Subject to Change

by Karen Nesbitt

Declan's life in small-town Quebec is defined by his parents' divorce, his older brother's delinquency and his own lackluster performance at school, which lands him with a tutor he calls Little Miss Perfect. He likes his job at the local ice rink, and he has a couple of good buddies, but his father's five-year absence is a constant source of pain and anger. When he finds out the truth about his parents' divorce, he is forced to reconsider everything he has believed about his family and himself.

Genres: Young Adult, LGBT, Fiction, Queer, Book Club, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary

288 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2017

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from a Goodreads First-reads. This did not influence my review.

Subject to Change was my first book by author Karen Nesbitt so I wasn't sure what to expect and was pleased with what I read. Declan is a senior in high school and not doing well academicly. The school principal and his counselor enlist him to get a tutor. He was against this but Leah, his tutor, is really nice looking so he decides to go along with it. He doesn't think someone like her could never like someone like him.

Also Declan's parents have divorced and their family is in turmoil. His sister, Kate, seems to have accepted this. His brother, Seamus. is another story. Seamus is mad at the world but particularly his father. All the kids blame the father for turning their life upside down. Declan has not seen or talked to him in five years.

Now, to find out where things go you will have to read the book. I did reach a point where I just could not put the book down until I found out how it ends. The author handled a sensitive subject very well.

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! I'm not into young adult literature much, but this book grabbed me and didn't let go. I read it in two days.
As a teacher, I really could relate to Declan and his complicated home life - his charactee is really well-written! The ending is open-ended, but that's okay - I'm assuming it'll be a happy one then!

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

***********GIVEAWAY WIN***********
This book was amazing!!!
This arrived in my post from a recent giveaway win.
The author has a magical way of making everyday banter and activities something you are excited to keep reading!
My only real disappointment with the book was the way it ended leaving some questions unanswered for me.

[bjneary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book just really shook me to the core- Declan is this 15 year old living in Quebec with many, many adverse things going on in his life...and he is just so tired. Declan is not a good student, skips detentions a lot, hates his older brother, suffers silently about his family's dysfunction since his parent's divorce. Declan does have a job at an ice skating rink to help his mom out with bills, his angry, angry older brother bullies him and asks for money, his mom (after the divorce) has a job in an animal testing lab that is awful and she really does not share much with Declan, but he is the only one staying in school. After being pulled into the principal's office for an infraction that could get him in a lot of trouble; the principal offers him a way out- being tutored in order to keep his grades up and graduate. He would be the first in his family, and even though he thinks Leah is Little Miss Perfect; Declan does begin to hand in assignments, study, and hope/wish he can be a better student. What really broke my heart was what his family did to him at the time of the split and then the divorce. No one spoke to him about what really happened so he really missed his father (for 5 years his father stays away) and the whole family disintegrates. He is really struggling with so many things but feels he can't talk about anything. Debut author, Karen Nesbitt did a great job of showing a struggling teen with a barely coping family- I rooted for Declan to ask for help and hoped he would not suffer anymore. Nesbitt did a great job with all the characters in the book- they were all kinds of teens (his best friends, his brother and his loser friends, Leah and his needy ex), adults that cared (principal, guidance counselor, Leah's grandmother, when he finally comes on the scene- his father!)Teens and reluctant readers will love this authentic book --highly recommended!

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book was alright. I can definitely see people enjoying it; I know I would have adored this if I were still 11-12 years old. That being due to the narrative voice and the completely stereotypical characters.
It just felt like someone in their 30s trying to write teenagers. Bad boy loves heavy rock (loved the references though) and smokes pot and comes from a damaged home life. Little Miss Perfect gets good grades and has a loving and rich family, but there's a twist! She loves to hip hop dance. Woah!
I thought that the characters just lacked something. And the relationship between the two, it was completely underdeveloped.
I know I just complained about the characters feeling unrealistic, but I must say that the dialogue between Declan and his friends is pretty spot on.
Overall, it's a...fun? read. The content isn't fun, but it's a good book if you're just looking for something quick and easy to read. I'd give it a 2.5, if someone were to ask how I'd like it, I'd absolutely say "It was okay, I enjoyed it." It was good, just not my personal style.

[Merrilyn Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nesbitt opens her novel with teenage Declan's life in a slump. He has no motivation at school, is employed at the canteen at the local skating rink, and lives with his mother and mostly-absent brother, Seamus, in a run-down trailer at the edge of town. Dad has been out of the picture for five years, or so Declan thought until he ran into his father at Declan's sister's house. Now Dec has to face the real reason Dad left the family (he is gay) and why Seamus is so destructively angry. When Declan has to be tutored in history by Leah aka Miss Perfect, Declan, through a series of turbulent events, comes face to face with his past, present, and future selves. This is a gritty, edgy book filled with anger, violence (from Seamus), love and hope (from Leah, Declan's mom, sister, and dad), and the resounding message that families can be complicated and messy. Teens who want to read realistic fiction may enjoy this book.

[Monique Polak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. At first, I found it a little hard to read because Declan's life is so difficult, but in no time at all, I was totally into this book. In fact, I could not put it down. Also, I thought a lot about the characters and their lives even when I was not actually reading. For me, that is a sign of a great read! Even the minor characters were super interesting. I recommend this book to readers of all ages -- not just teens. It's a beautiful, hopeful book that reminds us that change is always possible!

[Paige (pagebypaigebooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I need a sequel!!

[Moonlight Sonata · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won my copy of this book from the giveaway, I'm really happy to be one of the winners to receive this book.

**Warning might have some spoilers**

I really more interested Declan's family life then I was of his romance life with Miss.Perfect. I couldn't really stand her I mean she wasn't annoying thankfully but I didn't really care much about her character. But I was really interested in her grandma bubby story of being in the nazi camp, and learning about the pink triangles what they meant. ((Karen did a wonderful job in adding that detail)). But that is just me cause I'm very picky on female characters.

