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The House on Via Gemito: A Novel
by Domenico StarnoneLONGLISTED FOR THE 2024 INTERNATIONAL BOOKER PRIZE A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR The Washington Post·Kirkus Reviews A NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS’ CHOICE This extraordinary Strega Prize-winning novel confirms Domenico Starnone’s reputation as one of Italy’s greatest living writers. Told against the backdrop of Naples in the 1960s, a city that itself becomes a vivid character in this lush, atmospheric novel, The House on Via Gemito is a masterpiece of Italian fiction, one that is steeped in Neapolitan lore. A modest apartment in Via Gemito smelling of paint and turpentine. Its furniture pushed up against the wall to create a make-shift studio. Drying canvases moved from bed to floor each night. Federí, the father, a railway clerk, is convinced that he possesses great artistic promise. If it weren’t for the family he must feed and the jealousy of his fellow Neapolitan artists, nothing would stop him from becoming a world-famous painter. Ambitious and frustrated, genuinely talented but also arrogant and resentful, Federí is scarred by constant disappointment. He is a larger-than-life character, a liar, a fabulist, and his fantasies shape the lives of those around him, especially his young son, Mimi, short for Domenico, who will spend a lifetime trying to get out from under his father’s shadow. Starnone, a finalist for the National Book Award with Trick, author of New York Times notable book of the year, Ties, and the critically acclaimed Trust, takes readers beyond the slim, novella-length works for which he is known by American readers to create a vast fresco of family, fatherhood, and modern Naples.
House Rules: A Novel
by Jodi PicoultThe astonishing novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult about a young boy with autism falsely accused of murder.When your son can't look you in the eye...does that mean he's guilty? Jacob Hunt is a teen with Asperger's syndrome. He's hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, though he is brilliant in many ways. But he has a special focus on one subject--forensic analysis. A police scanner in his room clues him in to crime scenes, and he's always showing up and telling the cops what to do. And he's usually right. But when Jacob's small hometown is rocked by a terrible murder, law enforcement comes to him. Jacob's behaviors are hallmark Asperger's, but they look a lot like guilt to the local police. Suddenly the Hunt family, who only want to fit in, are directly in the spotlight. For Jacob's mother, Emma, it's a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, Theo, it's another indication why nothing is normal because of Jacob. And over this small family, the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?
House Rules: the powerful must-read story of a mother’s unthinkable choice by the number one bestselling author of A Spark of Light
by Jodi PicoultTHE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Utterly gripping' StylistEmma Hunt has spent fifteen years raising Theo and Jacob on her own, and has created what she sees to be a stable and happy life for them, despite the challenges of Jacob's Asperger's syndrome.Jacob's behaviour has sometimes frustrated Emma, but she has never doubted her son's good heart. Yet, when his tutor is found dead, suspicion begins to surround Jacob and the Hunt family, who have never quite fitted into the community.Now, as more and more evident links Jacob to the crime, Emma is determined to prove her son's innocence.Can she believe in it?'A real page-turner' Sunday ExpressTHE BOOK OF TWO WAYS, Jodi's stunning new novel about life, death and missed opportunities is available to pre-order now.
House Sharing and Young Adults: Examining successful dynamics and negative stereotypes
by Vicky Clark Keith TuffinHouse Sharing and Young Adults offers unique insight into the dynamics of successful house sharing among young adults and questions some of the myths fostered by the negative stereotyping of housemates. Illustrated with research from interviews with young adults, it explores co-residence, interpersonal relationships and young people’s development. Beginning with an overview of the concept and history of house sharing among young adults, Clark and Tuffin’s volume also examines the reasons for the lack of research into the area up until recently. It explores key questions, including how young adults choose housemates, what makes a desirable housemate, avoiding complications, the psychological advantages of house sharing, how conflict arises, and the impact of house sharing on adult development. The authors challenge the stigma of shared domesticity, demonstrating the potential of house sharing to enhance well-being through companionship while acknowledging the potential pitfalls caused by tension in intimate settings. House Sharing and Young Adults will be essential reading for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of social psychology, developmental psychology, sociology and anthropology, as well as those interested in group dynamics, housing demographics and discrimination.
