
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is facing a major life transition, such as a cross-country move or the shift to college, while grappling with the realization that their parents are fallible humans. This story follows eighteen-year-old Rebecca as her plans for independence are upended by her family's relocation and a shocking revelation about her father's double life. It explores themes of betrayal, the weight of parental expectations, and the importance of listening to one's own intuition. It is a sophisticated, realistic choice for older teens (ages 14 and up) who are learning to navigate adult secrets and redefine their own identities outside of the family unit. Parents will appreciate how it validates the frustration of being 'the responsible one' while modeling resilience and the pursuit of personal passion.
Includes a supportive long-distance relationship and some mild physical intimacy (kissing).
Deals with the emotional fallout of a parent's long-term infidelity and secret second family.
The book deals directly and realistically with infidelity and the existence of a half-sibling. The approach is secular and emotionally raw, focusing on the psychological impact of betrayal. The resolution is realistic and hopeful but does not lean on easy forgiveness.
An older teen who feels the burden of being the 'steady' one in the family and is struggling to reconcile their love for their parents with a newfound awareness of those parents' mistakes.
Parents should be aware of the depiction of marital infidelity and the intense emotional fallout. It is best read cold by the teen, followed by open-ended check-ins. A parent might see their child withdrawing or expressing deep cynicism toward family traditions and authority after a significant breach of trust or a forced family change.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the romance and the move, while older teens (17-18) will resonate deeply with the themes of autonomy and the complex morality of adult relationships.
Unlike many YA novels that focus solely on the teen's drama, this book expertly weaves Reb's passion for architecture into her healing process, using the metaphor of building and structure to mirror her internal growth.
Rebecca (Reb) Muir has her escape from her high-pressure parents perfectly planned: a college thousands of miles away. But when her father accepts a job in New York, the whole family moves with her, effectively smothering her new independence. Shortly after arriving, Reb discovers her father has been leading a double life, including a secret child. As her mother and brother fall apart, Reb must balance her architectural dreams and her long-distance relationship with her boyfriend, Jackson, while deciding who she wants to be when the 'perfect family' facade crumbles.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review