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Little Miss Overshare
by Dan ZevinLittle Miss Overshare is so very generous, she sometimes gives too much. Too much information! In this heartwarming tell-all tale, she informs a senior citizen about her sex life, discusses her digestive system with her roommate, and chit-chats about her lady problems at the office water cooler. Do you know a silly someone who shares more than her fair share? Then you'll want to share Little Miss Overshare! Meet her friends from the Little Miss and Mr. ME ME ME parody series: Mr. Selfie , Mr. Humblebrag and Little Miss Basic! From the Trade Paperback edition.
Mr. Humblebrag
by Dan ZevinSilly Mr. Humblebrag. He has fame, fortune, and a hot fiancé, and he can't wait to tell everyone how darn #lucky he is. But what if they hate his guts instead of revel in his success? In this inspiring tribute to false modesty, Mr. Humblebrag learns the most important lesson of all: Everyone loves a winner as long as he acts like a loser. Meet his friends from the Little Miss and Mr. ME ME ME parody series: Mr. Selfie, Little Miss Overshare, and Little Miss Basic! From the Trade Paperback edition.
Mr. Selfie
by Dan ZevinFor Mr. Selfie, every op is a photo op--as long as he is the one in front of the lens. And also behind it! He risks his job taking selfies at work. He risks his life taking selfies at the zoo. And whenever he feels romantic, he whips out his selfie stick and sexts that special someone: himself. Do you know someone with no selfie-control? Then you'll love Mr. Selfie as much as Mr. Selfie does! Meet his friends from the Little Miss and Mr. ME ME ME parody series: Little Miss Overshare, Mr. Humblebrag and Little Miss Basic! From the Trade Paperback edition.
The Nearly-Wed Handbook
by Dan ZevinTogether you've entered a strange new world of deranged caterers, militant photographers, and prima donna florists. You find yourselves incapable of discussing anything non-nuptial, and you won't rest until you've registered for those perfect pewter grape scissors. Are the two of you going nuts? Nope, you're just planning a wedding..."If you're caught up in the furor of planning a wedding, Nearly Wed could help you maintain a sense of humor long enough to at least have one." -Entertainment Weekly, Erik EsckilsenDan Zevin's latest book is Dan Gets a Minivan: Life at the Intersection of Dude and Dad (Scribner, 2012), which has been optioned by Adam Sandler's Happy Madison Productions along with his previous book, The Day I Turned Uncool. A finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor, Dan has followed his readers through each phase of life, from post-college coping (Entry-Level Life) to tying the knot (The Nearly-wed Handbook) to developing a disturbing new interest in lawn care and wine tastings (Uncool). And that was all before he had kids. Which leads us back to this minivan situation.Dan has been a comic commentator for NPR, a humor columnist for The New York Times, and a contributor to print and digital publications including Rolling Stone, The New Yorker, Maxim, Details, Real Simple, and Parents. He also wrote an original sitcom pilot for CBS and Warner Brothers. His latest project is Star Vehicle, a YouTube talk show he hosts inside his minivan.Dan lives with his wife, kids, and pet rabbit in the suburbs of New York, where he has become an active member of his local Costco.
