Three college women are united by a single night that shaped them all in a novel that will "keep you captivated from beginning to end" (Town & Country).

"Whip smart and cunning, deeply funny and profoundly moving . . . A knockout." —New York Times–bestselling author Megan Abbott

When college roommates Anna and Kate find Georgiana passed out on a lawn, they wheel her to their dorm in a shopping cart. Twenty years later, they gather around a campfire at a New England mansion. What came between—the wild adventures, unspoken jealousies, and one night that changed everything—is the witty, poignant story of our strongest friendships, the people who know us better than we know ourselves.

Anna is the de facto leader, as fearless as she is reckless. Quirky Kate is the loyal sidekick, until she's pushed too far. And stunning George is always desired, but just as frequently dumped. How to Start a Fire pulls us into the tangled bond shared by three intelligent, distinctive, and deeply real women and pays homage to the abiding, irrational love we have for the family we choose.

"Excellent." —Chicago Tribune

"Lutz hits a home run in this glorious exploration of friendship." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)