The Origin of Ava by Annie Lampman
LC State alumna Annie Lampman’s brilliant new novel, The Origin of Ava, interweaves the stories of three unforgettable characters: Ava, a grieving ornithologist chasing birds and comfort in Ecuador; Ezra, a recently incarcerated young man seeking to distance himself from his painful past; and Greer, an 11-year-old girl running for her life through the Idaho wilderness with a dog and two llamas in tow. Lampman’s rich details and deft explorations of complex emotions and decisions connect readers to Ava, Ezra, and Greer, even (or especially) when they’re far from perfect. She also creates vivid landscapes bursting with plants and animals. As a reader from Idaho, I enjoyed being transported to the beaches of Ecuador, but also appreciated the opportunity to reflect on the history and intricacies of the land I call home.