Synopsis:

Rachel Berman wants everything to be perfect. The overprotective single mother of two, she is acutely aware of the statistical dangers lurking around every corner--which makes her snap decision to aid a stranded motorist wholly uncharacteristic. Leonard Bean is stuck on the shoulder with Olivia, his rodent-obsessed, relentlessly curious, learning disabled 10-year-old daughter. To the chagrin of Rachel's children, who are about to be linked to the most mocked girl in school, Rachel and Len begin dating. And when her father receives terrible news, little Olivia needs a hero more than ever.

But the world refuses to be predictable. When personal crisis profoundly alters Rachel's relationship with this very wild, very special little girl, this perfectionist mother finds herself drawn into a mystery from her past and toward a new appreciation for her own children's imperfect lives.

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Topics/Categories:

Adoption, Learning Disorders, Non-verbal Learning Disorders, Teenage Sexuality

Type of Work:

Novel

Publishers:

HarperCollins

Awards:

Cohen shortlisted for Commonwealth Prize for debut novel Town House

Purchase From:

Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble

Original Publish Date:

2008-12-08

Formats:

Trade paperback