Zen and Xander are sisters—truly, madly, deeply sisters—and this is their last summer together.They are surviving fine since their mother’s death. Except Zen keeps getting into fights and Xander is spiraling into a vortex of dangerous parties.In the midst of the chaos, Zen and Xander discover a mystery about their mother’s past. Sharing its secrets will be the bond that holds them together.
A new novel by the author of VIBES
Zen’s frank narration—full of longing and hard-won insight—draws readers in and won’t let go. --
Kirkus Reviews, starred review Vivid emotions and unexpected events keep the reader engaged as the characters grow and find a way back to themselves. --Booklist
Amy Kathleen Ryan earned an M.A. in English literature and graduated from the New School Creative Writing for Children Program. She now lives with her family in Colorado.
The First LetterMy sister, Xander, causes a scandal practically everywhere she goes. Even funeral receptions, I now know.
I’m the quiet one. I spent the whole time wandering around our house, kind of dazed, an overwarm glass of lemonade clenched in my hand. Never much at ease around a bunch of people, I tried to go unseen, unnoticed, as I watched the guests serve themselves cake, or more wine, whispering together over some anecdote about Mom. As if they really knew her.I had to admit, Grandma knew how to throw a proper funeral. She had hung huge family portraits around our living room, pictures of Xander and me with Mom and Dad at the beach, on Thanksgiving, and at the dinner we threw celebrating Dad’s tenure. That was my favorite, because it captured Mom laughing, her blond head thrown back, her mouth wide, eyes screwed shut, cheeks red.Over the archway between the living room and dining room Granl³.
![Zen and Xander Undone [Paperback]](/itemImage/2/2/0/3/2_348767.jpg)