Most Popular Books by MARIKO TAMAKI

A boy, a murder, a girl, a secret. From award-winning author Mariko Tamaki comes Cold, a haunting YA novel about a shocking homicide in a quiet town and four students who knew too much and said too little. This is the story of a boy who died—and a girl who wants to know why. Todd Mayer is dead. Now he's some sort of ghost, hovering over his body, which has just been found in the town park, naked and frozen in the snow. As detectives investigate Todd's homicide, talking to the very people who are responsible for how he died, Todd replays the events that lead him to his end in the park. Georgia didn't know Todd. But she can’t stop thinking about him. Maybe it's because they’re both outcasts at their school, or because they’re both queer. It might also be because Georgia has a feeling she’s seen Todd somewhere before, somewhere he wasn’t supposed to be. In the vein of The Lovely Bones, this dual narrative is told through the voices of Todd in his afterlife and Georgia as she uncovers the truth behind his death, resulting in an immersive, emotional, and provocative read.

Overwatch may be disbanded, but Tracer's time in "retirement" is up . . . After a punk-rock omnic named Iggy shows Tracer the dire living conditions forced upon London's omnics, Tracer vows to help. But things might not be so easy, especially with larger forces sowing conflict between humans and omnics in London. Acclaimed Eisner and Harvey award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer, Wonder Woman) and kinetic artist Babs Tarr (Batgirl, Motor Crush) are joined by exquisite colorist Rachael Cohen (Snotgirl) and letterer extraordinaire Deron Bennett (Tale of Sand). Working in close collaboration, Blizzard Entertainment and Dark Horse Comics present Overwatch fans with an exciting new addition to Overwatch's unique universe! Collects Overwatch: Tracer--London Calling #1-#5.

A Newsweek Best Graphic Novel of the Year! New York Times bestselling and Caldecott Honor-winning writer Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer, Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me) and Eisner Award-nominated artist Joëlle Jones (Lady Killer, Catwoman) combine forces for a coming-of-age tale of Supergirl, presented with new color in an all-new format. Kara Danvers is super-strong. She can fly. She crash-landed on Earth in a rocket ship. But winning the next track meet, celebrating her sixteenth birthday, and surviving her latest mega-zit are her top concerns. And with the help of her best friends and her kinda-infuriating-but-totally-loving adoptive parents, she just might be able to put her troubling dreams--shattered glimpses of another world--behind her. That is, until an earthquake shatters her small town of Midvale...and uncovers secrets about her past she thought would always stay buried. The time has come for her to choose: Will she find a way to save her town and be super, or will she crash and burn? Collects the limited series Supergirl: Being Super #1-4.

One of FORBES Best Graphic Novels of 2019 On BCCB 2019 Blue Ribbons List One of NPR's Best Books of 2019 Booklist 2019 Editors' Choice One of Bitch Media’s Best Queer YA Novels of 2019 Author Mariko Tamaki and illustrator Rosemary Valero-O’Connell bring to life a sweet and spirited tale of young love in Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, a graphic novel that asks us to consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need. Laura Dean, the most popular girl in high school, was Frederica Riley's dream girl: charming, confident, and SO cute. There's just one problem: Laura Dean is maybe not the greatest girlfriend. Reeling from her latest break up, Freddy's best friend, Doodle, introduces her to the Seek-Her, a mysterious medium, who leaves Freddy some cryptic parting words: break up with her. But Laura Dean keeps coming back, and as their relationship spirals further out of her control, Freddy has to wonder if it's really Laura Dean that's the problem. Maybe it's Freddy, who is rapidly losing her friends, including Doodle, who needs her now more than ever. Fortunately for Freddy, there are new friends, and the insight of advice columnists like Anna Vice to help her through being a teenager in love.

A beautiful and offbeat novel from Mariko Tamaki, co-creator of the bestselling Printz Honor and Caldecott Honor Book This One Summer. Montgomery Sole is a square peg in a small town, forced to go to a school full of jocks and girls who don't even know what irony is. It would all be impossible if it weren't for her best friends, Thomas and Naoki. The three are also the only members of Jefferson High's Mystery Club, dedicated to exploring the weird and unexplained, from ESP and astrology to super powers and mysterious objects. Then there's the Eye of Know, the possibly powerful crystal amulet Monty bought online. Will it help her predict the future or fight back against the ignorant jerks who make fun of Thomas for being gay or Monty for having lesbian moms? Maybe the Eye is here just in time, because the newest resident of their small town is scarier than mothmen, poltergeists, or, you know, gym. Thoughtful, funny, and painfully honest, Montgomery Sole is someone you'll want to laugh and cry with over a big cup of frozen yogurt with extra toppings.

