The Nearly Girl
Amelia Fisher suffers from a rare psychosis. She nearly gets things right but when it comes to accepted behaviours and general societal norms, she fails dismally.
Her genetics are largely to blame and the first half of the book explores her lineage; her father, Henry, is a poetic genius, obsessed with the laws of propositional logic which he attempts to disprove in his acclaimed lyrical rants. He ingests large quantities of LSD in an effort to ‘balance’ his vision of the world and succeeds in having a nervous breakdown and he vanishes for a large part of Amelia’s life. He returns later to play a pivotal role as a mentor and friend in her young adulthood.
Amelia’s mother, Megan, falls hopelessly in love with Henry at a poetry reading but she becomes overwhelmed by bitterness at his inability to sustain any kind of normalized marriage and she turns to body building and tanning salons for solace.
Ethel and Ed, Amelia’s grandparents, are her true nurturers.
In the second part of the book, Amelia is instructed to attend therapy or risk losing her welfare funding; she needs to demonstrate that she is at least trying to improve.
She signs up for twelve weeks of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy headed up by the spectacularly unorthodox and ground-breaking psychiatrist, Dr. Frances Carroll.
Dr. Frances Carroll is small, somewhat ferret-like and fiercely charismatic. He brings his own addition to the traditional therapies of C.B.T.; D.T.O.T.
D.T.O.T. is the acronym for Do The Opposite Thing and it is this to which the determined doctor passionately subscribes; cure yourself of your fears and phobias by employing the opposite action.
Amelia joins a group of anxiety-ridden depressives including Alexei, a blonde giant Russian with anger-management issues; Whitney, a fear-ridden housewife who finds release in sex with strangers; Angelina, who has a morbid fear of doctors and a hidden secret – she’s a hoarder who shares her house with dozens of ever-multiplying rabbits.
Amelia falls in love with earnest and beautiful Mike who aspires to be the next Steve Jobs but he has a paralyzing fear of public speaking.
Five weeks into the sessions, Amelia discovers, by nearly taking the right bus, that Dr. Carroll, in his quest for order, peace and neatness, is keeping his family locked up and drugged; his wife, son and daughter.
Amelia tries to tell Henry but he’s in a funk. Ethel is ill and in hospital and so she tells Mike who believes her but before they can do anything about it, the group spins out of control with Angelina taking her own life because she misinterprets Dr. Carroll’s advice.
Amelia and Mike decide to take matters into their own hands (since all their efforts to communicate go unheard), but they are discovered snooping by Dr. Carroll who succeeds in drugging them.
Their fatal end appears to be unavoidable, however, Amelia is not affected by the drugs in the same way as the others; her metabolism (which also can feel neither heat nor cold), keeps her level-headed and alert despite much of her body is paralyzed.
In a twist of events, just as Dr. Carroll is plotting their demise, Amelia convinces him to do the opposite thing and turn himself into the police — a proud and unapologetic protagonist of the theories which he holds so proud. He thereby sticks to his therapies to the last and ends up in prison, a cult leader of D.T.O.T., with his own reality TV show and the author of many books.
Amelia triumphs and although she and Mike do not end up together, she lives her life to the fullest and does everything she’s wants to — well, nearly.
312 pages
Additional glowing reviews!
The Nearly Girl by Lisa de Nikolits is a clever, fast-paced, and enjoyable read with a cast of quirky characters. They range from Henry the supremely creative poet to his estranged body-building wife and her reliable and loving mother, from the not-quite-right psychiatrist Dr. Carroll, who applies his unorthodox cognitive behavioural therapy research called DTOT (do the opposite thing) to the lovable misfits who populate his required class. And then there’s Amelia, Henry’s daughter in so many ways, who attributes her inability to conform to the norms of society to her fear of being boringly normal. The novel traces Amelia’s life, from her eccentric childhood love of birthday parties outside in the freezing rain to her current predicament of having to take Dr. Carroll’s advice to retain the funding that finances her thesis on the unconventional Joan of Arc. In the course of escaping Dr. Carroll’s clutches – in more ways than one – Amelia discovers her true self and encourages the reader to do the same. – Gina Buonaguro, co-author of The Wolves of St. Peter's
• The Story Builds With Cinematic Suspense and Surprise
A playful exploration of human oddities, de Nikolits's latest book asks: What are the consequences when we deviate from the norm? Centred around Amelia, a young woman who only nearly gets things right in life—she catches the wrong bus or shows up on the wrong day—The Nearly Girl features a cast of misfits who are all engaged in various forms of self-improvement. With her mother trying endlessly to improve her body and her tortured genius poet father always awaiting the voice of brilliance to speak to him, Amelia and her family are anything but ordinary. But perhaps the most compelling characters are found in Amelia's therapy sessions, where hoarders, recluses and claustrophobes alike come together in an enchantingly eccentric group seeking the help of an unorthodox psychotherapist. Yet, we learn from de Nikolits, sometimes self-acceptance is better than change. The story builds with cinematic suspense and surprises, but one thing is for sure: The only crazy thing in this world is trying to be normal.
