About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when they are concerned that a teenager's unresolved grief is making them vulnerable to negative influences or destructive social circles. It addresses the dangerous intersection of loss and the desperate need for belonging. Following the suicide of his older brother, high school student Tyler finds himself adrift and isolated. He is soon drawn into the orbit of a charismatic but volatile classmate named James, whose influence leads to a series of increasingly violent and reckless choices. This dark, psychological thriller serves as a cautionary tale about how easily a vulnerable person can be manipulated. Due to its intense themes of self-harm, violence, and toxic peer pressure, it is best suited for older teens aged 14 and up. Parents may choose it to open difficult conversations about mental health, the signs of predatory friendships, and the importance of seeking healthy outlets for pain.
