Christa Comes Out of Her Shell - by Abbi Waxman (Paperback)

About the Book

"After a tumultuous childhood, Christa Liddle has hidden away, both figuratively and literally. Happily studying sea snails in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Christa finds her tranquil existence thrown into chaos when her once-famous father--long thought dead after a plane crash--turns out to be alive, well, and ready to make amends. The world goes wild, fascinated by this real-life saga, pinning Christa and her family under the spotlight. As if that weren't enough, her reunion with an old childhood friend reveals an intense physical attraction neither was expecting and both want to act on--if they can just keep a lid on it. When her father's story starts to develop cracks, Christa fears she will lose herself, her potential relationship, and--most importantly--any chance of making it back to her snails before they forget her completely"--

Book Synopsis

Just when she thought she'd gotten far enough away . . . a life-changing phone call throws an antisocial scientist back into her least favorite place--the spotlight. A hilarious and insightful new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill.

After a tumultuous childhood, Christa Barnet has hidden away, both figuratively and literally. Happily studying sea snails in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Christa finds her tranquil existence thrown into chaos when her once-famous father--long thought dead after a plane crash--turns out to be alive, well, and ready to make amends. The world goes wild, fascinated by this real-life saga, pinning Christa and her family under the spotlight. As if that weren't enough, her reunion with an old childhood friend reveals an intense physical attraction neither was expecting and both want to act on . . . if they can just keep a lid on it. When her father's story starts to develop cracks, Christa fears she will lose herself, her potential relationship, and--most importantly--any chance of making it back to her snails before they forget her completely.

Review Quotes

"Abbi Waxman has done it again! I laughed out loud, I swooned, I ... unexpectedly learned a lot about snails? (And they're awesome, by the way). I live for Abbi's awkward, lovable-yet-socially-anxious heroines, and Christa Liddle is hands-down my new favorite."
--Colleen Oakley, USA Today bestselling author of The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise

"If I could go on vacation inside Abbi Waxman's books, the utterly charming Christa Comes Out of Her Shell would be the centerpiece of my itinerary. Waxman's witty voice, complex and oh-so-loveable characters, and knack for writing romance that's both swoony and sexy absolutely shine in this hilarious, tender story about family, fame, and marine mollusks. I'll definitely be screaming about this one to anyone who will listen!"
--Sarah Adler, author of Mrs. Nash's Ashes

"While the will-they-won't-they love story between Christa and Nate is definitely a through line, it seems safe to predict another romance too--that of readers losing their hearts to the eccentric, larger-than-life Liddle clan."
--BookPage (starred review)

"Waxman displays her usual talent for creating main characters who are wry and great with a one-liner... Christa is endearingly antisocial...and it's satisfying to watch her come out of her shell as she accepts the chaos of her family and learns to make peace with the past."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Readers who find comfort in Waxman's likable nerds will enjoy smart and snarky Christa. Christa's mother and sisters add delightful color and humor as they make clear where Christa's personality originated, and Christa's second chance at romance with an old family friend feels natural and genuine and full of heat."
--Booklist

"An entertaining read!"
--Manhattan Book Review

"Readers will relish this lively take on legacy and manipulation."
--Publishers Weekly

Praise for the novels of Abbi Waxman

"Waxman's quick-witted and pithy prose gives readers a fun take on "Melrose Place," but instead of back-stabbing and bed-hopping there are trivia clubs and some old-fashioned will-they-or-won't-they?"
--USA Today

"If you love quirky, heartfelt stories about interesting characters and starting over, then Adult Assembly Required by Abbi Waxman is definitely the book for you."
--PopSugar

"Move over on the settee, Jane Austen. You've met your modern-day match in Abbi Waxman. Bitingly funny, relatable and intelligent, The Bookish Life of Nina Hill is a must for anyone who loves to read."
--Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author of Life and Other Inconveniences

"Meet our bookish millennial heroine--a modern-day Elizabeth Bennet, if you will... Waxman's wit and wry humor stand out."
--The Washington Post

