Kelly Easton Livres

Liberty Aimes has spent all of her ten years captive in her parents' crooked old house on Gooch Street. Her spry father, Mal Aimes, is a crook who sells insurance, while her overweight mother sits at home in front of the TV, demanding that Liberty cook nonstop, everything from fried clams and fried hot dogs to ice cream sundaes. Liberty's only knowledge of the outside world comes from the secret stash of children's books and fairy tales she discovered beneath the floorboards.    One day, Liberty works up the courage to enter her father's forbidden basement laboratory. There she discovers a world of talking animals and magic potions. With the aid of one such potion, Liberty escapes into the world--and learns that she can talk to animals. She decides her destiny is to find the renowned Sullivan School, where she can live and get an education. Along the way, she meets a wacky cast of characters--some become true friends, but others want to kidnap her.

The story follows seventeen-year-old Adam, who faces an unimaginable tragedy when a car accident claims the lives of his parents. In a state of shock, he embarks on a solitary journey back to Rhode Island, confronting the challenges of survival on the road. This haunting narrative delves into Adam's emotional turmoil as he navigates his grief, ultimately striving to transform despair into hope and reclaim his sense of freedom.

Exploring the complexities of mental health and interpersonal dynamics, the narrative alternates between Sage and her eccentric friends. Through their perspectives, it addresses important themes such as bipolar disorder and the challenges of unhealthy relationships, offering a sensitive and realistic portrayal of these issues.

The narrative explores a profound longing for connection and transcendence, depicted through a vivid dream of being embraced by a crowd of spiritually awakened individuals. The imagery of pale leaves and white limbs conveys a sense of ethereal beauty and communal support, suggesting a deep yearning for unity and belonging. The protagonist envisions being passed among the crowd, symbolizing a desire for acceptance and the uplifting power of collective faith.