Quakeland — Francesca Lia Block

“[Francesca Lia] Block writes about the real Los Angeles better than anyone since Raymond Chandler.” -- The New York Times Book Review

“[Block] uses language like a jeweled sword glittering as it cuts to the heart.” -- Kirkus Reviews

After enduring from afar a seemingly endless series of outside worldwide disasters -- including 9/11 and the Asian tsunami -- while living in earthquake-prone Los Angeles, a bereft Katrina experiences deep inner longings for some sense of permanence, meaning, and intimacy. A preschool teacher contemplating the unsettling challenges of her mid-life, she finds solace in the company of her dear friend Grace, and conflict in the arms of a narcissistic yoga instructor, Jasper.

In this intertwining series of emotionally charged stories, wistful characters weave together a dance of joy and sorrow, gain and loss, harmony and dissonance. Beautifully written, Quakeland speaks in a deeply stirring female voice to an unspoken sense of universal longing that seems quietly prevalent in these times. It is a brave, poetic work that acknowledges the pain and loss we live with every day, and offers hope -- through art and through connection -- of something more.

Francesca Lia Block is renowned for her groundbreaking novels and stories, including the best-selling Weetzie Bat -- postmodern, magic-realist tales for all ages. Her work transports readers through the harsh landscapes of contemporary life to magic realms of the senses where love is always a saving grace. She lives in Los Angeles.