The Infinite Now
Mindy Tarquini
(Author)
Description
On a rainy night in Philadelphia's Ninth Street Market, sixteen-year-old Fiora, newly-orphaned by the 1918 influenza epidemic, is dumped at an old man's door. Daughter of the local fortune teller, Fiora arrives with a little money, a lot of attitude, and her mother's formidable reputation. The old man, a widowed shoemaker ticking down his clock, is the only person in their superstitious immigrant community brave enough to stand between Fiora and an orphanage. Fiora's a modern, forward-thinking young woman, uninterested in using old-world magic to make a way for herself--but when her mother's magical curtain shows her that the old man will shortly die of a heart attack, Fiora panics, and casts her entire neighborhood into a stagnant bubble of time. A bubble where everything continues but nothing progresses--tomatoes won't ripen, babies refuse to be born, and the sick suffer under the weight of a never-ending stream of unspent seconds. Not everything in the bubble is bad. Love, fresh and fascinating, ignites. Friendships take root. But as day drags into interminable day, the pressure inside the bubble world builds. Fiora must accept that not everything found can be kept, not everything saved will remain, and unless Fiora finds the courage to collapse the bubble, every one of her hopes will be trapped inside an unbearable, unyielding, unpredictable, and infinite Now.
Product Details
Price
$16.95
$15.76
Publisher
Sparkpress
Publish Date
October 24, 2017
Pages
280
Dimensions
5.5 X 0.8 X 8.4 inches | 0.85 pounds
Language
English
Type
Paperback
EAN/UPC
9781943006342
BISAC Categories:
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About the Author
Mindy Tarquini grew up convinced that there are other worlds just one giant step to the left of where she's standing. Author of the critically acclaimed and award-winning Hindsight (SparkPress 2016) and The Infinite Now (SparkPress 2017), Tarquini's writing has appeared in Writer's Digest, BookPage, Hypable, and other venues. An associate editor on the Lascaux Review and a member of the Perley Station Writers Colony, Tarquini is a second-generation Italian American who believes words have power. She plies hers to the best of her ability from an enchanted tower a giant step left in the great Southwest.
Reviews
2017 Foreword Indies Gold Medal Winner in Adult Fiction--Fantasy
2017 USA Best Book Awards Winner, Fiction: LGBT
2017 INDIES Book of the Year Finalist
2017 USA Best Book Awards Finalist, Fiction: Fantasy
2017 Foreword Indies Finalist in Adult Fiction--LGBT
2017 Today Show winter book selection "Replete with poignant details, Mindy Tarquini's The Infinite Now is an engrossing tightrope walk over the relational lines that connect human beings to each other and to time itself...The Infinite Now's potent sorcery doesn't lie primarily in its forays into fantasy and myth, but rather in the humanity of its characters and the energy of its storytelling."
--Foreword Reviews, 5 out of 5 stars "This book offers a well-researched and engagingly drawn portrait of a displaced Italian community in one of America's most turbulent years. Fiora is a forceful, determined protagonist among an intriguing cast of supporting characters. The first-person descriptions of her life are both vivid and tender...A well-woven tapestry of history, character, and charming mystery."
--Kirkus Reviews "Historical fiction is portrayed in a new way . . . Told in first-person prose, this novel blends history with science fiction. Those who enjoy a story that appeals to the mind (and STEM topics) will gravitate to this work. Teens will be immersed in the intricate world-building and pulled in by the fast pace . . .Twists and turns in the plot are unpredictable but still believable and will leave readers gasping for air each time the story changes course. Give this to teens interested in health and medicine, in addition to time travel and history buffs. VERDICT This is a title not to be missed."
--School Library Journal "Mindy Tarquini beautifully weaves a tapestry of superstition, time, and hope in her most recent novel, The Infinite Now...Those who enjoy magical realism mixed with a bit of mystery will find themselves highly entertained by The Infinite Now, and the story reminds readers that hope and love are always good guides when we feel we've lost our way."
-- Manhattan Book Review (4 out of 5 stars) "Mindy Tarquini does a phenomenal job at capturing not only the feel of the time but the feel of people who would have lived there...This book reached out and struck right at my heart. I found myself falling in love - falling hard - with the story, at times nearly crying. If you want to lose yourself in a fantasy that feels all too real, look no further than The Infinite Now."
