Families who loved 12 Things to Do Before You Crash and Burn by James Proimos III often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Parents should reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the complicated legacy of a parent who was a public success but a private failure. Sixteen year old James, nicknamed Hercules, travels to Baltimore to complete a list of tasks that help him process the death of his father, a famous self-help guru who was largely absent and emotionally neglectful. Through a mix of humor and poignant self-discovery, the story explores themes of forgiveness, identity, and the realization that our parents are flawed human beings. It is highly appropriate for high schoolers, offering a quick but impactful read that balances the heaviness of grief with a quirky, life-affirming quest. It is an excellent choice for opening a dialogue about parental expectations and finding one's own voice amidst family turmoil.