– Jill Buchner, Canadian Living Magazine
• This Psychiatric Thriller Takes Readers On An Unexpected Adventure
In her latest novel, the The Nearly Girl, Lisa de Nikolitis takes us deep into the complex workings of an extraordinary mind. Amelia Fisher, the protagonist of de Nikolits’s latest offering, reminds readers of the importance of passion and adventure in a world that wishes to keep our wilder urges contained. Like a modern-day Joan of Arc, Fisher’s attempts to carve out a ‘normal life’, take her to the fringes of social acceptability – showing us how mythic the idea of ‘normal’ really is. Through a story that surprises, page after page, The Nearly Girl will take readers on an unexpected adventure – where the lines between the rational and irrational are blurred. From hoarding to the fear of public speaking, this psychiatric thriller excavates the phobias, idiosyncrasies and character oddities that make us human at the core. – Andrea Thompson, Over Our Heads
• A Story That Enchants and Delights, With Suspense and Unforeseen Twists and Surprises!
Amelia Fisher is a brilliant, beautiful, charming, young woman who should have the future and world brightly gift-wrapped in her slender hands. However, she has to reconnect with her acid-dropping, addle-headed father, Henry, a man she hasn’t seen since childhood. Then there is her cognitive therapy group led by the unconventional Dr. Carroll, a man whose methods are either genius, or deeply damaging. This sprint-paced novel has it all from restraining orders to sex in office bathrooms, and a nail-biting ending! Lisa de Nikolets’ skill is proven in this dynamic rapid page-turner which enchants and delights readers with suspense and unforeseen twists and surprises! – Michael Fraser, The Serenity of Stone, To Greet Yourself Arriving
• The Nearly Girl is completely mesmerizing!
Lisa de Nikolits’ tale of family dysFUNction is chock full of comedy, drama and page turning suspense. Anyone who has ever felt alienated by the unwritten rules and norms of society will find a kindred spirit in Amelia, The Nearly Girl daughter of a female bodybuilder and a tortured poet, who believes that rainy days are just perfect for picnics on the beach and who fears that getting on the right bus will lead her to a dead end. Told with warmth, humor and populated with vividly original characters, The Nearly Girl illustrates the importance of keeping the magic in an increasingly corporate, cookie-cutter world.
– Heather Babcock, Of Being Underground and Moving
A Very Funny Book
In "The Nearly Girl", Lisa de Nikolits, author of "Between the Cracks She Fell", has created another memorable heroine. Amelia Fisher, who can never quite do what she should, is the nearly girl of the title. The daughter of two incredibly dysfunctional parents, Amelia is required to attend a therapy group to help with her problem. The group's leader, Dr. Frances Carroll, is the most dysfunctional character of all. His mantra, Do The Opposite Thing, has disastrous results. A very funny book.
– Lynne Murphy, Contributing Author to The Whole-She Bang and Thirteen O'Clock by the Mesdames of Mayhem
• Beautifully Told
Playwright Henrik Ibsen wrote in 1881, "The sins of the fathers are visited upon the children." Lisa de Nikolits updates this cautionary observation in her latest book, as the reckless life choices of a young woman and her schizophrenic, drug-addled mate are visited upon their daughter. Beautifully told, THE NEARLY GIRL softens its sting with convivial depictions of Toronto bohemians, before revealing the aftermath of people shipwrecked upon the foolish choices of youth. THE NEARLY GIRL is as bleak and beautiful as the Rosedale Ravine after a hail storm.
