'Truly the smartest and funniest book about spontaneous combustion you will ever read' JOHN GREEN, #1 bestselling author of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

A TIME magazine Top 10 YA Book of 2016!

Mara's senior year is proving to be a lot less exciting than she'd hoped, until the day - KABAM! - Katelyn Ogden explodes during third period. Katelyn is the first, but she won't be the last senior to explode without warning or explanation. The body count grows and the search is on for a reason, while the students continue to pop like balloons. But if bombs or terrorists or a government conspiracy aren't to blame, what is?

With the help of her oldest friend, her new boyfriend, a power ballad and a homemade disco ball, will Mara make it to graduation in one piece? It's going to be one hell of a year, where the only test is how to stay alive and where falling in love might be the worst thing you can do . . .

About the Author

Aaron Starmer is the author of numerous novels for young readers, including The Only Ones and The Riverman. Spontaneous is his first YA novel, and is being developed into a film. He lives in Vermont with his wife and daughter.

@AaronStarmer

Reviews
Aaron Starmer skilfully welds sharp humour, deep loss, and roaring escapades. Truly the smartest and funniest book about spontaneous combustion you will ever read -- JOHN GREEN, #1 bestselling author of THE FAULT IN OUR STARS
A compulsive, unexpected tale full of explosive energy, told with a balance of snark and sweetness by its wholly original (anti-)heroine, Mara. It gripped me as relentlessly as I gripped it! -- KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE, author of THE GIRL OF INK & STARS
Hits full force with glorious humour and breathtaking sadness. Spontaneous combustion never looked this good. I couldn't put it down -- DAWN KURTAGICH, author of THE DEAD HOUSE
Wonderful and weird . . . It's the beginning of a series of explosions and constant uncertainty about what will happen next - the perfect metaphor for growing up, of course, but also handled skilfully as a story device in its own right . . . The greatest strength of the novel is Mara's unsentimental voice . . . who is deeply - sometimes uncomfortably - relatable * * Irish Times * *
A blood-soaked, laugh-filled, tear-drenched, endlessly compelling read * * Kirkus, starred review * *
Will blow your mind * * People * *
A complete treat * * Bustle * *
A wholly original YA tale of identity, friendship, love, lust, and gory, grisly death . . . Explosive * * SLJ Review * *
At its heart a book about growing up and saying goodbye * * Book Riot * *
Bursting with heartache and gore * * Horn Book * *



Book Information
ISBN 9781786890610
Author Aaron Starmer
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Canongate Books
Publisher Canongate Books
Weight(grams) 293g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 22mm