If I Fall, If I Die: A Novel

"Kentucky Lucky" is a heartfelt and wondrous debut novel that explores themes of family, fear, and skateboarding. Karen Russell describes it as "A bruiser of a tale . . . a death-defying coming-of-age story." Will, the protagonist, has never been outside, at least not as far back as he can remember. He has only ever known the company of his fiercely loving yet wildly eccentric agoraphobic mother, who is terrified of leaving the house.

Despite their confined world, Will's thirst for adventure cannot be contained. With a protective helmet and little experience interacting with other children, he finally takes the brave step of venturing outside. At his new school, he befriends Jonah, an artsy loner who introduces Will to the exhilarating freedom of skateboarding. Together, they embark on adventures, including searching for a missing local boy, helping a bedraggled vagabond, and evading a dangerous bootlegger.

This unexpected journey takes Will far from the confines of his closed-off world and into the challenges of early adulthood, where he confronts the risks and uncertainties of everyday life. With buoyant, kinetic prose, Michael Christie expertly crafts an emotionally resonant novel that explores the complex dynamics between mothers and sons, as well as the lengths we're willing to go for those we love. "Kentucky Lucky" is a tender and keenly observed exploration of the human spirit.

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