—Elaine Ash, Editor, WALKING THE DUNES WITH TENNESSEE WILLIAMS
• A Fast-paced and Illuminating Story
A fast paced and illuminating story where endeavoring to conform to society's perception of normal, exposes the masks of illusion. Amelia Fisher's unconventional upbringing with an LSD addicted poet father and an emotionally distance body building mother leads her to attending sessions with a crazy doctor. Whose unorthodox method called D.T.O.T. - 'Do the Opposite Thing" has significant repercussions on his patients including Amelia. A chance discovery propels Amelia and fellow attendee, Mike with whom she is in love, are plunged into a life-threatening situation instigated by the doctor's own dark secret. Hidden twists abound with growing tension culminating in a surprising ending.
– Mandy Eve Barnett, Published Author & Freelance Writer
• A Fast-paced and Comical Drama with an Ending Worth Waiting For
Captured from the first page you are taken on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, heartfelt compassion, humor and moments of annoyance for what first appears to be inconsiderate and disrespectful behaviour Amelia’s part. Then you find out she suffers from a genetic imbalance passed down from her father combined with extremist traits of her mom.
Due to unexpected humour throughout this book you become attached to this woman, her struggles and even begin to see her amazingness. After years of accepting her fate as her cross to bear she begins to enjoy the freedom from life’s responsibilities it gives her…until she can do so no longer…with the threat of financial assistance being cut off. Necessity pushes her to try to take charge of her life and illness with a unique new therapy called D.T.O.T. (Do The Opposite Thing). Pretty easy to predict the outcome, right? Not at all!
The fast-paced comical drama & antics of dysfunction within family and “family of choice” (friends/co-counselling buddies) leads into an unexpected turn of events when she and her current boyfriend stumble upon her trusted doctor’s secretive and very dark home life. This puts them both in grave danger and the rest you have to “read to believe”. An ending worth waiting for.
– Carolyn Shannon, Women of Worth (Online) Magazine.com
Presenting the book at the Ontario Librarians Superconference in Toronto, January 28th. The book was very well received!
Reading from The Nearly Girl at the Arthur Ellis Shortlist Event at the Bay and Bloor Indigo.
A trailer for The Nearly Girl.
One cannot help but be delighted to be on this list! You'll find The Nearly Girl in the 'd' for de Nikolits row :)))
Photo by Bradford Dunlop
Reading from The Nearly Girl at the Albert Park Library, with the Mesdames of Mayhem, August 17th 2016
Centre pic: Larry Kosowan
Fantastic East Coast Tour for The Nearly Girl! 29th Sept - 8th October. I made new friends, sold books and had a blast!
Word On The Street, 25th September 2016 - such a great event!
We had a wonderful reading the Mount Pleasant Library on 18th October 2016 with the Mesdames of Mayhem. We will be back in April 2017!
Tuesday, 15th November 2016 - reading at the Annette Street Library • NOT WHAT THEY SEEM -- the stories, intrigue and other possibilities that underlie lives, cottages, history, and burlesque! Featuring Lisa de Nikolits, John Oughton, Heather Babcock, Terri Favro and Rosemary McCracken.
With Ghodsi Danesh
Reading at The Urban Folk Art Salon, 24th November 2016 • Mount Pleasant Library presents, Urban Folk Art Salon. With host Gannon Hamilton; featuring poets, singers and songwriters.
• Illuminated with Wry Humour and Marvellous Responses.
"I melted into this tender telling - how I love the five root characters and their essentially very gentle relationships yet truths are squarely dealt with and seemingly unlikely characters reach out with touching trust, displaying startlingly delicate and unexpected depths of understanding of each other and truly soulful acceptance the solidarity and structure of this evolving family structure is so beautifully told, their very evident vulnerability which never becomes naivety, the generous innate instincts to soothe and smooth along with entirely realistic and earthy responses to inevitable uncertainties and upheavals and the facing of rueful facts squarely.