House Swap: Will it bring them together, or push them apart?
by Olivia Beirne'I can't praise it enough, it's perfect summer reading' LUCY VINE'A hilarious, heart-warming read' DAISY BUCHANANYou can learn a lot about someone when you swap houses. . .___________________________________________________Twins Katy and Rachel don't know much about each other's lives anymore.Rachel thinks that Katy is a high-flying event planner in London, while Katy thinks that Rachel lives in idyllic marital bliss in the countryside.Each sister believes the other has created a perfect life - but the truth is that neither twin has the life she pretends she does.And when these sisters unexpectedly swap houses for a week, they're in for a big shock.But it might just be the wake-up call they've both been waiting for. . .Packed hilarity and heartbreak, this new novel from bestselling author Olivia Beirne follows two estranged sisters who learn more about each other from a house swap than they ever expected... Perfect for fans of Beth O'Leary and Marian Keyes.___________________________________________________Readers are LOVING House Swap!'Olivia is an assured writer with great comic timing' SHEILA O'FLANAGAN'I loved House Swap - it's a heart-warming story of sisterhood in several forms'ZOË FOLBIGG'A beautiful story about second-chances, self-discovery and sisterhood - I absolutely loved it. Olivia has that special knack of making you laugh out loud on one page, and shed a tear on the next' HANNAH TOVEY, author of THE EDUCATION OF IVY EDWARDS'A story of love, friendship and family, whose characters you will fall in love with immediately!'EMILY HOUGHTON, AUTHOR OF BEFORE I SAW YOU'A charming, uplifting read . . . Delightful'ROXIE COOPER, AUTHOR OF THE DAY WE MET'Olivia's books always make me laugh out loud and her latest is no exception'EMMA COOPER'A properly uplifting read . . . [a] wonderful, joyous tale of self-growth and forgiveness, complete with a perfect measure of romance too'PERNILLE HUGHES, AUTHOR OF PROBABLY THE BEST KISS IN THE WORLD'This book is heart-warming, life affirming and is guaranteed to make you smile - I loved it!'NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars'This book made me laugh, cry and swoon'NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars'A perfect story of families and finding your way through life'NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars'Loved this book!'NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars___________________________________________________Discover why readers LOVE Olivia Beirne. . .'A mesmerising blend of humour and emotion'WOMAN & HOME'An uplifting read that leaves you on a high'AMAZON READER REVIEW'A proper feel-good, heart-warming, very natural and relatable story'KIM NASH (KIMTHEBOOKWORM)Olivia Beirne' novels The List That Changed My Life and The Accidental Love Letter are available to buy now!
House Swap: Will it bring them together, or push them apart?
by Olivia Beirne'I can't praise it enough, it's perfect summer reading' LUCY VINE'A hilarious, heart-warming read' DAISY BUCHANANYou can learn a lot about someone when you swap houses. . .___________________________________________________Twins Katy and Rachel don't know much about each other's lives anymore.Rachel thinks that Katy is a high-flying event planner in London, while Katy thinks that Rachel lives in idyllic marital bliss in the countryside.Each sister believes the other has created a perfect life - but the truth is that neither twin has the life she pretends she does.And when these sisters unexpectedly swap houses for a week, they're in for a big shock.But it might just be the wake-up call they've both been waiting for. . .Packed hilarity and heartbreak, this new novel from bestselling author Olivia Beirne follows two estranged sisters who learn more about each other from a house swap than they ever expected... Perfect for fans of Beth O'Leary and Marian Keyes.___________________________________________________Readers are LOVING House Swap!'Olivia is an assured writer with great comic timing' SHEILA O'FLANAGAN'A story of love, friendship and family, whose characters you will fall in love with immediately!'EMILY HOUGHTON, AUTHOR OF BEFORE I SAW YOU'A charming, uplifting read . . . Delightful'ROXIE COOPER, AUTHOR OF THE DAY WE MET'Olivia's books always make me laugh out loud and her latest is no exception'EMMA COOPER'A properly uplifting read . . . [a] wonderful, joyous tale of self-growth and forgiveness, complete with a perfect measure of romance too'PERNILLE HUGHES, AUTHOR OF PROBABLY THE BEST KISS IN THE WORLD'This book is heart-warming, life affirming and is guaranteed to make you smile - I loved it!'NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars'This book made me laugh, cry and swoon'NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars'A perfect story of families and finding your way through life'NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars'A fabulous bit of writing'NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars'Made me laugh, cry and swoon!'NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars'Loved this book!'NETGALLEY REVIEWER, 5 stars___________________________________________________Discover why readers LOVE Olivia Beirne. . .'A mesmerising blend of humour and emotion'WOMAN & HOME'A perfect mix of humour and heart'EMMA COOPER, AUTHOR OF THE SONGS OF US'An uplifting read that leaves you on a high'AMAZON READER REVIEW'A proper feel-good, heart-warming, very natural and relatable story'KIM NASH (KIMTHEBOOKWORM)'I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down'AMAZON READER REVIEW'A gorgeous life-affirming read'HAYLEY'S BOOK BLOG___________________________________________________Olivia Beirne' novels The List That Changed My Life and The Accidental Love Letter are available to buy now!
