cover image Just Get Home

Just Get Home

Bridget Foley. Mira, $17.99 trade paper (336p) ISBN 978-0-7783-3159-9

A powerful earthquake in downtown Los Angeles leaves buildings and roads collapsed and phone service gone in this heart-pounding tale of urban survival by Foley ([em]Hugo & Rose [/em]). Dessa , a single mom on a rare night out, desperately braves the chaos to somehow get home to her toddler daughter, Olivia , in Van Nuys. Along the way, Dessa witnesses the rape of Beegie , a tough 14-year-old girl in conflict with the most recent of her abusive foster families when the earthquake hits, but can’t find a way to intervene. Beegie later interrupts a violent attack on Dessa and, as they travel together, they become invested in helping each other. Though Foley occasionally leans into using women’s trauma as voyeuristic entertainment, she gives both Dessa and Beegie agency within complex lives and the nuanced emotional strength required to live through difficult circumstances. Crisp pacing helps suspend disbelief about the lack of rescue services from unaffected surrounding areas. Readers will breathlessly root for Beegie, Dessa, and Olivia, who has a key part to play at the climax. Agent: Brandi Bowles, United Talent Agency. (Apr.)