Very Modern Mantras: Daily Affirmations for Daily Aggravations
by Dan ZevinMindfulness meets the modern world with this collection of tongue-in-cheek chants for those daily moments that drive us insane.For all of us who've crammed yoga, meditation, and self-care into our lives, there's just one thing missing on our daily slog toward serenity: a laugh. With rainbow-free visualizations ripped from real life, Very Modern Mantras will have you mastering the meditations that really matter, like Mantra for Starbucks; Mantra for the Airport Security Line; Mantra for Open-Plan Office, and Mantra for Public Transportation. Finally, a way to find inner peace without losing your sense of humor.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
by Gabrielle ZevinThis internationally bestselling sensation is a 'funny, tender, and moving' (Library Journal, starred review) tale about community, books and second chances set in a world you won't want to leaveA.J. Fikry, the grumpy owner of Island Books, is going through a hard time: his bookshop is failing, he has lost his beloved wife, and his prized possession-a rare first edition book has been stolen. Over time, he has given up on people, and even the books in his store, instead of offering solace, are yet another reminder of a world that is changing too rapidly.But one day A.J. finds two-year-old Maya sitting on the bookshop floor, with a note attached to her asking the owner to look after her. His life - and Maya's - is changed forever.Gabrielle Zevin's enchanting novel is a love letter to the world of books--an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love.Originally published as The Collected Works of A. J. Fikry.'Readers who delighted in Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows's The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Rachel Joyce's The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, and Jessica Brockmole's Letters from Skye will be equally captivated by this adult novel by a popular YA author about a life of books, redemption, and second chances. Funny, tender, and moving' Library Journal, starred review'This novel has humor, romance, a touch of suspense, but most of all love--love of books and bookish people and, really, all of humanity in its imperfect glory' Eowyn Ivey, author of The Snow Child
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
by Gabrielle ZevinBY THE AUTHOR OF THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW 'Marvelously optimistic about the future of books and bookstores and the people who love both' Washington Post A.J. Fikry, the grumpy owner of Island Books, is going through a hard time: his bookshop is failing, he has lost his beloved wife, and his prized possession - a rare first edition book has been stolen. Over time, he has given up on people, and even the books in his store, instead of offering solace, are yet another reminder of a world that is changing too rapidly. But one day A.J. finds two-year-old Maya sitting on the bookshop floor, with a note attached to her asking the owner to look after her. His life - and Maya's - is changed forever. Gabrielle Zevin's enchanting novel is a love letter to the world of books - an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love. Readers say: 'A lovely uplifting book' five star reader review 'Devoured in a day. So much heart and control. Love it' five star reader review 'the writing style and characters made this novel a firm five stars' five star reader review 'This book has become my absolute favourite and not just best of the year but ever. I had to make a new shelf for it on GoodReads. I was completely blown away by it' five star reader review
Elastic Language
by Grace Q. ZhangElastic language carries non-specific and stretchable meaning, as in 'He loves her, kind of'. It is used like a slingshot, targeting various strategic goals. Consolidating current research and charting new directions, this book develops a refreshing theory of elasticity, empirically attested by natural language data from tension-prone encounters between Australian Customs officers and passengers. The theory proposes three principles (fluidity, stretchability and strategy) and offers a systematic look at how elastic language, as a sliding scale, works to balance strengthening and weakening speech tones, to firm and soften a speaker's stance, and to reveal and evade the truth. The comparative analysis of forms, functions, and context confirms that elastic language is fluid, stretchable, and strategic. It serves both cooperative and competitive functions, and social and speech factors impact on its use. This book will appeal to students and researchers working in pragmatics, applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, discourse analysis, and communication.
The Fraud Squad
by Kyla ZhaoA working-class woman who infiltrates Singapore&’s high society to fulfill her dreams risks losing everything in the process—including herself—in this propulsive novel by debut author Kyla Zhao. For as long as she can remember, Samantha Song has dreamed of writing for a high-society magazine—and she&’d do anything to get there. But the constant struggle to help her mom make ends meet and her low social status cause her dream to feel like a distant fantasy. Now Samantha finds herself working at a drab PR firm. Living vicariously through her wealthy coworker and friend, Anya Chen, is the closest she&’ll get to her ideal life. Until she meets Timothy Kingston: the disillusioned son of one of Singapore&’s elite families—and Samantha&’s one chance at infiltrating the high-society world to which she desperately wants to belong. To Samantha&’s surprise, Timothy and Anya both agree to help her make a name for herself on Singapore&’s socialite scene. But the borrowed designer clothes and plus-ones to every glamorous event can only get her so far. The rest is on Samantha, and she&’s determined to impress the editor in chief of Singapore&’s poshest magazine. But the deeper Samantha wades into this fraud, the more she fears being exposed—especially with a mysterious gossip columnist on the prowl for dirt—forcing her to reconcile her pretense with who she really is before she loses it all.
