Lauren Kirshner is a graduate of the University of Toronto’s M.A. program in English in the field of Creative Writing, where she was mentored by Margaret Atwood. Kirshner lives in Toronto, where she is at work on her second novel. For more information, become a fan of Where We Have to Go on Facebook.
“[Where We Have to Go] wins the reader over with a masterful comic
touch and a canny distillation of the painful experience of growing
up different…. Kirshner has created a perceptive and likeable
protagonist in Lucy. Her observations on growing up in a struggling
Jewish family offer moments of laugh-out-loud hilarity…. Evocative
and compelling….”
— Quill & Quire
“An impressive debut from a gifted writer.”
— NOW magazine
“Lauren Kirshner creates a first-person narrator you never stop
rooting for. . . . [Where We Have to Go] highlights Kirshner as a
new novelist to watch. A very strong, original debut.”
— Zoe Whittall, Globe and Mail
“Tenderly and meticulously rendered. . . . This novel is well worth
reading. Lucy’s voice is smart and strong and clear, and like the
young author who created her, it deserves to be heard.”
— Winnipeg Free Press
“Canadian authors excel at the precocious female protagonist, and
Kirshner's character is a worthy addition to the bunch.”
— Chatelaine
“Lucy's circumstances are enough to break your heart, but they'll
also make you bust out laughing — Kirshner's wry humour will
see to that.”
— Canadian Living
“Kirshner has a lot of talent that occasionally reaches sublime
heights, plus her comic timing is spot on. Some of the characters
in this novel, such as artistic Erin, are quite unique literary
conceptions who are not only compelling but borderline enchanting.
”
— Edmonton Vue Weekly
"[Where We Have to Go] is a novel about resilience, the human urge
to overcome sorrow, trials and tribulations... Lauren Kirshner has
created a world that is believable, touching and a reminder that
the journey through life, while not always pleasant, can always get
better with time, growth, and understanding."
— Owen Sound Sun-Times
"Combines rich and vivid characters with evocative imagery to tell
a compelling tale of adolescence. . . . Kirshner’s whole cast of
artfully drawn characters maintains consistently compelling voices.
. . . Kirshner uniquely captures with levity and humour the
familiar (and painful) experiences of growing up different."
— The Varsity
"Deeply emotionally resonant, Where We Have to Go celebrates the
very real triumphs and tribulations of teenage years with
understanding and love without letting the characters off the hook
for their choices. You’ll recognize yourself and those you love
while getting to know the brilliantly drawn characters unique to
the pages of this book."
— The Advent Book Blog: Great Books Recommended by Great
People
“[Lauren Kirshner is] fast emerging as one of Toronto's most
talented new authors....”
— Toronto Star
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