Love Times Infinity

Black 17-year-old Michelle Cooper, who was born of sexual assault, struggles with her self-worth in the lead-up to adulthood in Clarke’s emotionally layered debut. Michie wants nothing more than to study English literature at Brown University, but every college essay feels like a request to detail her life trauma; moreover, Michie isn’t sure her complicated relationship with her estranged mother, therapy sessions for children of sexual abuse victims, and her panic attacks make her a prime university candidate. Then she meets 18-year-old Black and Mexican Derek de la Rosa, who moved from San Francisco to Richmond, Va., following a family death. Immediately smitten, Derek enlists Michie’s help with Spanish to get closer, but her self-doubt constantly sabotages their deepening relationship. When Michie’s mother reaches out for the first time since her seventh birthday, Michie must confront her self-loathing and unaddressed feelings of abandonment to forge ahead toward the future she both wants and deserves. Clarke artfully explores weighty topics such as trauma, grief, and abandonment using pensive narration, and mirthful dialogue provides levity. Michie’s encouraging support systems, healthy relationship with therapy, and heart-wrenching journey toward self-acceptance depicts a story overflowing with kindness and healing. Ages 13–up. Agent: Peter Knapp, Park & Fine Literary. (July)