Young Fools by Liza Palmer follows Helen Hicks and Cherry Stewart, two young writers who meet at the prestigious, week-long Hayward Writing Intensive. Their friendship is forged under the mounting pressure of trying to demonstrate potential in the literary world. They both have disparate backgrounds and experiences, which impact the ways in which they approach the workshop, people, writing, and life generally. 

After that week, the story follows the two writers’ lives at various points during their careers and the events that unfold. Despite plans and aspirations, their trajectories are anything but straightforward. Can their friendship, and who they believe themselves to be, stand the test of time? 

Liza Palmer deftly crafted the personalities and histories of both women. Even in the most imperfect actions and trying choices, I couldn’t help but hope for the best for the characters. Each character (including side characters) was decidedly human, at times unlikable, but gripping in a way that made me keep turning the pages and wanting to know more. 

If you love bookish books, strong female main characters, ambition-driven action, and stories following friendships, this one’s for you.  Young Fools will be published on September 9, 2025, by Lake Union Publishing.  Liza Palmer is also the author of Family Reservations, The Nobodies, The F Word, and Nowhere but Home.