First published 2017
In a quiet town, four notebooks appear, each containing the private thoughts of a different resident. As the notebooks circulate, they offer glimpses into the struggles, hopes, and unexpected connections that shape these ordinary lives. Grappling with grief, a mother seeks solace. A young artist dreams of escape. A retired teacher faces loneliness. A family confronts a crisis. Though their stories differ, the notebook keepers discover that wonder can be found in the most unassuming moments — a shared meal, a new friendship, a child's smile. This poignant novel reminds us that even in our darkest hours, small acts of compassion have the power to transform.
Genres: literary-fiction, family-life, contemporary
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, slice-of-life
192 pages · Diary · Clarkson Potter