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The Nix
752 pages, 2017
A hilarious and deeply touching debut novel about a son, the mother who left him as a child, and how his search to uncover the secrets of her life leads him to reclaim his own. Meet Samuel Andresen-Anderson: stalled writer, bored teacher at a local college, and obsessive player of an online video game.
He hasn't seen his mother, Faye, since she walked out when he was a child. But then one day there she is, all over the news, throwing rocks at a presidential candidate. The media paints Faye as a militant radical with a sordid past, but as far as Samuel knows, his mother never left her small Iowa town. Which version of his mother is the true one?
Determined to solve the puzzle--and finally have something to deliver to his publisher--Samuel decides to capitalize on his mother's new fame by writing a tell-all biography, a book that will savage her intimately, and publicly. But first, he has to locate her; second, to talk to her without bursting into tears.
In The Nix, Nathan Hill shows us how different perspectives can completely change our understanding of a situation. He encourages us to look beyond our own viewpoint and consider others' experiences. This can help us in our daily lives, as it promotes empathy and understanding.
The Nix explores how our past can shape our present and future. Hill suggests that we should not ignore or forget our past, but rather learn from it. This can be a powerful tool for personal growth and development.
Hill's book delves into the intricacies of human relationships, particularly between a mother and son. It's a reminder that relationships are complex and often messy, but they're also what make us human. It encourages us to work on our relationships and not take them for granted.
The Nix takes a critical look at the role of media in shaping public opinion. It's a reminder to be mindful of the information we consume and to think critically about it. This can help us make more informed decisions and avoid being manipulated by media narratives.
In his book, Nathan Hill explores the theme of identity and the journey to find it. He suggests that our identity is not fixed, but rather something we continually shape and redefine. This can inspire us to embrace change and growth in our own lives.
Quotes 3
The Nix is a mother-son psychodrama with ghosts and politics, but it's also a tragicomedy about anger and sanctimony in America... Nathan Hill is a maestro.
John Irving - Novelist, ScreenwriterThe Nix is a sprawling, wildly ambitious debut, jumping back and forth in time and spinning off into extended tangents, yet every piece fits together perfectly.
Ron Charles - Book CriticThe Nix is hugely entertaining and unfailingly smart, and the author seems incapable of writing a pedestrian sentence or spinning a boring story.
Michiko Kakutani - Literary Critic