Upper Iowa University professor launches release of novel

Upper Iowa University Associate Professor of English Adrianne Finlay will host a launch party Saturday, February 10, for her debut young adult novel, Your One and Only. Hosted by the Cedar Falls Author Festival, the event will be held in the Cedar Falls Public Library upstairs conference room. Those in attendance will have an opportunity to meet the author, have a copy of the book signed, win prizes, and more.

“From spending my whole summer writing, to signing a book contract with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, to holding my finished book in my hands, it’s been a long road to publication,” Finlay said. “I’m grateful to everyone who offered their excitement and support along the way, and I’m thrilled to finally share my book with the world. Your One & Only has plenty of action, suspense, and romance, but ultimately it’s a story about love, acceptance, and what it means to be human in a world that’s lost touch with its humanity.”

Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, the novel’s official released date is Tuesday, February 6. Set in a future world, the story features Jack, the only  human among a sea of clones. It’s been hundreds of years since humanity died off in the slow plague, leaving the clones behind to carry on human existence. Over time they’ve perfected their genes, moving further away from the imperfections of humanity. But if they really are perfect, why did they create Jack?

While Jack longs for acceptance, Althea-310 struggles with the feeling that she’s different from her sisters. Her fascination with Jack doesn’t help. As Althea and Jack’s connection grows stronger, so does the threat to their lives. What will happen if they do the unthinkable and fall in love?

Finlay, who also serves as UIU’s creative writing program director, received her Ph.D. in literature and creative writing from Binghamton University. Originally from Ithaca, New York, she now lives in Cedar Falls, Iowa, with her husband and poet, J. D. Schraffenberger, and their two daughters.