
Reach for this book if your teen is navigating the aftermath of a restrictive relationship or struggling to find their voice within a social circle. This story follows Hollis, a girl who has spent years molding herself to fit her boyfriend's expectations, only to find liberation through an unexpected hobby. When she joins an all-girls tabletop gaming group, she discovers that the rules she lived by were meant to keep her small. The narrative beautifully captures the transition from isolation to community. It explores themes of setting healthy boundaries, the power of female friendship, and the joy of finding a subculture where you truly belong. It is an excellent choice for parents looking to support a teen's burgeoning independence and self-worth. This contemporary romance is age-appropriate for high schoolers, offering a hopeful roadmap for reclaiming one's identity after a period of emotional suppression.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewOccasional use of mild profanity common in YA contemporary fiction.
Exploration of emotional manipulation and the loneliness of a toxic relationship.
The book deals with emotional manipulation and toxic relationship dynamics. The approach is direct and realistic, focusing on the subtle ways a partner can exert control. It is secular in nature. The resolution is highly hopeful, focusing on recovery and personal empowerment.
A 15-year-old girl who feels like she has lost herself in a relationship or a friendship and needs a reminder that her interests and voice matter.
Parents should be aware of scenes involving teenage parties and some mild sexual tension, though it remains firmly in the YA category. Read the scenes where Hollis reflects on her ex's 'rules' to discuss boundaries. A parent might notice their teen withdrawing from old friends, constantly checking their phone for a partner's approval, or showing anxiety about 'breaking' unspoken social rules.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the excitement of the gaming world and the new crush. Older teens (17-18) will likely resonate more deeply with the nuances of emotional labor and reclaiming identity.
Unlike many 'geek' books, this focuses specifically on the intersection of tabletop gaming as a safe space for female empowerment and healing from toxic masculinity.
Hollis has spent her high school years as the 'perfect' girlfriend to Chris, adhering to his 'No-Girlfriend Rule' which essentially kept her isolated from other girls and hobbies. When they break up, she impulsively joins an all-female Dungeons and Dragons group. Through the game, she realizes her own strength, makes genuine friends, and begins a new, healthier romance with a fellow gamer while learning to confront her ex's lingering influence.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.