Seven Ways We Lie

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager seems to be withdrawing behind a curated public image or struggling with the weight of a secret they feel they cannot share. It is an ideal choice for the student who feels like they must constantly perform a specific role to fit into the social hierarchy of high school while grappling with internal confusion regarding identity and morality. Through the interwoven perspectives of seven different students, the story explores themes of social pressure, hidden vulnerabilities, and the complexity of modern relationships. The narrative deals with mature themes including a teacher-student scandal and questioning of gender and sexual identity, making it most appropriate for older teens. Parents might choose this to open a dialogue about the fact that no one's life is as perfect as it looks from the outside and to encourage empathy for the hidden battles others are fighting.