Friction in Motion

by Sy Kadella

This dysfunctional family road trip is on the spectrum and off the beaten path...Ride along on a bumpy cross-country road trip with a highly dysfunctional family. On this trip an emotionally detached child prodigy with a history of therapist visits encounters a cast of quirky characters who validate his wishes to live his life independently. But none of the characters found on the road end up being as path-altering for him as his own immediate family. There are many lessons along the way. The most important being that wherever there is motion, there is bound to be friction, and within this lies the secret to wisdom and the strength to break free.

298 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2018

Reviews

[Gloria King · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent story. I really liked this unusual family. The way they travel and communicate with each other is very interesting. Absolutely unusual characters and this makes reading similar to traveling with this family. I was under the impression that I was traveling with them or meet this unusual family in my own trip. I really like books, after which there is a certain charm, like a aftertaste after a good meal. I recommend Friction in Motion by Sy Kadella for those who like interesting and original books.

[Amy Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting road trip

Friction in Motion is one of those books that you just can't help but read. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing of this journey. It was an interesting road trip with a cast of unique characters. This family is truly dysfunctional, which made the story interesting to read. The story revolves around the family, but also the people they encounter on their trip. This book definitely fits the title, and this book should not be judged by its cover. Kadella tells a great story, and I enjoyed going along for the ride. I look forward to reading more by this new author.

[Razors Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

MIDWEST LITERARY BOOK REVIEW: In this YA novel by Sy Kadella, young readers will hop in the car and ride along on a bizarre and funny cross-country road trip with a highly dysfunctional family and see all the people encountered through the eyes of an autistic teenager. On this trip the main character, an emotionally detached child prodigy who is on the spectrum, encounters a quirky cast of characters including a mobster uncle, a channeling aunt, a Native American healer, and a depressed punker who has read The Bell Jar five times. But none of the characters found on the road are as odd as the protagonist's own immediate family. There are many lessons along the way. The most important being that wherever there is motion, there is bound to be friction, and within this lies the secret to wisdom and the strength to break free. A unique and deftly crafted novel, "Friction in Motion" is unreservedly recommended for high school and community library YA Fiction collections.

Midwest Book Review, Children's Bookwatch: October 2018
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane Donovan, Editor

[Sy Kadella · Rating 5 out of 5]

MIDWEST LITERARY BOOK REVIEW: In this YA novel by Sy Kadella, young readers will hop in the car and ride along on a bizarre and funny cross-country road trip with a highly dysfunctional family and see all the people encountered through the eyes of an autistic teenager. On this trip the main character, an emotionally detached child prodigy who is on the spectrum, encounters a quirky cast of characters including a mobster uncle, a channeling aunt, a Native American healer, and a depressed punker who has read The Bell Jar five times. But none of the characters found on the road are as odd as the protagonist's own immediate family. There are many lessons along the way. The most important being that wherever there is motion, there is bound to be friction, and within this lies the secret to wisdom and the strength to break free. A unique and deftly crafted novel, "Friction in Motion" is unreservedly recommended for high school and community library YA Fiction collections.

Midwest Book Review, Children's Bookwatch: October 2018
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane Donovan, Editor

[Jessi Bone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jerry is woken by his father one faithful morning, to be informed that him, his father and grandfather will be taking a men-only road trip. Jerry is an emotionally detached child prodigy and wants nothing less than for his parents to finally divorce so that everyone can finally understand why he is the way he is. His father has fits that have put a strain on his marriage and his family which has split the family to sides. His sister siding with his mother and Jerry standing with his dad because he feels that no one will be there for his dad, so if leaving on a long road trip with no end in sights means leaving his sister and mom behind he is ready to go. On this road to discovery Jerry, he visits his mobster uncle, a spirit channeling aunt, a native American Indian healer, and a depressed punker.
This tale is remissive of an epic poem and how the discovery of yourself leads to places you would not normally go. Sy Kadella is a talented storyteller who leaves you wondering about the experiences that Jerry must endure to finally see where he is and where he is going. Jerry is a very complex character who unravels in layers as his journey unfold which is a treat unto itself. To be honest the story is slow in places and almost stalls as the details overrun the overall tale. It was an enjoyable tale even though you do have to dig through in places.

[Vinny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Friction is Motion is not the type of book that you want to read if you expected a roller coaster drama along with some physical fights or action packs. It’s not. It’s rather a casual, coming of age journey of our main character, Jeremy. We got to explore around and see things from his point of view, and when I said explore around, I meant it literally (it’s a book about road trip, what did you expected?) This is a type of book that you want to pick up on a calm Sunday morning and just read it. Forget your surrounding and just enjoy the flow. What I truly liked about this book is I can immediately imagine everything without trying hard. The writing style is easy to follow, yet very rich and informative at the same time. I found myself to be surprised at little fun science facts that scattered here and there throughout this book. What a fun way to educate yourself while also being entertained!

(Full Review)

[Jaylin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book for book club because many of the reviews described it as funny. I did not find this book to be funny at all and many of the characters I did not like. What was the point of the grandfather even being in the book? No one in the book club liked this book.

[J.D. DeHart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friction in Motion is a powerful narrative — one I would gladly share with adults, young adults, and the educators I teach from time to time. A well-written account full of life and character.