The Great Unknowable End

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.