The Possibility of Now 12+

About this book

What happens when you’ve been planning for the future, but everything falls apart now?

Mara James has always been a perfectionist with a plan. But despite years of overachieving at her elite school, Mara didn’t plan on having a total meltdown during her calculus exam. Like a rip-up-the-test-and-walk-out kind of meltdown. And she didn’t plan on a video of it going viral. And she definitely didn’t plan on never wanting to show her face again.

Mara knows she should go back, but suddenly she doesn’t know why she’s been overachieving all these years. Impulsively, she tells her mom she wants to go live with her estranged dad in Tahoe. Maybe in a place like Tahoe, where people go to get away from everyday life, and a dad like Trick McHale, a ski bum avoiding the real world, Mara can figure things out.

Only Tahoe is nothing like she thought. There’s awesome new friends and hot boys and a chance to finally get to know Trick, but there’s also still massive amounts of schoolwork. Can Mara stop planning long enough to see the life that’s happening right now?

Reviews

Praise for The Possibility of Now

"Culbertson has once again crafted a cast of relatable teen characters and experiences and constructed a story reinforcing the idea that perfect isn't all it's cracked up to be. Both a cautionary tale against convention as well as an invitation to take uncharacteristic strides forward, this will hit close to home for many teens." --Booklist
"Anyone who has felt the pressure to be number one will empathize with Mara's struggle to accept setbacks, move forward, and feel the joy of spontaneity." --Publishers Weekly
"A solid read for realistic fiction addicts." --School Library Journal
"Culbertson throws enough romance and party fun into her story to keep readers engaged, but the main thrust of the story is how Mara comes to terms with who she is, what her relationship will be with her father, and discovering her real goals in life." --Kirkus
"Culbertson has created a realistic view of middle-class teen life today. This is a quick read that may help some teens deal with high school stress." --VOYA

Praise for Catch a Falling Star
"Culbertson writes with sensitivity and sympathy, crafting an entertaining but perceptive character study." --Kirkus Reviews
"Culbertson is a capable writer, and she gives Carter a good heart that shines through." --Publisher's Weekly

"[R]eaders will enjoy every minute of Carter and Adam's revelatory moments and conflicts." --School Library Journal

"Thoughtful and romantic, Catch a Falling Star shines with insight about the choices we make and the worlds we create." --Jessi Kirby, author of Moonglass, In Honor, and Golden