The House Swap
by Yvette ClarkThe Parent Trap meets The Holiday in this heartwarming and funny story of two girls, one American and one British, who become friends and confidantes when their families swap houses, from the acclaimed author of Glitter Gets Everywhere.Allie is British and dreams of being a spy. Sage is an only child from sunny California. They meet when their families swap houses for the summer.Though they’re polar opposites, Allie and Sage quickly realize that they’re both dealing with family issues—Sage’s parents may be on the brink of divorce, and Allie’s struggling to feel heard in her big family. It may take a trip around the world for them to find their place at home.This sweet and emotional story is told in alternating chapters from each girl’s point of view, offering two unique perspectives on family and belonging.
The House that Jack Built
by Catherine BarryA Dublin single mom yearns for her lost youth—but living in the past may threaten her future . . . Single mother Jacqueline Joyce spent her twenties partying while the rest of her friends settled into careers. Now, living in a tiny apartment and working in a dead-end job, she’s still haunted by disappointments and regrets. She basks in old memories of listening to Thin Lizzy and Supertramp, and wonders why things went wrong with drug-addled Matt, the first boy she ever slept with. When she runs into Matt one day, she thinks it must be destiny. It doesn’t matter if he’s married with kids. It doesn’t matter if she drinks a bit too much and has put on some weight. This could be her second chance at happiness. When he invites her to attend an evening class he teaches, her hopes soar to new heights. But while she is indeed about to begin a life-changing journey, it’s not the one she had in mind . . . From an author whose work has been called “rich with Irish humour and universal truths,” this is a compelling story of one woman’s search for the life she wants—and what she learns about herself along the way (Cathy Kelly, author of The Year that Changed Everything on Skin Deep).
The House That Lou Built
by Mae RespicioA coming-of-age story that explores culture and family, forgiveness and friendship, and what makes a true home. Perfect for fans of Wendy Mass and Joan Bauer. <P><P>Lou Bulosan-Nelson has the ultimate summer DIY project. She's going to build her own "tiny house," 100 square feet all her own. She shares a room with her mom in her grandmother's house, and longs for a place where she can escape her crazy but lovable extended Filipino family. <P><P>Lou enjoys her woodshop class and creating projects, and she plans to build the house on land she inherited from her dad, who died before she was born. <P><P>But then she finds out that the land may not be hers for much longer. Lou discovers it's not easy to save her land, or to build a house. But she won't give up; with the help of friends and relatives, her dream begins to take shape, and she learns the deeper meaning of home and family.
The House That Made Us
by Alice CavanaghOne Day meets Up: The House That Made Us is a love story – and a life story – told through a series of photographs and based on a true story When Mac and Marie marry and find a home of their own, Mac takes a snap of themselves outside their newbuild bungalow, the garden bare and the paint on the front door still wet. It becomes a tradition, this snap, and slowly the photographs build into an album of a fifty-year partnership. Every year they take a photo and though things change around them – the garden matures, the fashions change, they grow older – the one constant is their love. Every year, come rain, come shine, from the Seventies through the decades, every photo tells the story of their love. Until the last photo, where the couple becomes one, and their story comes to an end…
The House That Wasn't There
by Elana K. ArnoldAlder has always lived in his cozy little house in Southern California. And for as long as he can remember, the old, reliable, comforting walnut tree has stood between his house and the one next door. That is, until a new family—with a particularly annoying girl his age—moves into the neighboring house and, without warning, cuts it down. <p><p> Oak doesn’t understand why her family had to move to Southern California. She has to attend a new school, find new friends, and live in a new house that isn’t even ready—her mother had to cut down a tree on their property line in order to make room for a second floor. And now a strange boy next door won’t stop staring at her, like she did something wrong moving here in the first place.As Oak and Alder start school together, they can’t imagine ever becoming friends. But the two of them soon discover a series of connections between them—mysterious, possibly even magical puzzles they can’t put together. At least not without each other’s help. <p><p> Award-winning author Elana K. Arnold returns with an unforgettable story of the strange, wondrous threads that run between all of us, whether we know they’re there or not.
