Claire Needell

At once honest and touching, Claire Needell's debut novel is a moving look at date rape and its aftermath, at the love and conflicts among sisters and friends, and how these relationships can hold us together—and tear us apart. The gap between the Russell sisters—Jan, Erika, and Melanie—widens as each day passes. Then, at a party full of blurred lines and blurred memories, everything changes. Starting that night, where there should be words, there is only angry, scared silence. And in the aftermath, Jan, Erika, and Melanie will have to work hard to reconnect and help one another heal. The Word for Yes will inspire necessary conversation about a topical and important issue facing our society. The book includes a thoughtful author's note that provides resources for readers.

The Word for Yes

"A raw and heartbreaking story about addiction and recovery that will leave readers breathless." —Kathleen Glasgow, New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces Claire Needell’s evocative novel, perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train, explores the risks of substance abuse as well as what it means to take control of your life when it seems like the only path forward is the one that will take all of your courage. Marcelle is clean and sober, attending a tough-love version of after-school rehab, and barely hanging out with her user friends. But one night she gets a text from her best friend, Hannah, asking Marcelle to cover for her. The next morning, Hannah is missing. Marcelle was the last one to hear from her...and now she’s lying to everyone—about the text, and more. How long can Marcelle go on before she admits to herself what she has to do? If she comes clean, can she save Hannah?

The First True Thing

The second of three digital-only short story collections from teacher and writer for The New Yorker Claire Needell, about coming of age in contemporary America. These original stories are refreshingly honest, poignant, and humorous. This outstanding second digital-only collection of short stories from Claire Needell includes the memorable stories "Frank and Me," "Nothing Personal," "The Switch," and "Mom and Ginger Pete, A Love Story." Each story tells a unique and candid story of teenagers looking for love—from others, and from themselves. Epic Reads Impulse is a digital imprint with new releases each month.

Claire Needell

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