What do you think?
Rate this book
100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze
Xander Maze is a list-maker. But can his list of 100 Remarkable Feats really save his nanna?
Xander Maze loves lists, and his grandmother is #1 in his list of People I Love Most in the World. But now that Nanna has stage 4 cancer, can a new list of 100 Remarkable Feats really save her life?
Particularly when his list contains difficult things like #2 Make a Friend and #3 Make a Best Friend.
Funny, moving and with a protagonist you can't help but fall in love with, 100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze
is
#1 Heartbreaking
#2 Heartwarming
and a book about defying the odds, not accepting the unacceptable, and one boy's unconditional love for his nanna.
Xander Maze loves lists, and his grandmother is #1 in his list of People I Love Most in the World. But now that Nanna has stage 4 cancer, can a new list of 100 Remarkable Feats really save her life?
Particularly when his list contains difficult things like #2 Make a Friend and #3 Make a Best Friend.
Funny, moving and with a protagonist you can't help but fall in love with, 100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze
is
#1 Heartbreaking
#2 Heartwarming
and a book about defying the odds, not accepting the unacceptable, and one boy's unconditional love for his nanna.
288 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2021
3 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 3, 2021
3.5 Stars
CW:
Well I like a good list myself!
That was lovely and positive book about going beyond your comfort zone and being brave enough to have new experiences. Xander's love for his grandmother was quite endearing. I liked that the message was not only Xander being open to change but actually pursuing it in order to enrich his life further. I have ordered a copy for the library as I think this definitely has a place in a high school library.
CW:
Well I like a good list myself!
That was lovely and positive book about going beyond your comfort zone and being brave enough to have new experiences. Xander's love for his grandmother was quite endearing. I liked that the message was not only Xander being open to change but actually pursuing it in order to enrich his life further. I have ordered a copy for the library as I think this definitely has a place in a high school library.
September 21, 2023
“She’s every girl I’ve ever read”
Oh my life! This book was everything I hoped it would be. It was so lovely and moving. I loved Xander and his lists and Lily too! What a story! It had me in tears 😭Wish I could read it for the first time again 😍
Makes me want to make my own list of remarkable feats!
Oh my life! This book was everything I hoped it would be. It was so lovely and moving. I loved Xander and his lists and Lily too! What a story! It had me in tears 😭Wish I could read it for the first time again 😍
Makes me want to make my own list of remarkable feats!
July 2, 2021
As a list lover myself, I adored 100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze, and enjoyed every page. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and never failed to warm my heart. I miss reading about Xander’s remarkable feats already. Brilliant work, Clay!
July 6, 2021
3.5, probably.
This is a very sweet book. It's very much readable, and it feels good. The lists are great, as are the memory list boxes, and the change into script-format from time to time.
The supporting characters are, in my opinion, the stars. Andi and Chase are darling, Lily is an absolute marvel, and Johnny is sweet too. There's a lot that wasn't explored with the baffling Lachlan, and Ally was a fascinating character too, never demonised even when the reader could see that Xander was problematically idolising her (although that's never really addressed which was annoying). Nanna was an absolute legend, and Xander's Mum was also someone you could see trying so hard.
Xander himself felt a little not right to me, I'm not sure why. Probably it was because he felt almost neurodivergent, but wasn't, and the author isn't either, and I constantly felt like it wasn't believable that he didn't know x y z. Maybe it was second hand embarrassment? Possibly feeling like he was overly childlike?
This is a very sweet book. It's very much readable, and it feels good. The lists are great, as are the memory list boxes, and the change into script-format from time to time.
The supporting characters are, in my opinion, the stars. Andi and Chase are darling, Lily is an absolute marvel, and Johnny is sweet too. There's a lot that wasn't explored with the baffling Lachlan, and Ally was a fascinating character too, never demonised even when the reader could see that Xander was problematically idolising her (although that's never really addressed which was annoying). Nanna was an absolute legend, and Xander's Mum was also someone you could see trying so hard.
Xander himself felt a little not right to me, I'm not sure why. Probably it was because he felt almost neurodivergent, but wasn't, and the author isn't either, and I constantly felt like it wasn't believable that he didn't know x y z. Maybe it was second hand embarrassment? Possibly feeling like he was overly childlike?
