Whenever You’re Ready

Katz’s (Thank You for Sharing) latest is a poignant novel that explores themes of friendship, loss, racial identity, and Jewish heritage. The story follows three friends on a road trip planned by their late friend Michal, who originally introduced Nia to twins Jade and Jonah on her 10th birthday. On Nia’s 29th birthday, she discovers Michal’s wish that she and the twins go on the trip together. The only problem is that Nia hasn’t spoken to Jade since Michal’s passing, and, unbeknownst to her, Jade and Jonah have unresolved conflict between them. But they embark anyway on the journey to learn about Southern Jewish American history, all while confronting their grief. Katz’s narrative skillfully intertwines personal emotions with broader societal issues such as antisemitism and racism, while also highlighting the complexities of being biracial in the United States. There are some elements of romance between Nia and Jade, but the novel’s driving theme is their enduring friendship, built on a strong foundation.