The Fraud Squad: The most dazzling and glamorous debut of 2023!
by Kyla ZhaoCRAZY RICH ASIANS meets THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, with a dash of GOSSIP GIRL, in this dazzling debut novel._________Samantha Song has always dreamed of having her own by-line in a high-society magazine. But the death of her father and the constant struggle to help her mum make ends meet make it feel like a distant fantasy. Instead, she works at a drab PR firm and lives vicariously through her socialite co-worker Anya Chen. Then she meets Timothy Kingston: the disillusioned son of one of Singapore's elite families, and Sam's one chance at infiltrating the world to which she so desperately wants to belong. To Sam's surprise, Tim and Anya both agree to help her make a name for herself, but the borrowed designer clothes and plus-ones to every party and major event can only get her so far; the rest is on Sam. The deeper she goes though, the more she fears being exposed. And with an anonymous reporter on the prowl for high-society gossip, Sam must scramble to reconcile her pretence with who she really is before she loses it all.Packed full of glitz and glamour, food and fashion and heaps of heart, THE FRAUD SQUAD is perfect for fans of Kevin Kwan and Lauren Ho.'Immersive, cinematic, and exquisitely fun! The Fraud Squad is the perfect debut, full of high society high jinx, high stakes, and the joy of finding oneself' Ali Hazelwood'As glamorous and page-turning as a glossy magazine, infused with sharp class critique, a vibrant cast of characters, and a poignant emotional core' Ava Wilder'Rich with clever charm and scandalous sparkle, The Fraud Squad introduces a delightful and daring new voice in Kyla Zhao' Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka(P) 2023 Penguin Audio
The Fraud Squad
by Kyla Zhao'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ I HAD THE BEST TIME READING THIS BOOK AND IF IT DOESN'T END UP BEING A NETFLIX SERIES I AM GOING TO BE VERY DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE IT'S PERFECT!!!!!!''Immersive, cinematic, and exquisitely fun! The Fraud Squad is the perfect debut, full of high society high jinx, high stakes, and the joy of finding oneself' Ali HazelwoodCRAZY RICH ASIANS meets THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, with a dash of GOSSIP GIRL, in this dazzling debut novel._________Samantha Song has always dreamed of having her own by-line in a high-society magazine. But the death of her father and the constant struggle to help her mum make ends meet make it feel like a distant fantasy. Instead, she works at a drab PR firm and lives vicariously through her socialite co-worker Anya Chen. Then she meets Timothy Kingston: the disillusioned son of one of Singapore's elite families, and Sam's one chance at infiltrating the world to which she so desperately wants to belong. To Sam's surprise, Tim and Anya both agree to help her make a name for herself, but the borrowed designer clothes and plus-ones to every party and major event can only get her so far; the rest is on Sam. The deeper she goes though, the more she fears being exposed. And with an anonymous reporter on the prowl for high-society gossip, Sam must scramble to reconcile her pretence with who she really is before she loses it all.Packed full of glitz and glamour, food and fashion and heaps of heart, THE FRAUD SQUAD is perfect for fans of Kevin Kwan and Lauren Ho.'As glamorous and page-turning as a glossy magazine, infused with sharp class critique, a vibrant cast of characters, and a poignant emotional core' Ava Wilder'Rich with clever charm and scandalous sparkle, The Fraud Squad introduces a delightful and daring new voice in Kyla Zhao' Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka_________REAL READERS ARE LOSING THEIR HEARTS TO THE FRAUD SQUAD:'⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ One of my fav reads of the year!!!''⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ This book was EVERYTHING!''⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ I absolutely LOVED this book! The characters were phenomenal, especially Sam, and the story was just *chef's kiss*''⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Such a poignant, hilarious, and wildly fun read!!!! YOU WON'T REGRET READING IT!' '⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Wow! I read it in a single day . . . The vivid descriptions of Singapore and the food there made me want to visit immediately. I couldn't put it down!' '⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ OMG, I LOVED this book . . . The romance at the heart of this had so much sizzling chemistry it kept me turning the pages hoping for more' '⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ If you want to read something that combines beautiful scenery, complex characters, romance, and drama, I highly recommend The Fraud Squad!' '⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Five luxurious, hilarious, heartwarming stars! From the glamorous parties and high fashion to the delicious food and swoon-worthy romance, THE FRAUD SQUAD kept me hooked until the last page'
