“Tender immersive and thrilling." —Gabrielle Zevin "I can't remember the last time I
cared about fictional characters as desperately as I came to care about the beautiful
hilarious and courageous teenage protagonists of Crux ." —Elizabeth Gilbert "One of the
best novels I’ve ever read about friendship between a young man and a young woman. It’s also
exciting and tension-filled.” —Stephen King “Breathtaking.” —Chris Whitaker In this story
of intense friendship and grit two down-and-out teens escape their lives and chase a different
future through rock-climbing -- from the New York Times bestselling author of My Absolute
Darling . Dan and Tamma are two teenagers in their last year of high school in the southern
Mojave Desert. One is a gifted golden child the other a mouthy burnout. Climbing boulders in
trash-strewn parking lots during cold desert nights they seal their unique bond and dream of a
life of adventure. As the year progresses and adult reality looms they are rocked by change
and pulled apart by irreconcilable obligations. Differences of class talent and prospects
take on new importance options dwindle and their decisions grow ever more consequential and
perilous. It feels inevitable finally that something must give. With a magnificent gift for
nature writing and a joyful appreciation for the redemptive power of friendship Gabriel
Tallent gives readers a rollicking adrenaline-filled and soul-searching novel about risking
everything to change your life.
