Nothing To See Here - Kevin Wilson

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⭐ 10.0/10

(Originally written by Magdalene)

This book was really delightful and weird, in the best way. It reads like straight contemporary fiction, but the only speculative fiction element is the fact that some kids are able to spontaneously combust. Just like, set themselves on fire but not be hurt by it. No explanation, just that it's a super rare condition and probably genetic.

The main character is Lillian, who's a mess, and one day her best friend from high school asks her to come to her mansion, and then asks her to take care of her fire stepchildren. Her husband is running for secretary of state or something, and their mom just died, but they want to keep the kids hidden. The kids are really weird and quirky because they had a crappy life, and of course Lillian kind of falls in love with them. The book is mostly her trying to find ways to keep them from catching on fire, and navigating their super weird family dynamic. And the weirdness of suddenly living in a mansion.

Again, it's super weird, but funny in a dry, sarcastic way. The audiobook narrator was amazing. The whole atmosphere feels a little surreal. The kids are weird but super lovable and real, and Lillian grows on you as she becomes a mama bear. It's short, and I just loved it all.

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