Dispatches from Parts Unknown

February 19, 2024
A mourning Minneapolis teen’s final semester of high school takes a surprising turn in this hopeful novel from Bliss (Thoughts & Prayers). Since Julie’s father died three years ago, she’s been engaged in silent conversation with an imaginary version of her dad’s favorite pro wrestler, the Masked Man. Julie and the Man typically spend their free time watching old wrestling matches that her dad recorded, and visiting her best friend Max during his shifts at the mall’s Orange Julius. Then Julie’s teacher, Mr. Wentz, asks her to help plan prom. The committee is mired in conflict, he claims, and needs no-nonsense Julie to cut “through the crap.” A reluctant Julie expects to hate every moment; however, in the process of mediating a weeks-long argument between Catholic school transfer student Briar and skateboarder Leg regarding the suitability of Top Gun as a prom theme, Julie finally starts to heal. The plot lacks complexity and the Masked Man conceit feels haphazardly integrated, but Bliss writes incisively about grief, approaching a weighty topic with empathy, grace, and genial humor. Sweet, caring relationships—parental, platonic, and romantic—add to the uplifting tone. All characters cue as white. Ages 13–up. Agent: Michael Bourret, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret.

March 15, 2024
The complicated nature of grief and an unusual path to understanding life through the lens of pro wrestling mania are explored in this novel about a St. Paul, Minnesota, teen whose father died three years ago. Eighteen-year-old Julie and her mom have escaped the emotional fog that overtook them when their beloved dad and husband died unexpectedly, but the gaping hole he left is still a constant in their lives. Julie struggles to like the new guy her mom is seeing, even though she truly wants her to be happy. In addition, she still leans heavily on the conversations she has in her head with the Masked Man, a professional wrestler she and her dad followed as part of their dedication to the sport (her mom found it all a bit embarrassing). This emotionally honest, touching work of contemporary fiction is grounded in the details of Julie's life, such as the world of professional wrestling, the Mall of America, and her obsession with Orange Julius (where her earnest, wildly endearing best friend, Max, works). Julie's wryly funny, self-deprecating, and authentic narrative voice, the wide cast of eccentric but realistically drawn characters whom she begins to let in as the story progresses, and the beautiful, unshowy writing will keep readers going all the way to the auspicious end. Major characters are cued white. A smart, poignant meditation on losing someone you love and living with the loss. (Fiction. 13-18)

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April 15, 2024
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* Since her dad died three years ago, 18-year-old Julie has been having ongoing conversations with an imagined professional wrestler, the Masked Man, who lives in her head. "I think they [call] it intrusive thoughts," she explains in her irresistible first-person voice. A few people know about the Masked Man, like her best friend Max and her favorite teacher, Mr. Wentz, who strongly recommends that she join the prom committee. Against her better judgment, she does, meeting Briar, chair of the committee and two skater guys, Leg and God, who--to Briar's horror--insist on being part of the committee, too. One of the joys of this terrific, character-driven novel is watching these lives intersect. Max and Briar, for example, start dating, while Leg, a sweetheart, nervously invites Julie to the prom. While much of this is lighthearted, there is a serious aspect as well: Julie's grief for her dead father gives a poignancy that adds depth to her character and is never maudlin. Indeed, the engaging tone of this terrific novel is spot on, while Bliss (Thoughts and Prayers, 2020) demonstrates a welcome gift for dialogue. In a novel that features professional wrestling, some jargon is inevitable--like kayfabe, the willing suspension of disbelief. Happily, no kayfabe is required to know that this, so far, is the feel-good novel of the year.

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July 19, 2024

Gr 9 Up-Ever since 18-year-old Julie's dad died three years ago, she's been looking for ways to hold on to him. While her mom has become obsessed with health and has started dating again, Julie has been pushing people away, obsessively drinking Orange Julius at the Mall of America, watching her dad's favorite wrestling VHS tapes, and trying to live her life despite her ever-present sadness. Oh, and ever since her dad died, Julie's been hearing the voice of his favorite professional wrestler in her head: the Masked Man, who hadn't been seen-or relevant-in years. Meanwhile, a concerned teacher pushes Julie out of her comfort zone, and with the help of friends old and new-and a cute-but-goofy prom-obsessed skateboarder named Leg-she may just find the strength to move forward. Julie is a well-imagined, strong female lead, and the portrayal of her humor and strength is balanced with the way she navigates grief, loss, and love. The relationship dynamics and challenges the characters face are complex and thoughtfully constructed. This book reminds readers that grief is not a one-size-fits-all process, and it opens a window into the world of professional wrestling and its fandom. VERDICT A unique and moving portrait of grief and love set against the backdrop of professional wrestling.-Heather M. Campbell

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