Readers are declaring

THE STRANGE AND BEAUTIFUL SORROWS OF AVA LAVENDER

By Leslye Walton
The crossover book of the year!
[A]n entrancing and sumptuously written multigenerational novel wrapped in the
language of fable, magical realism, and local legend. ... Walton's novel builds to a
brutal but triumphant conclusion. It's a story that adults and teenagers can
appreciate equally."
- Publishers Weekly, starred review
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender is a beautifully-written debut
novel with fantastic elements that make it more a work of magical realism than
genre fantasy. It is a literary story that -- while it is certainly accessible to YA
readers -- feels more like a book written for adults.
- About.com
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender is a novel that has so
many layers that it demands your attention. Written with the finesse of a
seasoned writer, its stunning, magical, strange and, of course, very beautiful.
Highly recommended.
- Tor.com
On sale 3/25/14 HC: 9780763665661
$17.99 ($20.00 CAN) 14 years & up
Beautiful, haunting, and intelligent. A fantastic book for readers to escape into. Should be enjoyed by adults as
well.
- Kyla Paterno, Garfield Book Co. at PLU, Spokane, WA
Reminiscent of House of the Spirits or The Night Circus, this haunting, lyrical tale is magical realism at
its best. Ava Lavender is part historical fiction, part mystical tale, and part coming-of age story, chronicling three
generations of women. Adults, don't pass over this one. . . it is so dark, lovely, and beautifully crafted.
- Krista Gilliam, Little Shop of Stories, Decatur, GA
Gorgeously written and oddly captivating, The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender is bound to find
a home on the "favorites" shelves of teens and adults alike.
- Paige Mushaw, Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, VT
I loved The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender! Waltons writing reminds me of Alice Hoffmans
- the wonderful magical worlds she creates.
- Jenny Pederson, Darvill's Bookstore, Eastsound, WA
Debut author Walton takes sophisticated readers on an epic and magical tour of three generations of strong yet
flawed women. Share it with all the females in your life. This preternaturally gifted new voice is sure to take
immediate flight off the shelves.
- Summer Laurie, Books Inc., S.F., CA
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender, has sparked much debate. Is it an adult book? Is it a
teen book? In the end, it doesnt matter. It is just as the title suggests, both strange and beautiful, and
should be read by every lover of books, regardless of their age.
- Becky Quiroga Curtis, Books & Books, Coral Gables, FL
What can I say about Ava Lavender? That I adored the prose and the magical realism? Yes. That the story
broke my heart and gave me hope? Again, yes. This story, of a girl born with the wings of a bird, is beautiful,
haunting and something everyone should read, whether they're a teen or an adult. Just pick it up!
- Cathy Berner, Blue Willow Bookshop, Houston, TX
"Leslye Walton's eloquent tale of a girl trying to fit in and a family trying to understand their fate has the feel of
classics such as Like Water for Chocolate and Chocolat. A book that's timeless, beautiful, and perfect for
lovers of magical realism."
- Melissa Fox, Watermark Books, Wichita, KS
I read Ava Lavender and was just completely entranced. Are you sure its a YA novel? It reads much more
like an adult book, very Alice Hoffman-esque. Beautiful, brutal, strange, and such great storytelling. Sigh.
Now I want another just like it.
- Rene Kirkpatrick, Eagle Harbor Books, Bainbridge Island, WA
I don't even know where to start with this book. I absolutely loved it. I more than loved it. I adored this book. The
story reminded me of something like Alice Hoffman would write. I can't recommend this book enough. It is not
just for YA fans. This book is for anyone who loves gorgeous writing, with a magical and touching plot.
- Girlswithbooks, 5 stars, Amazon.com Vine reviewer
The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender is a multigenerational, magic realist novel. I was initially
apprehensive, because it's being marketed as a YA novel, but there's nothing especially YA about itIt's
hard to believe this is Leslye Walton's first novel. I'm looking forward to more.
- A.J. Terry, 5 stars, Amazon.com Vine reviewer
Just trust me and the other reviewers on this. It's a great book. Yes, it is YA literature, and is appropriate for
that age group, but its appeal extends to adults also. Very highly recommended.
- Neal C. Reynolds, 5 stars, Amazon.com Vine reviewer
This book is clever and dynamic. I often wondered to myself (and to friends who were reading or about to read or
who had already read the book because honestly it's a book you HAVE to talk about) why this book sold as YA.
Because it would do equally well labelled as magic realism and shelved in adult literary. It speaks to
teens, though. It speaks to people. And there were scenes that were so hard to read, but I turned the pages
anyway. Because this book spoke to me.
- E. Kristin Anderson, book blogger & Amazon.com reviewer
I am going to call it right now: this is easily the best book of 2014 so far, without question... the book was
beautiful, well-written, and I would recommend it (and have) to anyone and everyone with the ability to
read! Five Stars all the Way!
- Meg Alexandra, Incredibly Bodhi Book reviews blog & Amazon.com reviewer