WHAT
YOU'RE
IN
FOR
Cover art by Amina Akhmadeeva.
Visit aminaillustration.com for more.
Audrey Dae’s debut young adult novel, What You’re In For, is a twisting dive into how decision-making affects relationship development. Cleverly introspective and delightfully witty, it follows a range of teens over a particularly explosive Fourth of July weekend in the Missouri Ozarks. Central characters Esther and Ruth navigate competition, communication, parents, and poker games—while each story gradually (and creatively) collides into the others. The reader emerges from the ensuing storm of emotions with the knowledge that truth is only a connection away from change, wants and needs aren’t always what they seem, and everyone has the ability to own their actions.
novel description:
Ruth can predict her own futures. Esther can recall, in perfect detail, their shared past.
As friends, and then as rivals, they trained at Kishi Academy—an infamous school for young adults with extraordinary cognitive abilities like theirs. But that’s not where this story takes place.
When Ruth steals money meant for Esther, a wild chase leads them into summer break and a funny little town on the edge of familiarity. While dealing with their competing feelings for each other, the two will also have to endure the locals, the visitors, and the hunter on their trail. From the bottom of the glistening lake to the top of the tree-covered hills, Esther and Ruth must blend as best they can into intertwining tales that prove the present is the most provocative place to be.
extra: book playlist
“Wanna Get Outta Here” by The War and Treaty
“Leavers Lullaby” by Pistol Annies
“You Ain’t Foolin’ Me” by Lindi Ortega
“Get Yourself Together” by The Black Keys
“Revival” by Rissi Palmer
“Ever Lovin’ Hand” by Tyler Childers
“Hold on Me” by Twisted Pine
“Muddy River” by Calista Garcia
“I NEED YOU” by Jon Batiste
“Roll the Bones” by The Ballroom Thieves
“No Plan” by Hozier
“Dam, Damn” by Päter
“These Days” by Jamestown Revival
“Searching With My Good Eye Closed” by Soundgarden, cover by Brandi Carlile
“The Drunk” by Kiltro
“Presence” by JOSEPH
“Ram Jam” by Elle King
“Red - Handed” by Vintage Trouble
“Different” by Mickey Guyton
“Pin It Down” by Madison Cunningham
“All Or Nothing” by Nathaniel Rateliff
“Battle” by Carsie Blanton
“Drops in the Lake” by Lord Huron
“Renegade (feat. Taylor Swift)” by Big Red Machine, Taylor Swift
“Storm Cloud Baby” by the moss
“Frightening Lightning” by The New Respects
“I Was Wrong” by BAILEN
“Be My Friend” by Yola
“Don’t Call Me” by The Highwomen
“A New Beginning” by Fantastic Negrito
“Hold Out Your Hand” by Brandi Carlile
“Whistle On Occasion (feat. Chuck Prophet)” by Kim Richey, Chuck Prophet
“Take Me In” by The War and Treaty