An Exchange Student Took Over My Life - Summary

Summary

The narrator, Jessica, lives with her dysfunctional family in Napa Valley. Her mom is immature and childish, while her dad is a busy and dismissive businessman. Jessica spends most of her time alone, finding solace in reading and playing the violin.

When her family hosts an exchange student named Queenie from Tokyo, Jessica is initially excited to have someone to bond with. However, things take a dark turn when Queenie's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and controlling. Jessica discovers that Queenie is not who she claims to be, but rather a girl from LA who has been seeking revenge against Jessica's family.

It is revealed that Jessica's dad is a con artist who scammed Queenie's family out of their money, leading to her family's downfall. Queenie kidnaps Jessica's mom and leaves her in the woods, but she is eventually rescued. The police arrest Queenie and discover that she is not an exchange student, but rather a vengeful individual.

In the end, Jessica's dad is also arrested for his crimes, and Jessica's mom apologizes for not knowing about her husband's wrongdoings. The story concludes with Jessica's mom expressing gratitude for their life and encouraging Jessica to appreciate the gifts they have been given.

Facts

Here are the key facts extracted from the text:

1. The narrator, Jessica, lives in Napa Valley with her family.
2. Jessica's mom is childish and annoying, while her dad is a businessman who travels a lot and treats his family poorly.
3. Jessica's family takes in an exchange student from Tokyo named Queenie.
4. Queenie is helpful and kind, and Jessica starts to bond with her.
5. Queenie and Jessica become close friends, but Queenie's behavior becomes increasingly strange and controlling.
6. Queenie gives Jessica a pet rat that bites her, causing her to go to the emergency room.
7. Queenie tells Jessica's violin teacher that Jessica wants to quit playing, which upsets Jessica.
8. Jessica's mom goes missing, and Queenie sends a text asking where she is.
9. Jessica and her brother Dylan try to investigate Queenie's behavior and discover that she is not an exchange student from Japan.
10. The police investigate Queenie and discover that she faked her application and is actually from LA.
11. Queenie is arrested and reveals that she kidnapped Jessica's mom as revenge for Jessica's dad conning her parents out of their money.
12. Jessica's dad is arrested for being part of a group of con men.
13. Jessica's mom apologizes for not knowing about her husband's business dealings and is grateful for the life they have.