This intense tale is threaded through with integrity and illuminated with wry humour and marvellous responses. I revelled in the consistency and loving spirits of Ed and Ethel and their flexibility born of love and embracement of their Megan and this love which flowed outward and extended to Henry and Amelia.
I enjoyed the sense of authenticity, this examining of wistful and brutal facets of human ties. I loved the interlacing of needy and nurturing elements, the quirky being readily embraced and cherished, along with pukka down-to-earth reactions and responses all interwoven gloriously and seamlessly, the expressions of yearning and frustration of trust at times turned to disgust. Throughout this story i really cared about this clan, enthralled by the many layers and levels of their very evident ties and bonds and the coming to terms of given situations, the tackling of the fragile and the tough edges of self and others.
Amelia, dearly loved and immensely loveable, reared with robust but varied roots and shoots thus sparking the development of this passionate compassionate deeply instinctual and enquiring being, teetering at times but ultimately and stoically steering her foibles into fabulous individuality, her daring and endearing tenacity and frankness. Amelia's nearly-ness draws her into a somewhat raucous therapy group and subsequently lured into a racy darkly tinged adventure. A wonderful, marvellous read."
—Shirley McDaniel, Artist http://www.art-explorations.com
Where to find me:
• Twitter: @lisadenikolits
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Where to buy the book:
“It’s fair to say your reviewer was in a romantic mood while reading The Nearly Girl – on a flight back from to Toronto after a weekend wedding in Vancouver, full of salty Pacific Ocean air, nostalgia, and maybe a glass of white wine. But that doesn’t change the fact that the novel’s author, Lisa de Nikolits, knows how to capture that spark we call “love at first sight”. And not just love at first sight between lovers – although there are several tingly moments of that sort of connection – but the lesser examined spark that is instant comfort between family members and friends.
Not that love, or love at first sight, even, is the central theme of this novel, which is most of all an exploration of several peculiar and compelling characters and the increasingly frantic – and funny – situations they find themselves in.
These characters – a barefoot beatnik poet dad, a bodybuilding mom, a terrifying Trump-esque therapist, and a quirky, unconventional heroine, among many – twist and turn their way through therapy and life, taking the reader on a welcome journey into madness and self-reflection.
Fast-paced and difficult to pin down, genre-wise, De Nikolits’s sixth book is as charming and eclectic as her cast of characters, and would make for a fun fall read. “ – Anna Killen, Beach Metro
A wonderful review of The Nearly Girl in the Beach Metro!
For pics of the Toronto launch, please visit: http://bit.ly/2eE1lw7
We had a great night with the International Festival of Authors at the The Knox Presbyterian Church,
21st October 2016. With Jacob Wren (Book Thug) and John Jantunen (ECW).
SOCIAL MEDIA BUZZ ABOUT THE BOOK LAUNCH!
Order your copy today!
Reading at Brenda Clews' Poetry and Music Salon, 26th November 2016 • Brenda Clews and the Palmerston Library present a Poetry and Music Salon featuring poets, singers and songwriters.
WHAT REVIEWERS AND BLOG TOUR HOSTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE NEARLY GIRL:
• Books Direct: Lynda Dickinson – Four Stars!
When Megan meets Henry, it's love at first sight. But love isn't always perfect. Henry is a poet who uses LSD, he's slightly unhinged, eccentric, and mentally unstable. Megan's parents Ethel and Ed are very supportive, especially when Megan gets pregnant. But when her daughter Amelia starts behaving like Henry from an early age, Megan withdraws and becomes obsessed with body building.
They call Amelia the "Nearly Girl" because she nearly gets things right but can also get them so wrong. Fast forward to Amelia at twenty-two, when she meets Mike in a group therapy session run by Dr. Frances Carroll, whose mantra is to "do the opposite thing". The members of this group of misfits each purport to be in therapy for one reason, but we find out each one has a much deeper problem. They all fall victim to Dr. Carroll's unorthodox therapy - in more ways than one. But, when Amelia discovers a shocking truth about her therapist, who will believe a mental patient?
The Nearly Girl gives us a heartbreaking look at those who suffer from mental illness and how it impacts the lives of those around them. Much like its quirky characters, this book offers a whole lot more than what you see at first glance. Based on the cutesy cover and the light-hearted beginning of the book, I wasn't expecting a thriller.
