Dispatches from Parts Unknown

“The feel-good novel of the year.” —ALA Booklist (starred review)

Julie knows it’s unusual that a professional wrestler runs a constant commentary on her life that only she can hear. But grief can be awfully funny sometimes. National Book Award nominee Bryan Bliss delivers a thought-provoking, one-of-a-kind novel about how to tread the line between moving on and holding on. Dispatches from Parts Unknown is for fans of David Arnold, Nina LaCour, and You’ve Reached Sam.

Ever since her dad died three years ago, Julie has been surviving more than thriving. And surviving is sneaking into her parents’ closet when her mom is out, since it’s the only place that still sometimes smells like her dad. It’s roaming around the Mall of America. It’s pulling out the box of her dad’s VHS tapes, recordings of his favorite vintage professional wrestling matches.

And it’s hearing the voice of the Masked Man in her head, running a commentary of her life.

It’s embarrassing, really. Sure, he was her dad’s favorite wrestler, but that doesn’t mean she wants him in her head.

As Julie finally starts to come out of the haze of grief, maybe she’ll finally figure out why that voice is there, and how to let it go.

What happens when the voice that kept you safe is the one you need to leave behind?

• A Unique Voice for Grief: The Masked Man was her dad’s favorite wrestler. Now, he’s the intrusive, wisecracking, and strangely comforting voice running a play-by-play of Julie’s life.
• Heartfelt and Humorous: For fans of David Arnold and Nina LaCour, this novel balances the deep pain of losing a parent with genuinely funny, laugh-out-loud moments of witty banter.
• Friendship and Found Family: From late-night talks at the Mall of America’s Orange Julius to navigating high school, Julie’s friendship with Max is her anchor in a world that feels adrift.
• A Love Letter to Professional Wrestling: Filled with vintage matches, wrestling jargon, and the sacred code of kayfabe, it’s a story that understands how much we need something to believe in.