Michelle Wildgen is a senior editor at Tin House. Her first novel, You're Not You, a New York Times Editor's Choice and one of People Magazine's Ten Best Books of 2006, and was made into a film starring Hilary Swank and Denise DiNovi. She is also the author of the acclaimed novel But Not for Long. Wildgen's work has appeared in O, The Oprah Magazine, The New York Times, and literary journals including Prairie Schooner and TriQuarterly.
"Michelle Wildgen writes with a fresh, appealing honesty and has done a marvelous job of capturing that youthful moment in our lives when we are like sponges ready to soak up someone else's character, taste, and charm." --Francine Prose, People (four stars, Critic's Choice) "A complex and satisfying dish: a story of intimate strangers and their impact on each other's lives." --O, The Oprah Magazine "A fresh, accomplished first novel . . . tackles challenging material with honesty and a clear eye." --Kirkus Reviews "A deeply sensual book." --The Believer "Wildgen's debut showcases the talent that won her inclusion in Best New American Voices 2004, and should take her further still." --Publishers Weekly
Bec isn't sure what she wants to do with her life. She hates her major, advertising, and is having an affair with a married college professor that's exciting but obviously can't last. Looking through the want ads for a summer job, she finds a notice about a couple needing a caregiver. Kate is a wealthy woman with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease). Her husband, Evan, trains Bec to take care of Kate-giving her a bath, lifting her, feeding her through a feeding tube, and more. At first, Bec is nervous, but slowly she becomes an intricate and seasoned part of Kate's life. Kate in turn teaches Bec how to cook and helps her uncover emotional skills she didn't know she had. Wildgen's first novel is an intriguing look at caregiving and the emotional risks and rewards that each person takes and receives. With the help of the well-developed and believable characters, readers become immersed in the story, which makes for a very satisfying read. Recommended for most public libraries, especially where there is an interest in first novels.-Robin Nesbitt, Columbus Metropolitan Lib., OH Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
"Michelle Wildgen writes with a fresh, appealing honesty and has done a marvelous job of capturing that youthful moment in our lives when we are like sponges ready to soak up someone else's character, taste, and charm." --Francine Prose, People (four stars, Critic's Choice) "A complex and satisfying dish: a story of intimate strangers and their impact on each other's lives." --O, The Oprah Magazine "A fresh, accomplished first novel . . . tackles challenging material with honesty and a clear eye." --Kirkus Reviews "A deeply sensual book." --The Believer "Wildgen's debut showcases the talent that won her inclusion in Best New American Voices 2004, and should take her further still." --Publishers Weekly
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