Dead Boys Club by R.M. Cress

A young adult romance about the terrifying, life-saving possibility of letting someone in.

It's 2009, and Zach has decided to live. He's just not sure what that means, yet.

But now he's facing senior year with zero friends, maximum awkwardness, and an outdated suicide note still tucked in his backpack like the world's worst safety blanket. He's doing okay—mostly. Ish.

The last person Zach expects to connect with is brooding loner Parker Reid. But when Parker finds Zach's note, the two discover they share a painful secret. They form what Parker likes to call the "Dead Boys Club," and suddenly Zach has an ally who's even messier than he is. Between panic attacks and late-night emails, school plays and road trips, it finally becomes clear: living is more than just surviving.

When Parker's parents threaten to send him away, he and Zach are forced to admit—with the help of a ragtag friend group that neither of them saw coming—that maybe, definitely, there are things worth sticking around for. Including each other.

Note to readers: Help is available! If you or a loved one are in crisis or considering suicide, text or call 988 to speak to someone today.