June 10, 2021
5 things I loved about this book:
1. I love a good list and Zander's list of 100 Remarkable Feats was truly inspirational.
2. I love that the lost art of letter writing in this world of social media is used by Zander as a communication tool
3. I love that Zander loved his Nanna so much and that her encouragement to write the list really helped him prepare for life after her passing by meeting and making new friends.
4. I loved how brave Zander was to achieve some of the feats on his list and going out of his comfort zone and enjoying new experiences really made a huge change to his life.
5. I really loved Zander Maze's character as he was a teenager like so many others, just getting through life as best he can, when something as simple as making and completing a list changed his life forever.
1. I love a good list and Zander's list of 100 Remarkable Feats was truly inspirational.
2. I love that the lost art of letter writing in this world of social media is used by Zander as a communication tool
3. I love that Zander loved his Nanna so much and that her encouragement to write the list really helped him prepare for life after her passing by meeting and making new friends.
4. I loved how brave Zander was to achieve some of the feats on his list and going out of his comfort zone and enjoying new experiences really made a huge change to his life.
5. I really loved Zander Maze's character as he was a teenager like so many others, just getting through life as best he can, when something as simple as making and completing a list changed his life forever.
July 5, 2021
What an achingly beautiful read. Clayton has packed this wonderful book so full of heart, hope and love that I was hooked on every single word. I devoured the pages like Xander does remarkable feats. The writing is simply perfect and Clayton has the talent and wisdom of a veteran wordsmith. I'm in awe. Xander and his infectious spirit and adventurous sense of purpose will stay with me for a long time. What a privilege it was to read this book.
June 20, 2021
Such a beautiful, heart warming story!
September 28, 2022
Xander loves lists. At the top of his list of people he loves most is his grandmother. She’s in hospital and diagnosed with Stage Four cancer. She’s so sick and she can’t get out of bed anymore. She asks Xander to write a list of 100 Remarkable Feats he wants to achieve before the end of the school year. She tells Xander the doctors can’t do anything more for her and that Xander can help her get better by completing his 100 remarkable feats. Xander leaves his list with his grandmother only to discover hundreds of copies have been plastered all over his school and social media.
Xander struggles socially and year ten at Bellemont High is tough. There are lots he doesn’t understand. School turns into even more of a nightmare when the school bullies read his list of 100 Remarkable Feats. How does Xander manage this disaster?
I enjoyed the poignancy of the story. The simple faith Xander brought to the task of helping his grandmother.
Recommended for Readers 10 years and above.
Xander struggles socially and year ten at Bellemont High is tough. There are lots he doesn’t understand. School turns into even more of a nightmare when the school bullies read his list of 100 Remarkable Feats. How does Xander manage this disaster?
I enjoyed the poignancy of the story. The simple faith Xander brought to the task of helping his grandmother.
Recommended for Readers 10 years and above.
November 13, 2022
This book reminds me of “a curious incident of a dog…”
but much much warmer. Do yourself a favour and put Xander Maze on your list of favourite books.
but much much warmer. Do yourself a favour and put Xander Maze on your list of favourite books.
September 25, 2021
I'm not sure how teens will react to this book but I really liked it, like most reviewers (adult) have.
Xander Maze is not your average teen. Although it is never discussed in the book, I assume he is neurodiverse. He copes with the world around him by writing lists to guide him. He also navigates the world with the support of his much loved Nana. Nana is terminally ill and Xander believes that if he fulfills her "wish" of him attaining 100 remarkable feats, she will live. Xander comes up with the list and works his way through it with the unexpected help of new friends that he gains along the way. I really like this book because none of the characters have it easy. Even those that seem to have it all together have challenges. It reflects real society where we are all trying to make or maintain connections with others and attain some happiness. The book shows that it is worthwhile getting out of your comfort zone. It is life-affirming. It is not always believable but that doesn't matter!
Xander Maze is not your average teen. Although it is never discussed in the book, I assume he is neurodiverse. He copes with the world around him by writing lists to guide him. He also navigates the world with the support of his much loved Nana. Nana is terminally ill and Xander believes that if he fulfills her "wish" of him attaining 100 remarkable feats, she will live. Xander comes up with the list and works his way through it with the unexpected help of new friends that he gains along the way. I really like this book because none of the characters have it easy. Even those that seem to have it all together have challenges. It reflects real society where we are all trying to make or maintain connections with others and attain some happiness. The book shows that it is worthwhile getting out of your comfort zone. It is life-affirming. It is not always believable but that doesn't matter!
