Barbara Gregorich's novel "Exit Velocity" crosses genres and expectations. A utopian noir laced with labor propaganda and elements of thriller and sci-fi alike, this multi-first-person narrative describes a young woman's realization of self-dependence—while also relying on her friends and neighbors. The book paints a vivid picture of the contemporary Chicago environs in which it takes place, with events seemingly ripped and extrapolated from recent headlines. It is not a complex story, nor are the archetypal characters particularly deep, yet the plot is compelling enough to carry this reader toward the exciting, if inevitable, conclusion. The space-faring, telepathic parrot DeePlea ("Deeply") offers an unexpected omniscient presence, which I sincerely hope Gregorich continues to develop in future novels.