But The Nearly Girl is a unique combination of literary fiction, humor, romance ... and thriller. With its truly beautiful writing and memorable characters, this book is sure to appeal to many different types of readers.
• Rosemary McCracken (author of the Pat Tierney series) Four Stars!
Another delightful romp by talented Lisa de Nikolits. With a tortured poet for a father, a body builder for a mother and a dysfunctional psychiatrist for a therapist, what could possibly go wrong for The Nearly Girl's Amelia Fisher? This fast-paced thriller explores the consequences of deviating from the norm with strong female characters and a big helping of humour. Scenes with therapist Dr. Frances Carroll are nothing short of hilarious. De Nikolits is a master at creating quirky characters and plots that take readers far beyond what they expected. Fortunately, we won't have to wait long for another charmer as this author is incredibly prolific!
• The Miramichi Reader Four Stars!
Inanna has released Ms de Nikolits newest novel The Nearly Girl, and it is a captivating story about loveable, quirky characters with various neuroses trying to find and maintain love in a world that tries to suppress or compartmentalise them as "crazy".
I quite enjoyed reading The Nearly Girl, especially the bizarre therapy sessions with the unusual Dr Carroll. There is even a Hitchcockian/Twilight Zone twist near the end that I didn't see coming. As I mentioned earlier, the entire cast is most likeable, reminding us that there are people all around us; family, friends, workmates, schoolmates that may just need some understanding and perhaps even some encouragement to "Do The Opposite Thing" to overcome their particular fears whether it may be public speaking, anger management or habitually getting on the wrong bus.
• Joan – Four Stars!
This is the most unusual novel I have read in ages. It has quirky characters, unbelievable group therapy sessions, drugged zombies, and a disjointed plot. Yet I found the novel compelling reading.
This novel is a look at people who don't fit into the normal categories in society. Henry hears voices, writes poetry no one understands but everyone applauds, doesn't feel cold, gets up and leaves at odd hours and disappears for days. Some call him a genius. But are all geniuses in some way crazy?
It was interesting to read how Amelia tackles life in the light of her odd father. She found “normal” life boring. Because of her government support, she attends group therapy and there meets more misfits of society. But are they really such misfits? Aren't we all unusual in some way?
There are serious themes explored in this quirky novel. One is family. Because of his odd behavior, Henry has been practically disowned by his socially correct parents. At one point he says, “This is what you and I do, Mother. We hurt each other. That is how we know we are still family. When we lose the power to hurt one another, well, then we will just be strangers.” (36) There could be good discussion around that issue.
But perhaps the major theme is what it means to be normal and accepted so in society. Amelia could not be normal yet wanted to function in society. A brilliant young woman, she was studying Joan of Arc for an advanced degree. But she just could not get on the right bus to her destination. Taking a different bus was so less boring. She is told, “You can still be singularly unique, and yet do the things that the rest of the world does.” (168) There is another good point of discussion.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy the unusual. You'll find unusual characters and social interactions. Unusual humor and tenderness. Unusual topics to discuss. You'll find pure quirky entertainment.
• Laura Reading – Four Stars
While the "Nearly Girl" theoretically may be the book's protagonist, almost pushed from the spotlight by her famous, largely more unusual father, from whom, presumably, she inherited her "nearly" tendencies, the story gets rocking when we sit in on group therapy. Those "nutty" characters attract the readers' attention and you want to know if therapy does them any good. You'll have to decide for yourself.
What a twist near the end!! Madness, genius and brilliance are hard to distinguish.
• Wall-to-Wall Books – Wendy’s Review – Five Stars
Oh how I really really loved this book! This review is ridiculously long! But, rule of thumb - The longer the review the more I liked the book. I just love the language in here! It's so quirky and original. This is the second book I have read by Lisa and I guess her writing style clicks with me. The first one was - The Witchdoctor's Bones.
This is really two books that could have been separated and done as a series. The first half is about Henry and Megan (the parents of "the nearly girl") - Ohhh I loved Henry and Megan! I loved this story about them, they were so cute together. They both ended up being very strange and kind of dysfunctional but I loved their characters.
