Overcoming a broken heart, getting second chances, discovering quirkiness and laughing a lot are just a few of the things a reader will come across in Kaya McLaren's second novel, "On the Divinity of Second Chances."
McLaren, a former valley resident, drafted her first book while working as a massage therapist in Sun Valley. She will return to the valley to sign her new work from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 28, at Chapter One Bookstore in Ketchum.
McLaren said her characters are all a part of her, and she cannot write about things she isn't familiar with.
"I am far from expert because I have never been married, have been engaged, never killed anyone or lived in a tree house or been pregnant," McLaren said. "There are lots of things I have never done, but I have tap-danced in a Grange hall and drank wine with women while listening to Van Morrison."
McLaren teaches third and fourth grades in a small town in Washington state. She said the school and children are like family to her.
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Her latest novel has been published by Penguin, which has also re-released her first book, "Church of the Dog."
"Penguin has treated me very well, and they are a machine," McLaren said. "They have opened a lot of doors for me and treated me very well. One major motion picture company has been interested in optioning 'On the Divinity of Second Chances.'"
McLaren looks forward to eating cinnamon rolls from Simple Kneads, a Hailey-based organic bakery. She said that Sun Valley is a place where you can do anything you want. When she's not working, McLaren likes to telemark ski, sit in hot springs, take moonlight hikes or play in lakes with her dog, Big Cedar.
Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com
Author Kaya McLaren lives and teaches on the east slope of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington. Photo by
