Too Nice
Too Nice is a sensitive and nuanced exploration of adolescence at a challenging moment in the protagonist’s life. The novel captures the emotional turbulence of growing up, grieving, and adapting to change, offering young adult readers an insightful look at how families evolve after loss.
At the heart of the story is Abby, a young girl whose mother died before she could form lasting memories. Raised by her devoted father, she is accustomed to the quiet rhythm of their life together. That balance shifts with the arrival of Jen, her father’s new girlfriend. Nicholls portrays Abby’s conflicting emotions with care – her desire to see her father happy is shadowed by guilt and uncertainty.
Jen is depicted not as the stereotypical ‘wicked stepmother,’ but as someone ‘too nice,’ a refreshing subversion of the familiar story. Her persistent kindness, rooted in her own insecurities as Abby’s father explains, underscores one of the novel’s most resonant themes: adults, too, are vulnerable and imperfect.
The brief, engaging chapters and steady emotional tension keep readers invested. Abby’s discomfort as Jen’s belongings replace remnants of her late mother feels especially poignant. Despite her limited memories, Abby’s loyalty and protectiveness reveal how deeply grief can linger.
Too Nice explores blended families, jealousy, and personal transformation with tenderness and insight. It is a quietly powerful novel that acknowledges the complexity of change while offering empathy to anyone caught between holding on and letting go.