DC celebrates Pride with this incredible collection starring fan-favorite LGBTQIA+ characters Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Midnighter, Extraño, Batwoman, Aqualad, Alan Scott, Obsidian, Future State Flash, Renee Montoya, Pied Piper, and many more! DC Pride 2021 collects DC Pride #1, Mysteries of Love in Space #1, New Year's Evil #1, Young Monsters in Love #1! In DC Pride #1 find the thrilling introduction of new hero DREAMER in the DCU (as seen on The CW's Supergirl), along with a pinup gallery with art by Travis Moore, Kris Anka, Kevin Wada, Sophie Campbell, Nick Robles, and more! Not to mention, six exciting new profiles of DCTV's LGBTQIA+ characters and the actors who play them! Mysteries in Love #1 knows that sometimes love can make you feel like you're from another planet...but what if you actually were? Join Superman, The New Gods, Green Lantern, Starro, Hawkgirl and even the Teen Titans' new sensation Crush for eight tales of romance that will whisk you to the moon and back! New Years Evil #1 is a holiday special unlike any other...because it's all about the folks on Santa's naughty list! Folks like the Joker, Sinestro, Toyman, Harley Quinn, and even an appearance from that timely rascal the Calendar Man. Come sledding with your favorite villains! Young Monsters in Love #1 shows us it's hard being a monster...and even harder being a monster in love. Sparks will fly and hearts will be broken when the ghouls and ghosts of the DC Universe assemble to bring you the Valentine's Day Special that no one saw coming!

This is the story of how I became Anne of Greenville. It's also the story of how I found my true true, and how I needed to maybe come to Greenville, of all places, to make that happen. In this modern reimagining of Anne of Green Gables, Anne is an ABBA-loving singer/actor/writer of disco-operas, queer, Japanese-American who longs to be understood for her artistic genius. Recently relocated to middle-of-nowhere Greenville and starting at a new school, Anne has a tendency to A) fall in love quickly, deeply, and effervescently and B) fly off the handle in the face of jerks. Both personality quirks quickly come into play when the soccer team boos the premiere of her disco performance, which—in a roundabout way—introduces her to her new BFF, Berry, and she soon after meets the girl of her dreams, Gilly. Falling quickly into that age-old trap of ignoring the best friend for the new crush, Anne soon becomes embroiled in a series of dramatic and unfortunate events, and quickly finds herself wrapped up in a love triangle she never expected. Is she MTB with Gilly? Or is Berry her true soul mate? Only time (or 304 pages) will tell. In this coming-of-age novel by fan-favorite author Mariko Tamaki, see the classic tale in a whole new light. Refreshingly bold and unapologetically unique, Anne of Greenville will make you want to stand up and sing!

C’est avec une bonne dose d’insouciance mais à peine cinq billets verts en poche que la jeune Harleen Quinzel débarque, seule, dans l’une des villes les plus dangereuses du monde : Gotham City. Du haut de ses quinze ans, et de pas mal de mauvaises expériences, rien ne semble pouvoir l’impressionner. Recueillie par Mama, une drag-queen au cœur d’or, Harleen apprivoise sa nouvelle vie, sa future meilleure amie Ivy et les nouvelles problématiques qui s’imposent à elle : injustice, intolérance, violence... Aussi, quand le cabaret de sa bonne fée Mama devient la nouvelle victime d’entrepreneurs sans état d’âme, Harleen change de ton. Pour autant, une question reste en suspens : mettre sa rage au service de l’action, oui, mais aux côtés de qui ? La militante pacifiste Ivy ou l’anarchiste et très énigmatique Joker ?

