Nothing to See Here

By: Kevin Wilson

Narrated by: Marin Ireland

Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

A Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!

Audiobook performed by Marin Ireland.

"I can’t believe how good this book is.... It’s wholly original. It’s also perfect.... Wilson writes with such a light touch.... The brilliance of the novel [is] that it distracts you with these weirdo characters and mesmerizing and funny sentences and then hits you in a way you didn’t see coming. You’re laughing so hard you don’t even realize that you’ve suddenly caught fire." (Taffy Brodesser-Akner, New York Times Book Review)

Kevin Wilson’s best book yet - a moving and uproarious novel about a woman who finds meaning in her life when she begins caring for two children with remarkable and disturbing abilities.

Lillian and Madison were unlikely roommates and yet inseparable friends at their elite boarding school. But then, Lillian had to leave the school unexpectedly in the wake of a scandal, and they’ve barely spoken since. Until now, when Lillian gets a letter from Madison pleading for her help.

Madison’s twin stepkids are moving in with her family, and she wants Lillian to be their caretaker. However, there’s a catch: The twins spontaneously combust when they get agitated, flames igniting from their skin in a startling but beautiful way. Lillian is convinced Madison is pulling her leg, but it’s the truth.

Thinking of her dead-end life at home, the life that has consistently disappointed her, Lillian figures she has nothing to lose. Over the course of one humid, demanding summer, Lillian and the twins learn to trust each other - and stay cool - while also staying out of the way of Madison’s buttoned-up politician husband. Surprised by her own ingenuity yet unused to the intense feelings of protectiveness she feels for them, Lillian ultimately begins to accept that she needs these strange children as much as they need her - urgently and fiercely. Couldn’t this be the start of the amazing life she’d always hoped for?

With white-hot wit and a big, tender heart, Kevin Wilson has written his best book yet - a most unusual story of parental love.

©2019 Kevin Wilson (P)2019 HarperAudio

Critic Reviews

"Narrator Marin Ireland flawlessly introduces listeners to Lillian and Madison, two unlikely friends separated after a boarding school scandal.... Drawing from a seemingly endless supply of character voices, Ireland immerses listeners in this magical yet weird family, exquisitely capturing every unusual layer of the story.... Ireland and Wilson leave a lasting impression and provide a thoroughly entertaining experience." (AudioFile Magazine)

Everything to see here!

After hearing the author interviewed on Fresh Air, my curiosity about how he could pull off a story about children who catch on fire prompted me to immediately download the audiobook.

Wow. I skipped my evening plans just to keep listening.

This book is compelling, hysterically funny and the pitch-perfect narration has already risen to the top of my all time best list.

I normally wait a few days to write reviews, hoping to add unique and helpful insight and pithy commentary but I’m too busy telling everyone I know about this book.

As someone who works alone I listen to at least two audiobooks per week, often more. This is the best one I’ve purchased in years. I loved it enough to risk saying that I hope this book catches fire.

I’m looking forward to reading or listening to everything Kevin Wilson has ever written.

Growing up in the South, I get irritated when I hear Southern accents that aren’t authentically perfect. I’m not familiar with the narrator, Marin Ireland, but the audio gods must give her all the awards. Right. Now.

Hopefully in a few days I’ll contain my excitement enough to write a better review. In the meantime, buy this book!!

27 of 27 people found this review helpful

Fantastic voice actor with great story

This was a great book with laugh out loud funny moments. I could have used less of the f word, as I didn't think it was necessary for every conversation. Overall it was really a great book and I'm very glad to have listened to it. The voice actor did an amazing job and added so much to the experience. I don't think that I could have done it justice if I would have just read it, so I think that the audible is the way to go.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

love

this book was an inspiring vision of love. A search for meaning and purpose was profoundly written.

6 of 8 people found this review helpful

Unexpectedly great!

There is little excitement in this book, a lot of dread as to what will happen, and a unexpectedly good ending. The m performance hooks you in emotionally and fits perfectly with the story. The story, is brilliant. Of course, I bought it for the title; but unlike what usually happens when I do that, this time it worked out. This book pulls at your heart strings and keeps you listening. Great book!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

There is actually a lot to see here!

“Nothing to See Here” is a short but intense novel that deals with female friendship and the responsibilities of motherhood - mainly taking care of what and who you love - Lilian was kicked out of school and now lives a mediocre existence, and Madison, her rich friend, offers her a job that will change Lillian’s life. As we listen through the recounts of Lillian’s misadventures and new job, we explore between laughs the normalcy of “family” and inheritance as a poetic retribution. As the narration moves into weird and hilarious interactions (mole people, fire demons, and paranormal medicine), Marin Ireland, the narrator of the audio version, enhances Wilson’s masterful character creation.

As fire can have many meanings such as destruction and power, it also symbolizes warmth and home (Hestia and the hearth), but regardless of the meaning you wish to give to it, the brilliance of “Nothing to See Here” is enough to light a bonfire worth seen.

Besides this, I am conflicted with the ending as it was what I was expecting but I felt it a bit unfair...

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Weird. Just too odd.

There were so MANY 5* reviews, that it just compelled me to listen to this book. Please, PLEASE tell me of any child that has the ability to catch themselves on fire, anytime they want. Their bodies produce fire flames that barely harm them. What they go through, being raised with an insecure, unstable mother and the subsequent heart-felt care that the friend/nanny/governess , who, herself was neglected as a child, gives them, is precious. That part I loved.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A nice change of pace

"Nothing to see here" by Kevin Wilson was a nice, refreshing change of pace for me. I usually read a lot of heavier sci-fi. Then I saw this on several lists, including the "Read With Jenna" book club byJenna Bush Hager. So, I thought I would check it out and I am glad that I did.

The basic premise is, well, here are two kids that catch fire when they get worked up. They happen to be the children of a Senator and his, now dead, ex-wife. He wants to be seen as a good man and taking care of his kids. Instead, his wife hires her "best friend" from school to come take care of the kids and keep them out of public view. The rest of the story, however, is about Lilian finding common ground with these strange children who, in a way, are much like here. Abandoned, more or less, by their parents, and told to basically stay out of sight. I know that doesn't do it justice, but I don't really want to give away too much of the book or its story.

Needless to say - I found this to be an excellent read. I truly enjoy Kevin Wilson's writing style and the way he wrote his characters. Everyone is flawed, nobody is perfect, and, in the end, it mostly works out for them.

If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary - this is it.

Marin Ireland does a great job as narrator and I really hope to look up more work that she has done.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Enjoyed this so much more than i thought I would

Short, quick listen. Definitely worth the time.

If you have ever struggled to connect with a kid this book is a wonderful example of persevering through to get to the good stuff. While these kids "issue" was exaggerated it resonated in so many ways with how to work with and love kids who need more than the average amount we tend to give. The kids that have had so many adults give up on them but really need just one to show them they are worth the work.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Best book EVER!

Laughed out loud many times! Loved the story and the performance was outstanding!! Couldn’t stop listening!

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

To many F bombs

I listen to books in my car, that said I have a 7 year old grandchild with me most of the time.
The story sounded like it would have been good if I could get past the language.

5 of 9 people found this review helpful