When the volleyball hits the floor mere inches from Reese’s hands, her dreams of playing
college ball shatter. After consecutive failures on the court, in the classroom, and in her relationships, she’s done playing the part of perfect daughter, perfect student, and perfect athlete. It’s time for a new life.
​
Enter Cassie Brentwood.

Bold. Reckless. Free. Cassie is everything Reese isn’t yet longs to be. They quickly become
friends and Cassie introduces her to Liam, a mysterious guy from Snapchat. Blinded by his love
bombing and the desperation to shed her perfect image, Reese plunges head first into their world.
It feels instantly thrilling… until it’s not.

Girls are disappearing from nearby towns, however no one in their quiet small town seems
concerned.

But when Liam’s behaviour grows darker, Reese’s new life begins to unravel. She ignores the
warnings. The red flags. The little voice screaming to her that something’s not right. Until she’s
far from home, trapped in a nightmare she can’t escape.

With no one left to trust, Reese has to fight to reclaim the life she was so eager to leave behind.
She wanted freedom. Now, she just wants to go home.

At least she has to try.

Told with searing honesty and lyrical depth, At Least I’m Trying is a poignant novel about mental
health, girlhood, and what happens when the version of yourself you’ve worked so hard to
become starts to fall apart.

What readers are saying about at least I'm trying

It’s a captivating read that hooked me from the very first page—I simply couldn’t put it down until I finished. 

"At Least I'm Trying" by Tara Hodgson is a gripping and emotionally charged read.

This is an engaging and relatable story for teenagers, adults, and parents alike. It highlights how easily someone can be influenced when their bond with their parents is strained. Tara Hodgson’s book serves as an eye-opening reminder for parents to stay connected and aware of what’s happening in their children’s lives.

At Least I’m Trying is one of those books that doesn’t rely on shock value — it’s terrifying because it’s real.

What I appreciated most is how respectfully and intentionally Tara Hodgson handles these subjects. There is no exploitation here, only truth. Her storytelling is raw, compassionate, and deeply necessary.

This book is not just for YA readers — it’s a must-read for parents, teachers, coaches, and anyone who works with young girls.

A difficult read — but an essential one. Thank you, Tara, for telling the truth — even when it hurts.