First Draft - Ann Packer

Rafael Yglesias's 'A Happy Marriage' is a deeply personal and moving novel that alternates between the early romance of Enrique Sabas and Margaret Cohen and the final weeks of Margaret's life as she battles terminal cancer. The book is a candid exploration of what makes a marriage endure despite its imperfections. Inspired by Yglesias's own marriage, it offers a powerful portrayal of love and devotion.

In 'Grief Is for People,' Sloane Crosley navigates the complex and emotional journey of losing her closest friend to suicide, just a month after her apartment was burglarized. The book combines these two events, with Crosley conducting her own investigation into the theft as a way to cope with her denial and grief. As she delves deeper into the loss, she grapples with guilt, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the myriad questions that arise from such a profound loss. The memoir is a unique blend of humor, empathy, and introspection, challenging traditional notions of grief and mourning during difficult times.