Nix Minus One

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. 

I loved the point of view.  I loved the characters.  I loved this book.

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The Fault in Our Stars

This novel arrived at the beginning of the year in hardcover, and for some reason I just didn’t get around to reading it. Even though it received tons of great reviews and I was drawn to it, it stayed on my nightstand pile for a few months.  It was only when a customer picked it up and said with her hand on her heart “oh, I read this one”  and then just tapped her heart twice “ugh, so beautiful”, that I decided to put it on the top of my pile… 

Sixteen- year-old Hazel spends most of her time reading the same book over and over, doesn’t like to leave her house, isn’t interested in eating and thinks about death a lot.   Her mother says she’s depressed.  Yes, well, no kidding.  In many ways, Hazel is just like any other teenager, except she has cancer and isn’t expected to live much longer.   

Doctor Jim, and Hazel’s mom both agree she should attend a weekly Support Group.  Hazel finds this support group “depressing as hell”.  She tells her mother “If you want me to be a teenager, don’t send me to Support Group.  Buy me a fake ID so I can go to clubs, drink vodka, and take pot.”   Her mom’s reply: ” You’re going to Support Group”. 

Even though Support Group is depressing ( will some of them die? ), there are some very good things that happen too.  One of them is the gorgeous Augustus Waters, who ends up changing Hazel’s life in a very profound way.  He’s not gorgeous just because he’s hot.  He’s gorgeous because he’s funny, smart, sweet and basically the perfect boyfriend.  Except, he too is dying. 

Let me first say that John Green is a genius.  This is the kind of story that made me laugh and ugly cry at the same time, and I will definitely re-read it, just because he really is a great writer and I want to hear some of his phrases again.   I loved Hazel and Augustus.  They “got” each other in a way that wasn’t sappy.  Not like obnoxious couples who are joined at the hip and digest each others food (sorry Bella).   I really believed the characters and cared about how they felt and what they thought.  I liked the frankness in their dialogue.   It was refreshing to read a YA title that wasn’t dystopian, paranormal or about totally depressing issues.   Of course, the inevitability of death is depressing, but somehow John Green makes it okay.

 Why didn’t I read this sooner?  And now I will definitely read all three of his other titles – Looking for Alaska, Paper Towns, and An Abundance of Katherines.

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