YOU ARE HERE

“He’d read somewhere that people found it easier to talk frankly when walking.”

This quiet, witty, heartwarming novel is such a gem! Marnie, a copy-editor in London, is stuck in her solitary life, increasingly retreating from friends and regularly breaking plans. Michael, a geology teacher, battles his own post-separation loneliness with long, meditative hikes. When a persuasive mutual friend convinces Marnie to join Michael on a walk across the English countryside, their path toward each other is circuitous, unexpected, and totally extraordinary.

Gosh I loved this book so much!! Somehow this misty, cool, rainy walk was one of my most favorite stories of the year, with messy, endearingly human characters I was rooting for from page one. You Are Here perfectly captures the weird wonder, giddy anticipation, and occasional awkwardness that comes with a brand new connection to another person. Set against vivid imagery of the English countryside - waterfalls! moors! crags! - along with squelching boots, cozy pubs, and old fashioned inns, you’ll feel transported along this moving, special journey that I hope you love as much as I did.

Ever since Michael snacks on an apple mid-hike, I’ve been thinking about how perfect granny smiths and honeycrisps would look paired with this cover, accenting the apple-red letters and The Giving Tree-ish colorway. Apparently crumble originated in England during World War II rationing when pastry dough for pie was scarce. I’m going out on a limb to say I like it better than pie! And this book has the coziest vibe that’s perfect paired with warm apple crumble, rich vanilla ice cream, and a cup of English breakfast tea.

Recipe: Apple Crumble