Tilt
books by Emma Pattee
et over the course of one day, a heart-racing debut about a woman facing the unimaginable, determined to find safety.Last 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.A propulsive debut, Tilt is a primal scream of a novel about the disappointments and desires we all carry, and what each of us will do for the people we love. The book presents its ideas in a way that feels grounded and relatable. Even abstract concepts are connected to tangible experiences, making them easier to grasp. The author’s storytelling approach emphasizes intention over excess. Each scene contributes meaningfully to the narrative, avoiding unnecessary filler. This focus supports a concise yet impactful reading experience.