Solving for X

It's been at least a decade since words like "outbreak" turned to "epidemic." The suburban population has retreated to apartment complexes, where they created miniature societies. Garrett, Erik, and Jenna try to survive this world any way they can. 

Will Garrett get stuck in the fear of the unknown like everyone else? Can Erik keep his world from crumbling? And, how much more can the epidemic and new world take from Jenna?

Zombie dystopian novella (first published March 16, 2016)

What readers are saying...

• Damn! Who knew that a book about zombies could actually connect with me emotionally? I had no idea how attached I would become to certain characters when I first began reading. I actually teared up a little during one part of the book. I’ve got to hand it to the author, this read was anything but predictable.
  The narrative switches between the prospective of a couple, Erik and Jenna, and Garrett, a teenager that the couple looks out for. Jenna and Eric have knowledge of what life was like before the world was infected, but Garett, who’s younger, has little memory of a pre-zombie period. Jenna is an artist who paints designated areas of the compound. Eric has a dangerous job that Garrett covets. You know how teenagers are. They are always longing to grow up, even when they aren’t ready. Some parts of this book get’s kind of philosophical, which is how the title comes into play. I won’t spoil any more of this read. But I promise there is a council, like there is in every great dystopian novel. Of course the leaders make a bunch of decisions that I most definitely don’t agree with.
  I would recommend this read to anyone who loves dystopian novels that focus on the emotional impact an outbreak can have on a society.

• I loved SOLVING FOR X, a great sci-fi novel with a post-apocalyptic zombie feel. The novel jumps you right into the action with great showing and not telling, allowing the reader to piece together through dribs and drabs of information about an outbreak and an epidemic and that now there are the infected out there beyond the walls of a compound where our main characters live. The story centers on a few characters, Erik, a young person in the group, Carlyle, who leads teams out into the dangerous wilds of the city, Jenna, an artist who uses her art to resist. I loved the emotional meat of the story, how all the characters wanted to hold onto little bits of their pre-outbreak lives. Lovely themes of censorship and art. I especially loved the character of the memory keeper. This was a real treat to read! 5/5 stars.

• This story was beautifully and tragically written as siblings try to survive the zombie apocalypse. There were so many powerful lines, and it felt so real with some struggles we face ourselves. It showed that not everything ends without tragedy. A phenomenal story that I recommend to everyone.

• This book is a good read. The story is pertinent to what is going on in the world right now. I enjoyed the book and look forward reading more of this author's books.

• The story develops around a catastrophic change in society and a hastily created system with a new order of power. There is fear of the unknown, fear of the future and a desire to return to the way things used to be. Within this framework the author brings forth the characters with relatable voices. Youth that has passion for doing "it" better. Hope for the future. I found it to be time well spent.

• Very fascinating take on a post-apocalyptic fable. The best parts are in following the characters. The story is built like a mystery. We slowly unravel secrets as we see the lives that must be lived. There is an important story about how to fix the problem that has destroyed society, yet that turns out not to be the most meaningful message. I enjoyed this mysterious journey. Give this a try, if you want a very unusual take on the dystopian infection story.

• Solving for X is an extremely creative story about the importance of not being afraid to look forward into the unknown. Lieberman takes the reader on a dramatic journey through a chaotic time but leaves the reader feeling hopeful and wanting more. Highly recommended!!!

• This book reminds us of the chaos the world was thrown in. Well developed characters. The depiction of the world trying to survive this turbulent times.

• I am not a fan of zombie stories and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. This is not your formula YA dystopian, post-apocalyptic story but a more complex examination of relationships behind and outside the chain-link fences. All the elements are there for yet another how-will-they regain-control and just-who-is-behind-the-epidemic-that-changed-their-lives type of story. And, yes, there are zombies. But this is more of a dystopian sundae with zombie sprinkles, than a 'let's kill all the zombies before they kill us' storyline as well. Ms. Lieberman takes us into the hearts and souls of her characters, as they struggle against a world created for them, to protect them. Just who are the monsters is the theme of this story. You'll be asking yourself that question long after you finish the book.