This Is How We Change The Ending

(Paperback)

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Description

A gritty, ultimately triumphant novel from one of Australia's most loved YA writers, the author of award-winning Friday Brown. Sixteen-year-old Nate McKee is doing his best to be invisible. He's worried about a lot of things-how his dad treats Nance and his twin half-brothers; the hydro crop growing in his bedroom; the way his friend Merrick always drags him into fights. And he has never forgiven his mother for leaving. But none of it is his fight, right He's just waiting for his time. Nate hangs out at YouthWorks, the local youth centre threatened with closure, and fills his notebooks with the things he can't say. But when some of his pages are stolen and his words are graffitied on the wall of the centre, Nate realises he has allies. He might be able to make a difference, change his life, and claim his future. Or can he This is How We Change the Ending is a story that will have you on the edge of your seat, hoping Nate will find a way out, despite the odds.

Reviews

'Vikki Wakefield is one of Australia's best YA writers. * Cath Crowley *
When I finish a Vikki Wakefield novel I get a tiny ache in my heart because Im already missing her gutsy characters. * Melina Marchetta *
Vikki Wakefield is one of the most creative and daring authors writing for young adults today. * Danielle Binks *
'This is How We Change the Ending is [Vikki Wakefields] best book and my YA novel of the year. It may well be the perfect YA novel. * Joy Lawn *
'With This Is How We Change the Ending, Vikki Wakefield crafts an examination of violence, stunted masculinity and class disparity thats as complex as any literary novelthis never comes across as hopeless or grim just honest. With its emotional realism, This Is How We Change the Ending feels like an Australian Friday Night Lights: the hazy washed-out glare of a small town, the slightly aimless wandering nights, and the ultimately uplifting message. Im not sure what we did right to deserve a writer as fine as Wakefield, who captures the bruised vulnerability and tremulous potential of youth with so much honesty and power.' * Readings *
'Bravo Vikki Wakefield...This Is How We Change the Ending is a ripper yarn!' * Nadia King *
BrilliantIm still reeling. This stands shoulder to shoulder with any lit-fic young protagonist novel, YA or otherwiseIntelligent, vivid and so moving. * Emily Gale *
[Vikki Wakefield] captures the angst of coming-of-age with honesty, understanding and some humour. * Magpies *
Friday Brownwill break your heart then put the pieces back together in a new way. I absolutely loved this book. * Libba Bray on Friday Brown *
[A] powerful, affecting storystories like Wakefields are essential reading.' * InDaily *
This is one of the best Young Adult novels Ive read since young adult first came into being as a specific literary category.' * Age *
This skilfully structured and beautifully balanced novel with its mix of palpable pain and understated humour, and a cast of complex, memorable characters, is Wakefields best so far.' * Adelaide Advertiser *
Heartbreaking and heartwarming * Courier-Mail *
This has to be my favourite YA book of 2019even on a second read, I still had tears in my eyes, grateful for the chance to have read about such a gutsy character as Nate. * ReadPlus *
'Authentic, compassionate and a remarkable narrative cementing Vikki Wakefield as an exceptional Australian young adult author. Sublime reading. * Diva Booknerd *
Dancing the fine line between raw and relatable, complex and light-hearted, this coming-of-age story proves you dont need to be a hero to stand up for what is right. * NZ Herald *
A raw and poignant work of storytelling, a clever melding of poetry and prose with a compelling narrator, curt dialogue, and gritty realism. * Australian Book Review *
My YA novel of the year...[Vikki Wakefield] writes brilliantly from inside a teen boys head, illuminating his thoughts and words with searing understanding and empathy, along with hints of hope.' * Australian *
Wakefield gets better with each book, and this one BURNS its so good. * AlphaReader *
In this complex novelexaminations of disadvantage and hopelessness lead to brilliant revelations. * Foreword *
...examinations of disadvantage and hopelessness lead to brilliant revelations. * Foreword Reviews *
'Complexity is the strength of this novel...Wakefield skilfully controls the suspense for a nail-biting finish.' * Storylinks *
Vikki Wakefield is one of our finest YA writers and she gives insight and appreciation to the lives of Australian kids. * English in Australia 57, no. 1 *

Author Bio

Vikki Wakefield writes realist fiction for young adults. Her work explores coming-of-age, family, class, relationships, and the lives of contemporary teens. Her novels All I Ever Wanted, Friday Brown, Inbetween Days and Ballad for a Mad Girl have been shortlisted for numerous awards. Vikki lives in Adelaide, Australia.