If I Fall: A Novel

Michael Christie has penned a heartfelt and wondrous debut. Karen Russell describes it as "A bruiser of a tale, a death-defying coming-of-age story," that touches on family, fear, and skateboarding. Will has always been inside, at least for as long as he can remember. He has never had the chance to meet anyone other than his mother, a fiercely loving yet wildly eccentric agoraphobe who is terrified of leaving the house. Despite this, their world is rich and fun-loving, filled with art, science experiments, and music, but all within the confines of their small home. Will's longing for adventure cannot be restrained, and he eventually musters up the courage to explore beyond the walls of his home. 

At his new school, he befriends Jonah, a creative loner who introduces Will to the exhilarating freedom of skateboarding. Together, they embark on a journey to find a missing local boy, aid a disheveled wanderer, and dodge a dangerous bootlegger. The adventure takes Will farther than he ever anticipated, pulling him away from the limitations of his isolated world and into the unpredictable realm of early adulthood, complete with all the inherent risks. 

In lively and dynamic prose, Christie delivers an emotionally impactful and keenly observed novel about the bond between mothers and sons, the fears and uncertainties that plague us, and the lengths we are willing to go for those we love.

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