Thirsty

A parent would reach for this book when they notice their teenager using social success or partying as a mask for deep-seated anxiety and a lack of belonging. It is an essential read for families navigating the high-pressure transition from high school to college, especially when a teen feels they must change who they are to fit into elite spaces. The story follows eighteen-year-old Blake as she attempts to join an exclusive Black sorority. To cope with the pressure and her own insecurities, she turns to alcohol, discovering that it gives her the confidence she lacks. The novel honestly explores the slippery slope of high-functioning addiction and the heavy weight of expectations. It is appropriate for older teens (14-18) due to its realistic and sometimes raw depiction of substance use and social dynamics. Parents will appreciate the way it humanizes the struggle for identity while offering a path toward self-acceptance and recovery.