cover image The Long Wait for Tomorrow

The Long Wait for Tomorrow

Joaquin Dorfman. Random, $16.99 (352p) ISBN 978-0-375-84694-6

In this thoughtful exploration of free will versus predestination, high school senior Patrick, a talented musician, barely registers on his parents' radar. They're unable to move past the death of Patrick's younger brother and, like everyone else in Patrick's town, they're enraptured by his best friend, Kelly, a golden boy and star quarterback headed to Ohio State on a football scholarship. That is, until the day Kelly wakes up a changed man. Unable to remember specific details about the present, filled with an irrational, newfound joy and possessing traits he lacked before (including a love of coffee and a talent for shooting pool), this Kelly seems determined to live life to the fullest. He also claims he's from 20 years in the future, where he is in a mental institution. As Patrick, Kelly and his girlfriend, Jenna, work to answer these questions, they race against the clock to prevent a tragedy that could affect all of their futures. Though the crisis at the end is somewhat predictable, Dorfman's (Playing It Cool) prose is magnetic and will keep readers guessing alongside his protagonists. Ages 12%E2%80%94up. (Sept.)