Book Review: Nothing Bad Happens Here by Rachel Ekstrom Courage
From the moment I stumbled upon the description for Nothing Bad Happens Here, I was hooked. The very premise—an idyllic summer in Nantucket, where nothing ever goes wrong—felt like a siren song calling me to uncover its hidden depths. It’s almost irresistible, right? But beneath this seemingly perfect setting lies a haunting tale that intertwines trauma, secrets, and the quest for truth. It’s a journey I didn’t quite expect, and while it kept me engaged, the experience was a mixed bag.
At the heart of the story is sixteen-year-old Lucia, who is forced to spend her summer in this picture-perfect town. Being the outsider amidst the shiny, carefree locals creates a tension that is both palpable and relatable; I could feel her struggle to fit in while dealing with her own past trauma. However, while I appreciated the nuances of her character development, I often found Lucia frustratingly inconsistent. She oscillates between being fiercely determined and inexplicably naive, leading me to question her choices more often than not. It’s fascinating how a character can spark such strong feelings—both love and irritation!
Courage does an excellent job of painting the small-town backdrop of Nantucket, capturing its charm while slowly revealing the grim realities lurking beneath the surface. I adored the world-building; the dynamics feel rich and lived-in, making it a place ripe for exploration. The contrast between Lucia and the local teens is compelling. It shows just how isolated she feels, and while her friendship with Selah and her friends adds layers to the story, I found myself puzzled by Lucia’s impulsive reliance on them, lacking a clearer understanding of their motivations.
One of the standout features of this novel is its pacing. While the investigation only truly kicks into gear in the last 25%, it allows for a deep dive into Lucia’s character and her emotional journey. The criminal storyline, although delayed, leads to an explosive finale that definitely packs a punch. I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say the ending left me both satisfied and yearning for an epilogue. I wanted to see how the characters, particularly Lucia, would react to the aftermath of that shocking reveal.
However, I do have my quibbles. The introduction of a supernatural element felt disjointed, popping up without much context or tie to the rest of the story. It’s a choice that had me scratching my head, wondering if I had missed a chapter—or maybe even a genre shift. 🤦♀️
Overall, Nothing Bad Happens Here is a captivating read, albeit one that occasionally stumbles with its pacing and character consistency. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven narratives with a twist of mystery and aren’t afraid to grapple with themes of trauma and resilience. If you’re looking for a summer read that will keep you pondering long after the last page, consider picking this one up!
Thank you to Delacorte Press and TBR & Beyond Tours for providing a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. I’d love to hear your thoughts on Nothing Bad Happens Here! What did you think of Lucia’s journey?
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