
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to cope with a family member's substance abuse or the messy aftermath of a parent returning from rehab. It is a vital resource for teens who feel they have had to grow up too fast or who carry a heavy burden of resentment and shame regarding their home life. The story follows Kira as she returns to her hometown to live with her father, who is now sober but has essentially replaced their old life with a new, blended family. It explores themes of forgiveness, the 'Twelve Steps' philosophy applied to those affected by addiction, and the difficult process of reclaiming one's own identity. For ages 14 and up, this book offers a realistic yet hopeful look at how to love someone who has caused you deep pain while still prioritizing your own mental health.
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Sign in to write a reviewThemes of parental neglect, emotional abandonment, and family instability.
Occasional use of profanity consistent with high school settings.
Standard YA romantic subplots including kissing.
The book deals directly with alcoholism and the impact on family members. The approach is realistic and secular, focusing on the emotional labor of the child of an addict. The resolution is hopeful but grounded in the reality that recovery is a continuous process.
A high schooler who feels invisible because of a parent's struggles. This is for the 'responsible' kid who tries to manage everyone else's emotions and needs to learn it is okay to be a kid and to be angry.
Parents should be aware of some underage drinking scenes and frank discussions about the physical and emotional toll of alcoholism. No specific scene needs to be skipped, but be ready to discuss why Kira's dad's 'new' life feels like a betrayal to her. A parent might see their child withdrawing or becoming overly cynical about family promises. The trigger is witnessing the child's 'hyper-vigilance' regarding a parent's behavior.
Younger teens (14) will focus on the romance and friendship drama. Older teens (17-18) will likely resonate more with the themes of codependency and the transition to independent adulthood.
Unlike many books that focus on the addict's journey, this story focuses entirely on the 'Al-Anon' side of the experience, validating the anger and trauma of the family members left in the wake of the disease.
After living with her aunt for a year while her father was in rehab, Kira returns home to find her father sober but living with a new girlfriend and her kids. Kira feels like a stranger in her own house and is determined to get things back to 'normal' by creating her own twelve-step list for a perfect life. The story follows her attempts to fix her friendships, her love life, and her fractured relationship with her dad.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.