Yerba Buena is simply stunning. Satisfying and languorous and intimate, it's a contemporary coming of age about 2 young women who struggle with loss and disappointment-- in themselves, in their families, in their relationships-- as they journey toward finding a home in each other.

They meet at Yerba Buena, a trendy celebrity-chef restaurant in Hollywood. Emily arranges the flowers and Sarah is the bartender. Nobody is a celebrity (the chef doesn't really count), wants to be famous, or is "in the business." This is the kind of LA story I can get behind! I adore the Los Angeles LaCour gave us. She's a moody and slick city, aching with loneliness and hollow with her own sentiment.

Yerba Buena is a plant, the "good herb," both women have a connection with prior to the restaurant. Both women have flowed through life finding themselves remarkably easy to leave. Both are looking for what we all are, permanence and acceptance.

Another stunner, how LaCour drilled straight into the vapid sense of not belonging a person feels when surrounded by narcissists. Her prose is luscious and evocative, the kind of place you want to spend time. I cannot wait to read more of her work.