Love & Lies

Reach for this book when your teenager feels like an island, struggling to bridge the gap between their private identity and the roles they play for family and friends. It is an essential choice for adolescents navigating the complexities of unrequited love, the discovery of their own voice through creative outlets, and the messy reality of parents who are flawed and sometimes emotionally distant. The story follows John, a teenager who finds solace in creating zines, and his transformative friendship with Marisol, a self-identified lesbian who challenges his understanding of intimacy. Through their bond, the novel explores deep themes of self-acceptance and the courage required to be honest with oneself. While it touches on heavy emotional territory, its grounded, realistic approach provides a safe space for teens to reflect on their own evolving identities and the boundaries of different types of love.