Thirsty: A Novel by Jas Hammonds (Paperback) (PREORDER)

Young Adult Fiction - Social Themes - Drugs, Alcohol, Substance Abuse - Emotions & Feelings - Peer Pressure - LGBTQ+ - Lesbian

RELEASE DATE: 8/26/2025 (WILL SHIP DIRECTLY FROM OUR SUPPLIER'S WAREHOUSE AND ARRIVE 1-2 DAYS AFTER THE RELEASE DATE)

Originally Published in Hardcover: 5/14/2024

A Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee
A Junior Library Guild Selection

From Jas Hammonds, the award-winning author of We Deserve Monuments, comes an electric, heart-wrenching novel about a teen whose desperation to fit in leads to a dizzying relationship with alcohol―and a poignant journey of self-discovery.

"Sensitively wrought and gorgeously written." ―Courtney Summers, New York Times bestselling author of Sadie and I’m the Girl

It’s the summer before college and Blake Brenner and her girlfriend, Ella, have one goal: join the mysterious and exclusive Serena Society. The sorority promises status and lifelong connections to a network of powerful, trailblazing women of color. Ella’s acceptance is a sure thing―she’s the daughter of a Serena alum. Blake, however, has a lot more to prove.

As a former loner from a working-class background, Blake lacks Ella’s pedigree and confidence. Luckily, she finds courage at the bottom of a liquor bottle. When she drinks, she’s bold, funny, and unstoppable―and the Serenas love it. But as pledging intensifies, so does Blake’s drinking, until it’s seeping into every corner of her life. Ella assures Blake that she’s fine; partying hard is what it takes to make the cut . . .

But success has never felt so much like drowning. With her future hanging in the balance and her past dragging her down, Blake must decide how far she’s willing to go to achieve her glittering dreams of success―and how much of herself she’s willing to lose in the process.

A powerful exploration of the lengths we go to feel seen, and the devastating consequences of an unquenchable thirst.

AUTHOR BIO: 

Jas Hammonds was raised in many cities and between the pages of many books. They have received support for their writing from the Highlights Foundation, Baldwin for the Arts and Art Omi. They are also a grateful recipient of the MacDowell James Baldwin Fellowship. Their bestselling debut novel, We Deserve Monuments, won the 2023 Coretta Scott King - John Steptoe Award for New Talent. She lives in New Jersey.

"Thirsty is the first lungful of air when you're drowning. An astonishing, compassionate, and deeply complicated novel about addiction, friendship, and loyalty that will leave your heart singing. Don't miss this!" --Mark Oshiro, New York Times bestselling author of Into the Light

"A vibrant, affirming look at addiction, resilience, and what it means to take charge of your own life." --Rebecca Barrow, author of And Don't Look Back and This Is What It Feels Like

"A brilliant display of electric dread, Jas Hammonds's Thirsty perfectly balances the dizzy joys of youth with a stark understanding of the complexities of addiction. A riveting addition to any collection built with care for our indispensable community of children." --K. Ancrum, award-winning author of The Weight of the Stars and Darling

"Vulnerable, tender, heartbreaking, and so full of hope. Thirsty is a compelling exploration of interiority that feels universal by a profound and incredible author." --Sara Farizan, award-winning author of If You Could Be Mine and Dead Flip

" Thirsty is an undeniable force. A knockout with nuance. This stunningly crafted story tugs at the reader with breathless pace and sharp insights that ultimately delivers the hope of recovery." --Cory McCarthy, bestselling author of the Stonewall Honor-winner Man o' War