February 14, 2023
This was a nice story about a boy (I'm pretty sure he has asperger's or mild autism, but it's never stated) who creates a list of 100 things to accomplish and he believes his grandmother won't die if he completes it.
Along the way, he make a lot of new friends who help him and he learns that the list was more about living his life than saving a life.
I really didn't like Zander's obsession with the girl. It sounded so unhealthy, creepy and stalker-ish. My skin would crawl if I was that girl.
However, setting that aside, I liked it a lot overall and it would be fine to include in any highschool or public library (I'd want to teach a high school class lesson on unhealthy relationships, though. You don't allow or have to put up with creepy behaviour from someone just because that someone has autism or anything else). To me, it sits alongside books like A Weekend with Oscar.
Along the way, he make a lot of new friends who help him and he learns that the list was more about living his life than saving a life.
I really didn't like Zander's obsession with the girl. It sounded so unhealthy, creepy and stalker-ish. My skin would crawl if I was that girl.
However, setting that aside, I liked it a lot overall and it would be fine to include in any highschool or public library (I'd want to teach a high school class lesson on unhealthy relationships, though. You don't allow or have to put up with creepy behaviour from someone just because that someone has autism or anything else). To me, it sits alongside books like A Weekend with Oscar.
July 5, 2021
This was a really lovely ya read - warmed my cockles on cold winter days.
December 4, 2023
3.5 stars
July 5, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Brilliant! I absolutely loved Xander Maze. Writing such a humorous yet fully developed young adult novel is an amazing ‘feat’ in itself. There are so many things about this story to love. The adorable characters for one. This is not just a YA novel it’s also a story adults can enjoy. Xander makes many witty remarks (without realising it) that adult readers can relate to. I found the references to interesting historical facts a hoot. Burke and Wills expedition, Neil Armstrong walking on the moon and mentioning DrAlexander Gordon and his list of midwife visits to women in Scotland in the 18th century (The historical fiction book by Rebecca Abrams is on my list of all time favourite novels!!) Xander is very different to the other teenagers at his school and this is obvious as he cops a lot of bullying. This story is very funny and the author has managed to give Xander a wonderful imaginative personality and a great group of friends to help him in his quest. Comber has used a number of literary tricks to really pack a punch. He uses lists to give us an idea of Xander’s thoughts about the world around him. Xander continually makes reference to classic books, music, movies and to famous events, people and places. This use of intertextuality allows us to connect to his contemporary life where Star Wars and Emma Watson are favourites. The author sometimes uses a script writing effect during conversation to draw us in, and the word ‘beat’ to provide a pause or moment of silence in the narrative. Xander’s Nanna is sick in hospital. I found this part of the story very sad and deeply moving. It is through Nanna’s encouragement that Xander writes his list. The way Comber has written about Nanna is very realistic and extremely touching. There are many other character links where friends are made and relationships mended. Xander’s lists form the basis for all of these developments. What a very cleverly written book. I’d love to see this made into a TV mini series.
November 16, 2021
This is one of my favourite stories of 2021. I laughed and I cried while thinking about Xander's almost doomed mission to complete a list of 100 tasks before his grandmother dies. I connected with his determined efforts and the earnestness of his quest so much so that I started making lists of what I wanted to do after being isolated for much of 2021.
Painting a picture of Xander starts with his fixation on forming lists. He lists his favourite films. His favourite sounds. He has a strong bond with his sick grandmother who sets him the challenge to complete a list of 100 feats as a distraction from her illness but frames it as a cure that will prolong her life. So begins this bucket list story that has Xander enlisting the help of a great cast of school friends and enemies to make these feats a reality and save his grandmother.
While I don't recall Asperger's being explicitly mentioned, Xander's habits and strategies to navigate life and regulate his emotions suggested to me that he might be neurodiverse. Clayton Zane Comber didn't mention this in an interview he did for LoveozYA but I think that Xander's behaviours will resonate with neurodiverse readers who may use lists to help organise their lives. That said I think we all have made lists of hopes and dreams and many of ours will line up with Xander's goals for love fame and learning.
There's some beautiful moments of altruism in this book. From helping a neighbour reconnect with his wife, scoring a goal in a soccer match, first kisses and trying to locate a missing person, Xander's feats were like a warm cup of tea on a cold day.
If you're looking for a story that will lift you up. This one takes the cake.
