If I Fall, If I Die

Michael Christie has penned a heartfelt and wondrous debut that delves into themes of family, fear, and skateboarding. In this bruiser of a tale, Karen Russell praises the novel as a death-defying coming-of-age story. Will's world is confined to the walls of his small house, where he has never ventured outside, having only known the fiercely loving yet wildly eccentric agoraphobe that is his mother.

Their world is rich with art, science experiments, and music, but Will's thirst for adventure cannot be contained. Encased in a protective helmet and unsure how to interact with other kids, he finally takes the brave step to explore the outside world. At his new school, he befriends Jonah, an artsy loner who introduces Will to the exhilarating freedom of skateboarding.

Their escapades lead them to search for a missing local boy, aid a bedraggled vagabond, and evade a dangerous bootlegger. As Will is pulled further from the confines of his closed-off world, he is thrust into the uncertainties of early adulthood, navigating the risks that life offers.

In vibrant and dynamic prose, Christie captures the emotional depth of the relationships between mothers and sons, exploring the fears and uncertainties that come with love. This keenly observed novel portrays the lengths we are willing to go for those we care about, in a touching and resonant exploration of family bonds and the journey to self-discovery.

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