Piper Perish

Debut author Cagan has created a lively and memorable protagonist in Piper Perish, a young artist full of angst, joy, hope, and creativity. Piper has long dreamed of getting out of Houston, her hometown, to attend a competitive arts conservatory in New York City with her best friend, Kit, and boyfriend, Enzo. Cagan upends Piper’s world throughout the novel, first when Enzo breaks up with Piper by revealing he’s gay, in spectacularly public fashion. Even as Piper reels from Enzo’s announcement, she wants to support him. Soon Piper is dealing with more crises—her difficult older sister is pregnant, and Kit and Piper’s friendship is tested when their New York plans fall apart. Throughout these challenges, Piper’s art sustains and centers her, as does inspiration in the form of quotations from famous artists (especially Andy Warhol) and encouragement from her art teacher. The first-person, diary-style narrative is candid and thoughtful; readers will be sad to let go of Piper but eager to see what Cagan does next. Ages 12–up. Agent: John Cusick, Folio Literary Management. (Mar.)