--San Francisco Book Review (5 out of 5 stars) "Take a break from reality with this whimsical plot set in flu-ravaged 1918 Philadelphia for some spellbinding magic at your fingertips."
--Working Mother "After wowing us in her debut offering, Mindy Tarquini impresses with The Infinite Now. With her second novel, Tarquini has established herself as a writer who excels with precise prose that creates a rich setting filled with feisty and unforgettable characters you wont want to part with when the story ends."
--Sandra Ruttan, Spinetingler Magazine "A young woman's dreams for a modern future clash with old-fashioned expectations in Mindy Tarquini's The Infinite Now. Set in a lushly illustrated, stateside, Italian-immigrant community during the first world war, Tarquini's sophomore novel reconnects readers to her signature spunky characters, settings simmering with magic, wry humor, and meticulous research. The cast of The Infinite Now carefully unravels the gamut of consequences of self-preservation, from superstition to protection to sacrifice, leaving readers with a renewed perspective on time, family, and, above all, hope."
--Camille Griep, author of Letters to Zell and New Charity Blues "Tarquini weaves a captivating tale that pulls you in from the very first page, eager to know the secrets the curious characters keep. Readers will enjoy Fiora, the witty, strong-willed lead, and aspire to use a few of her one liners in their own lives. The brilliant and thought-provoking story reminds us that family can be formed between the unlikeliest of souls, love can emerge amidst the most dismal backdrop of struggle, and miracles abound if we keep our hearts open to the possibilities waiting in the infinite now."
--Stacey L. Tucker, author of Ocean's Fire "An enchanting cast of characters and an intricately woven plot come together to create the masterpiece that is The Infinite Now."
--Buzzfeed (5 Reads for Fans of Erin Morgenstern) "Tarquini uses words like a composer. Her word choices crescendo into sentences that read like majestic musical scores and artfully explore the angst, fears, and emotional struggles of a confused teenage girl...Overall, though, this is a beautifully written book with heart, humor, and just enough magic to make things a bit dangerous. Unexpected and poignant: I recommend it."
--Historical Novel Society "An easy read with likable characters and a story about love and acceptance, Tarquini's latest...will captivate readers until the very end."
--BookList "Swathed in layers of the unexpected, the seamless narration and multidimensional story delivers an endearing and powerful look at life and the choices we make."
--Books, Vertigo, and Tea Past Praise for Mindy Tarqini's Hindsight
"Tarquini charms her audience with heady wit and laugh-out-loud humor . . . This is a fast-reading, enjoyable journey through past and present that many readers will enjoy."
--Booklist "Hindsight is an evocative and inventive reincarnation tale. Drawing on snippets of wisdom from long-gone literary giants, including Chaucer, Dante, Goethe, and Kipling, Tarquini illustrates the eternal universality of human behavior . . . the narrative emphasizes the importance of acting in the here and now: saying what should be said, forgiving what needs to be forgiven, embracing opportunities to deepen connections with others, and seizing moments of happiness when they?re presented. Consequently, Hindsight is a sustaining and deeply personal reading experience."
--Foreword Reviews, FIVE STARS, Book of the Day Selection "Tarquini's innovative concept is paired with realistic characters and sparkling wit, making this enjoyable novel a keeper."
--Publishers Weekly, Starred Review "This contemporary jewel is a literary parade that reminds us to live life fully in the now."
--Working Mother, "21 New Books to Fall for This Autumn" "A unique and innovative reminder to enjoy life like it's the only one you'll have."
--Bookstr "Witty and thought-provoking, Mindy Tarquini's debut is a must-read for lovers of Chaucer, magical realism and literary ingenuity."
--Buzzfeed "Funny and irreverent, this modern fable is a good reminder to love the life you have."
--Real Simple "This quirky and often funny novel is a satisfying debut and will pique readers' interests right off the bat."
--RT Book Reviews "This charming contemporary fable marks a fabulous debut for author Mindy Tarquini."
--SheKnows, "The best books written by women you need to read this fall" "Debut author Mindy Tarquini's rollicking prose wends the reader through a hybrid contemporary, historical, and speculative tale of karma, past lives, and the capacity to forgive and forget. Equal parts tender and hilarious, Hindsight will leave readers wanting another meatball, another life, and whatever Tarquini serves up next."
--Camille Griep, author of Letters to Zell "Author Mindy Tarquini glues readers to the page with her insight into character and her signature irreverent humor. Hindsight is a debut you don't want to miss."
