Mara James is driven by perfection. She powers forward with her plan to be valedictorian of her competitive private school and go on to a tier-one college. But her life goals come to a halt when she breaks down during a calculus exam and someone posts the whole episode on YouTube. Mara retreats to Lake Tahoe to stay with her biological father whom she hardly knows. As she tries to put her life back together, Mara struggles to find balance. Tahoe’s magical ski slopes and some unexpected new friends help Mara find the right path.
The cover and title of Culbertson’s book give the feel of a trendy teen romance. However, the story has much more depth than the cover portrays. Although it contains many elements that draw teen readers, it also teaches a powerful lesson. I recommend The Possibility of Now to all perfectionists struggling through a high pressure, success driven world. We all can use a lesson in balance.
Recommended ages--13 and up