Tyler McMahon Knihy

Amidst the beauty of El Salvador, Malia, a Peace Corps volunteer, finds joy in her work building an aqueduct and her relationship with Ben, a fellow surfer. However, when a devastating earthquake strikes, it disrupts her life and their plans. Faced with the need to leave the country, Malia must navigate the challenges of loss and change, ultimately deciding on their next steps together. This story explores themes of love, resilience, and the impact of natural disasters on personal lives.

Set against the backdrop of the hardcore punk scene in the 1980s, the story follows Laura Loss, a young bassist in her brother's band. As they tour the country, they gain notoriety within a gritty music culture. However, everything changes when Laura's brother Anthony faces a devastating betrayal from his fans, leaving a lasting impact on her life. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, loss, and the harsh realities of fame in a vibrant yet unforgiving world.

Set against the backdrop of Central America, the story explores a family's aspirations to migrate to America, symbolizing hope and dreams. Drawing parallels to "The Grapes of Wrath," it highlights the struggles and desires of those seeking a better life. The novel resonates with contemporary themes surrounding immigration, making it a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by many in today's socio-political climate.

An awkward but well-intentioned food scientist is forced to walk a crooked line between nature and technology when he is dispatched to South America to investigate his company's possible role in a mysterious medical crisis involving genetically modified potatoes.