Archibald Plumby cannot look up … well, at least not very far up. His entire life has been spent underneath the shelter of lowered ceilings and umbrellas, for the slightest glimpse upward sends him into a panic.
Archie has learned to live with his particular set of circumstances. In fact, he has an idyllic life in a picturesque coastal town called Outlandish. He lives with loving and accepting parents, eats fine food at his mother’s cliffside restaurant, and spends his days on the beach and in the town’s quaint streets in search of stories to write for his part-time job at the local newspaper.
On his twentieth birthday, as thoughts of the future begin to weigh on Archie’s mind, photographer Tallie Greenleaf comes to town and is drawn to this curious young man and his ever-present umbrella. She approaches him, hoping to get his permission to photograph him—but destiny has brought Tallie to Outlandish for so much more than a photograph.
"Get ready for this “new adult” romance full of twenty–something angst, quirk, irony, and very witty banter. Archie of Outlandish is a sweet, perfectly clumsy love story. Archibald Plumby is a young man living in a seaside tourist town called Outlandish. He enjoys a seemingly comfortable life, with supportive parents and a job he enjoys. He even makes regular trips to the beach. However, he does have one major obstacle to contend with. He can’t look up. No, really. He can’t look up. One glance skyward into an open expanse, or even a very high ceiling, causes myriad physical symptoms for Archie. Thus, he lives his life always under a low ceiling, or at the very least, never without his trusty umbrella to stave off vertigo and panic. Archie manages life with his condition well. That’s all until one day he meets a young woman who really loves that umbrella. Tallulah Z. Greenleaf is a photographer and the unexpected thing in Archie’s otherwise very expected life. Archie is a lovely soul and the romantic tale here is a delightfully gentle read. —IndiePicks Magazine
In Kraft’s romance, two quirky 20-somethings embrace each other’s weirdness.
Outlandish is an idyllic, whimsical beach town on the northern coast of California. Cars aren’t allowed; leisurely bicycling is encouraged; and fine dining is abundant. Archibald “Archie” Plumby has spent the entirety of his blissful but sheltered life within the cozy confines of Outlandish, writing for a local newspaper and eating at his mother’s upscale restaurant. Born with a rare phobia of looking up, Archie carries an umbrella with him everywhere and even has a crawl space–like bedroom with lowered ceilings. While dining alone in his mother’s restaurant at his special table (fashioned with a giant indoor umbrella), he meets Tallie Greenleaf, a young photographer visiting Outlandish with her boss, famous photojournalist Gemma Perrelli. Though Archie is shy and constantly at war with his frequent panic attacks, Tallie’s warm demeanor puts him at ease, and they quickly become friends. As they grow closer, however, Archie suspects ulterior motives from Ms. Perrelli after she discloses her fascination with young adults in love. Kraft’s (Ingrid, 2014, etc.) novel is a quick, absorbing read full of thought-provoking dialogue and warm moments between not only Archie and Tallie, but Archie and his parents as well. Accompanying the text are full-color illustrations and an original soundtrack of dramatic instrumentals. These imaginative add-ons work to create the unique atmosphere of Outlandish. While the narrative of young love between two people who feel somewhat alienated from “normal” life is tender, what stands out is the insistence of Archie’s parents that his condition not be seen as a disability but rather as a special and defining character trait that should be celebrated.
Offbeat, emotionally engaging, and authentic.
Archie of Outlandish has been chosen as a FINALIST, Young Adult Fiction, in the 2017 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards!
Archie of Outlandish won the Bronze, 3rd place, award for Romance in the 2018 Feathered Quill Book Awards!
