Here, There, Everywhere

In this lighthearted romance, Zeus’s mother moves the family from Chicago to middle-of-nowhere Illinois to open a café. Friendless and aimless, Zeus has little to do beyond helping his mother with lunch deliveries—with his WWII-obsessed younger brother, Grub, in tow, imagining battles the entire way. During a stop at a nursing home, he meets musically talented Rose and stumbles into a community of rambunctious elderly residents. Durango (The Leveller) and first-time author Terrones infuse Zeus’s narration with reflection, emotion, and hope as he ventures into new friendships and into first love with Rose, who is planning to move to New York City to study music. This story is as much about family as it is about romance: Zeus’s close but challenging relationship with Grub takes center stage throughout, and their mother is an invested, perceptive parent whom Zeus confides in. Readers should find it easy to fall for Zeus and everyone else in his new life in this breezily enjoyable novel about new beginnings. Ages 13–up. Agency: Adams Literary. (Dec.)