There was great character development. I got so emotionally attached to everyone. Every new person that was introduced felt like they belonged and you very quickly got to know. The second half had a lot of characters but it didn't seem like too much. Lisa did a great job!
While the first half was a love story between Henry and Megan, the second half was "One Flew Over the cuckoo's Nest". It was all about Amelia's therapy sessions, which were hilarious and kind of sad at times.
And then... taa daa - it turned adventurous and mysterious! There is certainly something around every corner with this book! There is never a dull moment. It is quirky and fun and zany and weird, but oh so lovable! I would really love to see another book about Amelia and how she does with life. I will definitely be reading more by this author! I am a fan of Lisa de Nikolits for sure!
I started this book just before Thanksgiving making it very hard to stay attentive to the tasks I needed to do.
Five signs that you know a book is so good and "meant for you"!
1. You got out your vacuum and swiffer and intended on cleaning house for Thanksgiving until you started reading and four hours later the vacuum and swiffer are still sitting in the hallway untouched.
2. You didn't notice the time until you stop reading and realize it's 12:30 and you haven't even had breakfast yet!
3. You are highlighting half the page on every page and you're only a third of the way through the book.
4. Even though you have tons of stuff to do today you keep going back to your iPad just to sneak one more page, just one more page!
5. And lastly, you find yourself thinking about The characters Megan and Henry when you should be thinking about who's coming to dinner for Thanksgiving!
• Lynda Dickson – Four Stars
When Megan meets Henry, it's love at first sight. But love isn't always perfect. Henry is a poet who uses LSD, he's slightly unhinged, eccentric, and mentally unstable. Megan's parents Ethel and Ed are very supportive, especially when she gets pregnant. But when her daughter Amelia starts behaving like Henry from an early age, Megan withdraws and becomes obsessed with body building. They call Amelia the "Nearly Girl" because she nearly gets things right but can also get them so wrong. Fast forward to Amelia at twenty-two, when she meets Mike in a group therapy session run by Dr. Frances Carroll, whose mantra is to "do the opposite thing". The members of this group of misfits each purport to be in therapy for one reason, but we find out each one has a much deeper problem. They all fall victim to Dr. Carroll's unorthodox therapy - in more ways than one. But, when Amelia discovers a shocking truth about her therapist, who will believe a mental patient?
The Nearly Girl gives us a heartbreaking look at those who suffer from mental illness and how it impacts the lives of those around them. Much like its quirky characters, this book offers a whole lot more than what you see at first glance. Based on the cutesy cover and the light-hearted beginning of the book, I wasn't expecting a thriller. But The Nearly Girl is a unique combination of literary fiction, humor, romance ... and thriller. With its truly beautiful writing and memorable characters, this book is sure to appeal to many different types of readers.
• Mark Brown – Five stars
This is a book I never would have found had I not met the author at a book launch and connected with her. I purchased the book and have begun reading it. It is real, fresh and authentically engaging. The characters have a crisp realism to them. It is a surprisingly easy book to get into (I didn't think it would be). It tackles many common life issues in a frank and funny way and I am left with a great empathy for all the characters.
I don't want to give too much of the plot away but I will share that the poet Henry has an essence and presence I can really relate to. The main character Amelia (daughter of Henry) is equally as compelling as a person with her unique and engaging follies. Overall an honest and very human way of relating to the characters and ultimately ourselves.
• Brenda Clews – Five Stars!
The Nearly Girl, by Lisa de Nikolits, is a good read. What a deconstruction of 'the therapist.' I agree with her about many members of the profession and am glad to see a character like this displayed with such fierce satire. Henry and Amelia, father and daughter, as lithesome and poignant characters who could float into the sky holding balloons, are simply beautiful - they are practically poetry in their formation, descriptions, actions and foibles. Ethel and Megan, the two mothers, are great foils. And the whole family loves each other and that is the best. The therapy group who must do-the-opposite are a cast of fascinating characters. So much drama in the novel! It's breath-taking. A trans character with a gun who suicides out; a hoarder who commits suicide by arson, burning her stash; and the sex in the bathroom!
