About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to process a loved one's sudden mental health diagnosis or when family secrets begin to emerge. It speaks to the disorientation of realizing that the people we rely on are vulnerable, and how that shift forces a young person to redefine their own identity. The story follows Emma, who returns from boarding school to find her mother hospitalized following a schizophrenic break. As Emma navigates the medical system and her own fractured memories, the book explores themes of family loyalty, the weight of inherited trauma, and the complexity of teen relationships. It is most appropriate for high schoolers due to its mature exploration of mental illness and romantic themes. Parents will appreciate the honest, non-judgmental portrayal of the anger and confusion that often accompany a family crisis, making it a powerful tool for normalizing these difficult emotions.
