Remember me?
I don’t even want to think about how long it’s been since I last posted here. So much has happened since then. I’ve written another book and a half. I bought a house. I got married. I started a new literary festival. I’ve been busy, man.
Anyway, here I am, back again, which can only mean one thing.
A new book.
Ah, yes. I’m pleased to announce that my new novel, SETTING FREE THE KITES, will be published by Penguin Random House on February 21, 2017.
Here’s the blurb from the back cover:
A powerful coming-of-age story of love, loss, and hope from the author of the #1 Indie Next pick A Good American.
Robert Carter and Nathan Tilly are unlikely friends. Robert is cautious and reticent; Nathan is curious, daring, and an eternal optimist. Yet when they meet on the first day of school in a coastal Maine town in the 1970s, they form a bond that they come to depend on as tragedy strikes both their families.
As they each struggle to come to terms with loss, together Robert and Nathan find comfort in unexpected places: the blistering crash of punk records, the mysteries of a long-closed paper mill, and kites soaring high above a windswept beach. And when both boys take summer jobs at the local rundown amusement park, they discover some unexpected truths about family, desire, and the costs of misplaced hope.
Compelling, heart-breaking, and deeply human, Setting Free the Kites is a funny, moving drama that explores the pain and joy of childhood, and the glories of youthful friendship.
So, brace yourselves, people. From hereon out I’ll be posting here for publication news and other nonsense that pops into my head. Do check back if you can… and of course feel free to leave a comment.
Cheers!
Alex
Comments 7
Hello,
I work at the Bookworm of Edwards in CO. I loved The Good American and read Kites in December and LOVED it too. You are such a great storyteller, your books are filled with great characters and engaging storylines. I’m sure you have been compared to John Irving but that will be my lead in/comparison when hand selling your new book. If you are in the Vail area (great skiing) please let us know, we’d love to have you visit.
Hi Karin! Thanks so much for such a lovely note. So happy you enjoyed KITES! No plans to be in Vail, unfortunately, but if that changes I’ll let you know…! Thanks again for reaching out!
Hi Alex
I absolutely loved A Good American! You tell a story that is so compelling, I couldn’t put it down. I’m looking forward to reading Setting Free The Kites soon.
Ann
Excited to be announcing your new book as our book club pick tomorrow night! Will follow up with our reviews! Really enjoyed your last book!
Julie
Yay! Happy to hear it! Thanks for letting me know. (I’d be happy to Skype in and answer questions if you like…)
I just finished reading “Setting Free the Kites.” It was a wonderful experience! Like Robert, I lost my brother. He died of cancer just a month before his twelfth birthday in 1960. I was thirteen at the time. I could identify so readily with Robert’s feelings after the death of his brother Liam. The grieving process was intense . . . not only for me but also for my Mom and Dad. You captured that process very effectively. Thanks for the wonderful reading experience.
Hi Alex,
I just wanted to thank you for Setting Free the Kites. It was beautiful. I binge-listened to the audio book, which was wonderful, but I definitely need to pick up a paperback copy to go on my bookshelf. Looks like A Good American will be next on my list!
-Janet