The Barefoot Followers of Sweet Potato Grace

Tongues wag in Tombstone, Tex., when a van full of beer-drinking, shoe-avoidant 20-year-olds crashes the funeral for Sweet Potato Grace, a local cat. The ensuing gently whimsical coming-of-age narrative from debut author Okonsky is narrated by kitty’s bereft owner, Pinky Swear. While grieving her dumpster-diving “best friend,” Pinky also navigates relationships with her overbearing mother and gossipy group of girl buddies, none of whom know she’s gay. (Pinky had intended to come out during the eulogy, but the unplanned arrival shattered her courage.) Still, she manages to befriend the barefoot newcomers, who spend most of their time partying while the hostile locals try to figure out who they are and why they’re there. When the “nefarious” strangers raise a flag depicting Sweet Potato Grace over their rental house, it prompts rumors that they are a cat-worshipping cult. As Pinky’s high school friends set out to rescue her from the “wacko-jacko” cult, Pinky develops feelings for one of the barefoot women, Mars. But when she learns the shocking truth about her new friends, she must decide what she wants her life to look like. Okonsky’s light touch with a late speculative twist makes for a fun and happy ending. With its humorous, slice-of-life portrayal of rural Texas and sweet sapphic romance, this is sure to charm. (Aug.)