In Nothing but Life, Brent van Staalduinen offers readers what the news often fails to provide in the wake of a mass shooting — what remains in the aftermath beyond sensationalism and how those affected grieve. In following a young boy and his family's journey toward healing after someone they love commits unthinkable violence, this novel sings with sorrow, yes, but also with great empathy and love.
Anne Valente, author of The Desert Sky Before Us
Capturing perfectly the tender chaos of adolescence, Nothing but Life grabs you by the heartstrings and won’t let go. Beautifully written and satisfyingly redemptive.
Roz Nay, bestselling author of Hurry Home
As Dills tells his story and shares the worst and weirdest summer of his life, it feels deliciously like eavesdropping. A compelling read.
Karen Bass, author of Two Times a Traitor
Brent van Staalduinen has once again created an unforgettable character and voice. In Dills, he brings forth our seething, hurting unpredictability along with all of our innocence, reminding us that love is that thing which complicates us and yet also, ultimately, makes us who we are. Nothing but Life is a gentle and yet razor-sharp look into what hurts and heals us, filled with a wisdom that permeates every sentence.
Amanda Leduc, author of The Centaur's Wife
van Staalduinen writes with clarity and ease ... A moving portrayal of a complex situation that will appeal to teenagers mature enough to read about school shootings.
School Library Journal
van Staalduinen does an excellent job of capturing a teen voice and capturing Dills's emotional and challenging journey towards healing.
Canadian Children's Book News, starred review
Brent van Staalduinen has once again created an unforgettable character and voice. In Dills, he brings forth our seething, hurting unpredictability along with all of our innocence, reminding us that love is that thing which complicates us and yet also, ultimately, makes us who we are. Nothing but Life is a gentle and yet razor-sharp look into what hurts and heals us, filled with a wisdom that permeates every sentence.
Amanda Leduc, author of The Centaur's Wife
... by writing with much seriousness, Brent van Staalduinen makes the reader realize that a story about a young man reclaiming his life rather than living it as the legacy of his stepdad's military PTSD or his own trauma associated with the shooting is sombre and requires thoughtfulness and compassion.
CanLit for Little Canadians
A lovely examination of how families can break and heal over time ... a great read.
Read and Reviewed
Well-balanced with doses of humour, the plot and cast of characters are likely to capture and maintain readers' interest, qualities that make it likely to be much enjoyed by the target audience. Recommended.
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
A lovely examination of how families can break and heal over time ... a great read.
Read and Reviewed
It’s no surprise that Nothing But Life is receiving so much well–deserved attention. It is a must–read, not just for its YA audience, but for any adult working with teens.
Young Adulting