Eight Times Up

A very simple narrative about a boy who takes up Akido because his father feels it will help with the anxiety attacks he has suffered since his mother left. Neither the anxiety nor the mother's absence takes up much room in the story and become unimportant, unexplored elements. The novel's focus is on Riley's interactions with the other kids, notably the Muslim girl whose hijab is a key plot element. Overall, an enjoyable read but unexciting.

Thank you to Orca Books who were kind enough to send me this copy for review.