
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is feeling paralyzed by the uncertainty of the future or overwhelmed by the chaotic state of the world. Set in a small Kansas town in 1977, the story follows two teens, Stella and Gallerie, who find themselves facing bizarre, apocalyptic weather conditions just as they are trying to figure out who they want to be. It is a deeply atmospheric exploration of creativity, identity, and the pressure to achieve greatness before time runs out. While the setting is eerie and slightly surreal, the core of the book is grounded in the very real anxieties of growing up. It is best suited for older teens who appreciate lyrical writing and are ready to discuss complex themes like existential dread, the ethics of ambition, and finding connection in times of crisis.
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Sign in to write a reviewSweet, realistic exploration of teenage attraction and connection.
Themes of existential dread and the fear of a shortened future.
Occasional realistic teen profanity consistent with the 1970s setting.
The book handles existential dread and the threat of disaster through a blend of historical realism and speculative fiction. It addresses themes of identity and sexuality with a secular, grounded approach. The resolution is more about internal growth and human connection than a neat scientific explanation, leaning toward a realistic but hopeful ambiguity.
A thoughtful 16-year-old who feels like an outsider in their hometown. This is for the student who spends their time in the darkroom or the music wing, wondering if they have what it takes to 'make it' while fearing the world is too broken to let them try.
Parents should be aware of the 1970s counter-culture references and some mature themes regarding self-identity. The book can be read cold, but discussing the 1977 setting (the year of Star Wars and the Voyager launch) adds great context. A parent might notice their teen becoming increasingly nihilistic or expressing that 'nothing matters' because of climate change or political instability. This book validates that fear while redirecting it toward creative action.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the 'creepy weather' and the mystery of the cult-like elements. Older teens (17-18) will deeply feel the weight of the characters' professional and romantic yearnings.
Unlike many YA apocalypses, this is a 'quiet' end of the world. It prioritizes the interiority of the characters over the mechanics of the disaster, making it feel like a memory rather than an action movie.
In the summer of 1977, the small town of Slater, Kansas, becomes the epicenter of inexplicable meteorological phenomena: pink lightning, red rain, and a looming sense of doom. Stella, a determined aspiring filmmaker, and Gallerie, a musician grappling with her own mysteries, are drawn together. As the world seemingly begins to end, they must decide what matters most: their art, their families, or their budding connection.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.