About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is feeling overwhelmed by the social pressure of a new environment or struggling with the fear of being left behind as childhood friendships evolve. It is an ideal choice for the student who feels like they are performing a role to fit in rather than being their true self. The story follows a group of college freshmen at the fictional University of Springfield as they navigate the messy transition from high school to adulthood. Through multiple perspectives, the narrative explores the intense highs and lows of dorm life, the sting of romantic jealousy, and the lengths people go to for social acceptance. It is a realistic look at the 1990s campus experience that remains relevant for its honest depiction of the 'fitting in' anxiety that transcends decades. Parents will find it a useful tool for normalizing the loneliness that often accompanies big life changes and for opening a dialogue about staying grounded in one's own values when peer pressure is at its peak.