"Abbi Waxman offers up a quirky, eccentric romance that will charm any bookworm.... For anyone who's ever wondered if their greatest romance might come between the pages of books they read, Waxman offers a heartwarming tribute to that possibility."
--Entertainment Weekly

"It's a shame The Bookish Life of Nina Hill only lasts 350 pages, because I wanted to be friends with Nina for far longer."
--Refinery29

"Known for her charming and comical novels, Abbi Waxman's latest book stirs up all of the signature smiles and laughs."
--Woman's World

"Book lovers will absolutely relate to the central character in Abbi Waxman's third novel."
--O, The Oprah Magazine

"This novel is filled with characters you'll love and wish you lived next door to in real life."
--Bustle

"Abbi Waxman explores the challenges of adulting in her warmhearted fifth novel, Adult Assembly Required. ... With heart and humor, Waxman sensitively explores the challenges of leaving the nest while still loving your family, as well as learning to set clear boundaries and ask for help--sometimes in the same moment. ...[A] witty, hopeful celebration of courage, community and spreading one's wings."
--Shelf Awareness, (starred review)

"Waxman has created a thoroughly engaging character in this bookish, contemplative, set-in-her ways woman. Be prepared to chuckle."
--Kirkus (starred review)

"Book nerds will feel strong kinship with the engaging, introverted Nina Hill, who works in a bookstore, plays pub trivia, and loves office supplies... Readers will be captivated by Nina's droll sense of humor."
--Booklist (starred review)

"Abbi Waxman's intrepid heroine has to find herself before she can find love in the heartwarming and hilarious Adult Assembly Required. ...the slow burn between Laura and Bob contributes to its witty, feel-good vibe. Fans of Waxman will recognize several of the wonderful supporting characters, and readers new to her work will want to pick up her backlist after devouring this delightful novel."
--Washington Independent Review of Books

"Adult Assembly Required is charming, gratifying and engaging. I loved every single character and their eccentricities. It was like walking into a bar where everyone knows your name! The story puts you at ease from the first page reading about the obstacles Laura has to overcome. This story is beautifully light, fluid, witty, funny, with many deep conversations. Laura's new close friends help her recover and find inner strength along the way, with a burgeoning romance with a handsome hunk at its core. Ms. Waxman's delightful new story warmed my heart thoroughly. Adult Assembly Required is totally irresistible!"
--Romance Junkies

"Waxman expertly navigates the fraught shoals of college admissions in this spot-on tale.... Waxman's alternating first-person narration from Jessica and Emily rings true, while a memorable supporting cast...provide excellent support...This sweet treat doesn't require a college-bound child to enjoy, though anyone who has helped their offspring weather the admissions process will definitely appreciate this sharp send-up."
--Publishers Weekly

"Funny and insightful."
--BookRiot

"We're forever fans of Abbi Waxman's sweet, witty, feel-good novels. Her latest, about a mother and daughter making college visits along the East Coast, is her best yet."
--HelloGiggles

"An aptly and hilariously titled novel...Waxman again delivers with her signature wit and laugh-out-loud writing, offering us authentic characters who feel like people we've met and loved in our own lives -- all while offering sly commentary on the roller coaster that is the college application process for parents and their college-hopefuls."
--Shondaland

"This book's strengths are the exploration of the mother-teen daughter dynamics and relationship and the author's remarkable gift for realistic, witty dialog. VERDICT: Recommended for fans of mother-daughter fiction with both lighthearted and serious moments."
--Library Journal

"The Bookish Life of Nina Hill will put a smile on your face the entire time you're reading it. It's a light, fun summer read with a cast of colorful and lovable characters that you wish were real and that you had on your trivia team. This book is the perfect beach read or pick-me-up for a cloudy day."
--Hypable

"...charming and relatable for any introvert who would rather pass time with fictional characters than people, but will rise to the occasion with the right support."
--BookTrib

About the Author

Abbi Waxman, the USA Today bestselling author, is a chocolate-loving, dog-loving woman who lives in Los Angeles and lies down as much as possible. She worked in advertising for many years, which is how she learned to write fiction. She has three daughters, three dogs, three cats, and one very patient husband.