Fall & Die: A Novel

This debut novel is a heartfelt and wondrous story about family, fear, and skateboarding, which Karen Russell describes as "A bruiser of a tale . . . a death-defying coming-of-age story." Will has never been outside, not as far back as he can remember. He has only ever known his mother, a fiercely loving yet wildly eccentric agoraphobe who is terrified at the idea of leaving their house. Despite their confined world, which is filled with art, science experiments, and music, Will's yearning for adventure cannot be contained. Donning a protective helmet and feeling awkward around other kids, he finally ventures outside and meets Jonah, an artsy loner who introduces Will to the freedom of skateboarding. Together, they search for a missing local boy, help a bedraggled vagabond, and evade a dangerous bootlegger. The adventure takes Will far from his sheltered world, thrusting him into the challenges of early adulthood and the risks of everyday life. In vibrant, dynamic prose, Michael Christie has crafted an emotionally resonant and keenly observed novel about mothers and sons, fears and uncertainties, and the lengths we'll go to for those we love.

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