THE FUTURES, A Novel

by Anna Pitoniak
 
Anna Pitoniak’s first novel is gripping from the first page to the last.  It is the story of a young couple that meet and fall in love while students at Yale.  She’s from a privileged Massachusetts upbringing and he grew up in rural British Columbia and was recruited to play hockey at Yale.  Upon graduating, they take an apartment together in New York City – he with a flashy job at a hedge fund and she uncertain what she will do.
 
This is an amazingly vivid and believable coming of age story set in New York City.  It tracks Evan and Julia and how they feel as they try to fit into their new lives in Manhattan – and with each other.  Both of them  work hard to excel at their new jobs, but find a very real struggle staying true to themselves and each other.
 
This is a perfect summer read.  I think Pinoniak is spot-on in her character development and in her understanding of young adults trying to make their way into new careers while maintaining friendships and romantic relationships.  Her plot line is compelling.  You won’t be able to put it down. (Liz)