Who needs a road map for life when you can just improvise in a cozy cabin in the woods? Belinda Roddie's debut novel, [Insert Self-Discovery Here], tackles young love and the coming-of-age story in a fresh, humorous, and refreshingly honest way. A fun addition to the New Adult genre!
Jamie has never exactly been sure about what she wants to do in life, despite an initial plan to become a history teacher sans a passion for history. So when the motive for her education and work - her girlfriend Emily - breaks up with her after their college graduation, she's left with the typical twenty-something depression and a complete lack of direction in her life.
Enter Devin, an old friend and "free spirit" who offers Jamie a chance to do something remotely fulfilling for the year; specifically, they will be taking care of and renting out Devin's Uncle Aaron's property in the small wooded town of Pensalado. Caught in the middle of the wilderness with no technology past the nineteen nineties, a hippie Devin, a fabulously gay Kyle, and a snarky yet wounded Rachel (who ultimately becomes an unprecedented target of affection. Big shocker) - Jamie has the chance to learn to cope, rebuild, and figure out a new goal. Even if that goal, as it may turn out, is simply to improvise.
"Roddie writes with a genuine balance of cynicism and optimism -- for a teacher who grapples with rejection and pushes to move on. A heartfelt and relatable yarn of introspection, smartassery and engaging with life."
- Alex Brouillet, creator of Extra Dark
"A razor-sharp narrative voice and lovably imperfect characters populate this relatable story about learning to value yourself."
- A. C. Spahn, author of the Arcane Artisans series
"Belinda Roddie's [Insert Self-Discovery Here] has a voice that grabs you right from the start and keeps you hooked to the very end. The characters are interesting and engaging, and the story makes you not want to put it down."
- Alex C. Telander, creator of Ostium
