stories that reflect real situations teens are facing today while opening the door for meaningful conversation.
Outside of writing and teaching, Tara also spoke about the importance of stepping away from constant noise and reconnecting with quieter moments. Living in Alberta with her husband, children, one senior dog, and five cats, she enjoys spending time camping with her family, boating, reading, and relaxing near the lake close to home. While she admits she is no longer the kind of camper willing to sleep directly on the ground in a tent, she has found a balance somewhere between roughing it and full glamping.
That connection to nature and unplugging from the constant demands of technology creates an interesting contrast to the themes explored throughout her books, where social media, emotional pressure, isolation, and identity struggles often play a central role in the lives of her characters.
Enjoy,
Dianne
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