The Seven Torments of Amy and Craig

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the exhausting emotional rollercoaster of a first 'serious' relationship that seems to cause more heartache than happiness. It is a perfect choice for a teen who is struggling to understand why they keep returning to a person who isn't right for them or for a child who feels like an outsider in their own hometown. Set in the 1990s, the story follows Craig and Amy through seven distinct breakups during their senior year of high school. It captures the raw, often embarrassing reality of young love, intellectual insecurity, and the terrifying transition into adulthood. While the humor is sharp and frequent, the book provides a deeply honest look at how we form our identities through our connections with others. It is appropriate for mature teens, as it deals realistically with the intensity of high school romance and the bittersweet necessity of moving on.