Everyone Sux But You

Gr 9 Up–Midwestern seniors Carson and Ash are longtime best friends, bonded by their love of emo and alternative rock and the pain they shared over the death of Carson’s mom five years ago. Carson longs to be more than friends, but Ash’s unpredictable behavior and disregard for Carson’s emotions leaves her feeling manipulated and confused. The two begin a toxic relationship that vacillates between euphoria and callousness, recklessly involving friends and family along the way. When Carson applies to art school in New York City, Ash’s possessive reaction makes Carson doubt if she deserves a future that centers her dreams instead of Ash. Wroten deftly captures the complex relationship that also existed between Carson and her mom by incorporating motifs and themes from Carson’s childhood reading of The Velveteen Rabbit. The art reflects the tumultuousness of the story, incorporating black, grays, and purples. Music and culture from the late aughts are featured: each chapter is named after a song from a mixed CD Ash made. Carson and Ash are white.