A Flicker in the Clarity

Seventeen-year-olds Evie and Emma are best friends, but since the death of Emma’s brother in a drunk-driving accident, Emma has been spiraling out of control. Evie grows frustrated by what she sees as Emma’s increasingly reckless behavior (sneaking out, partying, and dating older men). In Emma’s absence, Evie meets Theo, an enigmatic boy with his own painful past who helps her in her quest to save Emma from herself. Evie and Emma’s relationship is thoughtfully constructed; the highs and lows of what has transformed into a twisted version of friendship are realistically rendered. Readers will identify with Evie’s struggle to balance her desire to help her friend with her own needs and emotional health. Evie’s penchant for making maps—of neighborhoods, of people, of souls—adds complexity to her character, illustrating her need to make sense of the world while highlighting how devastating she finds Emma’s absence and self-destructive behavior. McNamara (Lovely, Dark, and Deep) gives readers a quiet, brooding story of friendship and learning when it’s time to let go. Ages 14–up. Agent: Sara Crowe, Pippin Properties. [em](June) [/em]