Painting a picture of Xander starts with his fixation on forming lists. He lists his favourite films. His favourite sounds. He has a strong bond with his sick grandmother who sets him the challenge to complete a list of 100 feats as a distraction from her illness but frames it as a cure that will prolong her life. So begins this bucket list story that has Xander enlisting the help of a great cast of school friends and enemies to make these feats a reality and save his grandmother.
While I don't recall Asperger's being explicitly mentioned, Xander's habits and strategies to navigate life and regulate his emotions suggested to me that he might be neurodiverse. Clayton Zane Comber didn't mention this in an interview he did for LoveozYA but I think that Xander's behaviours will resonate with neurodiverse readers who may use lists to help organise their lives. That said I think we all have made lists of hopes and dreams and many of ours will line up with Xander's goals for love fame and learning.
There's some beautiful moments of altruism in this book. From helping a neighbour reconnect with his wife, scoring a goal in a soccer match, first kisses and trying to locate a missing person, Xander's feats were like a warm cup of tea on a cold day.
If you're looking for a story that will lift you up. This one takes the cake.
April 27, 2025
Interesting concept, but ultimately disappointing.
100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze follows the eponymous Xander as he tries to cross off every item on his List of 100 Remarkable Feats in an attempt to save his dying grandmother. The premise was interesting enough, but this book fell flat for me. I get what it was going for, but I felt that this book was trying very hard to be and do something that it ultimately failed to achieve. It read like YA that was trying to be literary fiction, or the next Perks of Being a Wallflower. It missed the mark.
The characters were realistic but unfortunately inconsistent and unlikable. There were maybe two or three people whose presences I actually enjoyed. This kind of characterisation would have been fine if this was a 600 page literary fiction novel, where there is room for in depth exploration and development, but this is a 300 page YA book. There's just not enough space to make characters like these work. This book would have worked better with a change of genre and tone, but the premise is too weak to be anything but YA.
Even the ending fell flat. Normally, I love a vague ending, but this one just felt wishy-washy and undeserved. We don't get to know any of these characters well at all in the novel to begin with, and the ending provides no closure, so instead of being mysterious and insightful, it just feels unfulfilling.
Unfortunate. It's never nice to read a book and feel like you've come out of the experience having gained absolutely nothing, but that's how I felt finishing this one.
100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze follows the eponymous Xander as he tries to cross off every item on his List of 100 Remarkable Feats in an attempt to save his dying grandmother. The premise was interesting enough, but this book fell flat for me. I get what it was going for, but I felt that this book was trying very hard to be and do something that it ultimately failed to achieve. It read like YA that was trying to be literary fiction, or the next Perks of Being a Wallflower. It missed the mark.
The characters were realistic but unfortunately inconsistent and unlikable. There were maybe two or three people whose presences I actually enjoyed. This kind of characterisation would have been fine if this was a 600 page literary fiction novel, where there is room for in depth exploration and development, but this is a 300 page YA book. There's just not enough space to make characters like these work. This book would have worked better with a change of genre and tone, but the premise is too weak to be anything but YA.
Even the ending fell flat. Normally, I love a vague ending, but this one just felt wishy-washy and undeserved. We don't get to know any of these characters well at all in the novel to begin with, and the ending provides no closure, so instead of being mysterious and insightful, it just feels unfulfilling.
Unfortunate. It's never nice to read a book and feel like you've come out of the experience having gained absolutely nothing, but that's how I felt finishing this one.
October 25, 2021
There are a few books around at the moment featuring lists - and here is another one.
Xander is 15 and although it is never stated it is clear that he is neurodiverse - not least because he uses lists to run his life and keep himself calm.
When he finds out that his absolutely beloved Nanna (#1 on his list of people he trusts) is terminally ill, and she suggests he makes a list of 100 Remarkable Feats to complete, he jumps at the idea, thinking that if he completes the feats then she will get better.
His list includes a wide, and often humorous, array of activities...
#6 Be kind to mum
#41 Write a letter to a famous actor
#57 Go skinny-dipping
#73 #Createahastag
... and early on (after his Nanna may have accidentally told someone about it) it gets out into the community.
Whilst some students tease, and even ridicule, Xander, many others get on board with him and try and help him.
All of these characters are quirky and likeable, and each has their own set of issues that they are dealing with. One is dealing with anorexia, another seems to be a terrible liar, yet another is having to decide whether or not they take up a prestigious football contract in England.
