Spiral is the first installment of the Crane Trilogy by James M. Fisher. In this coming-of-age fiction, Michael Price’s life is uprooted when his mother dies, setting into motion a chain of events that also lead to him being dragged from his childhood home in California to Utah. By this time Michael’s dad has also remarried, and his stepmother sends him to Catholic school. Between this setting and the Mormonism of Utah, Michael struggles against the rigidity and grey of the beliefs taught to him.
I really liked this story, as the plot and dialogue move swiftly and kept me interested from start to finish. Literally from the start, as while I opened this book expecting a coming-of-age story, I was immediately shocked by the first line, “I woke in a pool of my own blood”. The first chapter was a creative way to tie in the history of the character’s time period and grab the reader’s attention.

Spiral by James M. Fisher is a book that took me on a roller-coaster of a ride. It’s one of those books that will make you feel attached because the story is compelling, plus there are a lot of interesting events that happened. Just from the very beginning, I knew this isn’t going to be such an ordinary fiction. The opening line was so powerful and catchy and from there, I could tell that the writing is exceptional. I can’t also help but root for the main character Michael Price and was hoping that he can get back what he lost and find happiness again. His character was relatable and easy to connect to, very human with weaknesses but with strengths that he can use to his advantages. This book is the first installment of The Crane Trilogy. I cannot wait to see what the next books have in store for us.

Spiral by James M. Fisher is a great coming of age story about a boy who had it all, lost it all, and then had to build it all back again. Michael was living a fantastic life in California until his mother died. He tries to find outlets for the pain he is going through, but his new stepmom forces him to go to a new school and do things that he doesn’t like. This adds more tension to his already tough existence. Things take a turn when he and his family move to Utah. There he meets a young lady that he is very interested in. But she is coming with her own baggage which will throw another wrench into Michael’s plans. The narrative moves fast and keeps the reader interested. The struggles the characters go through feel real and authentic, something that all readers can understand and sympathize with.

Fans of contemporary fiction and coming-of-age novels are sure to enjoy “Spiral” by James M. Fisher. This engaging novel deals with a young man’s loss and the personal growth he is catapulted into as a result of various struggles. The young protagonist Michael has to overcome a number of challenges including the death of his mother, a stepmother he does not get on with, and being uprooted from his sunny California home. I loved the authenticity of young Michael’s voice, especially the nicknames he gives the people around him, such as “Trophy Wife” for his stepmom (as opposed to “Real Mom”). The protagonist’s struggles with religion, sex, romance and more are depicted with realism, compassion and a touch of humor. Definitely recommended.