Impulse

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with severe mental health issues, self-harm, or the aftermath of a crisis. This novel provides a raw, honest window into the minds of three teenagers, Vanessa, Tony, and Connor, who are all patients in a psychiatric hospital following suicide attempts. Through their shared journey in the Aspen Springs facility, the book explores the deep-seated pain and complex family dynamics that led them to this point. It is a starkly realistic look at the slow, difficult process of recovery and the importance of finding a support system. While the subject matter is intense, it offers a sense of validation for teens who feel invisible in their struggle and helps parents understand the internal pressures their children may be facing. Due to the graphic descriptions of self-harm and trauma, this is best suited for mature high schoolers who are ready for a serious conversation about mental health.