Valley Verified: The addictive and outrageously fun new novel from the author of THE FRAUD SQUAD
by Kyla ZhaoIT'S TIME TO SWAP HAUTE COUTURE FOR HTML.On paper, Zoe Zeng has made it in New York's fashion world . . . but life in the city isn't quite what Zoe imagined.Her editor at Chic magazine wants to censor her opinions to please the big brands; she shares her 'quaint' (read: small) apartment with three roommates who never let her store kimchi in the fridge; and how is she supposed to afford all the designer clothes on her meagre salary?When Zoe is offered a job at FitPick - a startup based in Silicon Valley - the salary and office perks are great, but moving across the country and leaving her best friends behind? Not so much.Taking a leap of faith, Zoe trades high fashion for high tech. But she soon realizes that in an industry claiming to change the world for the better, not everyone's intentions are pure. And with an eight-figure investment on the line, Zoe must find a way to revamp the app's image despite Silicon Valley's elitism and her icy colleagues. If not, the company's future will go up in smoke - and hers with it.LEGALLY BLONDE meets SILICON VALLEY in this bold and addictive new novel from Kyla Zhao, author of The Fraud Squad. PRAISE FOR KYLA ZHAO!'Immersive, cinematic, and exquisitely fun!'Ali Hazelwood'Escapism at its finest. This book will swallow you right up and keep you awake until you turn the last page'Elena Armas'As glamorous and page-turning as a glossy magazine, infused with sharp class critique, a vibrant cast of characters, and a poignant emotional core' Ava Wilder'Rich with clever charm and scandalous sparkle' Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka'Lush, swoony, and delightfully exquisite' Amy Lea
Valley Verified: The addictive and outrageously fun new novel from the author of THE FRAUD SQUAD
by Kyla ZhaoIT'S TIME TO SWAP HAUTE COUTURE FOR HTML.On paper, Zoe Zeng has made it in New York's fashion world . . . but life in the city isn't quite what Zoe imagined.Her editor at Chic magazine wants to censor her opinions to please the big brands; she shares her 'quaint' (read: small) apartment with three roommates who never let her store kimchi in the fridge; and how is she supposed to afford all the designer clothes on her meagre salary?When Zoe is offered a job at FitPick - a startup based in Silicon Valley - the salary and office perks are great, but moving across the country and leaving her best friends behind? Not so much.Taking a leap of faith, Zoe trades high fashion for high tech. But she soon realizes that in an industry claiming to change the world for the better, not everyone's intentions are pure. And with an eight-figure investment on the line, Zoe must find a way to revamp the app's image despite Silicon Valley's elitism and her icy colleagues. If not, the company's future will go up in smoke - and hers with it.LEGALLY BLONDE meets SILICON VALLEY in this bold and addictive new novel from Kyla Zhao, author of The Fraud Squad. PRAISE FOR KYLA ZHAO!'Immersive, cinematic, and exquisitely fun!'Ali Hazelwood'Escapism at its finest. This book will swallow you right up and keep you awake until you turn the last page'Elena Armas'As glamorous and page-turning as a glossy magazine, infused with sharp class critique, a vibrant cast of characters, and a poignant emotional core' Ava Wilder'Rich with clever charm and scandalous sparkle' Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka'Lush, swoony, and delightfully exquisite' Amy Lea
Class
by Cecily Von ZiegesarThese five friends came to Dexter to get a college degree.What they'll really get is an education.When five freshmen arrive at Dexter College, a small liberal arts school in the quiet town of Home, Maine, the drama unfolds as quickly as the first keg is tapped. There's Shipley--blonde and beautiful, the object of envy and more than a little lust. Her edgy roommate, Eliza, came to Dexter to get noticed, and she has the attitude and the mouth to prove it. Tom is a jock-turned-artist--handsome, privileged, used to getting his own way. Sensitive Nick is Tom's wake-and-bake, pot-smoking roommate. And then there's Adam Gatz, a freckle-faced local boy and his not-so-little sister, Tragedy.As Shipley, Eliza, Tom, Nick, and Adam find out, the first year of college is more than credits and cramming. It's a time of lust, love, secrecy, and scandal.Previoiusly released as Cum Laude
