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A review by araskov
No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen
3.0
I borrowed this from the library the moment I heard my daughter was reading it with her class. I wanted to make sure that is was appropriate and I feel no shame in that. While the book itself is LGBTQ+ friendly by having same sex partners, and by having Felix's parents support his decision to like boys or girls, it doesn't push that he should be any specific way.
Though the book doesn't dive into specifics, there are themes of sex work, drug use, child abuse, spousal (or couple) abuse, theft, lying, and even brief talk of suicide.
Felix's mother, Astrid, doesn't trust other people. After a difficult childhood and the loss of a loved one, she has struggles with mental health and can't seem to control her mouth, even when it comes to working with the public. Anyone who's worked customer service can relate, as we all have had moments where we wanted to voice our opinion. The difference is, Astrid does voice her opinion, very boldly. This often results in her losing her jobs.
As their situation gets worse and worse, Astrid and Felix find themselves living in Astrid's ex boyfriend's van after the man moved away. It starts out as a temporary situation during rough times, but as time passes, tensions rise and Felix starts to lose patience with their living arrangements (and rightfully so).
This story teaches us to trust in others and know that the people who care about us can often be of help, whether that's sharing a meal, or helping us find a safe place to rest, or simply being someone to talk to.
It's a good story that shows that good people can make bad decisions. That when things get tough, we should turn to our community and see what systems are in place to help us at our lowest points. To admit to needing help in the first place. To give back to those that need our help in whatever ways we can. That it's important to be there for each other as a community, because that's the best way for us all to flourish.
Though the book doesn't dive into specifics, there are themes of sex work, drug use, child abuse, spousal (or couple) abuse, theft, lying, and even brief talk of suicide.
Felix's mother, Astrid, doesn't trust other people. After a difficult childhood and the loss of a loved one, she has struggles with mental health and can't seem to control her mouth, even when it comes to working with the public. Anyone who's worked customer service can relate, as we all have had moments where we wanted to voice our opinion. The difference is, Astrid does voice her opinion, very boldly. This often results in her losing her jobs.
As their situation gets worse and worse, Astrid and Felix find themselves living in Astrid's ex boyfriend's van after the man moved away. It starts out as a temporary situation during rough times, but as time passes, tensions rise and Felix starts to lose patience with their living arrangements (and rightfully so).
This story teaches us to trust in others and know that the people who care about us can often be of help, whether that's sharing a meal, or helping us find a safe place to rest, or simply being someone to talk to.
It's a good story that shows that good people can make bad decisions. That when things get tough, we should turn to our community and see what systems are in place to help us at our lowest points. To admit to needing help in the first place. To give back to those that need our help in whatever ways we can. That it's important to be there for each other as a community, because that's the best way for us all to flourish.