7Tommy Poole and her mother Meg have decided to become recluses together. Not forever; only for a year. And not at night when the dog needs to be walked. But in the midst of their grief over the loss of Tommy's other mother, Sam, shutting themselves off from the outside world seems like the only viable path to recovery. However, while they have decided to step away from the world, the world has not made the same decision. Soon, Tommy's best friend is living with them. And the crotchety neighbor is making his presence felt far more than anyone appreciates. And when a teenaged girl with a troubled past and an indignant future enters their orbit, life might be as full for Tommy and Meg as it has been in years. And that was before the wedding . . . Rich with Molly D. Campbell's trademark humor and resonant with ruminations on loss and identity, The World Came to Us is the author's most heartfelt, compelling, and poignant novel yet. It is a story of letting go and letting in and a touching tale of discovery and rediscovery. PRAISE FOR MOLLY D. CAMPBELL: "Molly Campbell's Crossing the Street is a funny, warm, and charming novel. It was such a pleasure to get lost in this world, and in Campbell's capable hands." - Julie Klam, New York Times bestselling author of The Stars in Our Eyes"Crossing the Street is a compelling story about all the different people in our lives who become family. Campbell draws us into her characters with heart and humor and with a unique voice that will stay with me for a long time. I can't wait to read her other books "- Camille Di Maio, author of The Memory of Us and Before the Rain Falls"I am crazy about Molly Campbell's writing. Her characters are funny and real. Her storytelling is fresh and poignant. She breaks the rules and looks fabulous doing so. Crossing the Streetis a surprising and unpredictable, thoroughly enjoyable read " - Amy Impellizzeri, award-winning author of Lemongrass Hope and Secrets of Worry Dolls"A humorous coming-of-age story where secrets of the past collide with the present and family bonds are stretched to the limits of forgiveness. Quirky, hopeful, and wonderfully original."--Beth Hoffman, New York Times bestselling author of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt on Keep the Ends Loose