--Stephen Parrish, editor of the The Lascaux Review "In Eugenia Panisporchi, Mindy Tarquini gives us a heroine for the ages and for right now, combining the concept of past lives with a witty and entertaining take on the timeless task of being true to ourselves."
--Kamy Wicoff, author of Wishful Thinking "Deliciously original with a quirky voice that sets Mindy Tarquini in a league of her own?Hindsight blends comedy and insight into an engaging story with a brave, yet satisfying, conclusion."
--Sandra Ruttan, Spinetingler Magazine "The Infinite Now's combination of suspense, tragedy, and coming of age is sure to be the next book on your TBR pile."
-- PopSugar "Swathed in layers of the unexpected, the seamless narration and multidimensional story delivers an endearing and powerful look at life and the choices we make."
--Books, Vertigo and Tea "As an original and deftly written novel that is a consistently and absorbing read from beginning to end, The Infinite Now reveals author Mindy Tarquini's genuine gift as a narrative driven storyteller....Unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended, especially for community library collections."
--Midwest Book Review
2017 USA Best Book Awards Winner, Fiction: LGBT
2017 INDIES Book of the Year Finalist
2017 USA Best Book Awards Finalist, Fiction: Fantasy
2017 Foreword Indies Finalist in Adult Fiction--LGBT
2017 Today Show winter book selection "Replete with poignant details, Mindy Tarquini's The Infinite Now is an engrossing tightrope walk over the relational lines that connect human beings to each other and to time itself...The Infinite Now's potent sorcery doesn't lie primarily in its forays into fantasy and myth, but rather in the humanity of its characters and the energy of its storytelling."
--Foreword Reviews, 5 out of 5 stars "This book offers a well-researched and engagingly drawn portrait of a displaced Italian community in one of America's most turbulent years. Fiora is a forceful, determined protagonist among an intriguing cast of supporting characters. The first-person descriptions of her life are both vivid and tender...A well-woven tapestry of history, character, and charming mystery."
--Kirkus Reviews "Historical fiction is portrayed in a new way . . . Told in first-person prose, this novel blends history with science fiction. Those who enjoy a story that appeals to the mind (and STEM topics) will gravitate to this work. Teens will be immersed in the intricate world-building and pulled in by the fast pace . . .Twists and turns in the plot are unpredictable but still believable and will leave readers gasping for air each time the story changes course. Give this to teens interested in health and medicine, in addition to time travel and history buffs. VERDICT This is a title not to be missed."
--School Library Journal "Mindy Tarquini beautifully weaves a tapestry of superstition, time, and hope in her most recent novel, The Infinite Now...Those who enjoy magical realism mixed with a bit of mystery will find themselves highly entertained by The Infinite Now, and the story reminds readers that hope and love are always good guides when we feel we've lost our way."
-- Manhattan Book Review (4 out of 5 stars) "Mindy Tarquini does a phenomenal job at capturing not only the feel of the time but the feel of people who would have lived there...This book reached out and struck right at my heart. I found myself falling in love - falling hard - with the story, at times nearly crying. If you want to lose yourself in a fantasy that feels all too real, look no further than The Infinite Now."
--San Francisco Book Review (5 out of 5 stars) "Take a break from reality with this whimsical plot set in flu-ravaged 1918 Philadelphia for some spellbinding magic at your fingertips."
--Working Mother "After wowing us in her debut offering, Mindy Tarquini impresses with The Infinite Now. With her second novel, Tarquini has established herself as a writer who excels with precise prose that creates a rich setting filled with feisty and unforgettable characters you wont want to part with when the story ends."
--Sandra Ruttan, Spinetingler Magazine "A young woman's dreams for a modern future clash with old-fashioned expectations in Mindy Tarquini's The Infinite Now. Set in a lushly illustrated, stateside, Italian-immigrant community during the first world war, Tarquini's sophomore novel reconnects readers to her signature spunky characters, settings simmering with magic, wry humor, and meticulous research. The cast of The Infinite Now carefully unravels the gamut of consequences of self-preservation, from superstition to protection to sacrifice, leaving readers with a renewed perspective on time, family, and, above all, hope."