It was a wild ride and I am quite blown away by de Nikolits' writing - its gentleness, tongue-in-cheek satire, and the underlying social commentary on ideas of 'normalcy' that the therapy tradition thrives on when we are clearly full of eccentricities that not only define us but shape the ways we understand the world.
There is a subtext on the magic of eccentricity and that is everywhere in the novel, some of it pretty far out in the members of the group, and I think de Nikolits is saying that our eccentricities are quite delightful but we have to take care of each other for we are all sensitive and delicate too. The doctor… I wouldn't call eccentric, though he, too, has an innocence about him, and I think this is because she writes from the character's perspective, which is quite an extraordinary achievement in literature if you think about it. The doctor is more of a psychopath.
Live talk radio with Valentino Assenza and HOWL!
A stellar review from This Magazine
A fantastic Blog Talk Radio interview!
We had such a great chat!
Five Stars!
Sometimes having a normal life comes with a high price. What is normal to someone might not be the same to you as Amelia Fisher takes us back in time to understand how her parents met and why you might wonder how if she did turned out normal. Her father, Henry is a poetic genius who fell in love at first sight with her mother Megan.
The author brings to light the many difficulties some face when fame comes too fast, when rash decisions are made and when two people who thought they were destined to be together might find out that they are not. Twists, surprises and some consequences can prove deadly as Amelia tells her story.
When her mother tries to reason with Megan and hope that she might find her way back to Amelia, father and daughter bond, Ethel and her daughter Megan, two mothers come from two different worlds. The group will send readers on a roller coaster ride wondering what will happen each time these people meet for therapy.
Everyone is different and we often find ourselves not fitting into the norm that others have created for us or for themselves.
Author Lisa de Nikolits brings to light a novel that deals with the definition of what is normal and how does one work with a therapist that is destructive yet claiming he knows best.
Each one of us has our own egos; eccentricities and each one of us are different with different breaking points. As we get to know Megan better we are frustrated at her selfishness, self-absorbed behavior and her desire to be noticed, accepted and be thought of as beautiful and perfect.
Amelia is a strong character that manages to battle through it all despite her parents and her life. Normal is boring, therapy might bring to light that she is normal after you meet the rest of the group. Her mother disowns her, his own parents who think him odd disown her father and they are socially correct and perfect. Hurt, fear, sadness, losing control of oneself and not really understanding who each of these characters are as individuals are what drives this plot to an unusual conclusion. Will Amelia wind up with Mike? Will she realize that her path needs to be her own? What happens when she realizes that she takes the same route everyday and decides to take a different bus but might get lost?
The ending is quite compelling and the story goes on as someone finally realizes that Amelia is THEIR NEARLY GIRL AND LOVED BUT BY WHOM?
The story will evoke many emotions of sadness, anger, frustration, tears and joy with a touch of sarcasm, humor and a hint of the unknown as the unexpected often happens just when you think you have figured it out. Where they all wind up and their fate: Read the epilogue to find out. Interesting characters and a plot that is uniquely crafted and will keep you wondering what will the ending bring.
Review of The Nearly Girl by Fran Lewis, Just Reviews / MJ Magazine.
19th February! Junction Reads
30th August! IFOA Bookclub!
The Nearly Girl is going to be an audio book! I was at the first recording, listening to the lovely Sara Alicia Garcia narrate the book - so exciting!
The Nearly Girl
Published in Fall 2016
In de Nikolits’ The Nearly Girl, a young woman named Megan falls hopelessly in love with an eccentric poet named Henry, who treats her abysmally but then becomes a target of questionable psychiatric treatment, through which he is rendered an overmedicated, malleable shadow of his unconventional self. Megan becomes pregnant, marries Henry, and then abandons both child and husband to her own parents, an ordinary couple who become the extraordinary foundation of family. The daughter, Amelia, later enters into group therapy with the charismatic Dr. Carroll, whose self-declared revolutionary treatment labelled “D.T.O.T.” (Do The Opposite Thing) again leads to disturbing consequences for his patients.
Both “artist” and “expert” are interrogated in ways that are compelling, often hilarious, and yet oddly uplifting. The structure of the frame established through the novel’s prologue and epilogue is eclipsed by the fast-paced story of lives and communities, with titles that list either single characters or relationships.
