Laura from the Valley

A gritty and hopeful coming-of-age story set in the harsh landscape of the desert.
Eleven-year-old Laura's life is upended when she's sent to live with her uncle Hector. In the hot desert air, she seeks money to pay her uncle rent, and her nights are spent wandering dark alleyways and deserted streets while Hector entertains women with drug-filled parties. Laura comes into her own as a woman, seeking refuge with Luz, a prostitute who works with her uncle; Bea, Luz's aunt, who provides work for her; and Leroy, the owner of a diner who gives Laura free meals.

Laura from the Valley is a tale of survival, books, blood, the earth, and the power of a young woman in the most trying of circumstances. This difficult, real, and ultimately triumphant story is perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven literary fiction and stories of female resilience.