Annabel Greene lives a life that appears perfect on the surface, defined by her successful modeling career and her family’s polished reputation. However, she faces isolation at school after a falling out with her best friend, Sophie, and struggles with a secret regarding a traumatic incident at a party. Her family life is equally strained as her sister, Whitney, battles an eating disorder. Annabel eventually connects with Owen Armstrong, a social outcast who is obsessively honest and uses music as a means of communication. Through their relationship and Owen’s radio show, Annabel begins to confront the reality of her assault and the silence she maintained to keep her family’s peace.
This book is intended for readers of young adult contemporary fiction who are interested in the internal dynamics of high school social structures and family dysfunction. It appeals to those looking for a depiction of how honesty affects personal recovery and interpersonal relationships. Readers walk away with an understanding of how avoiding conflict creates psychological burdens. They see the process of finding an individual voice within a household that prioritizes appearances, and the role of artistic expression in navigating past trauma.
Inward-looking and clear-cut; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Empathetic Explorer. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2006
- Language
- EN
