Aftermath of Dreaming Hypnotic and beautifully written, Aftermath of Dreaming is an incandescent first novel of modern life and love. Other than the little problem that she is waking up screaming in the middle of the night, life is wonderful for Yvette Broussard. Her jewelry design career is taking off, she's back with her sort-of boyfriend, and best of all, she no longer thinks about her once-in-a-lifetime love, international movie star Andrew Madden. Until a chance encounter with him changes everything. Swept up by memories of their complex relationship, while juggling the demands of her sister, her male best friend who is jealous of other men, and thoughts of her estranged father, Yvette is plunged into an obsession with Andrew which ultimately forces her to confront the past she thought she had left behind. Set against the glittering worlds of Los Angeles and New York, and told with both humor and pathos, Aftermath of Dreaming explores the universal themes of abandonment, forgiveness, and letting go. Order from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or BookSense.   Book Excerpt DeLauné Reading Video (coming soon) LA Times article Readers Group Guide News Interview "Michel's crisp writing and keen observations make her a writer to watch."    —Booklist "A promising debut."    —Kirkus "...a promising novelist with a strong literary pedigree...DeLauné Michel's Aftermath of Dreaming is rich in insights."    —Josh Getlin, Los Angeles Times "DeLauné Michel writes with the voice of a troubled angel, at once painfully funny and devastatingly real. Aftermath of Dreaming stands out as a first novel of both depth and passion, the kind of book readers can't help love, not just for the joy of fine writing, but for the comfort of recognition. In other words, the author's heart is as big as her talent."    —Jerry Stahl, author "Love Without" "Aftermath of Dreaming is like a jewelry box containing the precious, beautiful, and sometimes broken pieces of a young woman's psyche. DeLauné Michel makes a striking debut here, delivering a novel that is as emotionally earnest as it is socially astute."    —Meghan Daum, author "The Quality of Life Report" "Mesmerizing, compelling, and deeply moving. A real and rare accomplishment."    —Christopher Rice, author "Light Before Day" "Aftermath of Dreaming is a terrific read. The writing style is unique and oh-so pleasurable. I especially love the whole free association narrative of the very, very agreeable and funny narrator. I didn't want the novel to end. It is one of the very few great novels of the last two years. DeLauné Michel is a marvelous writer.    —Diane Leslie, author "Fleur de Leigh's Life of Crime" "The ride is enlivened by bits of true brilliance. Yvette has a sharp eye and an observant wit, drawing the reader into her Southern memories."    —New Orleans Times-Picayune "Aftermath of Dreaming is an ambitious beginning for DeLauné Michel, a romance of high sophistication from a young Baton Rouge native worthy of our attention."    —The Baton Rouge Advocate "Author DeLauné Michel introduces us to Yvette Broussard—a deliciously intellectual, sensitive beauty with a wicked, yet—blame it on her southern roots—polite wit. Yvette is the most intriguing female heroine of recent fiction."    —MonstersandCritics.com "DeLauné Michel's fine novel Aftermath of Dreaming is a harrowing, bi-coastal meditation on unrequited love and fame. The denizens of Hollywood's red carpets and New York's art galleries—who parade through this novel in full voice, boisterously elbowing one another aside—cry out for attention from a writer schooled in southern humor and an appreciation for the grotesque. Michel is just the ticket.    —Whitney Terrell, author "The King of Kings County"