Parnassus books is thrilled to welcome David Arnold in conversation with Jeff Zentner, Ruta Sepetys and Courtney Stevens to celebrate the release of David’s new book Kids of Appetite.
In the Hackensack Police Department, Vic Benucci is being questioned in interrogation room #3. Mad, the Stoic Beauty with an intoxicating punk cut, is in room #2. They're both explaining how they found themselves wrapped up in a grisly murder. But in order to tell that story, they have to go way back . . .
It all started when Vic's dad died. Vic has a rare neurological disorder--characterized by facial paralysis--which makes it hard for him to relate to others, as he can appear affectless and unfriendly. His dad was his best friend--in losing him, Vic lost a piece of himself. Even now, two years later, he can't bring himself to touch his father's urn.
But one cold December day, Vic falls in with a mysterious and alluring band of kids that wanders his New Jersey neighborhood: Coco, the spunky orphan from Queens; Baz and Nzuzi, Congolese brothers with murky pasts; and Mad, the girl who changes everything. Vic finds himself connecting to this ragtag group, and along with his newfound friendship comes the courage to open his father's urn, the discovery of the message inside, and the epic journey it sparks.
David Arnold lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with his (lovely) wife and (boisterous) son. He is the critically-acclaimed author of Mosquitoland, which has been translated into over a dozen languages. Previous jobs include freelance musician/producer, stay-at-home dad, and preschool teacher. He is a fierce believer in the power of kindness and community. And pesto. He believes fiercely in pesto.
