About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling the crushing weight of high school competition or the pressure to maintain a perfect image for college admissions. It is an ideal pick for students who feel like they are constantly measured by their achievements rather than their character. The story follows Reshma Kapoor, a high school senior who decides to write a novel not for the love of art, but to secure a spot at Stanford. As Reshma navigates her senior year, the book explores intense themes of academic anxiety, the ethics of ambition, and the deep loneliness that can accompany a laser focus on success. Parents should be aware that the protagonist is often deeply unlikeable and makes morally questionable choices. However, this is precisely why it is valuable: it provides a safe space to discuss the dangers of the 'at any cost' mentality. It is best suited for ages 14 and up due to mature social situations and cynical themes.