Crush has quit the Teen Titans and realizes it's time to finally confront her old man in prison. She needs to prove to herself that she's nothing like him...and she's gonna do that by bounty hunting Lobo across space. Like father, like daughter? Like hell! Winner: GLAAD Media Awards 2022 Outstanding Comic Book Crush recently walked away from her classmates at the Roy Harper Titans Academy and effectively quit being a Teen Titan in a blaze of glory. Her relationship with her too-good-to-be-true girlfriend, Katie, is kind of on the rocks. She recently found out Lobo’s in space jail, but that’s cool, because he’s the worst. Now it’s time for the Main Man’s daughter to go to space and confront her dad and all her problems. Includes Crush & Lobo #1-8.

Roaming marks a triumphant return to the graphic novel and deft foray into new adult fiction for Caldecott Medal-winning authors Jillian Tamaki (Boundless) and Mariko Tamaki (Cold). Over the course of a much-anticipated trip to New York, an unexpected fling blossoms between casual acquaintances and throws a long-term friendship off-balance. Emotional tensions vibrate wildly against the resplendently illustrated backdrop of the city, capturing a spontaneous queer romance in all of its fledgling glory. Slick attention to the details of a bustling, intimidating metropolis are softened with a palette of muted pastels, as though seen through the eyes of first-time travelers. The awe, wonder, and occasional stumble along the way all come to life with stunning accuracy in this sumptuous softcover with gorgeous jacket. Roaming is the third collaboration from the critically acclaimed team behind Skim and Governor General’s Literary Award winner This One Summer. Moody, atmospheric, and teeming with life, the magic of this comics duo leaks through the pages with lush and exquisite pen work. The Tamakis’ singular, elegant vision of an urban paradise slowly revealing its imperfections to the tune of its visitors’ rhythms is a masterpiece–a future classic for generations to come.

Arkham Asylum has fallen, and in its place, Arkham Tower has risen in the heart of the city! A pitch made by the mysterious Dr. Wear. What secrets are held in Arkham Tower and what does it mean for Batman? A state-of-the-art facility, Arkham Tower, has been erected in the heart of Gotham City! It's advertised as a place for healing, but what is its mysterious founder Dr. Wear hiding? That's just the question that leads the Bat-Family to infiltrate the facility and unravel the dark secrets locked away in Arkham Tower. Will this fact-finding mission turn into a rescue operation for Batman and his team...and is there an even more mysterious threat than Dr. Wear at play? Collects the complete Batman: Shadows of the Bat: The Tower story from Detective Comics Detective Comics #1047-1058.

Stemming from the upcoming Pixar film Onward comes an origin story for the proud and noble Manticore! Follow the Manticore on her quest to the Cave of a Thousand Warriors, from whence no other warrior has EVER returned. Along the way, the Manticore will make many strange allies, namely a very out-there Sprite named Pamila (Pam for short). Dark Horse Books presents DisneyPIXAR's Onward: Manticore, a 72-page original graphic novel written by acclaimed scribe Mariko Tamaki (X-23, This One Summer)! A perfect tie in to the film to pick up in anticipation of the movie!

From New York Times bestselling author Mariko Tamaki (Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass) and artist Yoshi Yoshitani (Zatanna and the House of Secrets) comes a story about Mandy, the daughter of super-famous superhero Starfire. Seventeen-year-old Mandy, daughter of Starfire, is NOT like her mother. Starfire is gorgeous, tall, sparkly, and a hero. Mandy is NOT a sparkly superhero. Mandy has no powers, is a kid who dyes her hair black and hates everyone but her best friend Lincoln. To Starfire, who is from another planet, Mandy seems like an alien, like some distant angry light years away moon. And it's possible Mandy is even more distant lately, ever since she walked out on her S.A.T.s. Which, yeah, her mom doesn't know. Everyone thinks Mandy needs to go to college and become whoever you become at college, but Mandy has other plans. Mandy's big plan is that she's going to move to France and...do whatever people do in France. But then everything changes when she gets partnered with Claire for a school project. Mandy likes Claire (even if she denies it, heartily and intensely). A lot. How do you become the person you're supposed to be when you don't know what that is? How do you become the person you're supposed to be when the only thing you're sure of is what you're not? When someone from Starfire's past arrives, Mandy must make a choice: give up before the battle has even begun, or step into the unknown and risk everything to save her mom. I am Not Starfire is a story about teenagers and/as aliens; about knowing where you come from and where you are going; and about mothers.

