Sandy Day

Head on Backwards, Chest Full of Sand: A Coming of Age Novel Sandy Day

Picture a baby doll washed up on a beach. Her chest is full of sand and her head's twisted backwards. That's 17-year-old Livvy's state of mind.

For years, Livvy sat on her Aunt Donna's porch, poring over Ms. Magazine, determined to grow into a brilliant and accomplished woman. Then, in the summer of 1978, when Livvy followed a newly divorced Aunt Donna to Nova Scotia she was confronted by an agonizing question. How can a girl claim to be liberated when she's so obsessed with her boyfriend back in Ontario?

While Livvy's cousins torment her and house renovations disturb her, a persistent young islander tries to teach Livvy to disco dance. In the meantime Livvy prepares herself for the much anticipated arrival of the boyfriend, Kane.

With poetic fluidity and breathtaking revelations Day draws the reader into Livvy's obsession. Such a deep dive into the dire and agonizing crannies of a foolish young woman establishes Head on Backwards, Chest Full of Sand as a memorable coming of age story.

For fans of The Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing, Lives of Girls and Women, and The Bell Jar, this story promises to immerse you in the world of a troubled young woman as she comes slowly to terms with love, life and all its messy relationships.

Order a copy of this new Coming of Age novel now.