In the Wild Light
By Jeff Zentner
Crown Books
2021
A poignant coming-of-age novel about two best friends whose friendship is tested when they get the opportunity to leave their impoverished small town for an elite prep school. For fans of Looking for Alaska.
Life in a small Appalachian town is not easy. Cash lost his mother to an opioid addiction and his Papaw is dying slowly from emphysema. Dodging drug dealers and watching out for his best friend, Delaney, is second nature. He’s been spending his summer mowing lawns while she works at Dairy Queen. But when Delaney manages to secure both of them full rides to an elite prep school in Connecticut, Cash will have to grapple with his need to protect and love Delaney, and his love for the grandparents who saved him and the town he has to leave behind. Jeff Zentner’s new novel is a beautiful examination of grief, found family, and young love.
Find Books
Books for Borrowing
Beginning January 3, 2023, book discussion sets will be available for borrowing by public, school, and academic libraries from the Middletown Library Service Center. Reserve Discussion Sets.
Talking Books are available for eligible individuals from the CT State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. Learn more.
Books for Purchase
Libraries can explore purchasing through our partner, CT Library Consortium. Learn more.
For individuals, please support your local bookstore!
Jeff Zentner
Engagement Resources