The mesmerising debut novel from Pam Bachorz. A psychological thriller for young teenagers; it's Big Brother meets Stepford Wives. My name is Oscar and I am the perfect teenager. My girlfriend is the hottest girl in school. I get straight A's. I am class president. But there is a terrible reason I am so perfect: the Messages. Oscar Banks lives in the pristine town of Candor. Son of the mayor, he is good-looking, smart and popular. And he knows something he's not supposed to - he knows about the brainwashing Messages embedded in the music that plays all over the town. But Oscar has found a way to burn counter-Messages that keep him real. Up to now, it's all worked perfectly. There's just one problem: Nia Silva, the newest Candor arrival. What will Oscar risk to keep the Nia he loves rather than watch her become a Candor automaton? This deeply chilling book for teens portrays a remarkable psychological battle against a town controlled by Big Brother.