As this unique and beautifully written story opens, Will, an eleven-year-old boy, leaves the confines of his house for the first time in his memory. He is surprised to discover that nothing bad happens to him. "The boy stepped Outside, and he did not die." His agoraphobic mother has always warned him of the dangers Outside, and he has been content to stay in the world she has created for them Inside. Once he goes Outside, however, he begins to discover that the rewards of life Outside far outweigh its risks.
Through quirky characters and an unusual plot, the author has managed to create a story that is at times laugh-out-loud funny, and at other times, heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. Chapters alternate between Will's adventures Outside and his mother's internal reflections on her past. Although there were times when the plot felt far-fetched, the originality of the book as a whole kept me hooked. There are many interesting themes touched on in this book that would make it a great choice for book clubs.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.
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