Spanning the late 1970s to the late 1980s, Nadia Bozak’s thirteen stories are narrated from the perspective of Shell, the only child of bohemian artisans determined to live off their handicrafts and uphold a left-wing lifestyle. At the age of five, Shell’s world is transformed when the family moves into a new house, where she grows up. Over time, she gradually trades her unconventional upbringing for junk food, rock music, and boys. All the while, Shell quietly watches her parents’ loveless marriage fall apart and learns to survive divorce, weight gain, heartache, and first love.

Novel-in-stories.

Greener grass -- Fiddleheads -- Please don't pass me by -- Tooth fairy -- Children of the corn -- Fair trade -- Frozen fish -- Snow tire -- Hole in the wall -- She will make music wherever she goes -- Jesse -- Left luggage -- New roof.