*Your Actual Life May Vary — Linda Lenhoff

A darkly comic novel about finding family in the most unexpected places.
Patty Grant, a grad student in San Diego, impulsively moves out of her rental and takes a child tied to a doghouse with her. With her silent, mysterious passenger, Patty follows the California dream, searching for a perfect place. Can she escape her past and make amends for her rash decision?

Once she gets to know her new community, Patty discovers that nearly everyone has something to hide. She might just fit right in… This darkly humorous novel examines what it really means to be a family through a uniquely twisted lens. For readers who enjoy quirky characters, unconventional relationships, and stories that explore the complexities of human connection.