Readers United Book Reviews | The Fixes and Every Exquisite Thing

Caroline Rispoli ’20 reviews two novels with unique and interesting concepts sure to keep you reading.

The Fixes by Owen Matthews

For Capilano kids, life’s a breeze. With the constant security of their trust funds and nonexistent responsibilities, the world is their party. For Eric Connelly, the constant pressure of growing up to be a “Connelly Man” looms over him like a thunder cloud. He had a plan. Rather, his father had a plan for him: To be named Student of the Year, to attend Stanford Law, and to follow the family tradition of a career in politics. This was the expectation; this was what mattered most, and this was the “end all and be all” of Eric Connelly’s life. This was his legacy.

Then, Eric meets Jordan, who introduces the now nicknamed “E” to the Suicide Pack, a group of four teens sick of the obnoxious, money obsessed population of Capilano. It is following this introduction that things go awry. Stealing famous paintings, shoplifting from the mall, trashing a magazine factory. Innocent enough. These are their Fixes. But it’s all fun and games until someone builds a bomb…

Actually, someone builds four bombs.

A thrilling novel that will have your heart racing, you will feel a rush of adrenaline with every Fix, The Fixes will keep you on the edge of your seat. Owen Matthews blends the innocence of high school teens with the intrigue of risk and adventure. It will leave you questioning what your own Fix could be.

Verdict: The Fixes showcases the effects of influence and how fun can go too far. A must-read for anyone looking for suspense and surprise.

Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick

Nanette O’Hare has embodied the role of perfect daughter for as long as she can remember. A high achieving student, an agreeable child to her parents, and on her way to being recruited as the MVP of her soccer team, Nanette is the definition of a “Goody Two Shoes."

However, when she is left a copy of an out of print book, The Bubblegum Reaper, the Nanette everyone knew and loved is replaced by a much darker version of herself, perhaps her true self.

Proving the powerful effect of words, the prominent message of rebellion in The Bubblegum Reaper takes its emotional toll on the girl who had been bottling everything inside. Nanette befriends the author of her now favorite book, falls in love with an undeniably talented poet, and finally removes the weight of everyone’s expectations from her shoulders.

Verdict: Matthew Quick writes a powerful novel that displays a real sense of truth and honesty.