Hanover resident and rising young adult novel author Sara Biren’s debut, “The Last Thing You Said,” has hit bookstore shelves. The Fletcher native’s first book was published by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS, and released on Tuesday, April 4, 2017.
The novel, set in a fictional town in the Brainerd Lakes Area of Minnesota, is a young adult contemporary romance told in alternating chapters by two main characters, Lucy and Ben. The book tells the story of the two teens, whose lives were forever changed when Ben’s sister Trixie – Lucy’s best friend – died unexpectedly. Throughout the novel, Biren explores themes of grief, first love, friendship, and forgiveness as two families adjust to their loss.
Biren, who graduated from Elk River High School, has been writing since elementary school. She earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Several of Biren’s short stories were published in literary journals before she began writing novels about teens. In addition to writing fiction, she works as a copywriter for a local marketing and advertising firm and owns a freelance editing company.
She was a mainstay at the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce for several years, as well, making her a familiar face for many local business owners.
A launch party celebrating the publication, hosted by Addendum Books, was held Saturday, April 8, at 7 pm at Solomon’s Porch in Minneapolis. The event also celebrated the publication of St. Paul author Andrew DeYoung’s young adult science fiction novel, “The Expo Project,” and featured readings, Q&A, music, and refreshments. Both books are still available for purchase at the site, located at 100 W. 46th Street, Minneapolis.
In addition to the April 8 event, Biren plans to read and sign at other bookstores locally and throughout Minnesota. More information can be found at her website, www.sarabiren.com. “The Last Thing You Said” is available nationally in bookstores and online, and is available at major online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Target.