Chris has just returned from a cross country bike trip with his best friend, Win. He goes on to orientation at Georgia Tech but his best friend never checks in at Dartmouth.As it turns out, the two got separated at the end of their tension-filled journey. Chris assumed Win went on to Seattle where he was to meet an Uncle. Except the uncle was fictional. That's one of many lies Win told.
Win also claims to be broke when he actually had $19,000 in cash on hand.
The FBI come to Chris's college and expect him to know where his friend went. Only he has no idea. Everything he thought he knew about his friend and his life has just shifted.
That's the conundrum Chris finds himself in Jennifer Bradbury's 2012 novel, Shift.
When the boys go on their road trip, for the first time, they feel cool. Win's father is rich yet he doesn't feel supported or loved. The bike trip gives him purpose.
Girls respond by sending both of them postcards. Some of the postcards, however, are signed "Tricksey."
Chris does not know who the mysterious Tricksey is though its pretty easy for readers to guess.
One of the best scenes has Win wrestling with Chris, reminiscent of the wrestling match Jacob had with the angel in the Bible.
This is a novel about new starts and about saying goodbye. A powerful debut.
Additional Jennifer Bradbury books:
Wrapped.
A Moment Comes.
