Becoming
Carly
Klein

A Novel

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Embark on a poignant journey through 1980s New York City in Becoming Carly Klein as Elizabeth Harlan masterfully crafts a tale of youthful rebellion, love, and betrayal.

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About the Book

Neglected by her self-absorbed parents and facing the upheaval of their divorce, sixteen year old Carly Klein finds solace in the support of her best friend Lauren. But when Lauren and her family suddenly relocate, Carly’s world crumbles, leaving her grasping for a sense of purpose. In a twist of fate, Carly discovers a tantalizing distraction within her own home—the enigmatic patients of her therapist mother.

Drawn to one patient in particular, Daniel, a blind junior at Columbia College, Carly’s curiosity morphs into obsession. Convinced that her affection could never be reciprocated due to their age difference, Carly concocts a daring plan: masquerading as a Barnard College student to infiltrate Daniel’s world. What begins as a harmless ruse soon spirals into a whirlwind of emotion and intrigue as Carly navigates the dizzying highs and crushing lows of falling in love.

Becoming Carly Klein takes readers on a rollercoaster romp through the exhilaration and disappointment of first love – and the unintended consequences of disguise, deception, and discovery.

Endorsements

If Holden Caulfield had a great-grandchild, it might be Carly Klein. J. D. Salinger used Holden as narrator to animate his novel; Elizabeth Harlan uses her powers of vivid observation. This will be a riveting read for many teenagers—and a meaningful cautionary tale for their parents.

Glenn Kramon

Former Assistant Managing Editor at The New York Times

With sparkling prose and witty dialogue, Harlan captures the electric energy and tension of a teen awkwardly keeping secrets… Though many of the core themes carry through for teens of any generation, Harlan illuminates hallmarks of the Gen X era of latchkey parenting and feeling free to explore a city undisturbed by adults…

BookLife Reviews

Under Harlan’s brilliant and deft touch, Becoming Carly Klein is a fearless exploration of how stepping in the wrong direction can help us step into ourselves. Perceptive and engrossing, this coming-of-age story is an anthem for an under-parented generation, and a reminder that growing up can happen at any age… in all its funny, heartbreaking, and messy glory! A deeply satisfying read and one not to miss.

Mary Pascual

Author of The Byways and Walk the Web Lightly

As I reflected upon this beautiful, hilarious, heartrending, truthful, and captivating work, two words finally came to me: a marvel.

J. L. Logan

Literature Bibliographer, Princeton University

In Becoming Carly Klein, Elizabeth Harlan vividly portrays the gripping and emotionally charged coming-of-age journey of an Upper East Side teenage girl in 1980s New York. As Carly forges her path to self-discovery, she is captivated by love, only to face a betrayal that tests her resolve. Through the trials of heartbreak and the struggle for reconciliation, she unearths her inner strength and resilience, proving that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit has the power to heal and rise anew.

Maryam Banikarim

A Fast Company "Top 10 Disrupter"

In Becoming Carly Klein, Elizabeth Harlan has given us a heartwarming adventure of a young girl coming of age in 1980s New York City. Not only Carly but her mom and dad as well grow up through this lively and engaging tale of family strife, first love, youthful rebellion, deception, heartbreak, and healing.

Senator Connie Mack

United States Senate 1989–2001, author of Citizen Mack: Politics, An Honorable Calling

As much as her plot and characters, it’s Elizabeth Harlan’s spare, elegant way with words that gives Carly’s coming of age story its power to engage a reader of any age, gender, or station.

Brooke Kroeger

Author of Undaunted: How Women Changed American Journalism

Carly Klein is memorable: hilarious, heart-wrenching, and very often a liar. Like many heroines, she must grow up. So must the adults around her. Becoming Carly Klein is a superb novel about this aching process of becoming both honest and honorable.

Catharine Stimpson

Former president of the Modern Language Association, former head of the MacArthur Foundation, and NYU professor and Dean Emerita

Catch the vibe of 1980s NYC—ambitious, gritty, stark, and real—in this utterly charming coming-of-age novel with a cast of memorably flawed and deeply human characters.

Melissa Walker

Author of Small Town Sinners and Unbreak My Heart

An engaging tale about family, maturation, and love.

Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Elizabeth Harlan's journey as an author is deeply rooted in the vibrant tapestry of New York City, where she spent her formative years and where Carly’s captivating story unfolds. A versatile writer, Elizabeth has crafted compelling narratives spanning young adult novels to probing literary biography tailored for adult readers.