These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.
Holly Bourne - Author
This is a serious relationship-abuse novel that builds understanding gradually rather than presenting events straightforwardly. Its emotional centre is Amelie's attempt to recognise manipulation, recover perspective and regain control.
Amelie's relationship with Reese initially appears romantic, but recollections gradually show controlling and manipulative behaviour, including effects that she struggles to recognise.CriticalCritical: the book challenges or disapproves of this theme.Critical: the book challenges or disapproves of this theme.
How the book presents it: The narrative clearly frames the behaviour as abuse rather than love and explores why harmful attachment can remain compelling.
Talk about: How does the story distinguish genuine care from control when Amelie herself cannot initially separate them?
Recovery and reclaimed agency
After the relationship ends, Amelie revisits significant locations with help from therapist Joan, trying to understand what happened and regain control.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: Seeking understanding and support is presented as part of Amelie's movement towards a less controlled life.
Talk about: If Amelie's understanding changes, what kinds of support make it possible for her to reclaim her choices?
Responding to visible distress
The book repeatedly connects crying in public with the possibility that passers-by may ignore distress or offer concern and kindness.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: It treats attentive, humane responses to visible distress as valuable and questions why teenage girls' distress may be overlooked.
Talk about: What might make someone stop, listen or offer help when another person is visibly upset?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
It may help readers discuss how harmful behaviour can be mistaken for love, why someone might blame themselves, and how supportive attention can matter when distress is visible.
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What Deserves Attention
Expect emotionally difficult material involving coercive and manipulative behaviour within a romantic relationship, including emotional abuse and some physical abuse. The treatment is serious and focuses more on emotional abuse than physical detail.
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A Conversation Worth Having
As Amelie revisits the relationship, consider whether her changing interpretation helps clarify how affection, control and self-blame can become entangled, and what support she is able to accept.
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Reading Approach
Because the story reveals abuse through alternating timelines and revisited places, read it in measured sections. Pause to discuss reactions, boundaries and support rather than rushing through distressing scenes.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Recognising coercive control: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Recovery and reclaimed agency: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Responding to visible distress: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
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