Join Porter Square Books to celebrate the virtual launch of Things That Grow, the latest young adult novel from Boston Globe Love Letters advice columnist and podcast host Meredith Goldstein! She'll be joined in conversation by local teen services librarian Renata Sancken. This event is offered in partnership with our friends at 826 Boston and the Boston Globe. Free and open to all to attend, via Crowdcast.

After her grandmother dies, a girl travels to different gardens to scatter her ashes, learning about life and love along the way. From Love Letters advice columnist and podcast host Meredith Goldstein, this emotionally resonant novel with a touch of humor is perfect for fans of Robin Benway and Jenna Evans Welch.

When Lori’s Dorothy Parker–loving grandmother dies, Lori’s world is turned upside down. Grandma Sheryl was everything to Lori—and not just because Sheryl raised Lori when Lori’s mom got a job out of town. Now Lori’s mom is insisting on moving her away from her beloved Boston right before senior year. Desperate to stay for as long as possible, Lori insists on honoring her grandmother’s last request before she moves: to scatter Sheryl’s ashes near things that grow.

Along with her uncle Seth and Chris, best friend and love-of-her-life crush, Lori sets off on a road trip to visit her grandmother’s favorite gardens. Dodging forest bathers, scandalized volunteers, and angry homeowners, they come to terms with the shape of life after Grandma Sheryl. Saying goodbye isn’t easy, but Lori might just find a way to move forward surrounded by the people she loves.

Meredith Goldstein has written Love Letters, The Boston Globe’s relationship advice column, for more than 10 years. She also writes feature stories and hosts the Globe's popular Love Letters podcast. Meredith’s books include Chemistry Lessons, The Singles, Can’t Help Myself: Lessons and Confessions From a Modern Advice Columnist. Meredith was born in New Jersey, raised in Maryland, and lives in Boston with a carnival-size cotton candy machine. Visit her at MeredithGoldstein.com or on Twitter at @MeredithGoldste.

Renata Sancken (on Twitter as @renatasnacks) is a teen services librarian, The Moth StorySLAM winner, and cohost of the book podcast Worst Bestsellers (@worstbestseller). She lives in Arlington, MA and enjoys reading books, talking about books, and posting photos of her cat artfully posed with books.

826 Boston is a nonprofit youth writing and publishing organization that empowers traditionally underserved students ages 6-18 to find their voices, tell their stories, and gain communication skills to succeed in school and in life. Learn more at https://826boston.org/.

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Meredith Goldstein with Renata Sancken, Things That Grow