Author Description

<p><b>NATIONAL BOOK AWARD LONGLIST!<br><br>"A must-read."<br>"Achingly tender."<br>"Intimate and astonishing."<br></b><b><br>For fans of <i>You've Reached Sam </i>and <i>If I Stay</i>, a hauntingly beautiful, ultimately hopeful novel-in-verse about a girl in between life and death, by National Book Award Finalist Amber McBride.</b><br><br>Gospel is the Keeper of the Leaving Room—a place all young people must phase through when they die. The young are never ready to leave; they need a moment to remember and a Keeper to help their wispy souls along.<br><br>When a random door opens and a Keeper named Melodee arrives, their souls become entangled. Gospel's seriousness melts and Melodee’s fear of connection fades, but still—are Keepers allowed to fall in love? Now they must find a way out of the Leaving Room and be unafraid of their love. In a novel that takes place over four minutes, National Book Award finalist Amber McBride explores connection, memory, and hope in ways that are unforgettable and poignant.</p>