To Be Honest

Savannah is struggling with her mother's obsession with weight and her desire to escape to college. She meets George, a cute new kid at school, who helps her learn to live in the moment and enjoy the here and now before it disappears.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 21 August 2018
Publisher: St Martin's Press

Savannah is filled with dread as she prepares to spend the upcoming year at home alone with her overbearing mother, following the departure of her beloved big sister to college. The weight of her mother's obsession with weight, which intensified after her appearance on an extreme weight-loss show, weighs heavily on Savannah's shoulders. With her mother constantly pressuring her to be mindful of every bite she takes, Savannah feels trapped in a never-ending cycle of diet and self-consciousness.

Amidst the stress of her mother's scrutiny and the absence of her sister, Savannah's thoughts are consumed by worries about her collegiate future. The pressure to excel academically and secure a spot in a prestigious university feels overwhelming, and she struggles to find a balance between her academic obligations and her desire for personal growth.

However, amidst the chaos, Savannah meets George, a charming new student at her school. George carries his own insecurities and struggles with self-doubt, but he possesses a warmth and kindness that captivates Savannah. As they spend more time together, Savannah and George discover a shared appreciation for living in the present moment and embracing the beauty of the here and now.

Through their conversations and shared experiences, Savannah and George help each other navigate the challenges of adolescence. They offer support and understanding, providing a safe space for each other to express their fears and doubts. They encourage each other to pursue their passions and dreams, reminding them that life is too short to be spent worrying about the future.

As the year progresses, Savannah and George's bond deepens, and they find solace in each other's company. They spend lazy afternoons exploring the local parks, sharing laughter, and supporting each other through the ups and downs of high school. They discover that their differences bring them together, as George's laid-back nature balances Savannah's intense focus on academics.

With the support of George and the encouragement of her mother, Savannah begins to find a sense of self-confidence and independence. She realizes that her worth is not defined by her appearance or her academic achievements but by her inner strength and resilience. She starts to embrace her passions, pursuing her interests in art and music and finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.

As graduation approaches, Savannah and George face the uncertainty of what the future holds. They both know that they will miss each other dearly, but they also understand that their paths may diverge. They exchange promises to stay in touch and support each other's dreams, knowing that their friendship has been a source of strength and inspiration in their lives.

As Savannah prepares to leave for college, she carries with her the lessons she learned from her time with George. She is grateful for the love and support he provided, and she knows that their friendship will continue to be a source of strength and comfort in the years to come. With a renewed sense of self-confidence and a heart full of gratitude, Savannah embarks on her journey to pursue her dreams and create a life filled with joy and fulfillment.

In conclusion, Savannah's journey to self-discovery and growth is a testament to the power of friendship and the resilience of the human spirit. Through the support of George and her own determination, Savannah learns to embrace her uniqueness, pursue her passions, and find joy in the present moment. Her story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and support in the people we love and that our journeys of self-discovery are never truly complete.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 213 x 167 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250183156