About This Book
This young adult novel follows Austin, a 16-year-old who sees himself as a 'screwup' but has a talent for charming his way out of trouble. His life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers his long-believed-dead father is actually Shane Tyler, a famous rock star. The story delves into Austin's journey of self-discovery as he grapples with his father's sudden return and his own aspirations to be a musician. It explores complex family dynamics, the challenges of growing up, and the impact of a parent battling personal demons, including substance abuse. Parents should be aware of the themes of addiction and complicated family relationships, which are handled with a blend of humor and poignancy.
Sixteen-year-old Austin is always messing up and then joking his way out of tough spots. The sudden appearance of his allegedly dead father, who happens to be the very-much-alive rock star Shane Tyler, stops him cold
Substance References
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Discussion Prompts
1
How does Austin's perception of himself as a 'screwup' change throughout the story?
2
What challenges does Austin face in building a relationship with his father, Shane Tyler?
3
How does the book explore the idea of 'bad decisions' and their consequences?
4
What role does music play in Austin's life and his connection with his father?
5
How does Austin learn to grow up 'on his own terms' despite his father's influence?
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