The House That Whispers
by Lin ThompsonFrom the author of The Best Liars in Riverview comes a subtle exploration of gender identity, family, and the personal ghosts that haunt us all, perfect for fans of Kyle Lukoff and Ashley Herring Blake. Eleven-year-old Simon and his siblings, Talia and Rose, are staying the week at Nanaleen's century-old house. This time, though, it&’s not their usual summer vacation trip. In fact, everything&’s different. It&’s fall, not summer. Mom and Dad are staying behind to have a &“talk.&” And Nanaleen&’s house smells weird, plus she keeps forgetting things. And these aren&’t the only things getting under Simon&’s skin: He&’s the only one who knows that his name is Simon, and that he and him pronouns are starting to feel right. But he&’s not ready to add to the changes that are already in motion in his family. To make matters worse, Simon keeps hearing a scratching in the walls, and shadows are beginning to build in the corners. He can&’t shake the feeling that something is deeply wrong…and he&’s determined to get to the bottom of it—which means launching a ghost hunt, with or without his sisters&’ help. When Simon discovers the hidden story of his great-aunt Brie, he realizes that Brie&’s life might hold answers to some of his worries. Is Brie&’s ghost haunting the old O&’Hagan house? And will Simon&’s search for ghosts turn up more secrets than he ever expected?
The House That's Your Home
by Sally Lloyd-Jones Jane DyerLike the bestselling title On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman, this picture book is sure to touch the hearts of parents, grandparents, and children. The tender rhythmic text follows a young girl as she moves through her world, while utterly charming watercolors bring that world into vivid focus. Told in second person, as if written by a parent to a child, the story gently highlights all the love and joy that make the girl's world her very own, from the tree that stands in her yard, to the swing that swings her right up to the sky, to her bed that's a ship to the moon. A beautiful ode to a loving family from a bestselling author and illustrator.From the Hardcover edition.
House Under Snow
by Jill BialoskyA novel by an acclaimed American poet, House Under Snow is a story of mothers and daughters, of sexual identity, of a family slowly disintegrating after the premature death of its patriarch. Anna Crane, soon to be married, reflects back on her childhood in Ohio during the 1960s and '70s with her two sisters and her charismatic, self-destructing mother. Evoking the claustrophobia of small-town life, Anna's first passionate love affair with a troubled boy who works as a groom and trainer at a horse track, and her mother's endless stream of suitors and a failed marriage, the novel races toward a chilling conclusion when Anna is betrayed by the two most important figures in her young life. Not since Alice McDermott's That Night has there been such a telling portrait of first love. And not since Mona Simpson's Anywhere But Here have we witnessed the destructive, seductive nature of a mother who insists on competing with her children. An unforgettable tale of the power and vulnerability of sex and family, history and the past, House Under Snow is a lyrical and brilliant fictional debut.
The House We Grew Up In: A Novel
by Lisa JewellFrom the New York Times bestselling author of Then She Was Gone…OUR HOUSE. OUR FAMILY. OUR SECRETS. Meet the picture-perfect Bird family: pragmatic Meg, dreamy Beth, and towheaded twins Rory and Rhys, one an adventurous troublemaker, the other his slighter, more sensitive counterpart. Their father is a sweet, gangly man, but it’s their beautiful, free-spirited mother Lorelei who spins at the center. In those early years, Lorelei tries to freeze time by filling their simple brick house with precious mementos. Easter egg foils are her favorite. Craft supplies, too. She hangs all of the children’s art, to her husband’s chagrin. Then one Easter weekend, a tragedy so devastating occurs that, almost imperceptibly, it begins to tear the family apart. Years pass and the children have become adults, while Lorelei has become the county’s worst hoarder. She has alienated her husband and children and has been living as a recluse. But then something happens that beckons the Bird family back to the house they grew up in—to finally understand the events of that long-ago Easter weekend and to unearth the many secrets hidden within the nooks and crannies of home.
