Title Synopsis: Readers who enjoyed Sue Monk Kidd’s The Secret Life of Bees and Joyce Maynard’s The Bird Hotel will be drawn to this thought-provoking novel that captivates, compels, and captures the heart as it evokes a grieving daughter’s remarkable journey to healing and self-discovery.
When she is supposed to be having the time of her life in college in California, Leonie loses her mother to breast cancer. After taking her last college course in Buenos Aires, she cashes in her return flight ticket and refuses to go home, erroneously believing that her grief will subside if she avoids her family. Narrating in her own grief-stricken voice, Leonie travels across Argentina, makes friends, and falls in love. She discovers her vulnerability and strength while working at a winery in Mendoza, riding over the treacherous Andes Mountains, and hiking the ancient pilgrimage to Machu Picchu—and, in doing so, slowly begins to heal.
Vividly rendered and full of heart, Learning to Whistle will resonate with every person who has ever been forced to venture into the world when they didn’t feel ready for it—with or without the guidance of a parent.
About the Author: Tess Perko grew up in Sacramento and Suffolk, England. Formerly a journalist and English professor, she is the author of several short stories and poetry. Learning to Whistle is her debut novel. In addition to writing, Tess raises money for scholarships for college and vocational students; teaches essay and journaling workshops to emancipated foster youth; studies Spanish; and enjoys growing roses. She lives with her husband, Robert, in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Author: Tess Perko
Narrator: Stephanie Bentley
Publisher: She Writes Press
Copyright: 2026 Tess Perko
Audiobook Release Date: 2026-04-07
Original Book Release Date: 2026-04-07
Running Time: 09:17:23
Track Count: 52
Audiobook ISBN: 9781971980010
