About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is navigating high-stakes social environments or struggling with the heavy responsibility of a family member's recovery. While the setting is a glamorous, hyper-wealthy version of Beverly Hills, the core emotional struggles around sibling loyalty, peer pressure, and finding one's footing in a new city are deeply relatable. It offers a window into the complexities of teenage independence and the burden of keeping secrets for those we love. The story follows Anna Percy as she adjusts to life in California while acting as a caregiver for her alcoholic sister, Susan. Parents should be aware that the book contains mature content including drinking, explicit language, and sexual situations suitable for older teens. It serves as a tool for opening conversations about the realities of substance abuse, the pressures of elite social circles, and the importance of setting personal boundaries even within a family.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: The depiction of Susan's alcoholism and reckless behavior could be distressing for readers with personal experience in family addiction. There is a scene where Susan's rebellion puts her in potential danger, which may feel heavy for younger readers. CONVERSATION: Be ready to discuss the physical and emotional toll of addiction on a family unit. Specifically, parents may need to address the 'parentification' of Anna, who feels responsible for her sister's sobriety, and discuss how to seek adult help in such situations.
Ideal Reader
A 16-year-old reader who enjoys 'insider' looks at wealthy lifestyles but also appreciates a story about the messy reality of sibling bonds and addiction.
Parent Prep
Preview the chapters involving Susan's drinking episodes to ensure the reader is prepared for the clinical and emotional reality of addiction portrayed. Seeing Anna, a seventeen-year-old, forced to act as a primary caregiver and watchdog for her sister's substance abuse issues while her father remains largely absent or ineffective.
Age Experience
A 15-year-old may focus on the aspirational fashion and romance, while an 18-year-old may more clearly recognize the toxic nature of the social circles and the unfair burden placed on Anna.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many 'rich girl' novels that focus solely on shopping and boys, this book centers on the heavy emotional labor of managing a sibling's recovery within a fractured family.
Read plot summary
Anna Percy has moved from New York to Beverly Hills to live with her estranged father and, more importantly, to supervise her rebellious and alcoholic sister, Susan. While trying to keep Susan sober, Anna must navigate the social hierarchy at Beverly Hills High, specifically the rivalry with Cammie Sheppard over the handsome Ben Birnbaum. The narrative also explores the romantic interests of Anna's friend Sam, who is developing feelings for Anna.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Anna feels a huge responsibility to keep Susan sober. Is it fair for a teenager to be the primary 'keeper' of a sibling's recovery? Why or why not?
2
How does the setting of Beverly Hills influence the characters' decisions? Would Anna's problems be different if she stayed in Manhattan?
3
Cammie and Anna are often at odds. To what extent is their rivalry fueled by Ben, and to what extent is it about their own social standing?
4
Sam develops a crush on Anna. How does this complicate their friendship, and how should friends handle it when feelings aren't mutual?
5
Anna's father is largely estranged. How does his absence affect how the sisters treat one another?
