Kim Fay’s second novel KATE AND FRIDA features two younger protagonists in their 20s who are grappling with personal dilemmas and more global ones (the Bosnian-Serbian war, for Frida). They are wonderful sounding boards for each other, as well as great support systems and give each other a kick in the butt when needed.

These two women develop a correspondence in the early 1990s as Frida is looking for a book from the bookstore Kate works at. There are definitely 84 CHARING CROSS ROAD vibes with a more contemporary sensibility. 

I appreciate when authors bring real events, especially ones I don’t know much about (like the conflict in Sarajevo), into their novels. 

The back half of this novel speaks to appreciating what you get out of relationships and friendships but also realizing when it’s time to move on. I really love that message, especially geared toward younger people. I’m not sure how many younger people will pick up this particular novel, but I really think that would be a great target audience for it.