NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • ONE OF TIME’S TOP 10 CHILDREN’S BOOKS OF THE YEAR • A young girl who has always stood on the outside of her family finds comfort and belonging with the Chatham family—especially their enigmatic son, Mac.
“A poignant, honest story about how we might suffer the misfortune of someone else’s bad choices . . . and how starting over might—miraculously—mean taking a solid leap forward.”—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of My Sister’s Keeper
“It unpacks the perplexities of guilt, friendships, and family dynamics.”—The Boston Globe
Sydney has always felt invisible. She’s grown accustomed to her brother, Peyton, being the focus of the family’s attention and, lately, concern. Peyton is handsome and charismatic, but seems bent on self-destruction. Now, after a drunk-driving accident that crippled a boy, Peyton’s serving some serious jail time, and Sydney is on her own, questioning her place in the family and the world.
Then she meets the Chatham family. Drawn into their warm, chaotic circle, Sydney experiences unquestioning acceptance for the first time. There’s effervescent Layla, who constantly falls for the wrong guy, Rosie, who’s had her own fall from grace, and Mrs. Chatham, who even though ailing is the heart of the family. But it’s with older brother Mac—quiet, watchful, and protective—that Sydney finally feels seen, really seen, at last.
