I love Susin Nielsen’s books. They’re always warm and sweet and funny with the most adorable characters and this one was no exception. I read it in one sitting.

Wilbur Alberto Nunez-Knopf suffered a “Defining Moment” on his first day of secondary school, when a letter he wrote - destined for the school time capsule and meant to be kept secret - becomes public knowledge. Coupled with his unfortunate initials, his school life is not particularly happy except for when he’s playing the triangle with the school band. He does have 2 best friends - one is his 80-something year old neighbour, Sal, and the other at school, Alex, joined after the unfortunate event but has started dating his boyfriend Fab and things aren’t as good as they had been.

When the school announces an exchange trip to France, Wilbur is excited. He starts to learn French with Sal, and can’t wait to meet his exchange partner Charlie (cue lots of Charlotte’s Web in jokes). And so begins a very new chapter, and a lot of character development for Wilbur.

This book is a rollercoaster ride - we’re with Wilbur through his lows and highs. My favourite character had to be Sal though. And Wilbur’s gay mums - the Mumps - add a good level of humour to the proceedings.

Wilbur is a strong lead character, although some of the other supporting characters are at times a little 2D, and stereotyped.

There are issues to add depth, and the character growth (and stumbling blocks along the way) are well drawn.

Set in Toronto, there are a few references that are outside of UK familiarity but nothing enough to detract from a very enjoyable read.

I adored this book. It has lots of things that Nielsen is known for (her understanding and careful writing about poverty and economic differences for example) but is so funny too, in such a warm and unique way. The representation of the LGBTQ+ characters in the book is so carefully and confidently done and I particularly enjoyed the way that French exchange student Charlie's body confidence is what Wilbur finds attractive. The way that she wholeheartedly enjoys eating (and her flatulence) made me incredibly happy- these are not usually things that teenage girls are shown doing, especially teenage girls who are being depicted as being 'highly cool and attractive' . Wilbur too is a character who breaks stereotypes about teenage boys. He's sensitive, complex, understanding and highly emotionally literate. Books where teens have positive relationships with their parents and other adults who love them are also rare and this too added to the strength of this book.

This is a really tremendous book, and not only for teenagers but also for "old" people like me. Susin Nielsen still knows how to write from the perspective of an adolescent and make it all completely authentic, humorous, moving (without getting corny) and unique.

"Tremendous Things" is a book about self-confidence and self-esteem. About understanding who you are and accepting you the way you are (but also with a little make-over to bring you, your hairstyle, your clothes and your body "up to date"). And last but not least it is also a book about friendships, in various shapes and forms.

I very much enjoyed accompanying Wilbur on his journey (all the way to Paris and back) and actually liked every single character in this book. Ok, apart from Tyler and Dmitry. But who counts them anyway?

Tremendous Things was a beautiful book with amazing themes and a heartbreaking ending!

This masterpiece of a book made me laugh and cry throughout! Wilbur was a relatable character and I rooted for him. The message was very powerful and impactful which was accentuated with amazing writing!

This was a brilliant read that I would recommend! Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the E-arc. All opinions are my own.

What a positive, life-affirming confidence-boost of a book....
Wilbur recalls with awful clarity the first day at his new school when the letter he wrote to himself - in all its humiliating glory - is found, copied and sent to all students by Tyler, the boy who will haunt him throughout his schooldays. From that day onwards he is known by his initials, Wank, and he does whatever he can to avoid standing out.
Though school is not a good place for Wilbur, he is incredibly knowledgeable and resourceful. A kind soul, his friendship with his elderly neighbour Sol is delightful - their shared love of museums brings them both comfort. We can see the potential in Wilbur, even though he seems determined to hide his positives amongst his peers.
A catalyst in Wilbur’s life is the school band trip. He prepares to meet Charlie his exchange student - and is somewhat stunned when the larger than life Charlotte greets him. Though they are very unalike, a lovely friendship develops between them.
There’s no doubt that Wilbur experiences some tough situations. He has a good group of people looking out for him, and I loved the fact that though things don’t exactly work out as he might have hoped, there’s plenty to look back on positively.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this, and thanks to Nielsen for providing me with such a warm cast of characters to share some time with.

I really loved this book. It’s a perfect example of all the things Susin does so very well. Brilliant characters and relationships. Funny and heartfelt. I pretty much read it in one sitting as I didn’t want to put it down. I loved what it had to say about being yourself, the importance of good friends and standing up to bullies.

Genre: Young Adult | Fiction

Release Date: Expected 3rd June 2021


Wilbur is a lot of things;

A Loser.
Triangle player in the school band.
The unexpected best friend of his eighty-year old neightbour.
The son to two amazing mothers.
A secret poet.
A Loser.

He doesn't think he's anything more - until he meets Charlie. As part of his schools French exchange programme, he finds himself showing someone around who has no idea of who was before - and it's the perfect time for a makeover to show that there is more to Wilbur, that he really is capable of tremendous things.

Wilbur was the loveable dork that you've seen a thousand times but written perfectly. Full of exceedingly awkward misunderstandings and typical teenager drama that turns into something amazing. The relationships in this story were beautiful - Sal was a reluctant grumpy old man that didn't want a friend, let alone a teenage boy, but their friendship was my highlight of this story.

I loved the literary references scattered through the pages and the message of love and acceptance reiterated throughout. Tremendous Things was somehow completely over the top and nuanced all at the same time, and while there aren't any shock twists it had plenty of heartwarming reveals to keep me hooked.

This was a love story but not the straightforward one I was expecting - this wasn't a 'guy gets hot, guy gets girl' kind of story - and the ultimate resolution was absolutely stunning.


RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to Susin Nielson and Andersen Press for an ARC in return for an honest review.