If Birds Fly Back

A sparkling debut coming of age story about love, family, and the mysteries of the universe, perfect for fans of Jandy Nelson and Nicola Yoon.

Linny has kept a journal of famous disappearances ever since her sister Grace ran away in the middle of the night. Sebastian is an aspiring astrophysicist with a working theory for everything—but the one thing he can’t figure out is the identity of his birth father.

They haven’t met—yet—but Linny and Sebastian have one thing in common: an obsession with famous novelist and filmmaker Àlvaro Herrera, who who went missing three years ago and has just reappeared. As their lives converge in a heartfelt summer romance centered on the mystery of Àlvaro, they begin to uncover the answers they’ve been looking for.

With humor and heart, debut author Carlie Sorosiak weaves a story of family secrets, searching for those who leave—and loving those who stay.

"If Birds Fly Back feels like that last hazy, sun-drenched summer of high school, when you know youll need to find your place in the world, but youre busy laughing and falling in love under starlit skies. Its the rarest author who can pull off laugh-out-loud hilarious, profound, and breathlessly romantic, all in the most sparkling prose. That shortlist includes Rainbow Rowell, Nicola Yoon, and now, Carlie Sorosiak."—Jeff Zentner, acclaimed author of The Serpent King and Goodbye Days

They’re both searching for answers from the same person. But what will they do when the biggest mystery of all is the one developing between them?

Multiple POV: See the mystery unfold through the eyes of Linny, an aspiring filmmaker documenting disappearances, and Sebastian, a hopeful astrophysicist searching for his father. A Heartfelt Mystery: As Linny and Sebastian team up to investigate the enigmatic author Àlvaro Herrera, they start to unravel the secrets that have defined their own lives. Opposites Attract: She believes in documenting life as it happens; he believes in theories that explain the universe. Their unexpected connection might be the one thing that can’t be explained. Swoon-Worthy Love Story: Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Jandy Nelson, this tale of first love, humor, and heart will have you laughing and falling in love under starlit skies.