Title: Probably Still Nick Swansen
Author: Virginia Euwer Wolff
Genre: YA Realistic Fiction
Number of Pages: 160
Rating: B
Recommended?: Yes
Probably Still Nick Swansen is a touching story about a mildly developmentally disabled boy struggling with heartbreak while still experiencing trauma over the death of his sister. It’s not as depressing as it sounds, and although it isn’t exactly heavy on plot the believable and sympathetic character of Nick kept me engaged throughout.
He was never portrayed in a cloying manner or as a object of pity, and his parents were unexpectedly supportive and cool (a relatively rare occurrence in YA fiction.) I wish I had gotten to know more about Nick’s love interest Shana, I assumed she had a learning disability like dyslexia (as opposed to Nick’s minor cognitive impairments) but I was never sure.
The backstory with Nick’s sister was heartbreaking and the novel did a really good job of making me feel the sadness and frustration that he was feeling. This book is an older release and I had to buy a copy online, but it was worth it and I’m interested in reading some more books by this author.
Sarah's Corner 