Fifteen-year-old Nix Humbolt doesn't talk much. He's barely outgrown his "Fatty Humbolt" days, and although he is taller and leaner now, he has learned it is best to keep a low profile. He dreams about his only friend's girl, but of course she is hopelessly out of his league.
Lonely and introverted, he is happiest in his father's woodworking shop, where he builds exquisite boxes and tables. The only battles Nix fights are on his Xbox - until the day he finds the guts to fight for Swiff Dunphy's neglected dog. Then there is Roxy, Nix's spirited older sister who always knows just how to get what she wants. But the guy she wants is seriously toxic, and even Nix can see that she is headed for disaster. All Nix can do is cover for her when she breaks curfew or comes home drunk. But this time Roxy is about to spiral out of control and change all their lives forever. And there is nothing he can do to stop it.
Another powerful novel by the author of The Nine Lives of Travis Keating,
Home
Truths and The Present Tense of Prinny Murphy. Jill Maclean’s new novel is written in
verse, and like her other novels, deals with some heavy issues. I couldn’t put this book down, and I read it
in one night. Nix, the main character, was
an easy person to relate to. I found
myself frustrated with him, and at the same time I could totally understand his
worry, and his reluctance in challenging his older sister. It’s common for siblings to cover for each
other, when one of them is breaking the rules.
But that doesn’t mean the other person doesn’t worry. And as long as no one gets hurt, these
secrets can remain a secret. But
unfortunately, that’s not what happens for Nix and his sister.
Nix is a bit insecure, and turns to woodworking when he
feels anxious. It’s this wonderful
talent, that makes other people understand him better. His only friend is Chase, the school star
hockey player. Nix has a secret crush on
Chase’s girlfriend, but of course it’s an impossible situation. And then Chase’s sister enters the
picture. I liked her character a lot because
I think she understood him best. She
gave him the space he needed, and she was gracious. A true friend.
I really liked how Nix saves the dog, and how that helps him
find his voice. In the end, it saves him
too.