Follow Lara's search across the world in this dynamic story that bridges the gap between Crystal Dynamics' Rise of the Tomb Raider and Shadow of the Tomb Raider! After surviving the events of the city of Kitezh and the Deathless Prophet, Lara Croft finds herself attending an archaeology conference in America. When a man in need of help turns up dead at Lara's hotel, she becomes entwined in the search for a fabled mushroom that grants the gift of immortality. Desperate for answers, Lara hunts down Trinity at all costs, making sacrifices, and risking her life along the way. The second and final omnibus volume in this series, this collection is jam-packed with 472 pages of material. This omnibus collects issues #1-#12 of Dark Horse's 2016 Tomb Raider Volume 2 series, as well as the most recent Tomb Raider: Survivor's Crusade and Tomb Raider: Inferno complete story arcs.

Collects Hulk (2017) #1-11, She-Hulk (2017) #159-163. Jennifer Walters survived the second superhuman Civil War…barely. Now, she re-enters the world a very different hero. Fueled by a quiet rage, Jen is determined to move forward with her life - but the pain of the past is always there. An undercurrent, a pulse waiting to quicken…and transform her into the one thing over which she has no control! But as Jen returns to legal practice, her newest client struggles with her own dark secrets. And a string of murders soon leaves Jen in over her head as a lawyer. Must she give in to her anger and become the Hulk?! Plus: Faced with a wave of monsters, can Jen help being pulled into the craziness as a force for good? And what happens when the nefarious Leader decrees: Jen Walters must die?!

Presents the whole gamut of tortured teen life--friends, love, depression, suicide, and cliques--through the eyes of Skim, a.k.a. Kimberly Keiko Cameron, a would-be Wiccan goth at a girls' academy in Toronto during the 1990s.

Collects Women of Marvel (2021) #1, Marvel's Voices (2020) #1 (“Punishment" story), Girl Comics (2010) #1-3, Women's History Month variants. Who runs the world? You already know! Now, celebrate the Women of Marvel as an astonishing array of writers and artists from across the comic book and entertainment fields unite to make theirs Marvel - in stories featuring super hero sensations from She-Hulk to Gamora, Jean Grey to Rogue and Medusa to…Peggy Carter, Captain America?! And we didn't forget to bring on the bad girls - including Mystique, Hela and Lady Deathstrike! Even some of the guys are allowed to join the fun! The acclaimed WOMEN OF MARVEL one-shot is collected together with Marvel's first-ever series made completely by women creators, 2010's GIRL COMICS - plus a gallery of Jen Bartel's gorgeous Women's History Month variant covers!

Introducing a very unique TMNT tale starring Casey Jones and April O'Neil, by acclaimed indie writer Mariko Tamaki (Skim, This One Summer)! The couple take a road trip to the southwest to dig up more clues about the mysterious Pantheon that has seemingly been pulling the strings on the Turtles' lives from the beginning. Casey and April will find even deeper mystery, unexpected danger, and start a new chapter in their relationship.

Mariko Tamaki! Diego Olortegui! Eisner Award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki and her superstar Marvel collaborator Diego Olortegui team up once again for a truly unusual Black Hammer issue that moves our heroes away from the farm to bizarre setting that's a cross of gothic soap opera and space opera. Written by Mariko Tamaki (The One Summer) and drawn by Diego Olortegui (X-23) with colors by Dave Stewart!

