Synopsis
A year ago, Michael Daye escaped his violent home life by joining a traveling fair. Now his mother is on trial for murdering his brutal stepfather and only Michael knows the truth that can save her. But if he reveals the truth about his past, will he give up his newfound freedom forever? A fresh, unflinching look at domestic violence from the acclaimed author of Breathing Underwater.
o Alex Flinn's first novel, Breathing Underwater, received rave reviews and numerous honors, including a Publishers Weekly Flying Start. In a starred review, Kirkus called Nothing to Lose "arresting," and said, "As she did in Breathing Underwater, Flinn does a masterful job of exploring domestic violence."
o During her career as a lawyer, Flinn dealt with domestic abuse. She brings an objective yet insider view to this topic, and has gained a reputation as an author who can write gripping, honest fiction.
o This powerful, character–driven novel will appeal to adults and teens across the board who simply enjoy fine fiction.
Ages 13+
Booklist - Michael Cart
The author of Breathing Underwater (2001) and Breaking Point (2002) mines her legal background to good effect in this new novel. A year has passed since Michael fled his impossible home life to join a traveling carnival. Now the 17-year-old runaway has returned to Miami to find his mother going on trial for the murder of his savagely abusive stepfather. What really happened? Only Michael knows the whole truth, but will he come forward? In a narrative that--in brief, alternating chapters--moves backward and forward in time, Flinn expertly reveals how very complicated this question is. The result is a fast-paced, readable mystery that is rooted in the psychology of battered-spouse syndrome and its impact on an entire family. An inside look at carnival life and Michael's growing love for another carny named Kirstie add gritty texture and a layer of emotional richness to the already intriguing plot.