Aaron Soto and his neighbors in the Bronx projects have had more than their share of bad experiences and tough times. The memory-wiping promises of the Leteo Institute are a tempting solution. The procedure seemed to help Aaron’s friend, Kyle, start a new life after his twin was accidentally killed. Aaron has survived his own family tragedy—his father’s suicide—with the help of his dedicated girlfriend, Genevieve, and his loving mother. Still, life in the family’s one-bedroom apartment is grim. His mother is overworked and depressed, and his brother is distant. When Aaron meets thoughtful, artistic Thomas, he finds some happiness and a true friend. As they grow closer, Aaron realizes he is in love with Thomas. Heartbroken by Thomas’s rejection, Aaron’s sadness feels inescapable, and the Leteo Institute’s memory wipe may be the only escape. But, this high-risk procedure has questionable rewards. Set with small, vivid details that bring the book to life, Silvera creates a palpable tension between the loss of childhood, lack of safety, and wonder of love in a novel that offers an honest, edgy look at race, class, sexuality, and mental health. Ultimately, Aaron’s struggle to be honest to who he is and the beautifully developed relationships between Aaron and others are the heart of this book. (Age 14 and older)

In his twisty, gritty, profoundly moving New York Times bestselling-debut--also called "mandatory reading" and selected as an Editors' Choice by the New York Times--Adam Silvera brings to life a charged, dangerous near-future summer in the Bronx.

In the months after his father's suicide, it's been tough for sixteen-year-old Aaron Soto to find happiness again--but he's still gunning for it. With the support of his girlfriend Genevieve and his overworked mom, he's slowly remembering what that might feel like. But grief and the smile-shaped scar on his wrist prevent him from forgetting completely.

When Genevieve leaves for a couple of weeks, Aaron spends all his time hanging out with this new guy, Thomas. Aaron's crew notices, and they're not exactly thrilled. But Aaron can't deny the happiness Thomas brings or how Thomas makes him feel safe from himself, despite the tensions their friendship is stirring with his girlfriend and friends. Since Aaron can't stay away from Thomas or turn off his newfound feelings for him, he considers turning to the Leteo Institute's revolutionary memory-alteration procedure to straighten himself out, even if it means forgetting who he truly is.

Why does happiness have to be so hard?

"Silvera managed to leave me smiling after totally breaking my heart. Unforgettable."
--Becky Albertalli, author of Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda

"Adam Silvera explores the inner workings of a painful world and he delivers this with heartfelt honesty and a courageous, confident hand . . . A mesmerizing, unforgettable tour de force."
--John Corey Whaley, National Book Award finalist and author of Where Things Come Back and Noggin