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The Tragedy of Dane Riley: A Novel

The Tragedy of Dane Riley: A Novel

Current price: $19.94
Publication Date: June 22nd, 2021
Publisher:
Wednesday Books
ISBN:
9781250124807
Pages:
320

Description

“In this necessary tale grappling with some of the prickly parts of life—mental health, loss, friendshipSpears proves once again that she's a master, not just of the teenage voice, but also of carefully crafting stories with both heart and teeth. Stories that bond themselves to readers and live with them—in them—far after the last page.” —Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestselling author of Stamped and Long Way Down

A teen confronts his feelings about his father’s death, his new family, and the girl next door in this emotional young adult novel from critically-acclaimed author Kat Spears

Dane Riley’s grasp on reality is slipping, and he’s not sure that he cares. While his mother has moved on after his father’s death, Dane desperately misses the man who made Dane feel okay to be himself. He can’t stand his mother’s boyfriend, or the boyfriend’s son, whose favorite pastime is tormenting Dane. Then there’s the girl next door: Dane can’t quite define their relationship, and he doesn’t know if he’s got the courage to leave the friend zone.

An emotional novel about mental health, and dealing with grief and growing up, The Tragedy of Dane Riley is the story of a teenager looking to make sense of his feelings in the wake of tragedy, and finding the strength he needs to make life worth living.

About the Author

Kat Spears grew up moving every few years and is still looking for her hometown. Kat writes realistic, edgy, honest, sometimes heartbreaking, often funny books about and for young people. Being a teenager sucked for Kat, and she’s still trying to write her way out of it. She spends her free time rearing caterpillars, vacuuming up dog hair, and writing letters the old-fashioned way. Her favorite job, ever, is being the mother of three perfect and hilarious humans. She is the author of Sway, Breakaway, and The Boy Who Killed Grant Parker.

Praise for The Tragedy of Dane Riley: A Novel

“In this necessary tale grappling with some of the prickly parts of life—mental health, loss, friendship—Spears proves once again that she's a master, not just of the teenage voice, but also of carefully crafting stories with both heart and teeth. Stories that bond themselves to readers and live with them—in them—far after the last page.” —Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestselling author of Stamped and Long Way Down

Praise for Kat Spears:

“A rare study of growing pains that gives equal weight to humor and hardship.” - Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review) on Breakaway

“A painfully honest and powerful depiction of the changing nature of friendships in the face of hardship and an exploration of what it means 'to be human and alive.'” - Booklist (Starred Review) on Breakaway

"Spears showcases a talent for creating believably flawed characters seeking connection in the aftermath of tragedy." - Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) on Breakaway

“This sad yet hopeful romance will appeal to readers of Steven Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why.” - School Library Journal on Breakaway

“Sharp dialogue, edgy humor, and an unlikely hero make this page-turner a winner.” - Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) on Sway

“A compelling debut told with swagger and real depth.” - Kirkus (Starred Review) on Sway

“Raw, honest…A gritty take on the male high school experience.” —Booklist on Sway

“A page turner about high school's victims and villains -- and about layers of callousness that spring from true grief. ” —Meg Medina, Pura Belpre award-winning author of Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass on Sway