Golden State: A Novel

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The New York Times bestselling author of the widely lauded The Year of Fog returns with this mesmerizing novel--taking place over the course of a single day--that explores the powerful intricacies of marriage, friendship and family. The state of California votes on secession in the wake of a divisive presidential election in this gripping, prescient novel of marriage, family, and the profound moments that shape our lives. Doctor Julie Walker has just signed her divorce papers when she receives news that her younger sister, Heather, has gone into labor. Though theirs is a strained relationship, Julie sets out for the hospital to be at her sister's side-no easy task since the streets of San Francisco are filled with tension and strife. Today is also the day that Julie will find herself at the epicenter of a violent standoff in which she is forced to examine both the promising and the painful parts of her past-her Southern childhood; her romance with her husband, Tom; her estrangement from Heather; and the shattering incident that led to her greatest heartbreak. Infused with emotional depth and poignancy, Golden State takes readers on a journey over the course of a single, unforgettable day-through an extraordinary landscape of love, loss, and hope. Praise for Golden State "A stirring look at the ties that bind husband-wife, mother-child and even sisters, and what happens when they're torn asunder. Set in a San Francisco chafing with unrest both political and personal, the world Richmond creates is exquisitely charged with regret and hope."-Family Circle " A riveting read that can be recommended to fans of Jodi Picoult and Jacquelyn Mitchard . . . Mesmerizing and intricate, Richmond's dissection of a California on the violent brink of secession from the nation provides the backdrop to her deeper inspection of the uneasy, fragile relationship between siblings."-Booklist (starred review) " An amazing, turbulent novel woven of disparate threads . . . Nearly every feature of this mesmerizing novel is provocative, as Richmond explores the fragmented, hopeful lives of complex characters. This is gripping, multilayered must-read fiction."-Library Journal (starred review) "An exciting premise . . . skillfully written . . . Julie's past and her relationship with the other characters are scrutinized as the clock ticks. It's an interesting and sometimes-disturbing study."-Kirkus Reviews "Richmond takes readers through a bittersweet, heartwarming tale of a woman on the cusp of life-changing events in both her personal and professional lives. . . . Once invested, the reader is carried away by this action-packed, poignant story, making this a tale that will live in the heart of the reader once the last page is read."-RT Book Reviews "This is a thoughtful book about how past circumstances change us into the people we are today, for the good or bad. Julie is a sympathetic and relatable character, and readers will definitely feel for her as she goes through her life-changing day."-The Parkersburg News and Sentinel "Richmond . . . delivers a page-turner."-San Jose Mercury News "A breathtaking read and one I'll not soon forget."-Melanie Benjamin, author ofThe Aviator's Wife Look for special features inside. Join the Random House Reader's Circle for author chats and more.

Reviews

A stirring look at the ties that bind husband-wife, mother-child and even sisters, and what happens when theyre torn asunder. Set in a San Francisco chafing with unrest both political and personal, the world Richmond creates is exquisitely charged with regret and hope.Family Circle

[A] riveting read that can be recommended to fans of Jodi Picoult and Jacquelyn Mitchard . . . Mesmerizing and intricate, Richmonds dissection of a California on the violent brink of secession from the nation provides the backdrop to her deeper inspection of the uneasy, fragile relationship between siblings.Booklist (starred review)

[An] amazing, turbulent novel woven of disparate threads . . . Nearly every feature of this mesmerizing novel is provocative, as Richmond explores the fragmented, hopeful lives of complex characters. This is gripping, multilayered must-read fiction.Library Journal (starred review)

An exciting premise . . . skillfully written . . . Julies past and her relationship with the other characters are scrutinized as the clock ticks. Its an interesting and sometimes-disturbing study.Kirkus Reviews

Richmond takes readers through a bittersweet, heartwarming tale of a woman on the cusp of life-changing events in both her personal and professional lives. . . . Once invested, the reader is carried away by this action-packed, poignant story, making this a tale that will live in the heart of the reader once the last page is read.RT Book Reviews

This is a thoughtful book about how past circumstances change us into the people we are today, for the good or bad. Julie is a sympathetic and relatable character, and readers will definitely feel for her as she goes through her life-changing day.The Parkersburg News and Sentinel

Richmond . . . delivers a page-turner.San Jose Mercury News

A breathtaking read and one Ill not soon forget.Melanie Benjamin, author ofThe Aviators Wife

I havent read such a gripping, bittersweet, moving novel in ages. Golden State sweeps you up, whisks you away, and doesnt let you go till the very end. Michelle Richmond, author of the unforgettable The Year of Fog, does it again.Tatiana de Rosnay, author of Sarahs Key

This is the kind of book you want to read slowly, but instead you read it in a mad rush to find out where this incredibly talented writer is taking you.Ann Packer, author of Swim Back to Me

So imaginative, so heartfelta masterly braid of memory and urgency. Richmond is in top form, and has made a book of exquisite grace.Andrew Sean Greer, author of The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells

Dazzlingly smart and moving, Golden State doesnt just shine, it blazes.Caroline Leavitt, author of Pictures of You

Author Bio

Michelle Richmond is the bestselling author of The Year of Fog, No One You Know, Dream of the Blue Room, and the award-winning The Girl in the Fall-Away Dress. A native of Alabama's Gulf Coast, she makes her home in Northern California.