The House With a Dragon in it
by Nick LakeAn adventure to treasure from two multi award-winning creators, discover a classic story of family, friendship and believing in your own magic. When Summer and her foster family are having lunch one day, a hole appears in the middle of the living room. That hole leads to a dragon and the promise of three wishes, granted by a very unusual witch. Summer wishes for popularity and plenty of money, and things are looking up . . . until she realizes that the hole in the floor is getting bigger and the witch is getting more sinister. As things begin to unravel, will Summer get her dearest most secret wish? Nick Lake's classic story of dragons, witches and wish-fulfilment is beautifully illustrated by Emily Gravett.
The House With Chicken Legs
by Sophie AndersonAll 12-year-old Marinka wants is a friend. A real friend. Not like her house with chicken legs. Sure, the house can play games like tag and hide-and-seek, but Marinka longs for a human companion. Someone she can talk to and share secrets with. But that's tough when your grandmother is a Yaga, a guardian who guides the dead into the afterlife. It's even harder when you live in a house that wanders all over the world . . . carrying you with it. Even worse, Marinka is being trained to be a Yaga. That means no school, no parties -- and no playmates that stick around for more than a day. So when Marinka stumbles across the chance to make a real friend, she breaks all the rules . . . with devastating consequences. Her beloved grandmother mysteriously disappears, and it's up to Marinka to find her -- even if it means making a dangerous journey to the afterlife.With a mix of whimsy, humor, and adventure, this debut novel will wrap itself around your heart and never let go.
House with No Doors: A creepy and atmospheric psychological thriller
by Jeff NoonAt first glance, Leonard Graves’ death was unremarkable. Sleeping pills, a bottle of vodka, a note saying goodbye. But when Detective Henry Hobbes discovers a grave in the basement, he realizes there is something far more sinister at work. Further investigation unearths more disturbing evidence. Scattered around the old house are women’s dresses. All made of the same material. All made in the same colours. And all featuring a rip across the stomach, smeared in blood. As the investigation continues and the body count rises, Hobbes must also deal with the disappearance of his son, the break-up of his family and a growing sense that something horrific happened in the Graves’ household. And he’s running out of time to find out what.
The House without a Christmas Tree
by Gail RockIt's Christmastime in 1946, and all Addie wants is a pair of cowboy boots and a Christmas tree Ten-year-old Addie lives in Clear River, Nebraska, population fifteen hundred, with her stoic but loving father and quirky grandmother. Carla Mae is her neighbor and best friend in the fifth grade. Carla Mae's house is different than Addie's--she has five siblings and another on the way, while Addie is an only child. It's the week before Christmas, and shopping lists are at the front of the girls' minds. Addie's house doesn't have a tree--her dad says they are a waste of money, and they'll be opening presents at Uncle Will's anyway. Uncle Will has a tree, but to Addie, it doesn't feel like Christmas without a tree of their own. Then she comes up with the perfect plan. Will it make this the best Christmas they've ever had, or will her father never forgive her?
House Without Walls
by RussellFor most people, home is a place with four walls. It's a place to eat, sleep, rest, and live. For a refugee, the concept of home is ever-changing, ever-moving, ever-wavering. And often, it doesn't have any walls at all.Eleven-year-old Lam escapes from Vietnam with Dee Dee during the Vietnamese Boat People Exodus in 1979, when people from Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia fled their homelands for safety. For a refugee, the trip is a long and perilous one, filled with dangerous encounters with pirates and greedy sailors, a lack of food and water, and even the stench of a dead body onboard. When they finally arrive at a refugee camp, Lam befriends Dao, a girl her age who becomes like a sister-a welcome glimmer of happiness after a terrifying journey. Readers will feel as close to Lam as the jade pendant she wears around her neck, sticking by her side throughout her journey as she experiences fear, crushing loss, boredom, and some small moments of joy along the way. Written in verse, this is a heartfelt story that is sure to build empathy and compassion for refugees around the world escaping oppression.