Cum Laude
by Cecily Von ZiegesarThey're here for a higher education . . .and you won't believe how far they'll go. Dexter College is a small liberal arts college in the quiet town of Home, Maine. But it won't stay quiet for long with this group of freshmen. There's Shipley--blonde and beautiful, the object of envy and more than a little lust. Determined to assert herself and to shed her good-girl image, she buys cigarettes and condoms, because that's what every self-respecting college girl does. Her edgy roommate, Eliza, came to Dexter to get noticed, and she has the attitude and the mouth to prove it. Then there's Tom. Handsome, privileged, used to getting his own way, he's a jock-turned-artist who thinks his paintings will change the world. Sensitive Nick, Tom's wake-and-bake pot-smoking roommate, wants to follow in the footsteps of his boarding-school hero. And then there are brother and sister Adam and Tragedy Gatz. The freckle-faced farm boy lives at home with his parents and his little sister, who does all she can to stop him from being a wuss. As Shipley, Eliza, Tom, Nick, and Adam find out, that first year of college is more than credits and cramming. Between the lust and the love, the secrecy and the scandal, they'll all receive an unexpected education. It's a time of shifting alliances, unrequited crushes, and coming of age. Find Yourself is Dexter's motto. And they are determined to do just that.
Revenge of the Angels (Brewster Triplets, The)
by Jennifer ZieglerThe Brewster triplets from Revenge of the Flower Girls meet The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, in a new, sweetly hilarious holiday story from Jennifer Ziegler! When we last saw them, Dawn, Darby, and Delaney Brewster stopped their big sister from marrying the wrong guy, proving that they can accomplish a lot when they work together. Now, they are turning their smarts and high-energy hijinks to something completely different: their local Christmas pageant! They've been practicing looking wise and stroking long, fake beards in preparation for their roles. But what if they're not cast as the wise men? What if instead they have to play angels in the pageant? Distasteful. Deplorable. Dreadful. And it's not like anything else is going their way this holiday season, either. Can the triplets figure out what to get for their mom, solve a mystery about a stolen Santa, and recover their holiday spirit in time for the pageant? Of course they can! And they'll do it with humor and charm, or they're not the Brewster triplets.
Revenge of the Flower Girls (Brewster Triplets, The)
by Jennifer ZieglerIn this middle-grade Bridesmaids, hilarity ensues as triplets have to stop a wedding! One bride. Two boys. Three flower girls who won't forever hold their peace. What could go wrong with this wedding? Everything! The Brewster triplets, Dawn, Darby, and Delaney, would usually spend their summer eating ice cream, playing with their dog, and reading about the US Presidents. But this year they're stuck planning their big sister Lily's wedding. Lily used to date Alex, who was fun and nice and played trivia games with the triplets, and no one's quite sure why they broke up. Burton, Lily's groom-to-be, is not nice or fun, and he looks like an armadillo. The triplets can't stand to see Lily marry someone who's completely wrong for her, so it's up to them to stop the wedding before anyone says "I do!" The flower girls will stop at nothing to delay Lily's big day, but will sprinklers, a photo slideshow, a muddy dog, and some unexpected allies be enough to prevent their big sister - and the whole Brewster family - from living unhappily ever after?
Revenge of the Happy Campers: Nature Versus Triplets (The\brewster Triplets Ser.)
by Jennifer ZieglerThe Brewster triplets, Dawn, Darby, and Delaney, would usually be thrilled to spend a week with their beloved Aunt Jane. She's fun and fearless and fascinating, and she loves to hang out with them. But Aunt Jane is taking the girls somewhere they've never been before . . . camping! It's one disaster after another, whether they're sinking canoes in the lake at the run-down campground, being attacked by fire ants, or failing to pitch a tent that stays upright. Worst of all, they meet a group of boys who think that their oldest brother is going to be president one day - when clearly, that's Dawn's destiny. Before they know it, the Brewster triplets are caught up in the girls-versus-boys Great Camping Challenge . . . only some are more eager to win than others. Can they beat the boys, prove to Aunt Jane that they really are happy campers, and not get into a horrible sister fight? Six times the campers means six times the calamity in the latest Brewster triplets adventure!
