12 Things to Do Before You Crash and Burn

This young adult novel follows James 'Hercules' Martino, a sixteen-year-old reeling from the recent death of his father, a beloved self-help guru and talk show host. While spending two weeks with his Uncle Anthony in Baltimore, James embarks on a series of twelve tasks. Through these challenges, he not only processes his grief but also uncovers the stark contrast between his father's public persona and his private reality as a 'terrible father.' The book delves into themes of identity, family secrets, and the complex nature of parental love and disappointment, offering a poignant exploration of self-discovery amidst loss.

Sixteen-year-old James "Hercules" Martino completes 12 tasks while spending two weeks in Baltimore with his Uncle Anthony and, in the process, gains insights into himself, his uncle and his recently deceased father, a self-help author and daytime talk show host who was beloved by the public but was a terrible father.