Novel: If I Fall, If I Die

Karen Russell calls it "A bruiser of a tale . . . a death-defying coming-of-age story," Michael Christie's heartfelt and wondrous debut explores themes of family, fear, and skateboarding. Will, who has never ventured outside his home due to his fiercely loving yet wildly eccentric agoraphobic mother, finally breaks free from the confines of his world when he meets Jonah, an artsy loner at his new school. Together, they embark on an adventure that takes them far from their comfort zones - searching for a missing local boy, assisting a bedraggled vagabond, and avoiding a dangerous bootlegger.

As Will navigates the challenges of early adulthood, he discovers the joys and risks of the outside world, finding solace in skateboarding and learning valuable life lessons along the way. Michael Christie's buoyant and kinetic prose captures the emotional journey of mothers and sons, the fears and uncertainties that come with growing up, and the sacrifices one makes for the ones they love.

Through a rich and fun-loving world filled with art, science experiments, and music, Will and Jonah's friendship blossoms as they push each other to new heights, both on their skateboards and in life. As Will's thirst for adventure grows, he learns the importance of facing fears and embracing the unknown, ultimately coming to terms with the complexities of familial love and the bonds that hold us together.

In this captivating novel, Christie explores the transformative power of friendship, the resilience of the human spirit, and the beauty of taking risks in order to truly live. A poignant and affecting story that will resonate with readers of all ages, "A bruiser of a tale . . . a death-defying coming-of-age story" is a testament to the enduring power of connection and the courage it takes to step outside our comfort zones.

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