Revenge of the Teacher's Pets (Scholastic Press Novels)
by Jennifer ZieglerThe Brewster triplets have this whole school year figured out. They'll share notes and books and help plan their big sister's wedding, and they're all going to be on color guard. Smooth sailing through the seventh grade. Only nothing goes right. They're accidentally on cheer squad, of all things. And the sisters are split into different classes--which Darby is failing because of her terrible participation grade. Meanwhile, Delaney really likes cheerleading and doesn't want just go along with what Dawn wants this time, especially on her cheering crusade. Can the triplets take turns pretending to be Darby, plan a shower for their beloved big sister, and stay out of the trouble Dawn keeps getting them into? And more importantly, can they do it without being split up for good? Three times the teacher's pets means three times the school shenanigans in this fun Brewster Triplets romp from Jennifer Ziegler.
Dating Big Bird
by Laura ZigmanEllen Franck isn't in love with Big Bird. After all, he's a big yellow Sesame Street character -- and she's an intelligent single woman with a fabulous job. On the other hand, Big Bird is looking like a better candidate for fatherhood every day: he's tall, affectionate, and steadily employed. And right now, for Ellen, thirty-five years old and dying to have a baby, almost any father will do.In her hilarious and heartbreaking new novel, Laura Zigman, bestselling author of Animal Husbandry, explores what happens when the life we've chosen isn't that life we expected it to be. And at this point Ellen Franck is rethinking all her choices. Mired in a relationship with a man who is better at brooding than breeding, sister to a woman who can't seem to stop having babies, and working under a boss who is about to have the baby shower of the decade, Ellen knows the path to motherhood is clear. All she has to do is leave her relationship, horrify her family, find an anonymous father, and become independently wealthy.Piece of cake.
Separation Anxiety: A Novel
by Laura Zigman“Separation Anxiety is a hilarious, heart-breaking and thought-provoking portrait of a difficult marriage, as fierce as it is funny.... My advice: Start reading and don’t stop until you get to the last page of this wise and wonderful novel." —Alice Hoffman AN ANTICIPATED BOOK FROM:Entertainment Weekly * Cosmopolitan * USA Today * Real Simple * Parade * Buzzfeed * Glamour * PopSugarFrom bestselling author Laura Zigman, a hilarious novel about a wife and mother whose life is unraveling and the well-intentioned but increasingly disastrous steps she takes to course-correct her relationships, her career, and her belief in herselfJudy never intended to start wearing the dog. But when she stumbled across her son Teddy’s old baby sling during a halfhearted basement cleaning, something in her snapped. So: the dog went into the sling, Judy felt connected to another living being, and she’s repeated the process every day since.Life hasn’t gone according to Judy’s plan. Her career as a children’s book author offered a glimpse of success before taking an embarrassing nose dive. Teddy, now a teenager, treats her with some combination of mortification and indifference. Her best friend is dying. And her husband, Gary, has become a pot-addled professional “snackologist” who she can’t afford to divorce. On top of it all, she has a painfully ironic job writing articles for a self-help website—a poor fit for someone seemingly incapable of helping herself.Wickedly funny and surprisingly tender, Separation Anxiety offers a frank portrait of middle-aged limbo, examining the ebb and flow of life’s most important relationships. Tapping into the insecurities and anxieties that most of us keep under wraps, and with a voice that is at once gleefully irreverent and genuinely touching, Laura Zigman has crafted a new classic for anyone taking fumbling steps toward happiness.
