The Worst Perfect Moment remains the same.

This inventive queer romance, equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, explores the meaning of true happiness by following the story of sixteen-year-old Tegan Masters, who finds herself dead and standing in the parking lot of the Marybelle Motor Lodge. This motel in New Jersey holds memories of Tegan’s worst weekend.

In this afterlife, Tegan meets Zelda, a teen angel with a snarky sense of humor and a pair of epic wings. Zelda explains that they are in heaven, where everyone lives in the exact replica of their happiest memory. According to Zelda, Tegan’s happiest memory is the Marybelle, with its creepy minigolf course, sad breakfast buffet, and filthy swimming pool. Tegan has complaints about this and takes them up with Management. In response, Tegan and Zelda are sent on a whirlwind tour through Tegan’s memories to find clues that will help her understand what mattered most to her in life.

Failure to prove that the Marybelle was Tegan's perfect moment would result in dire eternal consequences for both girls. However, if Zelda succeeds in convincing Tegan and Management, they might just get their happily-ever-afterlife. The story is a tender and edgy take on coming of age in the afterlife.

Kirkus Reviews called the book "filled with depth and wit, despite its dark tone," praising its exceptional writing. Publishers Weekly described it as a queer romantic comedy that expertly balances poignancy and irreverence, exploring themes of death, parental abandonment, and self-worth.

product information: