Tremendous Things

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.

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.

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.