BUICK, Nikki Sandy Feet UQP, 2014 257pp $19.95 pbk ISBN 9780702253157 SCIS 1676284
Nothing has been the same in Hunter’s family since the accident. Since his father disappeared and his mother became depressed. Since Step tried to take his father’s place and the new baby came along. And now his mum has decided that it is time for a family road trip, away from Hunter’s school and friends and X-Box. There are things that they don’t talk about; things that Hunter doesn’t even think about. And that is all going to change.
Sandy Feet explores how fallible people can be – even the people you rely upon the most. Buick looks at how parents can be as flawed as their children in this family drama that, unfortunately, fails to make the emotional impact required to be a powerful story. It is difficult to connect with protagonist Hunter, despite his inner turmoil as, rather than causing the reader to empathise with him and develop an understanding of his character, Buick simply tells the audience what to feel. It creates distance that causes the novel to fall flat. The descriptions of the Queensland landscape as the family travel further north is a lovely addition, but unfortunately not enough to make this a title I would recommend to most teen readers.
Teacher’s Notes are available on the publisher’s website.
reviewed by Meg Whelan
