
A parent would reach for this book when their teen is struggling with the performative nature of social media or when they notice their child is obsessed with being seen as the good guy at the expense of genuine empathy. It is a sharp, dark comedy that tackles the messy reality of high school popularity, illness, and the manipulative side of teenage altruism. While the plot involves a student with cancer, the core of the story explores the toxic nice guy trope and the ego involved in helping others for the wrong reasons. It is best suited for older teens who can appreciate cynical humor and nuanced character flaws. This book is an excellent tool for starting honest conversations about integrity, social media validation, and the difference between true kindness and public image.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe backdrop of the story is a serious cancer diagnosis and medical treatment.
Typical high school romantic tension and dating dynamics.
The book handles cancer directly but through a secular, darkly comedic lens. It avoids the typical tragic tropes of illness stories, focusing instead on the social dynamics surrounding the diagnosis. The resolution is realistic and somewhat ambiguous regarding the characters' long-term morality.
A high schooler who finds traditional teen dramas too sappy and enjoys biting wit. This is for the student who is skeptical of social media activism and likes stories where the hero isn't actually a hero.
Parents should be prepared for coarse language and a very irreverent take on serious illness. It is best read after the teen has finished it to discuss the satirical elements. A parent might see their teen becoming overly concerned with how they are perceived online or using their volunteer work primarily as a college resume builder.
Younger teens (13-14) might take the rivalry at face value, while older teens (16-18) will better grasp the critique of the nice guy trope and the performative nature of their social circles.
Unlike most books involving teen cancer, this is not a tear-jerker. It is a subversion of the sick-lit genre that prioritizes character study and social satire over sentimentality.
Cam is an average student who believes he deserves his dream girl, Kaia, because he is a nice guy. When Kaia's boyfriend, the popular and often cruel Steve, is diagnosed with cancer, Cam sees an opportunity. He launches a massive, viral fundraising campaign to save Steve, hoping his public display of altruism will win Kaia over. However, Steve is fully aware that Cam is using his illness for social leverage and begins a hilarious, spiteful psychological war to sabotage Cam's efforts.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.