Immediately after high school graduation, eighteen-year-old Maya is kicked out of her wealthy dad’s NYC home; he prides himself on forcing his kids to “make their own way in the world.” Maya’s mom lives in Guatemala, so Maya crashes with friends while working and trying to land freelance writing gigs.
Maya struggles to find her footing until she gets access to a “writing room,” a shared workspace where she can focus—and get to know the intriguing neighbor, Jake, who’s often there.
When she discovers her dad is bankrolling a virulently anti-immigrant candidate for governor, Maya―the daughter of an immigrant―realizes she can’t continue quietly accepting his choices. She’ll have to take a stand, using the voice she’s found in the writing room.
Publishers Weekly
Reviewed on 25 August 2025
“Over the course of the smoothly wrought narrative, Maya encounters immigration issues challenging individuals in her new neighborhood, expands her literary leanings beyond her beloved classics, and pursues a relationship with Jake.”—Publishers Weekly
Booklist
“With a unique take on the current political climate, this novel explores finding one’s footing in the adult world and standing behind one’s beliefs.”—Booklist
David Bowles
Reviewed on 28 January 2025
“A timely and compelling portrait of people who rise above broken families and oppressive systems to find belonging and solidarity with one another. . . Daringly defiant and achingly hopeful, The Writing Room is an essential book that speaks to this moment with clear vision and powerful prose. Not to be missed!”—David Bowles, author of They Call Her Fregona
Ismée Williams
Reviewed on 28 January 2025
“An inspiring story about learning what’s important to you and finding the inner strength to stand up for it.”—Ismée Williams, author of This Train Is Being Held
Jessica Parra
Reviewed on 6 January 2025
“As emotionally gripping as it is heartfelt, The Writing Room is a powerful novel about family, finding your voice, and the potency of first love. Mickelson masterfully weaves trauma and tribulations with hope and healing, affirming the necessity of making space for yourself alongside and within your community.”—Jessica Parra, author of Rubi Ramos’s Recipe for Success and The Quince Project
Kirkus Reviews
“A timely coming of age story about taking a stand”
“Readers will empathize with Maya’s loneliness and sensibility”
“all too relevant.”
—Kirkus Review