How to Lose Yourself Completely

By: Peter Bognanni

Published by Balzer + Bray, 2026-06-02

An incredibly poignant story about a teen grappling with grief and anxiety who is sent to wilderness "adventure therapy,” where he meets a group of friends who will change his life forever. With its captivating voice and dry wit, this novel is perfect for fans of Jandy Nelson and John Green.

Ever since Sean’s death, Case’s anxiety has been spiraling. Sean wasn’t just his older brother—he was also Case’s best friend. The only person who really got him.

When his parents suggest “adventure therapy,” Case is desperate enough to agree. Maybe roughing it in the woods with a group of anxious strangers will help him find a way forward. After he boards the bus, he sees the one person he’s been trying to avoid: Diana. Sean’s girlfriend.

Once they set off, there is the expected cringey singing and forced sharing. But when their counselor mysteriously disappears, the trip suddenly turns into a journey of survival. This group of kids, with nothing in common but their prescriptions and lack of social skills, will have to band together to make it back home. In the process, they will change each other’s lives forever.

From award-winning author Peter Bognanni comes a profound, surprising, and hopeful novel about grief and love.