BOOK REPORT for Six Impossible Things by Fiona Wood
Cover Story: It's Better Down Under
BFF Charm: Yay!
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Talky Talk: Straight Up, Dude
Bonus Factors: Loyal Pet, Miss Havisham’s House
Relationship Status: Pals
Cover Story: It's Better Down Under
Even though the cover doesn't really speak to the story, I would probably be fine with it... if I didn't know about this Australian cover:
Seriously?! What is it about this artwork that made the publisher think it wouldn't sell in the U.S.? The fun icons? The playful colors? The fact that it actually pertains to the story?!
SIGH.
The Deal:
Dan Cereill is having a real rough go of it. His dad recently came out of the closet just in time to announce that his business was bankrupt, leaving Dan and his mother with no choice but to move into a decaying old house formerly owned by his mom’s great-aunt Adelaide. There’s only two good things about this house: 1) a dog named Howard 2) the location, which is right next door to where a girl named Estelle lives.
While he tries to adjust to his new, rather tragic life, Dan works on accomplishing a list of six things ranging from getting a job to finally speaking to his father. But out of all of these challenges, it’s the top item on the list that seems the most impossible: kissing Estelle.
BFF Charm: Yay!
Dan is the whole reason why the word “adorkable” was invented. (And if that’s not a real word yet, Dan’s fictional existence just made it happen. Like, seriously, go check the dictionary, because it’s definitely listed now.) He’s a total nerd and a sweetheart, but he’s got enough spirit to keep him from being a doormat. Just like a typical boy, he can be a jerk to his mom and a complete idiot in front of girls, and yet, there’s an earnestness to him that is incredibly endearing. He’s a geeky, awkward underdog, which is exactly my kind of guy friend. Thankfully, he’s already got a gal pal, Lou, who tells it like it is, but if Lou ever needs back-up, I’m totally there. (And not just because Dan’s mom bakes wedding cakes. Although, let’s be honest, that’s a plus.)
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Dan’s interactions with Estelle are the headliners of Cringefest 2015. It’s not just because Dan is socially weird or because Estelle is out of his league, and it’s not just because she’s already being pursued by a popular douchebag aptly named Jayzo. It’s all of those things. But in spite of that, Dan’s feelings persist and grow into something genuine and wonderfully real, just as Estelle transforms into more than simply “the Girl.” (And in case you were worried, I am relieved to report that Dan never ventures into Duckie territory.)
Talky Talk: Straight Up, Dude
From the very first page, Dan’s voice shines with personality, and his self-deprecating humor makes him instantly likable. Fiona Wood writes in an honest, engaging style that invites the reader to make herself at home inside of Dan’s head, which, for a teenage psyche, is a surprisingly enjoyable place to be.
Bonus Factor: Loyal Pet
Howard, the dog Adelaide left behind, is enigmatic, wise and fiercely loyal to Dan. Although I might be confusing the latter quality with a desire to be fed. Regardless, he’s GREAT.
Bonus Factor: Miss Havisham’s House
Okay, so Adelaide's house isn't that bad. But it smells terrible, it doesn't have heat and it doesn't contain anything of value. So, you might be asking, why is this a bonus factor? Well, here's the big selling point-- it's got an attic like Gretchen Wieners' hair, i.e. it's full of secrets!
Casting Call:
Since this book is set in Australia...
Tom Green as Dan
Dena Kaplan as Estelle
Like I'm not gonna use my Dance Academy favorites any chance I can get.
Relationship Status: Pals
Plain and simple, this book is good company. It’s entertaining, and it’s got substance, and I had a super pleasant time hanging out with it. We’re not, like, in love or anything, but there’s a camaraderie between us that made for a charming read.