A House Without Windows: A Novel
by Nadia HashimiA vivid, unforgettable story of an unlikely sisterhood--an emotionally powerful and haunting tale of friendship that illuminates the plight of women in a traditional culture--from the author of the bestselling The Pearl That Broke Its Shell and When the Moon Is Low.For two decades, Zeba was a loving wife, a patient mother, and a peaceful villager. But her quiet life is shattered when her husband, Kamal, is found brutally murdered with a hatchet in the courtyard of their home. Nearly catatonic with shock, Zeba is unable to account for her whereabouts at the time of his death. Her children swear their mother could not have committed such a heinous act. Kamal's family is sure she did, and demands justice.Barely escaping a vengeful mob, Zeba is arrested and jailed. As Zeba awaits trial, she meets a group of women whose own misfortunes have also led them to these bleak cells: thirty-year-old Nafisa, imprisoned to protect her from an honor killing; twenty-five-year-old Latifa, who ran away from home with her teenage sister but now stays in the prison because it is safe shelter; and nineteen-year-old Mezhgan, pregnant and unmarried, waiting for her lover's family to ask for her hand in marriage. Is Zeba a cold-blooded killer, these young women wonder, or has she been imprisoned, as they have been, for breaking some social rule? For these women, the prison is both a haven and a punishment. Removed from the harsh and unforgiving world outside, they form a lively and indelible sisterhood.Into this closed world comes Yusuf, Zeba's Afghan-born, American-raised lawyer, whose commitment to human rights and desire to help his motherland have brought him back. With the fate of this seemingly ordinary housewife in his hands, Yusuf discovers that, like Afghanistan itself, his client may not be at all what he imagines.A moving look at the lives of modern Afghan women, A House Without Windows is astonishing, frightening, and triumphant.
The House You Pass On The Way
by Jacqueline WoodsonA lyrical coming-of-age story from a three-time Newbery Honor winning authorThirteen-year-old Staggerlee used to be called Evangeline, but she took on a fiercer name. She's always been different--set apart by the tragic deaths of her grandparents in an anti-civil rights bombing, by her parents' interracial marriage, and by her family's retreat from the world. This summer she has a new reason to feel set apart--her confused longing for her friend Hazel. When cousin Trout comes to stay, she gives Staggerlee a first glimpse of her possible future selves and the world beyond childhood.
Houseboat
by Anne DavisWhat fun it must be to live in a houseboat! The family in this story resides in Florida, where they can explore the ocean and go fishing right from their home. Enjoy this glimpse into a child's life on a houseboat filled with sensory details.
Houseboat Mystery (The Boxcar Children Mysteries #12)
by Gertrude Chandler WarnerFour brave siblings were searching for a home – and found a life of adventure! Join the Boxcar Children as they investigate a mystery while vacationing on a houseboat in this illustrated chapter book series beloved by generations of readers.The Aldens spend their summer traveling in a houseboat! But when a black car shows up at every place they dock, the children begin to think someone is after something on the boat. Can the Boxcar Children figure out what the pursuer could be after?What started as a single story about the Alden Children has delighted readers for generations and sold more than 80 million books worldwide. Featuring timeless adventures, mystery, and suspense, The Boxcar Children® series continues to inspire children to learn, question, imagine, and grow.
Housebreaking
by Dan PopeIn this gripping, gorgeous literary drama, two suburban families are hopelessly entangled during an explosive Thanksgiving weekend that changes their lives forever.When Benjamin's wife kicks him out of their house, he returns to his childhood home in Connecticut to live with his widowed father. Lost, lonely, and doubting everything he felt he knew about marriage and love--even as his eighty-year-old father begins to date again--Benjamin is trying to put his life back together when he recognizes someone down the street: his high school crush, the untouchable Audrey Martin. Audrey has just moved to the neighborhood with her high-powered lawyer husband and their rebellious teenager, Emily. As it turns out, Audrey isn't so untouchable anymore, and she and Benjamin begin to discover, in each other's company, answers to many of their own deepest longings. Meanwhile, as the neighborhood is wracked by a mysterious series of robberies, Audrey seems to be hiding a tragic secret, and her husband, Andrew, becomes involved in a dangerous professional game he can never win. And, by the way, who is paying attention to Emily? Powerful, provocative, and psychologically gripping, Housebreaking explores the ways that two families--and four lives--can all too easily veer off track, losing sight of everyone, and everything, they once held dear. Like the best from Tom Perrotta and Rick Moody, who capture the darker truths of modern suburban life, this literary triumph from an immensely talented writer offers an insightful and funny, yet terrifyingly authentic portrait of modern suburban life that reveals, hauntingly, how little we know of one another's lives.