
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling to navigate the complex reality of a parent's mental illness or the aftermath of a difficult separation. This story provides a mirror for adolescents who feel they must be the 'grown up' in their relationship with an unstable parent. It follows fifteen-year-old Blue as she visits her father in New York, only to realize that his brilliance as a playwright is entangled with deep psychological struggles. Mary Pope Osborne captures the bittersweet transition from childhood idolization to a more realistic, albeit painful, adult understanding of family dynamics. While it touches on heavy themes of manic behavior and depression, it is ultimately a story about the strength found in setting boundaries and the enduring nature of love. It is an essential read for teens who need to know they are not responsible for 'fixing' their parents.
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Sign in to write a reviewDepicts parental mental health struggles and the emotional burden on a child.
The book deals directly and realistically with bipolar-adjacent symptoms (unlabeled in the text but clearly depicted). The approach is secular and psychological. The resolution is realistic rather than 'happily ever after,' emphasizing Blue's growth and her decision to prioritize her own well-being.
A mature middle schooler or high schooler who feels a sense of 'parentification' or who is trying to reconcile their love for a parent with that parent's destructive behavior.
Parents should be aware of scenes depicting the father's manic episodes and erratic behavior. It is best read with an adult available to discuss the reality that mental illness is not the child's fault. A parent might notice their child becoming overly protective of a family member's secrets or acting with an unusual level of emotional maturity to 'keep the peace.'
Younger teens will focus on the 'visit to the big city' and the family drama, while older teens will more deeply process the nuances of the father's mental health and the tragedy of his unfulfilled potential.
Unlike many 'problem novels' of the 80s, this book avoids easy answers or clinical lecturing, focusing instead on the atmospheric, emotional bond between a daughter and her father.
Fifteen-year-old Blue travels to New York City to spend the summer with her father, a charismatic but struggling playwright. While she hopes for a glamorous artistic adventure, she instead finds her father in the midst of a mental health crisis. As his behavior fluctuates between manic creativity and deep despair, Blue must navigate her own disappointment and fear while learning to define herself apart from his instability.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.