Ethan Joella Presents A Quiet Life with Becky Chalsen

P&T Knitwear is pleased to welcome Ethan Joella to celebrate his new novel, A Quiet Life. From the author of A Little Hope—a Read with Jenna Bonus Pick—comes an enormously powerful and life-affirming novel about three individuals whose lives intersect in unforeseen ways. Ethan will be joined in conversation by Becky Chalsen, director of development for John Krasinski’s “Sunday Night” production company.

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Set in a close-knit Pennsylvania suburb in the grip of winter, A Quiet Life follows three people grappling with loss and finding a tender wisdom in their grief.

Chuck Ayers used to look forward to nothing so much as his annual trip to Hilton Head with his wife, Cat—that yearly taste of relaxation they’d become accustomed to in retirement, after a lifetime of working and raising two children. Now, just months after Cat’s death, Chuck finds that he can’t let go of her things—her favorite towel, the sketchbooks in her desk drawer—as he struggles to pack for a trip he can’t imagine taking without her.

Ella Burke delivers morning newspapers and works at a bridal shop to fill her days while she anxiously awaits news—any piece of information—about her missing daughter. Ella adjusts to life in a new apartment and answers every call on her phone, hoping her daughter will reach out one day.

After the sudden death of her father, Kirsten Bonato set aside her veterinary school aspirations, finding comfort in the steady routine of working at an animal shelter. But as time passes, old dreams and new romantic interests begin to surface—and Kirsten finds herself at another crossroads.

In this beautifully crafted and profoundly moving novel, three parallel narratives converge in poignant and unexpected ways, as each character bravely presses onward, trying to recover something they have lost. Emotionally riveting and infused with hope, A Quiet Life celebrates humanity in the midst of uncertainty.

"Heartwarming, character-driven charm. Empathetic without becoming saccharine, A Quiet Life highlights the power of closure and the importance of a connected, compassionate community.” —Booklist

"A Quiet Life is filled with people I’d like to meet. Ethan Joella’s latest novel reminds us that life is made of journeys, not only destinations. Read this one slowly; you’ll want to savor the details." —Charmaine Wilkerson, author of Black Cake

"A Quiet Life shines with the courage and heart of its characters. Through elegant prose, this powerful book reminds us that in grief and loss we stand united in the love, resilience, and connection that define our humanity. Readers will emerge from these intersecting stories transformed, hopeful, and inspired." —Qian Julie Wang, author of Beautiful Country

AVAILABLE TO SHIP MOST PLACES

• This is a free in-store event with limited amphitheater-style seating
• All guests must be vaccinated to attend, and must provide proof of vaccination in order to enter event.  We encourage all guests to wear masks.
• The talk will be followed by a book signing. Books signed at P&T Knitwear events must be purchased from P&T Knitwear. If you would like a signed copy and cannot attend the event, we're happy to take your pre-order. We ship most places!

Ethan Joella teaches English and psychology at the University of Delaware and specializes in community writing workshops. His work has appeared in River Teeth, The Cimarron Review, The MacGuffin, Delaware Beach Life, and Third Wednesday. He is the author of A Little Hope, which was a Read with Jenna Bonus Selection and A Quiet Life. He lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with his wife and two daughters.

Becky Chalsen is a novelist living in new york city. her debut novel kismet will publish in april 2023 by dutton. Growing up with one older brother and three quadruplet sisters, Becky has long found sanctuary in stories. One might even call it a namesake - while she is the only one of her sisters to not share a name with a Little Women character, she was named after Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, her mother’s favorite book. When not writing, Becky works as a film/TV development executive at the production company, Sunday Night. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where she studied History and English. Read more about her career journey here. Becky is married to her high school sweetheart, an identical twin. (and yes, if Becky read a story about a quadruplet married to a twin who she met in kindergarten, she would also say “feels a bit unrealistic!”)

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