About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager begins 'trying on' radical new identities, expressing existential angst, or feeling deeply misunderstood by their 'uncool' family members. This hilarious diary follows sixteen-year-old Janet as she navigates the transition from childhood to her self-proclaimed 'Dark Phase,' experimenting with vegetarianism and a brooding artistic persona. It captures the quintessential teenage struggle to find a unique voice while balancing school, romance, and the embarrassment of having parents who simply do not understand. Parents will appreciate the book's ability to normalize the messy, often humorous process of self-discovery. While Janet can be dramatic and self-absorbed, the story is ultimately grounded in a realistic family setting. It provides a gentle way to laugh at the awkwardness of the teenage years together, reminding both parents and teens that these phases are a natural, if sometimes bumpy, part of growing up.
