For young adults grappling with societal expectations and the desire to shine, this book explores self-discovery and the truth behind dazzling facades.
A parent might reach for this book when their high-achieving teen is struggling with intense pressure to be perfect and is questioning their own identity amidst social drama. 'Everything Glittered' is about A.J., a dedicated show choir singer whose world is upended by a talented, mysterious new rival, Waverly. The story explores their complicated rivalry-turned-romance and the fallout from a school-wide scandal. It delves into themes of ambition, loyalty, jealousy, and the difference between a person's public image and their private reality. Appropriate for older teens, it's a great choice for opening conversations about authenticity, peer pressure, and navigating complex LGBTQ+ relationships and identities in a competitive high school environment.
Occasional use of mild to moderate curse words typical for the age group.
Moral AmbiguityModerate
Key characters lie and manipulate others, blurring lines of right and wrong.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with LGBTQ+ identity (the protagonist is bisexual, her love interest is a lesbian) and romance within a secular, contemporary high school setting. The approach is realistic and affirming. It also explores themes of gaslighting, public shaming, and intense psychological pressure. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in reality, focusing on the protagonist's journey toward self-acceptance rather than a perfectly happy ending for all.
Ideal Reader
A teen (14-17) who feels immense pressure to maintain a perfect image, whether in arts, academics, or their social life. It will resonate strongly with readers grappling with imposter syndrome, intense jealousy, or the process of discovering their own identity (especially LGBTQ+ identity) separate from the expectations of their friend group.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. Parents should be prepared for conversations about mature emotional themes, including the nuances of teen romance, the pain of betrayal, and the concept of gaslighting. The romantic content is emotional rather than graphic. A parent hears their teen express feelings of being a fraud despite their successes, saying something like, "Everyone thinks I have it all together, but I don't." Or the parent observes their teen becoming consumed by a rivalry or obsessed with their social standing in a competitive activity.
Age Experience
A younger reader (14-15) will likely be captivated by the show choir drama, the central romance, and the mystery of the scandal. An older reader (16-18) will more deeply appreciate the commentary on performative identity, the pressures of curated social media lives, and the complex moral ambiguity of the characters' choices.
What Makes It Special
Unlike other books about high school competition, this one uses the unique 'Glee'-like setting of show choir to sharply critique the idea of performance itself, both on and off stage. Its focus on the glittering facade versus the messy truth is especially poignant for teens navigating a world of curated online identities. It also offers a thoughtful and central exploration of bisexuality.
Read plot summary
A.J. is the ambitious lead singer for her high school's elite show choir. Her top spot is threatened by the arrival of Waverly, a charismatic and talented new student. Their initial rivalry blossoms into a secret f/f romance, which forces A.J. to question her priorities. When a massive scandal accuses Waverly of fabricating her entire identity, the choir and school turn against her, and A.J. must decide whether to stand by her group's carefully constructed image or by the girl who might be lying about everything.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
A.J. feels torn between her loyalty to the show choir that 'made' her and her feelings for Waverly. Do you think she made the right choice in the end? Why or why not?
2
The book explores 'performance' both on stage and in social life. In what ways was A.J. 'performing' a version of herself for her friends and family even before Waverly arrived?
3
Waverly's reasons for hiding her past are complicated. Did you sympathize with her, or did you feel she was being manipulative? Is it possible for her to be both at the same time?
4
The title 'Everything Glittered' points to a dazzling but fake surface. Where else in the story did you see this idea of a glittering, but ultimately untrue, facade?
