Only Mostly Devastated

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is navigating the painful disconnect between a summer romance and the harsh reality of school social hierarchies. It is a vital resource for teens who feel like they are being hidden by a friend or partner, or for those struggling with the pressure to fit into a specific mold. The story follows Ollie, who moves across the country only to find his summer fling, Will, is a different person at school: closeted, acting like a 'jock,' and occasionally a jerk. Beyond the romance, the book handles a heavy family situation involving a terminal illness with grace and realism. It explores themes of authenticity, the courage required to be out in high school, and the importance of surrounding yourself with friends who value the real you. While it features typical high school party scenes and language, it serves as an excellent mirror for queer youth and a window for others into the complexities of identity and peer pressure. It is a hopeful, funny, yet grounded choice for ages 14 and up.