Winner of the Governor General's Award for Children's Illustration Rose and Windy are summer friends whose families have visited Awago Beach for as long as they can remember. But this year is different, and they soon find themselves tangled in teen love and family crisis. From the creators of Skim comes an investigation into the mysterious world of adults. Sure, Rose's dad is still making cheesy and embarrassing jokes, but her mother is acting like she doesn't even want to be there. Plus, being at the cottage isn't just about going to the beach anymore. Now Rose and Windy are spending a lot of their time renting scary movies and spying on the teenagers who work at the corner store, as well as learning stuff about sex no one mentioned in health class. Pretty soon everything is messed up. Rose's father leaves the cottage and returns to the city, and her mother becomes more and more withdrawn. While her family is falling to pieces, Rose focuses her attention on Dunc, a teenager working at the local corner store. When Jenny, Dunc's girlfriend, claims to be pregnant, the girls realize that the teenagers are keeping just as many secrets as the adults in their lives. No one seems to want to talk about the things that matter. When the tension between Dunc and Jenny boils over, Jenny makes a desperate and destructive move and Rose's mother is galvanized into action. In the aftermath, nothing is completely resolved, but secrets have been aired, which means that things are at least a bit better for everyone. For Rose and Windy, the end of summer brings the realization that, while Awago Beach might always be the same, they have both been changed forever. From Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki, creators of the multi-award-winning graphic novel Skim, comes a stunning and authentic story of friendship, illustrated with subtly heart-breaking moments and pure summer joy.

At 32, Luisa encounters her 15-year-old self in this sentimental and bold story about self-acceptance and sexuality.

GIRL INTERRUPTED! After joining the Superman Family and their heroic efforts in Metropolis, Kara thought she had found her place in the world. But there’s only room in town for one Supergirl, and Power Girl’s sudden reappearance has made her redundant. Her identity and role are both in question as she looks for answers. Will they lead her out of the city or out of this world? Find out as critically acclaimed writer Mariko Tamaki (Supergirl: Being Super) returns to the Maid of Might with the help of Skylar Patridge (Wonder Woman)!

"After years of housing Gotham City's most dangerous enemies, Arkham Asylum developed a bad reputation as the place where legions of deranged costumed predators sharpened their sinister skills. The building was destroyed, but fear of the institution remains high as a new Arkham Tower is under construction. When the Dark Knight himself is afraid, what hope exists for the citizens of Gotham City?"

Printemps 2009. Zoe et Dani, amies depuis le lycée, sont maintenantdes étudiantes en première année universitaire. Elles se retrouventquelques jours le temps de visiter une ville qu’elles ont toujours vouludécouvrir : New York. La camarade de classe de Dani, Fiona, uneétudiante en art au caractère marqué, les accompagne.Ensemble, les trois jeunes femmes vont expérimenter à 20 ans la libertéde voyager, tombant allègrement dans les pièges à touristes, réfléchissantaux soi-disant grandes oeuvres d’art, et mangeant beaucoup de pizzas(pliées en deux, bien sûr).Le coup de foudre qui lie subitement Fiona et Zoe met cependant Danià l’écart. Pour Zoe, un combat intérieur se joue alors entre l’enviede vivre pleinement son idylle et le souhait de sauver une amitiéde longue date menacée.

The most fabulous princesses of the land continue their quest for the title of BEST PRINCESS EVER! Can our contestants survive the tough panel of judges determined to send one of them home? How about a tango with sea lizards? A battle with sea wizards? And meanwhile, can Finn and Jake discover who’s trying to mess with this competition?!

It’s time to crown the BEST PRINCESS EVER! Flame Princess, Turtle Princess, Hot Dog Princess, Breakfast Princess, Muscle Princess, and Wildberry Princess are ready to see who will take home the coveted title (and also the Betamax 3000 Tiara Buffer). But what happens when Lumpy Space Princess shows up to crash the party?! After all—is she even a real princess?!

BATMAN WIRD ZUM MONSTER! Der steinreiche und skrupellose Geschäftemacher Mr. Worth gibt Batman die Schuld am Tod seiner Tochter. Um sich an ihm zu rächen, schreckt er nicht davor zurück, sich mit dem Pinguin zu verbünden, einem von Batmans ältesten Gegnern und König der Unterwelt von Gotham City. Zusammen mit den kriminellen Party Crashern und der Verbrecherfamilie Falcone gründen sie die Jury, und diese verurteilt den Dunklen Ritter zum Tode. Doch Batman hat noch ein ganz anderes Problem: Der monströse Parasit Vile macht aus normalen Bürgern blutrünstige Bestien. Und auch Batman wird infiziert! Düstere Batman-Action, inszeniert von der preisgekrönten Autorin Mariko Tamaki (WONDER WOMAN) sowie Top-Künstlern wie Dan Mora (BATMAN/SUPERMAN: WORLD'S FINEST), Viktor Bogdanovic (BATMAN: ARKHAM KNIGHT) und David Lapham (BATMAN: STADT DER SÜNDE). ENTHÄLT: DETECTIVE COMICS 1040-1045, BATMAN SECRET FILES: HUNTRESS 1

It’s time for the next round of the Best Princess Ever Competition! But as the talent show for our remaining contestants begins, Finn and Jake run into a massive, rabid, space-invading waffle beast—oh, and also find some goop that may or may not be behind all the princess sabotage! Where could it possibly lead . . . ?