Mislaid
by Nell ZinkFrom the inimitable and utterly unconventional voice of Nell Zink comes a wickedly humorous and sharply observed novel that exposes all of our assumptions about race and racism, sexuality and desire, through the making and unmaking of one American family.In 1960s Virginia, college freshman and ingenue Peggy falls for professor and poet Lee, and what begins as an ill-advised affair results in an unplanned pregnancy and marriage. Mismatched from the start--she's a lesbian; he's gay--Peggy eventually finds herself in crisis and runs away with their daughter, leaving their son behind.Estranged from the rest of the family, Peggy and her daughter adopt African American identities and live in near poverty to escape detection. Meanwhile, Lee and his son carry on, enjoying all the social privileges their gender, class, and whiteness afford them. Eventually the long-lost siblings meet, setting off a series of misunderstandings that culminate in a darkly comedic finale worthy of Shakespeare.With an arch sense of humor and a witty satirical eye, Nell Zink upends the foundational categories of American life--race, class, gender, and sexuality--in a novel that is at once daring, envelope-pushing, and utterly hilarious, all the while tracing how a mother, daughter, father, and son figure out what it means to belong.
Private Novelist: Fiction
by Nell ZinkFrom the brilliant and incisive author of Mislaid—"a writer of extraordinary talent and range" (Jonathan Franzen) whose "capacity for inventions is immense" (BookForum)—comes a new collection of her earliest work: two wildly funny novellas (Sailing Towards the Sunset by Avner Shats and European Story for Avner Shats) available in one compact volume.Years ago, Nell Zink resolved to write a book for her friend, the Israeli novelist Avner Shats, that would mirror his remarkable style. Unable to read his Hebrew, she was forced to start from scratch. Now, this tongue-in-cheek homage is available to Nell’s growing readership for the first time, accompanied by a second dazzling and imaginative work that breathes—at Shats’s request—the perfumed air of the Old Europe and stars a figure very much like Shats.Sailing Towards the Sunset by Avner Shats is Zink’s faux-translation of Shats’s 1998 novel Lashut El Hashkia ("Sailing Towards the Sunset"). It flows with a narrative spin only the singular Zink could pull off—including both authentic and fictional versions of characters from Shats’s life and work such as the author herself.A fast-moving portrait of expat artists, authors, and academics on fellowships at the Villa Romana in Florence, European Story for Avner Shats centers on a trio of three indelible characters: an Israeli writer vaguely reminiscent of Shats, a German specialist in ancient lint, and a beautiful and fraudulent Russian performance artist.Demonstrating the hallmarks of Zink’s unique talent, Private Novelist is an intimate look into this acclaimed novelist’s early work that will please her coterie of admirers and further burnish her lustrous reputation.
The Wallcreeper
by Nell ZinkThe incredible breakout novel by one of the sharpest, funniest, most inventive writers of our time. &“Who is Nell Zink? She claims to be an expatriate living in northeast Germany. Maybe she is; maybe she isn&’t. I don&’t know. I do know that this first novel arrives with a voice that is fully formed: mature, hilarious, terrifyingly intelligent, and wicked. The novel is about a bird-loving American couple that moves to Europe and becomes, basically, eco-terrorists. This is strange, and interesting, but in between is some writing about marriage, love, fidelity, Europe, and saving the earth that is as funny and as grown-up as anything I&’ve read in years. And there are some jokes in here that a young Don DeLillo would kill to have written. I hope he doesn&’t kill Nell Zink.&” (Keith Gessen)
Harry and the Guinea Pig
by Gene ZionThe beloved character Harry the Dirty Dog returns in this brand-new picture book! A fun story to share with all dog fans, as well as guinea pig families and classrooms. Harry, the mischievous little white dog with black spots, isn’t happy when the children are paying more attention to the neighbor’s guinea pig than him. But when Harry accidentally causes the guinea pig to get loose at school, he has to use his detective skills to save the day. Can Harry find the guinea pig before he’s sent to the doghouse? Created in the style of Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham, this is an irresistible story featuring a classic picture book character—perfect for young dog lovers and fans of Harry the Dirty Dog!Gene Zion and Margaret Bloy Graham’s Harry the Dirty Dog has been recognized by the National Education Association as an all-time top-100 children's book. It has also been welcomed by a new generation at home, as Betty White's 2020 reading of the story on StorylineOnline has been viewed more than 8 million times.