Tilt

By Emma Pattee

Book Overview

Longlisted for the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Excellence in Fiction A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice A USA TODAY Bestseller A Best Book of 2025 for Vogue Named one of Time's 100 Must-Read Books of 2025 An NPR favorite fiction read of 2025 Set over the course of a single day, an electrifying debut novel from "a powerful new literary voice" (Vogue) following one woman's journey across a transformed city, carrying the weight of her past and a fervent hope for the future. "Utterly gripping." --NPR, All Things ConsideredLast night, you and I were safe. Last night, in another universe, your father and I stood fighting in the kitchen. Annie is nine months pregnant and shopping for a crib at IKEA when a massive earthquake hits Portland, Oregon. With no way to reach her husband, no phone or money, and a city left in chaos, there's nothing to do but walk. Making her way across the wreckage of Portland, Annie experiences human desperation and kindness: strangers offering help, a riot at a grocery store, and an unlikely friendship with a young mother. As she walks, Annie reflects on her struggling marriage, her disappointing career, and her anxiety about having a baby. If she can just make it home, she's determined to change her life. "Shocking and full of heart" (Publishers Weekly, starred review), Tilt is a "moving adrenaline rush" (The New York Times Book Review) and "epic odyssey" (NPR) about the disappointments and desires we all carry, and what each of us will do for the people we love.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1668055481
• ISBN13: 9781668055489
• Release Date: December 2025
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

4 stars

TILT by Emma Pattee Annie is shopping for a baby crib at her local IKEA when a massive earthquake hits. The story flashes back and forth between the years and months leading up to the earthquake, and the aftermath as Annie is aimlessly wandering Portland in search of her husband. Annie’s flashbacks highlight moments of her life thus far; from meeting, dating then marrying her husband, to reflections on his acting career, her feelings about marriage, motherhood, and life in general. All the while Annie is talking to her baby, referring to it was “Bean” or “Garbanzo Bean” —very touching! This was fast paced and suspenseful, but it ended way too soon; I wanted to know what became of the people (Taylor!) Annie encountered. Regardless, I enjoyed this for what it was; a gripping, emotional and heartfelt story. Rating: 4/5 ⭐️