For the teen navigating first crushes and finding their unique style, this book explores the bittersweet joy of falling in love and finding your people.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is exploring a unique personal style or identity and feels like an outsider because of it. It's for the teen who is navigating the exhilarating and confusing feelings of a first crush, especially when that crush seems to be their total opposite. This young adult romance follows a Goth teen who falls for someone with a much sunnier disposition, exploring how to build a relationship without losing oneself. The story champions themes of self-confidence, finding your community, and the beauty of being different. It offers a heartfelt and affirming look at first love that will resonate with any teen learning to balance their identity with new relationships.
The primary theme is identity, explored directly through the lens of Goth subculture and, very likely given the authors, LGBTQ+ identity. The approach is affirming and celebratory, treating these identities as central and positive aspects of the characters. The resolution is hopeful, suggesting that love does not require assimilation but rather mutual respect and understanding. The worldview is secular.
Ideal Reader
A teen, 14 to 17 years old, who identifies with an alternative subculture or simply feels different from their peers. This reader is looking for a sweet, character-driven romance that validates non-mainstream interests and identities. It would also be a perfect fit for a reader seeking a heartwarming, low-stakes queer love story.
Parent Prep
This book can be read cold. It's a straightforward contemporary romance. Parents should be prepared for standard YA romantic content (kissing, intense emotions) and positive portrayals of Goth subculture and LGBTQ+ identities. No specific context is needed, but an open mind is beneficial. A parent notices their teen is experimenting with a strong alternative style (Goth, punk, etc.) and is worried about their social life. They might hear their teen say something like, "No one understands me," or express anxiety about whether someone will like them for who they truly are.
Age Experience
A younger reader (13-14) will likely connect most with the universal feelings of having a first crush and the social dynamics of high school. An older teen (15-18) will appreciate the more nuanced exploration of maintaining individuality within a relationship and the importance of a supportive friend group that holds you accountable.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many stories where an 'alternative' character changes to fit in, this book celebrates Goth identity as a valid and rich cultural space. Its uniqueness lies in its focus on finding harmony between two different personalities without erasing what makes the protagonist unique. The presumed queer-normative world, a hallmark of these authors, also sets it apart from many mainstream YA romances.
Read plot summary
A contemporary YA romance centered on a teen who is deeply invested in their Goth identity. When they develop a crush on a classmate who is seemingly their polar opposite (cheerful, preppy, or mainstream), they must navigate the complexities of an 'opposites attract' relationship. The story follows their journey of falling in love while dealing with judgment from peers, concerns from their own friend group, and the internal fear of losing their authentic self. The plot explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, and finding common ground through shared high school experiences, music, and art.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
The main character's Goth identity is a core part of who they are. How did their new romantic interest's friends and their own friends react to their relationship? Did these reactions feel realistic to you?
2
In the 'opposites attract' romance, what were some of the biggest challenges the couple faced? What specific things did they learn to appreciate about each other's different perspectives?
3
How did the main character's relationship with their close friends change after they started dating someone new? Were their friends' concerns fair? How do you balance friendships and a new romance?
4
The book talks about finding 'your people.' Besides the Goth community, what other kinds of groups or communities in the story gave characters a sense of belonging? Why is finding a community so important?
