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About The Book

The “quiet emergence from despair rings true” (Kirkus Reviews) in this resonant debut novel about retreating from the world after losing everything.

Wren Wells is hiding out. Though she lived through the accident that killed her boyfriend Patrick, the girl she used to be didn’t survive. Instead of heading off to college as planned, Wren retreats to her father’s studio in the northern woods of Maine. All she wants is a little quiet, a place where she can be in control.

Then she meets Cal Owen. Dealing with his own troubles, Cal is hiding out too. When the chemistry between them threatens to pull Wren from her hard-won exile, Wren has to choose: risk opening her broken heart to the world again, or join the ghosts who haunt her.

About The Author

(c) 2012 Doug McNamara

Amy McNamara has an MFA in poetry from the Warren Wilson MFA Program for Writers. Lovely, Dark and Deep is her first novel and an ABC New Voices Pick. She lives in Brooklyn, New York. Visit her at AmyMcNamara.com.

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (October 16, 2012)
  • Length: 352 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781442434387
  • Ages: 14 - 99

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Raves and Reviews

“The story of Wren’s overwhelming grief and fragile new love is truthful, poetic and unflinchingly raw. An emotional and deeply insightful read.”

– E. Lockhart, author of The Boyfriend List and the Printz Honor and National Book Award Finalist The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

“In achingly beautiful prose, Amy McNamara has written a story of grief and bravery and hope that has the power to both haunt and heal. LOVELY, DARK AND DEEP is a masterful debut.”

– Nina LaCour, author of Hold Still and The Disenchantments

“LOVELY, DARK AND DEEP earns each one of its title’s adjectives. Wren is one of the most compelling narrators I've ever come across. Her heart is large, her voice is convincing, and her journey matters...I'll keep this book on my shelf, and return to its riches again and again.”

– Laura Kasischke, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Space, in Chains

"Wren’s quiet emergence from despair rings true."

– Kirkus Reviews

"This first novel, like the poem alluded to in the title, finds beauty, wonder, trepidation, and
determination quietly and in small moments."

– Booklist

Awards and Honors

  • ALA Best Books for Young Adults Nominee
  • ILA Children's and Young Adults'

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