Declans could be really relatable to a teenager having a similar problem with divorce parents, finding out one of their parents is gay. It is understanding how he felt betray and the angry toward his father, and the great sudden change came with it. But learning about the pink triangles and listening to his father will help him.

I'm more interested in learning more about his brother Seamus, and the troubles going on in his mind to. And how this effected him as will finding out about his father being gay, and the divorce since they were all in a young age. Like to know more how he started to drink and use drug in such a young age and what kind of emotional problems he is dealing with.

I'm very happy with Karen on the book and the style she wrote it. I find this could be really helpful for some teenagers. I would have gladly given it a 5 stars but I didn't care for Miss.Perfect sadly. I would like to read the other book and find out what happens to his brother. It feel like a cliffhanger. And I'm hoping it explain a lot more about Seamus life.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reading copy of this book. This is a great read for some kids with tough lives out there. Colorful language throughout but it completely fits the characters, environment, and situation. A good choice for teen boys, but any teen can relate to aspects within the story.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

02/04/18
*2.5-3/5 stars*
To be honest, I was kind of baffled with some of these characters. Full review here

--

Reviews are slowly coming -- I swear!

[Kim Piddington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teen angst page turner that delves into some sensitive issues.

[Michelle Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit slow at the beginning. Once I got into it I couldnt put it down.

[Diane Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and straightforward. Declan's voice is consistent with his struggles.

[Bisman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I’m speechless.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been focusing on reading more physical books from my library since we haven’t been travelling and this wonderful YA novel was at the top of my list to read this summer. The author demonstrates experience with teenagers through her writing and doesn’t pull any punches.

How critical communication is for, and in, all relationships 💚

I was so fortunate to receive this novel as a gift, with a personal signed inscription from the author. Regardless of that special touch, I would recommend this novel!

[Sylvia McNicoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debut novel set close to Montreal near Hudson--so a refreshingly different setting. It is a difficult novel to enter. Edgy. Declan is a teen on a downward spiral, no passion for anything, bored with school, depressed about life--however as you read on, you can see him struggle to rise, not in a sitcom everything-is-resolved kind of way. Perhaps the larger theme is about never giving up on people. Looking for the real person behind the pain.

[Alanna King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Declan's family is falling apart as his single mother works beyond her limits to keep the family together, and his brother struggles with addiction as a way to avoid confronting responsibility. Declan battles with which of his family's secrets to keep and which to keep secret until he is pushed beyond what he can handle. Thankfully thee adults in his school are first to notice that Declan is slipping away and assign him a tutor. Through his tutor's own example of dealing with family struggle, Declan begins to gain hope that his family could come together. Declan's story is both a story of surviving trauma and coming-of-age, in that through his family's hardships he realized that his role is greater than his self. This realization transforms Declan from a child into a man, and he learns to appreciate the grey areas between black and white.

I read this book as part of the Forest of Reading White Pine program for grades 9 - 12. I have difficulty believing that a) this is Nesbitt's first novel as it is so well crafted and still authentic and b) that Nesbitt is an educator as there is a lot of raw, crass exploration of the teen lexicon and lifestyle choices that make it feel as though she has lived it. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who needs hope or who needs to understand how much the average teen is hiding and dealing with on their own.

[Enid Wray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great debut novel. Well written with authentic characters and dialogue.
The title comes from the lyrics in A Matter of Time by the Foo Fighters. There are many more appropriate cultural references as well throughout the novel.
Set in Quebec, which we don’t see very often, this novel is all about re-interpreting your life… about coming to terms with your life and moving forward.
This book addresses the issues of teenage boys… of suppressed male emotions, propensity to physical and emotional violence, and the need for positive male role models.
Declan’s family is spinning out of control, completely dysfunctional… the result being that he is overwhelmed and functioning well below his capabilities.
At the heart of the book though lies friendship, true friendship, nothing complicated about it, deep and abiding.
And then there is the suspense. More than once you will find your heart in your throat as a result of the dramatic tension. Be prepared for it!

[D. Buchner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this novel. The story was compelling. Some of the aspects of Declan's struggles and conflicts were different from the usual. It didn't involve romance or any of the typical elements of a YA conflict, but rather, it is about a boy, his family, and his own sense of identity. His relationship with his father is complex and interesting to navigate, as he learns more not only about his father, but also about himself.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this look into the lives of a struggling family. How do you cope when things change? How do you grow and change when it feels like things have completely fallen apart. Declan comes to terms with his family and himself through this novel of perserverance. It was a little on the predicatable side, but it was satisfying in the end. A quick, easy read.

[Jennifer Meltzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book sucked me in from the beginning. I felt very connected to the characters and the book in general was very realistic. I was little surprised by the ending, but was left feeling content, hopeful and somewhat inspired.

[taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ; concluded poorly

[Kiara Orrange · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only reason why I gave this three stars was because of the ending. I was reading and hoping for more but then the book just got cut off!

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

One question, no context: why in the seven hells would someone put maple syrup *and* ketchup on pancakes, sausage, and bacon??? Also, not a ton of content.

[chela · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very slow to get going. personally, I didn't like the writing style, but it had a good plotline.

[Clover Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

She shows her age with some of the slang she uses trying to sound like a teenage boy. (I've never heard anyone refer to detention as DT)

[suha · Rating 3 out of 5]

the main character wasnt the most likeable and the plot was mostly easy to predict, interesting enough, but had to force myself to keep reading it.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I felt frustrated with the mother whose interests were elsewhere when they should have been on the son who was loyal to the family instead of the prodigal one.