“I can’t believe we finally get to have this novel from Kate Schatz. Kate (effing) Schatz! The most vibrant person on the planet—the one who has been teaching us all how to live in full color and with joyful integrity—and now she’s written this incredible, unputdownable book about life and aliveness. Her prose is like poetry. It’s like hands in a bowl of candy. Thrilling, propulsive, breathless, and brimming with Schatz’s deep understanding of longing and frailty . . . of humanness. This novel is going to be huge, and I’m going to be sitting here watching, with a massive smile on my face. That’s not even right, though. I’m going to get to my feet and throw my arms in the air and cheer until I’m hoarse.”—Catherine Newman, New York Times bestselling author of Sandwich
“In 1968, where girls fall into two categories—‘good’ or ‘bad’—where abortion is illegal, interracial babies unadoptable, and unwed mothers are locked away, Baker forges a path for herself that is as hopeful as it is defiant. In this compulsively readable novel, Kate Schatz shows the power of secrets and stories shared among women, and creates a world with much to teach our own.”—Domenica Ruta, New York Times bestselling author of With or Without You and All the Mothers
“Where the Girls Were is an important, compelling, immersive, and masterfully told work of art. The motley crew of beautiful women and girls in this novel offers an urgent and nuanced glimpse into the experience of womanhood in America, the impact of secrets, and the insidious harm of shame. The maternity home setting invites us into a hushed but large pocket of history that every American should understand. Kate Schatz leads us on a breathtaking journey with these thoughtful, fully realized characters, and I’ll be recommending this book to everyone I know.”—Sarah Damoff, bestselling author of The Bright Years
“Riveting and exquisitely written, intimate and visionary, Where the Girls Were made me cheer, weep, and plumb, as well as heal, my own heart. Kate Schatz is a national treasure, and with this novel she’s given us a gorgeous, moving, unforgettable tale of what it means to come of age, claim your power, and defy the forces of injustice against the odds.”—Caro De Robertis, author of The Palace of Eros
