About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager feels like an intellectual or social outsider, especially if they are struggling to navigate the 'performative' nature of high school dating and family expectations. This clever, witty novel follows fifteen-year-old Josie, a linguistic prodigy who finds human connection much harder to master than foreign languages. As she tries to sabotage her sister's engagement to a man she deems 'insincere,' Josie must confront her own rigid definitions of love and identity. It is a brilliant exploration of social anxiety, giftedness, and the messy reality of growing up. While it deals with romance and sibling friction, its core is a hopeful and humorous look at finding one's tribe without losing one's self. Suitable for ages 13 and up due to mature themes regarding dating and social pressures.
