We Are Inevitable

Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the weight of adulthood, specifically if they are managing a family crisis or feeling stuck while their peers move forward. The story follows Aaron Stein, a young man trying to save his family's failing secondhand bookstore while caring for his father and grieving his brother. It is a deeply realistic look at the complexity of grief, the burden of debt, and the fear of the future. Forman handles these heavy themes with a blend of dry humor and profound empathy. Parents will find this useful for opening a dialogue about the fact that life rarely goes according to plan, and that it is okay to let go of things that no longer serve you. It is best suited for older teens who can handle mature themes of addiction and loss.