Shaw Sebring is sixteen and trying desperately to understand and accept his father's recent suicide. Moving with his mother halfway across the county in an effort to distance themselves from the awful truth, Shaw lands in a new school and finds that the ghost of his father, a best-selling author, has followed him. Determined that he will not follow in his father's footsteps Shaw tries to chart his own course, until circumstances force him to accept that where--and who--we come from have an impact on what we become.

After nearly 30 years as a published author, Kristin has written more biographies of herself than she cares to remember. And she has run out of new ways to describe the same old life. Besides, she doesn't think of herself in terms of her birthplace, education, and work history. What she'd really like people to know about her is that she loves to dance. She loves to laugh. She loves to learn. Crossword puzzles relax her. Waiting frustrates her. She likes spending time by herself. And, like the heroine in her new book Closer to Far Away, she has a family that gives her strength. Her books include Cheat, Girls Like Me, The Druid and the Dragon, and Alibi. Kristin lives in Campbell River, British Columbia.

Kristin Butcher's profile page

• Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Our Choice

“The clear theme of the pain of prejudice for the victims, be it on the basis of race or sexual orientation, will appeal to today’s activist teens. It’s interesting to note that these themes could not have been addressed so directly only a few short years ago. Highly Recommended.”

CM Magazine

"Pick it up - you'll be glad that you did!"

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"This novel is an exceptionally good choice for both male and female reluctant readers. Highly recommended."

Canadian Book Review Annual

"This book portrays true, if sometimes raw, emotions... Students who are forced to confront loss and grieving will find comfort in the fact that they are not alone."

School Library Journal