In the Bag

In the Bag Kate Klise

YOU GUYS! Why didn't anyone tell me that the fantastic middle grade author Kate Klise had an adult book out?! And one that I think has great cross-over appeal for teens.

Andrew's on his way to Madrid where he's designing an art exhibit. When boarding, he accidentally bumps the arm of a woman in first class, spilling her wine on her shirt. He can't keep his eyes off her (although all he can see from his vantage in coach is her feet) and, when at baggage claim, takes a chance and slips a note into her purse.

Daisy is one of the best chefs in Chicago, but after leaving yet another restaurant, she's on a much-needed vacation in Paris. She thought it would be relaxing and rejuvenating and a chance to bond with her daughter, before Coco goes to college in the fall. Everything goes horribly wrong from the beginning-- first someone spills wine on her and then the sleaze leaves a note in her purse-- who ruins silk blouses as a pick-up tactic? Then, Coco is in a horrible mood because...

Coco is horrified when she discovers that she picked up someone else's identical bag at baggage claim and now has nothing that she needs.

When Webb gets to Madrid with his father (Andrew, of course) he finds that he has someone else's bag. Someone who actually irons their jeans. Luckily, someone that anal also has a contact card in the pocket, so he sends an email and sets off a chain reaction...

And when Daisy's oldest friend needs help with an exhibit she's curating in Madrid after the caterer backs out... well.

Told in all four voices, this is a fun rom-com of a novel with hilarious touches (stinky cheese and Amish extremists!), complete with over-the-top ending. The dinner in Barcelona is priceless. I especially enjoyed all the little misunderstandings. Daisy's convinced Coco's always checking her email because she's missing prom and there's some drama back home (nope, just Webb.) I think Klise is trying to say something bigger here about love and connection in a digital world and generational divide but... that part doesn't work. Luckily, when she tries to make these points, it sounds authentic in the character's voice and blends in seamlessly with the plot, so it doesn't get in the way.

Bonus points for multiple narrators, various lyrics analysis of "Wichita Lineman" and "MacArthur Park." Also... did I mention the Amish extremists?

A very fun read for teens and adults. (I would totally read an adult book by her that's done in the style of Regarding the Fountain. Yes.)

Book Provided by... my local library

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