A heartfelt debut that follows Klara, a diabetic in an unfulfilling job in the city, and Alex, whose life has been upended by his brother’s untimely death, as they navigate grief and uncertain futures, job changes, and finding acceptance and even love, perfect for fans of The Rosie Project and Fredrik Backman.
Klara thinks of herself as a little different: a sneaker in a world full of kitten heels and polished boots. She has type 1 diabetes, currently works in a dead-end job, and is in desperate need of a change, whether she knows it or not. When her dad is diagnosed with cancer, Klara begrudgingly agrees to run his construction company while he undergoes treatment, even though it means moving back home and pushing the boundaries of her comfort zone.
Alex has depression. He’s been a shell of himself since his brother was killed in a hit-and-run bicycle accident. He’s unemployed, has bills piling up, and is distant from his friends and family. But his therapist encourages him set up a calendar, checking off tasks each day, and looking for work to help get him back on his feet. When an ad pops up for a carpenter position with a small construction company, he jumps at the chance to take this seemingly small step forward.
Klara and Alex’s stories unfold in parallel as they navigate life, family, and their shared calendar. It’s a moving, clever story, full of heart and a little bit of romance, about finding acceptance and love in unexpected people.