Dana's first book is now available in paperback and on audio CD.

Read an Excerpt from 'A Brief Chapter in My Impossible Life

Reinhardt’s first novel is superbly crafted and has compelling and strong characters. It asks the big questions, about love, about faith, about what it means to be a daughter. It also has strong subplots that deal with friendship; with boyfriend/girlfriend relationships, both good and bad; with standing up for what one believes is right; and with struggling to keep up with academics and fit in at school when things seem to be falling apart on a personal level. The novel deals with big issues without being preachy or sappy. It is a great read. –School Library Journal starred review

The brilliant and beautiful A BRIEF CHAPTER IN MY IMPOSSIBLE LIFE explores the circumstances by which Simone came to be adopted and reveals the effects on all those involved when the young woman gets in contact with and begins to know the birth mother who suddenly falls into her life after all these years. It is through that new knowledge of her previously-unknown oceanic past that Simone is forever transformed. –Richie's Picks

In her first novel, Dana Reinhardt has created an exquisite story about teenage choices, goodness, grace and unexpected blessings... Reinhardt demonstrates an unerring ability to capture the voice of an idealistic teen sorting through questions about family, religion and her place in the world.  –BookPage

In a moving first novel, Reinhardt uses a sure but gentle hand to explore the relationship that develops between an adopted teen and her biological mother... Readers will quickly become absorbed in Simone's quest to understand her heritage and herself.  –Publishers Weekly starred review

Faith and agnosticism, drinking and puking, sex and virginity and love, Reinhardt brings it all to readers, but she does so in very realistic doses, with a sense of humor and a sense of hope... A fabulous debut. –Kirkus Reviews

This is an outstanding first novel by an enormously talented writer. All readers will be drawn to Simone's story from the first few pages. No one is perfect here, tempers flare, stress builds, but everyone is trying hard to be a decent person. The completion Simone discovers as her love for Rivka grows helps her to face the heartbreaking ending. –KLIATT