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Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Kalyn Beasley, from 

Kalyn Beasley was in Minneapolis this winter for a national gathering of indie booksellers. That's where he met Gabriel Tallent, then an unknown name — a debut author there to talk up his book, which hadn't even come out yet.

Since January, the book has landed on many a "best of" list. Stephen King came out swinging for it. "The word 'masterpiece' has been cheapened by too many blurbs, but 'My Absolute Darling' absolutely is one," King wrote. Critic after critic has given it glowing praise.

"My Absolute Darling" is hard to read, harder to put down

Beasley got an early copy, and hasn't stopped recommending it since.

The novel tells the story of a 14-year-old girl, Turtle, who lives in the woods in Northern California with her survivalist father.

"It's kind of a coming-of-age story, of her breaking away from this strong male figure, her father," Beasley said. "He's not necessarily wanting to let her go. She's starting to meet boys and become interested in having friends.

"To tell you the truth, it's kind of a dark book. It's not for the faint of heart. It's got some pretty heavy subject matter. But the writing is amazing. His prose is terrific.

"It's a debut novel for [Tallent.] If this is any indication of what he can do, I think he's going to do great things."

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Tracy Mumford

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Bookseller Kalyn Beasley recommends "My Absolute Darling," the debut novel by Gabriel Tallent. "If this is any indication of what he can do, I think he's going to do great things."

A story with dark turns and terrific prose

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