Immerse yourself in the captivating and darkly humorous world inside the compelling novel Unnatural Circumstances. Embark on the journey of three unconventional individuals who willingly set out on an adventure only to become entangled in a disturbi...
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"I think we are afraid of ourselves. . . .of seeing ourselves clearly and without disguise."
- Shirley Jackson
Queens, New York
September 2nd, 1996
11:30 a.m.
If you want a book with a strong female character, a young boy becoming the "Chosen One," or endless love triangles, please close this novel and pretend you never saw its contents.
In this twisted tale of unforeseen events, humans dig their nails into the supernatural world, magic schools value tradition more than their pupils, and chivalry is a luxury no one can afford. So before you read this novel, you must understand that in 1996, an unforgivable tragedy was unleashed upon the lives of three outsiders.
Take Soleil Barlowe, for instance. She will write everything she sees in her journal and turn it into a best-selling novel someday. She has been a witch for nineteen years, yet she saw things that would make you shudder every time you turn the page.
But then again, Soleil is no Toni Morrison. She doubts her story would get published in The New Yorker, let alone be recognized by her peers. Besides, even if people read Soleil's book, she can imagine the skepticism on their faces when they read the part about her tumultuous fall semester at the Hollingsworth Institute.
Suppose you've never been to New York. In that case, Hollingsworth Institute is an exceptional college dedicated to young witches, warlocks, or people with supernatural talents trained to defend the world from predatory threats.
Every student is accepted here, regardless of race, gender, disability, class, or sexual orientation.
Though the school has courses ranging from Dark Arts to AP Greek Mythology, the kids could watch shows like Hey Arnold! in the breakroom, eat meals, and sign up for activities as long as they finish their assignments at the end of the day. However, if you're a college dropout who has bills and student loans to pay, you're forced to do things you hate.
At around six-thirty p.m., Soleil Barlowe rolls her car window down and peer through the transparent glass of Sweet Mae's Diner. Inside, Soleil notices all the booths are coated in this blood-red color.
Ceiling fans spin, but they rarely perform a perfect 360°. Cynical culinarians operate in the kitchen while depressed patrons abandon their red cushioned chairs and head outside.
Soleil's ears heighten as the luminous red jukebox plays songs by Janis Joplin, Emerson Brothers, and Patti Smith. As she sits in her green Volkswagen Beetle, savoring the creamy taste of her vanilla milkshake, Soleil can't help but notice a handsome college student making his way into the diner.
The dark-haired boy stands out in his indigo-blue letterman's jacket, paired with a dark green flannel and an eye-catching orange Ringer tee. His Anchor Blue and his Converse sneakers are drenched in mud and water.
