Lies We Tell Ourselves

Talley's first novel takes a close, honest look at school integration and sexual identity in a small fictional Virginia town in 1959. The story unfolds through the alternating narratives of two high school seniors: Linda Hairston, the white daughter of a journalist who writes editorials opposing integration, and Sarah Dunbar, one of 10 new black students at their recently integrated high school, where racial tensions are running high. When Linda and Sarah are forced to work together on a class project, they are immediately drawn toward one another and mutually terrified of their attraction. Linda, as a result of her abusive father's influence, views integration as an irritating disruption, while Sarah eloquently debates Linda's negative perceptions. Chapters begin with lies that Sarah and Linda disprove, such as "I'm not brave enough for this" and "None of this has anything to do with me." Talley details the girls' growth as they learn to form their own moral codes, while steeping readers in a pivotal moment of history. Ages 14%E2%80%93up. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel & Goderich Literary Management. (Oct.)