About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the messy, confusing aftermath of a toxic or manipulative friendship, particularly one that involved power imbalances or boundary violations. It is a vital resource for a teen struggling with complicated grief: feeling both sadness for a loss and relief that a harmful influence is gone. The story follows Laine as she processes the death of her former best friend, Leah, while grappling with memories of the sexualized 'games' and emotional control Leah exerted over her since childhood. Jo Knowles addresses themes of consent, shame, and the long road to self-forgiveness with unflinching honesty. Due to the heavy subject matter, including childhood sexual exploration under duress and the psychological impact of bullying, this is strictly for mature readers aged 14 and up. It provides a safe space to discuss the difference between 'practice' and exploitation, helping teens find the strength to reclaim their own narrative.
