Jesse Lonergan Libri

Set in Turkmenistan, the story follows Joe, an American who befriends Azat, an endlessly optimistic local. Through humorous anecdotes of desert cab rides, vodka-fueled nights, and quirky business ventures, the narrative explores the absurdities of life under an eccentric regime. The backdrop of a president who launches poetry into space and enforces bizarre laws adds to the surreal atmosphere. Ultimately, the book highlights resilience and hope amid chaos, drawing from the author's own Peace Corps experiences in the region.

To survive after crash landing on an alien planet, a vacationer must battle against a hostile environment, killer lizards, corporate bureaucracy, and the pessimism of her sole companion, the drug-addled captain of the ship.

The story explores Kyle's adjustment to a new city and job, where he unexpectedly connects with his neighbor, Erika. Their budding relationship quickly intensifies, raising questions about whether they are genuinely compatible or merely seeking to escape their loneliness. Amidst the highs of their romance, Kyle grapples with unsettling nightmares about losing his teeth, adding a layer of psychological tension. This blend of emotional highs and doubts invites readers to ponder the complexities of love and the fears that can accompany it.

Winner of: 2015 ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens Nominated for: 2015 YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers As the summer of 1998 nears, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa are racing each other to break the home-run record, Bill Clinton is being questioned about a certain Monica Lewinsky, Semisonic's "Closing Time" is top of the charts, and Carl Carter is leading the Elizabeth Monarchs of rural Vermont to the state championship his senior year. The world is Carl's oyster: a full scholarship to the University of Maine awaits, going pro after college isn't out of the question, and he's so good he can do whatever he wants—until, that is, he makes one very arrogant mistake. Acclaimed graphic novelist Jesse Lonergan offers readers a thought-provoking exploration of the fleeting highs of success in this engrossing book.