This is the author's debut book. I want to start by saying that I absolutely loved this story immensely. This book had me sitting at the edge of my seat. Due to certain circumstances, that almost all teenagers face these days, Nash's mother had to send him away to live with his grandfather and leave all of his friends and problems behind so he could wipe the slate clean and start all over. Nash had a very difficult time being away from his home and friends. Nash's relationship with his grandfather was very rocky at first but a bond slowly grew between Nash and his grandfather which was unbelievably heartwarming. The relationship that developed between them reminds me of my own relationship with both of my grandfathers. I like how the then/now chapters are both so compelling. Unfortunately, Nash goes through a tragic and heartwrenching experience with his grandfather. This tragic event changes Nash's life forever.

Tales of Nash, a short yet moving fiction highlights issues that adolescents/ teenagers face today- substance addiction, peer pressure, the need to feel and be popular and cool and living through a dysfunctional family life-- and it also highlights the issues of old aged people battling loneliness and a terminal disease. It also shows how positive and proper mentoring can help to make life and the future promising for a young person who has lost his way in life.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher DartFrog Plus and the author Ann Worthington for the e-Arc of the book.

Rating:⭐⭐⭐✨💫

All in all, a solid book. 4/5 stars.

I love the then/now alternating chapters. (Huh, almost like in my upcoming book). It helps add to the tension by creating uncertainty and conflict, while helping reveal the character development. Similarly, I loved the short chapters and the quick pace. I love that, unlike many mental health books, there is no love/romance that Cures the Protagonist. The dialogue, which I normally would not have loved (lacked tags and actions, and instead consisted just of the spoken words) somehow worked really well. This is a testament to the author, as hard as it is to do.

The portrayal of mental illness, especially substance abuse, was artfully done. We see many of the tenets of such issues in the book. These included the familial links, the cycles of unsupportive parenting, and denial of problems by those affected. The triggers-- including friends who also use, boredom, coping with emotional issues, etc-- were both accurate and felt realistic. Like those who fall into addiction, there was no one moment where Nash "became addicted" but rather a series of intensifying decisions that start with innocent curiosity.

Similarly, the exploration of PTSD, including the nightmares, withdrawal, and occasional flashbacks, was realistic without being overdone. Similarly, the issues of addiction and PTSD feel important to the story, but were not the only drivers of plot and characterization. This leaves the reader with round, dynamic characters that we can root for even while they make mistakes.

There was also the exploration of other issues, which I won't go into in order to not spoil the ending, that have been controversial recently. I appreciated this as well.

I didn't give this 5 stars, as well done as the book is, because I thought it was solid, but not The Best Ever. Things I wish were different:

1. The title. I love the cover but the title doesn't do the book justice
2. More resolution. I'm all for an open ending, but it felt a little incomplete. Mostly, I would have liked a hint that Nash was going to make better friends, actually study for the GRE, and have a new goal besides just staying sober. I didn't need to see this play out but even an ending scene where he runs into someone and starts up a conversation, or opens the GRE documents and starts on them, or starts looking up schools, would have gone a long way.
2. Indeed, I think part of what made this book not quite a 5 is that there is plenty of conflict and tension, but I wish I knew more of what Nash actively wanted, besides Not going to jail and Not being addicted. What does he like to do? What dreams/goals does he have now?

All in all, a solid read with great depictions of PTSD and addiction.

Tales of Nash is a thought-provoking story about addiction and the choices people make. I thought it was excellent with well-written characters. I would say its only drawback is that it wasn’t longer. It is a great story and well worth a read.

Tales of Nash explores common issues that adolescents face today, which often force kids to grow up far too fast. Drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, family tragedy and dysfunction; these are only a few of the troubles that plague Nash Atherton. When he is sent to live with his Grandpa though, Nash is exposed to a different kind of life and begins to build an unlikely bond that could ultimately destroy everything he has worked to repair.

Worthington was able to perfectly capture the turmoil of being a teenager today and the trouble that can be looming for anyone who begins to head down the wrong path in life. Even while making reckless decisions, the reader is still able to empathize with Nash and recognize in him something that many of us have had to face at some point in our lives. After he is sent to live with his Grandpa, Nash still shows the reactive behavior of a teenager and the reader often sees the frustration and impatience that seems to take over. As the story evolves though, the reader slowly witnesses the development and growth of Nash, especially as he is faced with an impossible situation.

I thought the story was beautifully written and really showed the development of Nash and his ability to cope with many parts of his life that previously left him feeling alone and vulnerable. Worthington was able to explore several difficult topics and brilliantly shared them through the eyes of a struggling teenager.

Tales of Nash is an utterly brilliant read which makes you think about the choices you make. It's a beautifully written story with an original plot that explores love, loss, guilt and how the actions and choices we make define our lives.