About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is feeling crushed by the pressure to succeed or when a once-vibrant child has become withdrawn and rebellious. It is an ideal choice for the high schooler who feels they must choose between their artistic passions and a pre-planned, prestigious future. The story follows Evan and Lucy, childhood friends who reunite over winter break to find they have both changed in ways they did not expect. Evan is stifled by his father's Ivy League expectations, while Lucy is acting out to mask deep family pain. Through a blend of prose and Evan's own comic illustrations, the book explores the messy transition to adulthood. It is most appropriate for ages 14 and up due to themes of depression, academic burnout, and mild substance use. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful reminder that identity is not something others can choose for you.
