Set in post-World War II Europe, the story follows Crystal Autry, a charming yet manipulative young woman from a small Alabama town. As she navigates her new surroundings, Crystal embarks on a quest for fleeting romances and comfortable living, all while seeking to uncover a missing piece of her own history. Her journey is filled with intrigue and self-discovery against the backdrop of a changing world.
Skinny Malink's encounter with Rosemary Fingerhat opens the door to a fascinating realm centered around cats. This new world invites exploration of the unique relationships and adventures that unfold, highlighting the bond between humans and their feline companions. Through this journey, themes of friendship and discovery emerge, showcasing the transformative power of connection in an enchanting setting.
The collection features twenty-four short stories that explore themes of family dysfunction, the complexities of dating in Manhattan, and the enigmatic nature of love. Drawing on the author's diverse teaching experiences in England, Italy, Korea, and Turkey, each tale offers a unique perspective on human relationships and emotional struggles, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultural insights and personal narratives.
Sixteen-year-old Jocelyn Nye is quick, glib, and little. As a member of the incoming freshman class at a women's college, Joss is domiciled on campus at Harmon House with a gaggle of other girls who have never been away from home before. It is not long before Joss is immersed in not just the abundance of social activities that surround Harmon House, but also the academic expectations of the university. As she eagerly looks forward to her first writing class, Joss sets a goal to create literature worthy of publication. While making friends amid costume parties, sing-alongs, and long conversations and exploring all that accompanies her venture into womanhood, Joss focuses on enlightening the world with her writing. Mocked by some, encouraged by others, and mentored by a supportive writing professor, she rents a summer cottage with an interesting history and eventually produces a novel. Now only time will tell if she can overcome criticism and achieve the resounding literary success she has always dreamed of. In this compelling historical novel, a witty teenager embarks on a unique coming-of-age journey where she learns about friendship, love, and whether she has the gumption to become a published author.