A Novel by Elizabeth LaBan
Now available in eleven languages
Set at a private school inspired by the elite Hackley School in Tarrytown, NY, THE TRAGEDY PAPER is the highly anticipated first novel from Elizabeth LaBan (Alfred A. Knopf / on sale January 8, 2013). Perfect for fans of Thirteen Reasons Why and Looking for Alaska, LaBan’s debut offers a suspenseful exploration of forbidden love, tenuous friendship, and the lengths people will go to keep their secrets.
In a starred review, Booklist raved, “Debut novelist LaBan takes us into the private school culture as well as the heads of two charming yet very different teenage boys and their parallel love stories…Nonexistent parents, well-intentioned, likeable faculty on the periphery, elaborate dorm rooms with overstuffed closets, even the romantic, snow-covered campus all contribute to a setting that adds to the story’s heft and intrigue.”
Welcome to the Irving School, where the motto is “Enter here to be and find a friend”-though Tim Macbeth’s expectations are definitely not that high. A 17 year-old albino and a recent transfer to the prestigious private school, all Tim really wants to do is make it through his senior year unnoticed. But despite his efforts to remain off the radar, he finds himself falling for Vanessa Sheller, girlfriend of the most popular guy on campus. To Tim’s surprise, Vanessa is into him, too-though she can kiss her social status goodbye if anyone finds out. Looming in the background of their clandestine relationship is the Tragedy Paper, Irving’s version of a senior thesis, assigned by the school’s least forgiving teacher. LaBan skillfully weaves in the alternating perspective of Duncan, a current Irving senior, as he uncovers the truth behind Tim and Vanessa’s story, consequently producing the greatest Tragedy Paper in the school’s history.
Join the conversation: #tragedypaper
PICKS:
Winter 2012-2013 Kids’ Indie Next List
Amazon Best Books of the Month – January 2013
Spotlight Pick – best Young Adult – January 2013
