
Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating a summer of transition, whether they are heading off to college or questioning their place in the world. It is an essential choice for parents of teens who are beginning to explore their own identity, heritage, and the complexities of first love while away from the comforts of home. After a social mistake lands her at her grandmother's house, seventeen year old Aria finds herself pulled into a vibrant circle of artists and activists that challenges everything she thought she knew about herself. Through Aria's eyes, the story explores the bittersweet tension of growing up and the courage it takes to be honest with oneself. Malinda Lo handles themes of queer identity, Chinese American heritage, and the nuance of adult relationships with grace and realism. This is a sophisticated coming of age story for mature teens (14 and up) that validates the messiness of self discovery and the beauty of finding a community where you truly belong.
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Sign in to write a reviewDepictions of social drinking among older teens and adults.
Occasional use of strong language typical for older teen fiction.
Characters navigate the fallout of a social scandal and complex relationship dynamics.
The book deals directly and realistically with identity, sexuality, and the consequences of digital privacy breaches. The approach is secular and sophisticated. While there are moments of heartbreak and social tension, the resolution is realistic and hopeful, focusing on personal growth rather than a fairy tale ending.
A mature high schooler who feels like they are on the precipice of a major life change. It is perfect for the teen who feels like an outsider in their own social circle and is looking for stories that acknowledge the intersections of culture, art, and queer identity.
Parents should be aware of scenes involving underage drinking, discussions of a leaked nude photo (the catalyst for the plot), and descriptive romantic/sexual encounters. It is best to read this alongside or before the teen to facilitate conversations about digital safety and consent. A parent might notice their teen becoming more private, questioning their future plans, or expressing interest in LGBTQ+ history and community. This book is a great bridge when a child seems ready for more adult literary themes but still needs a protagonist they can relate to.
A 14 year old will likely focus on the romance and the drama of the move, while an 18 year old will connect more deeply with the themes of intellectual awakening and the complexities of family legacy.
Unlike many YA romances, this book is deeply grounded in a specific historical and cultural context (the early 2010s) and weaves together high art, science, and queer history into a sophisticated tapestry that feels more like an adult literary novel than a standard teen romance.
Seventeen year old Aria Tang West is exiled to her grandmother's home in Northern California following a graduation party scandal involving leaked photos. During this summer of transition before college, she meets Steph, a charismatic gender nonconforming musician. Aria's summer becomes a journey of self discovery as she navigates her first queer relationship, explores her Chinese American identity, and learns about her grandmother's past as an astronomer.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.