The Lightness of Hands - by Jeff Garvin

Book Synopsis

A quirky and heartfelt coming-of-age story about a teen girl with bipolar II who signs her failed magician father up to perform his legendary but failed illusion on live TV in order to make enough money to pay for the medications they need--from the author of Symptoms of Being Human. Perfect for fans of Adi Alsaid, David Arnold, and Arvin Ahmadi.

Sixteen-year-old Ellie Dante is desperate for something in her life to finally go right. Her father was a famous stage magician until he attempted an epic illusion on live TV--and failed. Now Ellie lives with her dad in a beat-up RV, attending high school online and performing with him at birthday parties and bars across the Midwest to make ends meet.

But when the gigs dry up, their insurance lapses, leaving Dad's heart condition unchecked and forcing Ellie to battle her bipolar II disorder without medication.

Then Ellie receives a call from a famous magic duo, who offer fifteen thousand dollars and a shot at redemption: they want her father to perform the illusion that wrecked his career--on their live TV special, which shoots in Los Angeles in ten days.

Ellie knows her dad will refuse--but she takes the deal anyway, then lies to persuade him to head west. With the help of her online-only best friend and an unusual guy she teams up with along the way, Ellie makes a plan to stage his comeback. But when her lie is exposed, she'll have to confront her illness and her choices head-on to save her father--and herself.

Review Quotes

"Garvin uses his knowledge of magic and personal experience with bipolarism to add insight to this dramatic story as he skillfully evokes the traveling performers' gritty lifestyle and the enticement of illusion." - Publishers Weekly
"In The Lightness of Hands, Jeff Garvin has created magic--but it's no sleight-of-hand. This book is a gripping, moving, heart-filled triumph. You'll want to give it a standing ovation." - Jeff Zentner, Morris Award-winning author of The Serpent King and Goodbye Days
"Equal parts caper, road trip, heartbreak, and coming-of-age, The Lightness of Hands is a knockout of a book. Readers will root for Ellie and her magical story until the very last page." - Kathleen Glasgow, New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces
"In this heartbreaking novel about a girl coming-of-age under the most difficult of circumstances, Jeff Garvin pulls off the ultimate magic trick: an impossible-to-put-down, moving story of survival and love." - Julie Buxbaum, New York Times bestselling author of Tell Me Three Things and Hope and Other Punchlines
"Riley Cavanaugh is a sharp, funny, powerful voice for those who haven't quite found theirs yet. Both highly entertaining and highly necessary, Symptoms is the kind of book that makes you a better human for having read it. I loved it."

- Dahlia Adler, author of Under the Lights and Just Visiting
"A moving portrayal of what it means to be different, yet the same, all at once. Jeff Garvin has written a beautifully thoughtful book."

- Renee Ahdieh, author of The Wrath and the Dawn
"An important introduction for readers who know little about gender fluidity and a welcome nod to those who may be experiencing similar feelings."

- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"An important, moving portrayal of the way mental illness affects the life of a teenage girl; a worthy addition to any library." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"Garvin's portrayal of Ellie's bipolar experience is exceptional; the world of magic is also superbly rendered." - Kirkus Reviews
"An #OwnVoices story about identity in the face of a mental illness, honesty to self and others, and delayed grief, that takes readers on both a literal and internal journey." - ALA Booklist
Praise for SYMPTOMS OF BEING HUMAN: "Riley is a smart, funny, sharp-eyed force" - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"One of the first YA books to deal with the complex issue of gender fluidity...Riley's emotional life and personal growth shed welcome light on a hitherto obscure subject."

- Booklist (starred review)
"Vibrantly imagined...a welcome mirror for gender-fluid teens."

- Kirkus Reviews
"Jeff Garvin has written a gorgeously crafted story with a complex, fascinating, and intensely real lead who I know will stay with me for a long time. Riley is a character who's deeply needed in young adult fiction, and this book is a beautiful new addition to the queer YA canon."

- Robin Talley, author of What We Left Behind
"With a main character who truly deserves to be called unique, combined with heartbreak and triumphs that are universal, this unforgettable book made me laugh, and also cry: Garvin's powerful new voice rocks!"

- Lissa Price, international bestselling author of Starters