Join us for a reading, Q&A and book signing to celebrate the release of Fiona Warnick's debut novel, The Skunks.
About the book:
"Reminiscent of Elif Batuman and Sally Rooney, Fiona Warnick’s precise and tender prose captures the formative moments of a young woman’s life, from the slow burn of a new crush to the swish of a skunk’s tail.
From the outside, Isabel doesn’t seem to have much going on. It’s the summer after college graduation and she’s moved back to her hometown, where she spends her days house-sitting, babysitting, working the front desk at a yoga studio, and hanging out with her childhood friend Ellie. But on the inside, Isabel’s mind is always running, always analyzing, and right now, she’s trying hard to not let her thoughts give weight to boys. So when Isabel spots three baby skunks in the yard, their presence is not only a strangely thrilling break from the expected, it feels like a fortuitous sign from the universe. Skunks. That’s what she should be thinking about.
As the summer unfolds, Isabel becomes increasingly preoccupied with the skunks, while also navigating her various jobs and an ambiguous relationship with Eli, the son of the couple she’s house-sitting for. In her own life and in the imagined inner lives of the skunks, Isabel ponders the nature of existence, love vs. infatuation, and the many small moments that make us animal, make us human. The Skunks is an unforgettable coming-of-age story about the complexities of crushes, desire, friendship, and modern life."
"The Skunks is a gleaming, zany little gem—a novel that perfectly captures the weirdness of being young and just out of college, and not sure what comes next. Compassionate, quirky, and beautifully written, I adored it."
—Annie Hartnett, author of Rabbit Cake and Unlikely Animals
"An inventive new novel that ensures you’ll never think of skunks the same way. "
—Chelsea Bieker, author of Godshot and Heartbroke
About the author:
Fiona Warnick grew up in Western Massachusetts and holds a BA in Creative Writing from Oberlin College, where she won the Emma Howell Poetry Prize. She teaches preschool in Providence, RI.
Preorder the book here to pick it up at the event and have it signed!
The conversation will be moderated by Serena Zets.
Serena Zets is a journalist and storyteller based in Washington, D.C. by way of Pittsburgh. She is a regular contributor to Washington City Paper and firmly believes in the power and necessity of local journalism. In addition to City Paper, their writing and reporting has appeared in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Lux, Hooligan Magazine, Mixed Mag, 100 Days in Appalachia, Apartment Therapy, and more. They have also been quoted in The Nation, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and The 19th. You can follow them here: https://twitter.com/SerenaZets.
Accessibility note: This event is up two flights of stairs and Lost City Books does not have an elevator. Please email events@lostcitybookstore.com with any accessibility questions or requests.
This is a free event. No ticket necessary to get in, but RSVPs are appreciated as they help us anticipate the number of guests. Come early to get a seat!