How Far We Go and How Fast

Sixteen-year-old Jolene, named after the girl in the Dolly Parton song, is from a long line of lowlifes, but at least they're musical lowlifes. Her mother is a tanning-salon manager who believes she can channel her karaoke habit into a professional singing career. Jolene's dad, a failed bass player, has gone back to the family demolition business and lives by the company motto: "We do not build things; we only tear them down." But Jolene and her big brother, Matt, are true musicians, writing songs together that make everything Jo hates about their lives matter less.

When Matt up and leaves in the middle of the night, Jo loses her only friend, her support system and the one person who made her feel cool. As it becomes clear that Matt is never coming back, Jo must use music to navigate her loss.

"A tender story about the love found in an imperfect, working-class family."—Kirkus Reviews

"Like a truly great song, this book will stay with you long after it's over. A powerful novel about loss and redemption, How Far We Go and How Fast is as real as it gets. And as sad. And, somehow, as funny. Lyrical and subtle, witty and wise, Nora Decter is an exciting new voice in YA literature."—Patricia McCormick, author of the critically acclaimed SOLD