About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling the immense weight of final exams, social alienation, or the friction of being caught between two cultures. It is an essential read for young adults navigating the bridge between childhood expectations and adult realities. The story follows Josephine Alibrandi during her final year of high school as she balances a demanding Catholic education with the sudden arrival of her estranged father and the unraveling of long-held family secrets. Through Josie's sharp and often humorous voice, the novel explores deep emotional themes of cultural identity, class tension, and the devastating impact of grief. It is appropriate for older teens (14-18) due to its honest look at romantic relationships and the tragic suicide of a friend. Parents choose this book because it offers a roadmap for self-liberation, teaching that true independence comes from understanding and accepting one's heritage rather than running away from it.