Tracer struggles to plan her next move after a friend patches up her chronal accelerator. In the Underworld, an assassination attempt is made on Kace, further fueling the omnic rebellion. Acclaimed Eisner and Harvey award-winning writer Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer, X-23) and kinetic artist Babs Tarr (Batgirl, Motor Crush) tell a Tracer tale in collaboration with Blizzard Entertainment.

Archie and Sabrina are the hottest couple in Riverdale—but how did their whirlwind romance come to be? This issue introduces readers to the history of their magical love story, as we welcome special co-writer Mariko Tamaki to the Archie universe!

Welcome to Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types. The five scouts of Roanoke cabin—Jo, April, Molly, Mal, and Ripley—love their summers at camp. They get to hang out with their best friends, earn Lumberjane scout badges, annoy their no-nonsense counselor Jen . . . and go on supernatural adventures. That last one? A pretty normal occurrence at Miss Qiunzella’s, where the woods contain endless mysteries. Book three shines the spotlight on Ripley, the smallest, youngest, most animal-loving member of the cabin. When Ripley comes across an abandoned egg, she’s determined to take care of it until the parent comes back. Unfortunately, her plan is quickly foiled by egg poachers, who steal the egg for their own collection.

Heads or Tails, when it comes to Two-Face, Batman always loses! Is Harvey Dent back to save Gotham City? Two-Face has at all times been considered as Batman’s most tragic villain. If solely Harvey Dent hadn’t been scarred by acid, he might have continued his good work as D.A. in Gotham City and been Batman’s biggest ally and good friend…proper? Or has Batman prolonged Harvey Dent an excessive amount of grace in his a number of makes an attempt at reform? He’ll query himself as Harvey Dent is free as soon as extra, scarred however seemingly freed from Two-Face’s affect. But…when it’s revealed Harvey Dent’s father has been threatened to be murdered on his 88th birthday, will Two-Face have the option to withstand becoming a member of the get together? In this incredible one-shot comic, Mariko Tamaki and Javier Fernandez’s tragic noir Two-Face epic will flip that iconic coin...on its head?!

It’s the thrilling conclusion to the Best Princess Ever Competition—and it starts with a PRINCESS PARADE! It also starts with Finn and Jake finding a penguin, magic ice lasers, and a killer ice robot. Surely these things are connected! (They are, don’t worry.)

Riddle me this…when is a criminal not a criminal? The answer awaits you in Batman: Detective Comics Vol. 4! The Riddler is back in Gotham City in a big way, becoming a media personality and using his newfound influence to wreak havoc on the Dark Knight. As Batman chases down clues to put an end to Riddler’s machinations, the clock ticks away for the citizens of Gotham whom Edward Nygma has placed in the line of fire… Collects Detective Comics #1059-1061!

With just five dollars and a knapsack to her name, 15-year-old Harleen Quinzel is sent to live in Gotham City. She's not worried, though-she's battled a lot of hard situations as a kid, and knows her determination and outspokenness will carry her through life in the most dangerous city in the world. And when Gotham's finest drag queen, Mama, takes her in, it seems like Harley has finally found a place to grow into her most "true true" with new best friend Ivy at Gotham High. But when Mama's drag cabaret becomes the next victim in the wave of gentrification that's taking over the neighborhood, Harley's fortune takes another turn. Now Harleen is mad. In turning her anger into action, she is faced with two choices: join activist Ivy, who's campaigning to make the neighborhood a better place to live, or team up with her anarchist friend Joker, who plans to take down Gotham one corporation at a time. From Eisner Award and Caldecott Honor-winning author Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer) and Eisner Award-nominated artist Steve Pugh comes a coming-of-age story about choices, consequences, and how a weird kid from Gotham goes about defining her world for herself.