Left Bank Books, in downtown Belfast, invites the public to a free talk and book signing by writer Jessica Berger Gross on Friday, July 18, at 6:30 p.m., at the bookshop to celebrate the release of Gross’ debut novel, Hazel Says No.

The story revolves around Hazel Greenberg Blum, a high school senior. She and her tight-knit family have just moved from the hustle and bustle of New York City to middle-of-nowhere Maine where her father has gotten a tenured job at a prestigious college. On Hazel’s first day of school, her principal propositions her, setting off a chain of events that affects the family in ways both unfair and fortunate.

Hazel’s mother is immediately on the offensive while her father uses his connections at the college to search for justice. Wolf, Hazel’s endearing little brother, is trying to adjust to his new school and make a name for himself in that season’s play but discovers the principal’s daughter is also in the cast. The community rallies around the principal, further distancing the Blums from their safe, old life in the city.

Gross writes this relatable fish-out-of-water story with empathy and humor, capturing the love that unites a family and the essence of life in small-town Maine. 

Joining Gross in conversation will be Abby Dan, an early supporter of Hazel Says No and the co-owner of an independent bookstore in Evanston, Illinois; she has summered in Midcoast Maine for fifteen years.

Gross is also the author of the memoir Estranged: Leaving Family and Finding Home. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times Magazine among many other publications. She graduated from Vassar College and has a master’s from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Originally from New York, she lives in Maine with her husband and teenage son.

This is a free ticketed event; tickets are available through Eventbrite.com. For questions, call the shop at 207.338.9009 or email: info@leftbankbookshop.com.

Left Bank Books is located at 109 Church Street in downtown Belfast, and there’s ample, free parking in front of the shop and in an adjacent city lot.