Beyond Cliché June 14, 2010

Topic of the Week: June 14-18, 2010

Aidan Donnelley Rowley

We live in a world of cliché. We strive to be individuals, yet we compare ourselves to others in terms of appearance, success and prosperity. The most memorable characters in literature are those who question stereotypes, and our favorite books often become those which surprise us when they break through clichés and touch us in a way we never expected.

This week in #litchat we’re discussing “Beyond Cliché.” Joining us on Friday, June 18th, is Aidan Donnelley Rowley, author of Life After Yes. Rowley calls herself a “professor of insecurities,” and lists three prestigious schools in her bio, claiming, “Am I just another spoiled soul who is wasting an elite education? The jury is still out on that one. Could very well be. The verdict is in on one thing though. My apparent need to announce my alma maters … is hard evidence of deep and ever-evolving insecurities I have heretofore worked hard to hide.” These insecurities and the need to prove herself resulted in Life After Yes, her debut novel that was recently selected as a Target Breakout Novel.

Life After Yes is the story of Quinn—born Prudence Quinn O’Malley—a confused young Manhattan attorney who loses her father on that tragic September morning in 2001 that changed everything. Now, at an existential crossroads in her life, Quinn must confront impossible questions about commitment and career, love and loss.

“Aidan Donnelley Rowley paints a tender portrait of life post 9/11 Manhattan through the eyes of a confused, grieving yuppie who should be happy and doesn’t know why she’s not. Quinn O’Malley’s search for meaning is touching and universal,” says Kristina Riggle, author of Real Life & Liars.

Follow Rowley on Twitter: @ADonnRowley.