For teens feeling stuck in who they "should" be, this novel explores finding your authentic voice and identity amidst unexpected family and friendships.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen feels plain, overlooked, or is struggling to define themselves outside of their family's shadow. Beige tells the story of Katy, a quiet, polite fourteen-year-old who is sent from Canada to spend the summer in Los Angeles with her estranged father, a drummer in a punk rock band and a recovering addict. Thrown into a loud, chaotic world so different from her own, Katy begins to question her 'beige' personality and discovers her own voice. This coming-of-age novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of family with humor and heart. It's a great choice for older teens, as it gently handles mature topics like a parent's past substance abuse, making it a good conversation starter about forgiveness and self-acceptance.
Some mild language in dialogue, fitting the punk rock setting.
Romantic ContentMild
Features a significant teen crush and some romantic exploration.
Sad ContentMild
Deals with feelings of parental abandonment, loneliness, and complex family dynamics.
Substance ReferencesModerate
A main character is a recovering addict; parental substance abuse is a key part of the backstory.
Sensitive Topics
The history of parental substance abuse is a foundational element of the plot, though it is discussed as a past issue (the father is in recovery). The approach is secular and realistic, focusing on the emotional impact on the child and the process of rebuilding a relationship. The family structure is one of a long-divorced couple. The resolution for Katy is hopeful, as she gains agency, understanding, and a more resilient sense of self.
Ideal Reader
A teen aged 13-16 who feels like an observer in their own life, a wallflower, or someone who defines themselves as 'boring.' It is particularly resonant for a quiet teen trying to find their place within a loud or unconventional family, or any reader interested in music and subcultures as a vehicle for self-discovery.
Parent Prep
Parents should be aware that the book's context is the punk rock scene and its backstory involves parental substance abuse. While not graphic, these elements are central to the story and provide a good opportunity for discussion. The book can be read cold, but a parent might want to be ready to talk about why people form subcultures and how families heal from past mistakes. A parent has heard their teen express feelings of being plain, boring, or not fitting in. The teen might be questioning who they are or struggling to find their own interests. A parent may also be looking for a story that addresses complex family histories, like parental addiction, in a sensitive, character-driven way.
Age Experience
A younger reader (13-14) will connect with the fish-out-of-water humor, the challenges of making new friends, and the awkwardness of a first crush. An older teen (15-17) will likely appreciate the deeper themes of identity, forgiving parents for their humanity, and the nuance of finding one's authentic self amidst external chaos.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many coming-of-age stories, Beige uses the specific, gritty backdrop of the L.A. punk scene to create a powerful contrast with its protagonist's quiet interior world. The transformation is not a glamorous makeover but a subtle, internal evolution, making Katy's journey feel earned and authentic. It excels at showing how environment and community can challenge and ultimately shape our sense of self.
Read plot summary
Fourteen-year-old Katy Berneir, who self-identifies as 'beige,' is exiled from her quiet life in Montreal to spend the summer in Los Angeles with her father, the Rat. He is the drummer for a once-famous punk band, Suck, and a recovering addict she barely knows. Immersed in the loud, gritty L.A. punk scene, Katy navigates a new world of eccentric characters including her father's bandmates, his kind girlfriend Trixie, and a bold new friend, Lake. Through these relationships and her exposure to a culture of rebellion and self-expression, Katy is forced to confront her own identity and discover that she might have more color to her than she ever imagined.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Katy calls herself 'beige.' What do you think that means to her at the beginning of the story? Do you think she is still beige by the end? Why or why not?
2
How does Katy's relationship with her father, the Rat, change over the summer? What specific moments help her see him as more than just a punk rock drummer?
3
Lake and Katy are opposites in many ways, and they don't get along at first. Why does their friendship become so important for Katy's growth?
4
The L.A. punk scene is like a character in the book. How does the music, fashion, and attitude of this scene help Katy discover new parts of herself?
5
Katy learns surprising things about her mother from her father. How does this change her perspective on her family and her own upbringing?
