If I were to describe Picture Us in the Light in one word it might be “complex.” Or maybe “squishy.” “Beautiful.”
Human.
It’s no secret that I have a special affinity for any and all of our local authors. We have the most amazing group here and I will happily sing the praises of their books any time.
This is especially true of Kelly Loy Gilbert’s books, Conviction and Picture Us in the Light. Her words are so amazing that I would read her grocery list (which is bound to be amazing because have you seen her meals on Instagram stories??). To celebrate the launch of Picture Us in the Light, I sat down with Kelly along with Anna-Marie McLemore (also a local!) and Emily X.R. Pan. This panel of authors is absolute FIRE and it was a treat to pick their brains about their characters, writing process, and worldbuilding. Check out our interview below and a recap of their recent Bay Area event. Plus you won’t want to miss this GIVEAWAY we have!
Kelly Loy Gilbert Launches Picture Us in the Light w/ Amazing Panel!
PICTURE US IN THE LIGHT
by Kelly Loy Gilbert
Published: April 10th, 2018
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Source: Publisher
FIND IT
Danny Cheng has always known his parents have secrets. But when he discovers a taped-up box in his father’s closet filled with old letters and a file on a powerful Silicon Valley family, he realizes there’s much more to his family’s past than he ever imagined.
Danny has been an artist for as long as he can remember and it seems his path is set, with a scholarship to RISD and his family’s blessing to pursue the career he’s always dreamed of. Still, contemplating a future without his best friend, Harry Wong, by his side makes Danny feel a panic he can barely put into words. Harry and Danny’s lives are deeply intertwined and as they approach the one-year anniversary of a tragedy that shook their friend group to its core, Danny can’t stop asking himself if Harry is truly in love with his girlfriend, Regina Chan.
When Danny digs deeper into his parents’ past, he uncovers a secret that disturbs the foundations of his family history and the carefully constructed facade his parents have maintained begins to crumble. With everything he loves in danger of being stripped away, Danny must face the ghosts of the past in order to build a future that belongs to him.
Kelly Loy Gilbert believes deeply in the power of stories to illuminate a shared humanity and give voice to complex, broken people. She is the author of Conviction, a William C. Morris Award finalist, and lives in the SF Bay Area. She would be thrilled to hear from you on Twitter @KellyLoyGilbert or at http://www.KellyLoyGilbert.com
FOLLOW THE TOUR
Check out the amazing DISCUSSION GUIDE Krysti (YAandWine) and I created tomorrow!
Enter to win a finished copy of PICTURE US IN THE LIGHT, a journal for self reflection, the UnGame so you can connect with your friends and family, and some glitter chalk for your own artistic talent!