
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the aftermath of a major loss and seems to be retreating into a shell of perfectionism or rigid control. It is an ideal choice for the teen who feels they have to keep it all together while grieving, or for one who is having trouble connecting with their parents during a family transition. The story follows Macy Queen, a high schooler who has spent months following a strict, predictable routine after her father's sudden death. When she takes a summer job with a chaotic, warmhearted catering crew, she meets Wes, a boy with his own complicated history who helps her realize that life is found in the messy, unplanned moments. This contemporary novel is appropriate for high schoolers, offering a sensitive and realistic look at how we process grief and find the courage to be vulnerable again. Parents will appreciate how it validates the difficulty of loss while modeling healthy, transformative friendships.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewHeavy focus on grief, repression, and the difficulty of moving on after loss.
Sweet, slow-burn romance with some kissing; no explicit content.
Occasional mild profanity consistent with realistic young adult fiction.
The book deals directly with the sudden death of a parent. The approach is secular and deeply realistic, focusing on the internal psychological state of the survivor. It also touches on parental expectations and emotional avoidance. The resolution is hopeful and grounded in personal growth rather than a quick fix.
A high schooler who feels the weight of 'being the good kid' after a family tragedy. It is perfect for the teen who uses achievement as a shield against pain and needs permission to let go.
Read the scenes where Macy recalls her father's death (it was sudden and witnessed by her). The book can be read cold by most teens, but be ready to discuss the different ways people grieve. A parent might notice their child becoming overly compliant, obsessive about grades or routine, or emotionally distant after a loss, as if they are afraid that any mistake will cause another catastrophe.
Younger teens will focus on the sweet 'slow burn' romance and the fun catering mishaps. Older teens will more deeply resonate with the themes of identity and the pressure of transitioning into adulthood while carrying baggage.
Unlike many grief novels that focus on the immediate aftermath, this explores the 'long tail' of grief and how it can subtly distort a person's personality over time.
Macy Queen is living a carefully curated, safe life following the traumatic death of her father. While her academic boyfriend is away at brain camp, Macy takes a job with Wish Catering, a group of people who are the opposite of her rigid world: messy, spontaneous, and loud. Through her friendship and eventual romance with Wes, an artist who has also faced hardship, Macy learns to stop performing and start living again.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.