About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is buckling under the intense pressure of college admissions and believes that their worth is tied solely to their resume. This gripping thriller dives into the mindset of high-achieving students who feel they must be extraordinary to be seen, leading two friends to orchestrate a fake kidnapping to gain a competitive edge. It is a cautionary tale about the erosion of ethics in the face of academic anxiety. While the plot is high-stakes and suspenseful, the core of the story explores the heavy emotional toll of shame, guilt, and the dangerous lengths one might go to for perceived success. It is best suited for older teens (14 and up) due to the psychological intensity and the moral complexity of the characters' choices. It serves as an excellent conversation starter about the difference between ambition and obsession, and the importance of accountability when a lie spirals out of control.
