Eliza Claiborne and Jack Parker have been best friends ever since the Claiborne family welcomed the Parkers to the neighborhood back in 1977. While Jack comes from a wholesome household of three older brothers and happily married parents, Eliza's family could not be more of the opposite. The Claiborne family has a secret skeleton in the closet- The Thing They Don't Talk About- constantly looming over them and tarnishing their family dynamic. But with the help of the Parker family, Eliza's burdens of her family are lightened with their love and care. However, Jack isn't the only new boy in town. On the first day of fifth grade, Eliza becomes infatuated with Tom Kennedy after he assists her to the nurses office when she gets injured at recess. Seven years go by, and at the beginning of their senior year in 1984, Tom finally starts to give Eliza the time of day. Jack and Eliza's other friend, Stacy McCafferty, are concerned about the relationship- not only because of the rumor that has haunted Tom ever since he came to town, but also because Eliza's rose-colored glasses continue to fog her vision on who Tom really is. Will she be able to figure it out for herself before it's too late? is a book about heart. As the story unfolds of two friends navigating the hardships of life- betrayal of loved ones, hurt from unhealed trauma, figuring out the next step of their futures- every reader can find something to relate to with the reliance that, no matter the struggle, they are not alone in what they face.