Faultland

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After the earthquake that levels their city, the Sparrow siblings have to find their way back to each other, physically and figuratively, and survive together. Suzy Vitello writes with elegance and beautiful particularity in this riveting page-turner that plumbs the tensions surrounding the ideological divisions of both family and country. Recommended By Gigi L., Powells.com

Being a Sparrow child has never been simple. Olivia, Sherman, and Morgan all have their faults, and they all cope with their tumultuous childhood in their own unstable ways: Olivia leads an excessive lifestyle, Morgan cycles through risky behaviors, and Sherman dabbles in morally precarious business practices. Up until now, they have kept their family from completely crumbling; but the cracks in their relationships are about to be unearthed. As their shaky foundations collide, an earthquake levels their city.

Olivia treks across a mutilated Portland to reach her family; Sherman finds it in himself to protect his siblings from militia looters and thugs; and Morgan uncovers the past wrongs of her parents. To make matters worse, their shelter is in the path of a mass of loose earth repeatedly shaken by aftershocks.

When the siblings finally reunite, their new task is to survive long enough to be medevaced from their childhood home in the face of an impending landslide. Previously separated by secrets and resentments, they realize they are now united by survival. If resources don't run out, if sickness doesn't overtake them, if alt-right militia members don't intervene, and if the wet mass of land speeding toward their makeshift shelter doesn't bury them, they will have to navigate their past traumas and their parents' mistakes. Only then can they honor those they have lost--and survive as a family.

Suzy Vitello writes and lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and her dog and occasionally one or more of their five kids. She holds an MFA from Antioch, Los Angeles, and has been a recipient of an Oregon Literary Arts grant. She's a ridiculous Portland Timbers and Thorns fan, so don't talk to her for at least a day after a match loss. Her young adult novels include The Moment Before and the Empress Chronicles series. Check out www.suzyvitello.com for info on books, events and upcoming workshops.