--Camille Griep, author of Letters to Zell and New Charity Blues "Tarquini weaves a captivating tale that pulls you in from the very first page, eager to know the secrets the curious characters keep. Readers will enjoy Fiora, the witty, strong-willed lead, and aspire to use a few of her one liners in their own lives. The brilliant and thought-provoking story reminds us that family can be formed between the unlikeliest of souls, love can emerge amidst the most dismal backdrop of struggle, and miracles abound if we keep our hearts open to the possibilities waiting in the infinite now."
--Stacey L. Tucker, author of Ocean's Fire "An enchanting cast of characters and an intricately woven plot come together to create the masterpiece that is The Infinite Now."
--Buzzfeed (5 Reads for Fans of Erin Morgenstern) "Tarquini uses words like a composer. Her word choices crescendo into sentences that read like majestic musical scores and artfully explore the angst, fears, and emotional struggles of a confused teenage girl...Overall, though, this is a beautifully written book with heart, humor, and just enough magic to make things a bit dangerous. Unexpected and poignant: I recommend it."
--Historical Novel Society "An easy read with likable characters and a story about love and acceptance, Tarquini's latest...will captivate readers until the very end."
--BookList "Swathed in layers of the unexpected, the seamless narration and multidimensional story delivers an endearing and powerful look at life and the choices we make."
--Books, Vertigo, and Tea Past Praise for Mindy Tarqini's Hindsight
"Tarquini charms her audience with heady wit and laugh-out-loud humor . . . This is a fast-reading, enjoyable journey through past and present that many readers will enjoy."
--Booklist "Hindsight is an evocative and inventive reincarnation tale. Drawing on snippets of wisdom from long-gone literary giants, including Chaucer, Dante, Goethe, and Kipling, Tarquini illustrates the eternal universality of human behavior . . . the narrative emphasizes the importance of acting in the here and now: saying what should be said, forgiving what needs to be forgiven, embracing opportunities to deepen connections with others, and seizing moments of happiness when they?re presented. Consequently, Hindsight is a sustaining and deeply personal reading experience."
--Foreword Reviews, FIVE STARS, Book of the Day Selection "Tarquini's innovative concept is paired with realistic characters and sparkling wit, making this enjoyable novel a keeper."
--Publishers Weekly, Starred Review "This contemporary jewel is a literary parade that reminds us to live life fully in the now."
--Working Mother, "21 New Books to Fall for This Autumn" "A unique and innovative reminder to enjoy life like it's the only one you'll have."
--Bookstr "Witty and thought-provoking, Mindy Tarquini's debut is a must-read for lovers of Chaucer, magical realism and literary ingenuity."
--Buzzfeed "Funny and irreverent, this modern fable is a good reminder to love the life you have."
--Real Simple "This quirky and often funny novel is a satisfying debut and will pique readers' interests right off the bat."
--RT Book Reviews "This charming contemporary fable marks a fabulous debut for author Mindy Tarquini."
--SheKnows, "The best books written by women you need to read this fall" "Debut author Mindy Tarquini's rollicking prose wends the reader through a hybrid contemporary, historical, and speculative tale of karma, past lives, and the capacity to forgive and forget. Equal parts tender and hilarious, Hindsight will leave readers wanting another meatball, another life, and whatever Tarquini serves up next."
--Camille Griep, author of Letters to Zell "Author Mindy Tarquini glues readers to the page with her insight into character and her signature irreverent humor. Hindsight is a debut you don't want to miss."
--Stephen Parrish, editor of the The Lascaux Review "In Eugenia Panisporchi, Mindy Tarquini gives us a heroine for the ages and for right now, combining the concept of past lives with a witty and entertaining take on the timeless task of being true to ourselves."
--Kamy Wicoff, author of Wishful Thinking "Deliciously original with a quirky voice that sets Mindy Tarquini in a league of her own?Hindsight blends comedy and insight into an engaging story with a brave, yet satisfying, conclusion."
--Sandra Ruttan, Spinetingler Magazine "The Infinite Now's combination of suspense, tragedy, and coming of age is sure to be the next book on your TBR pile."
-- PopSugar "Swathed in layers of the unexpected, the seamless narration and multidimensional story delivers an endearing and powerful look at life and the choices we make."
--Books, Vertigo and Tea "As an original and deftly written novel that is a consistently and absorbing read from beginning to end, The Infinite Now reveals author Mindy Tarquini's genuine gift as a narrative driven storyteller....Unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended, especially for community library collections."
--Midwest Book Review
