About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is grappling with the weight of a difficult family history, particularly the release of an incarcerated parent or a childhood trauma that has resurfaced. The story follows Frances, a high schooler who survived a horrific childhood event involving her birthmother. As her mother is released from prison, Frances must decide whether to run or confront the woman who shattered her family. This is an intense, psychological thriller that explores themes of survival, shame, and the desperate search for closure. It is best suited for older teens due to its dark subject matter and the heavy emotional burden the protagonist carries. Parents can use this to discuss how to process trauma and the complicated feelings of guilt that often follow survivors. It offers a realistic, albeit dark, look at how the past continues to shape the present.
