Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

“They didn’t want to set the world on fire. They just wanted to be less alone in it.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

It’s really fascinating how a book so weird in concept can be one of the most real and genuine books I have ever read.

Nothing to See Here follows Lillian, a woman in her late 20’s, who is unexpectedly tasked with becoming the governess of her long-lost best friends step children. These are no ordinary 10-year-olds, for they possess a unique ability to burst into flames when agitated or angered. The children remain unharmed by the flames, but the sheer destructiveness and startling nature of the phenomenon is jarring to say the least. Lillian’s old friend, Madison, is married to a senator, making it imperative to handle the care of these fiery children discreetly in order to not jeopardize their father’s political prospects.

This is a story about friendship, politics, class dynamics, abandonment, societal expectations, divine retribution, the sacrifices one will make for the people they care about and ultimately “weirdos” finding their rightful place in the world.

What truly captivated me were the vibrant characters and the intricate web of connections woven between them. There is an inherent beauty in relationships where you can authentically embrace your quirkiest, truest self. The magic in this story came from the moments of trust.

Lillian was such a painfully relatable main character. Her internal monologue mirrored my own disillusionment with life and critical examination of the privileged. She questioned things I find myself thinking about frequently. I absolutely adored Bessie and Roland. The twins portrayal felt refreshingly authentic compared to the often contrived depiction of children in books.

I love love loved this book and could not recommend it more.