First published 2024
Adina Giorno enters the world in Philadelphia as Voyager 1 launches into space with its golden record. Born tiny and jaundiced to a single mother, she reaches toward warmth and light from her first moments. As she grows, Adina knows she differs from other children. She carries knowledge of a distant planet and understands her true purpose on Earth. When a fax machine arrives, Adina discovers she can communicate with her extraterrestrial family. They have sent her as an observer to study human behavior. Year after year, she sends reports about the strange ways of Earthlings, documenting both their fears and unexpected moments of joy. Adina builds a life among humans while maintaining her secret mission. She moves through their world, watching and learning. A close friend eventually encourages her to share these transmissions with others. The suggestion raises a startling possibility that Adina might not be the only one of her kind on Earth.
Genres: science-fiction, literary-fiction, coming-of-age, fantasy
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, secret-mission
Setting: Philadelphia
Period: Voyager 1 Launch
327 pages · Hardcover · Farrar, Straus and Giroux