
Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating the friction between their personal identity and the expectations of their community, particularly regarding faith or sexuality. It is a powerful resource for older teens who feel they must lead a double life to maintain peace within their family or social circle. The story follows Tanner, a bisexual teen who has moved to a conservative town and falls for the son of a prominent LDS bishop. It explores the heavy weight of secrecy, the beauty of first love, and the painful reality of institutional rejection. Parents might choose this title to foster empathy for those in restrictive environments or to open a safe dialogue about honesty, religious trauma, and the courage it takes to live authentically. It is most appropriate for high schoolers due to its mature exploration of romance and systemic exclusion.
Characters struggle with the ethics of lying to protect their safety and relationships.
Includes kissing and semi-explicit descriptions of sexual intimacy between teenagers.
Deals with religious trauma, institutional homophobia, and the pain of being closeted.
Emotional distress related to religious exclusion, family estrangement, and systemic homophobia. There is a depiction of a significant family crisis involving institutional pressure.
A high schooler who feels they are living a double life or anyone struggling to reconcile their personal identity with a high-demand religious upbringing. It is perfect for a teen who needs to see that their happiness is worth the price of community disapproval.
Parents should be prepared for mature discussions regarding faith and organized religion. The book features realistic teen romance and exploration. Reading the final third of the book is recommended to understand the nuances of the conflict with the church. A parent may hear their child expressing fear that they are a disappointment to their family or faith, or a teen might express frustration about the restrictive rules of their social circle.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the excitement and heartbreak of the romance. Older teens (17 to 18) will likely connect more deeply with the complex themes of intellectual honesty and the difficulty of leaving a community behind.
Unlike many YA romances, this book focuses heavily on the craft of writing as a tool for self-discovery while providing a nuanced, non-villainizing look at people within a restrictive religious structure.
Tanner Scott is a bisexual teenager living in a conservative Utah town. He enrolls in a prestigious seminar where students must write a book in four months. During the class, he falls deeply in love with Sebastian Brother, the son of a prominent LDS bishop and a local legend. As their relationship grows, Tanner must navigate the intense pressure of Sebastian's religious expectations and the looming reality of a community that may never fully accept their connection.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review