A parent might reach for this book when their teen is navigating an intense first love while also coping with anxiety or a difficult home life. This volume contains two novels. "The Nature of Jade" follows a girl whose panic disorder is soothed by a new boyfriend, until she discovers he has a devastating secret. "Wild Roses" is about Cassie, who must hide her romance from her emotionally manipulative stepfather. The book explores trust, honesty, and mental health, making it ideal for older teens (14+). It offers a nuanced look at finding your own strength when love and family are complicated.
Some occasional profanity consistent with authentic teen dialogue.
Substance ReferencesMild
Brief mentions of underage drinking at parties or in social contexts.
Sensitive Topics
Mental illness (anxiety, panic disorder) and emotional abuse are central to the plots and are handled directly and realistically from a secular, psychological perspective. The stories explore the devastating impact of secrets within both romantic and family relationships. The resolutions are not fairytale endings; they are realistic and hopeful, focusing on the protagonists' newfound self-awareness and resilience rather than a perfect romantic resolution.
Ideal Reader
This book is ideal for a teen, aged 15-17, who is grappling with their own anxiety or dealing with a stressful or emotionally controlling family situation. They would connect with stories about strong but vulnerable female characters learning to find their voice. It's a great fit for a reader navigating the complexities of a serious first relationship and the meaning of trust.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for conversations about mental health, emotional abuse, and gaslighting (especially regarding the stepfather in "Wild Roses"). The book provides a great opportunity to discuss what healthy relationships (both familial and romantic) look like and the importance of seeking help for mental health struggles. The book can be read cold, but an open dialogue about these topics is essential. A parent notices their teen seems consumed by a new relationship, perhaps to the detriment of their well-being, or they hear their teen say things like, "I feel like I'm going crazy sometimes," or "You just don't understand what it's like at home." The parent is worried about their child's anxiety or the intensity of their emotional life.
Age Experience
A younger reader (14-15) might focus on the romantic elements and the drama of keeping secrets. An older, more mature reader (16-18) is more likely to appreciate the nuanced psychological portraits of the characters, the exploration of toxic family dynamics, and the overarching theme of self-reliance and personal growth.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many YA romances, this book (in its two parts) grounds its love stories in the harsh realities of mental illness and family dysfunction. Deb Caletti's writing is known for its lyrical prose and deep psychological insight, making the internal struggles of her protagonists feel exceptionally authentic. The dual-novel format uniquely showcases two different facets of how external pressures can shape and test a young person's identity and capacity for love.
Read plot summary
This book is a bind-up of two of Deb Caletti's earlier novels. In "The Nature of Jade," protagonist Jade suffers from panic disorder and agoraphobia. She begins a relationship with a boy named Sebastian, who helps her manage her anxiety, but she soon learns he is hiding a significant and troubling secret about his past. In "Wild Roses," seventeen-year-old Cassie lives under the thumb of her brilliant but emotionally volatile stepfather. She falls for a local musician, Ian, but must keep their relationship a secret to avoid her stepfather's unpredictable rage and jealousy, forcing her to confront the toxic dynamics in her family.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In "The Nature of Jade," Jade's panic attacks are a central part of her identity. How does her relationship with Sebastian at first seem to help, and how does his secret ultimately force her to confront her fears on her own?
2
In "Wild Roses," Cassie's stepfather Dino controls the family through his moods. In what ways does Cassie's relationship with Ian challenge Dino's control? Do you think Cassie's mom should have done more to protect her?
3
Both stories involve a main character discovering a major secret about their boyfriend. Compare how Jade and Cassie react to these revelations. When, if ever, is it okay to keep a huge secret from someone you love?
4
By the end of their respective stories, both Jade and Cassie have grown significantly. What is the most important lesson you think each character learned about the difference between loving someone else and loving yourself?
