Critical Praise

"Told from both Cam’s and Aubrey’s perspectives, the narrative teases out the ever-deepening mysteries of parents and children as they grow up and apart. Bird’s breezy style and spot-on observations of contemporary family life give this headlong story a fizzy energy that carries through to the unexpected conclusion."

—Publishers Weekly

"Told from alternating points-of-view, Bird’s handling of the familiar parent-teen clash of wills is accomplished with memorable, memorably realistic poignancy."

—Booklist

"Writing so sharp, smart, funny, and addictive, it’s as if Molly Ivins had given birth to a novelist daughter."

—Z.Z. Packer

"Alternately hilarious and heartbreaking, The Gap Year is a pitch-perfect portrayal of a mother and teenage daughter on the precipice of seismic change. Everyone is given full rein in this snappy, deliciously vicious, modern spin on growing up, growing old, and letting go. Bird's timing is impeccable."

—Cristina Garcia, author of National Book Award finalist, Dreaming in Cuban