Whilst the story loses its way for a while in the middle, and I found the writing style at times a bit tricky to follow, it wasn't enough to make me stop reading, and the latter third of the book is pretty compelling!
Definitely one for lovers of realistic fiction.
Xander is 15 and although it is never stated it is clear that he is neurodiverse - not least because he uses lists to run his life and keep himself calm.
When he finds out that his absolutely beloved Nanna (#1 on his list of people he trusts) is terminally ill, and she suggests he makes a list of 100 Remarkable Feats to complete, he jumps at the idea, thinking that if he completes the feats then she will get better.
His list includes a wide, and often humorous, array of activities...
#6 Be kind to mum
#41 Write a letter to a famous actor
#57 Go skinny-dipping
#73 #Createahastag
... and early on (after his Nanna may have accidentally told someone about it) it gets out into the community.
Whilst some students tease, and even ridicule, Xander, many others get on board with him and try and help him.
All of these characters are quirky and likeable, and each has their own set of issues that they are dealing with. One is dealing with anorexia, another seems to be a terrible liar, yet another is having to decide whether or not they take up a prestigious football contract in England.
Whilst the story loses its way for a while in the middle, and I found the writing style at times a bit tricky to follow, it wasn't enough to make me stop reading, and the latter third of the book is pretty compelling!
Definitely one for lovers of realistic fiction.
May 26, 2021
“Remember when you said that you felt like you didn’t belong with everyone? Well, I kind of felt like I didn’t belong in myself anymore.”
Xander is the ultimate list maker and his latest list of 100 remarkable feats was written to save nana’s life. Nana is #1 in the list of people he loves most in the world. When his list accidentally goes viral Xander deals with the back lash of being a famous teenager.
Determined to save nana he begins slowly ticking of each number off his list. Xander has everything from #2 making a friend to #10 kissing the girl he had a crush on, #24 watching the entire Star Wars trilogy in one day, #28 hosting a party, #49 go to a concert, #66 learn to surf, #77 drink a beer, #83 read more books, #98 make nana proud and above all #100 save nana!
From the moment I started reading this book my heart felt for Xander. High school is such a cruel place but the lessons he learns and the the people he befriends along the way help him tick each number off the list. Xander’s love for his Nana is unconditional and he’ll do anything to save her.
What an amazing debut novel from @clay_zane_writes Congratulations, this book is really something special. Thank you so much to the team at @harperkidsau for sending me this incredible, heartfelt coming of age novel. It’s in stores June 2nd 20201 and if you love #loveozya this one is definitely for you!
Xander is the ultimate list maker and his latest list of 100 remarkable feats was written to save nana’s life. Nana is #1 in the list of people he loves most in the world. When his list accidentally goes viral Xander deals with the back lash of being a famous teenager.
Determined to save nana he begins slowly ticking of each number off his list. Xander has everything from #2 making a friend to #10 kissing the girl he had a crush on, #24 watching the entire Star Wars trilogy in one day, #28 hosting a party, #49 go to a concert, #66 learn to surf, #77 drink a beer, #83 read more books, #98 make nana proud and above all #100 save nana!
From the moment I started reading this book my heart felt for Xander. High school is such a cruel place but the lessons he learns and the the people he befriends along the way help him tick each number off the list. Xander’s love for his Nana is unconditional and he’ll do anything to save her.
What an amazing debut novel from @clay_zane_writes Congratulations, this book is really something special. Thank you so much to the team at @harperkidsau for sending me this incredible, heartfelt coming of age novel. It’s in stores June 2nd 20201 and if you love #loveozya this one is definitely for you!
June 2, 2021
5 brilliant stars for this outstanding book by Clayton Zane Comber! @clay_zane_writes
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze captured me from the very beginning.
It's moving, inspiring, full of heart & soul and has such a lovable main character in Xander. Xander's coming-of-age story was a pure joy to read and a wonderful reminder that a little kindness goes a long way.
@clay_zane_writes writing is so hearfelt. He breathes so much life into his characters and I felt like I was right there in the moment with them too. I laughed, I cried, I empathised and I was so deeply touched. I also couldn't help but reminisce about my own treasured memories.
Everyone needs to read #100RemarkableFeatsOfXanderMaze then you can join me in singing it's praises. It's become one of my favourite reads!
My heart is full ❤
Now excuse me, while I run to my local bookstore and buy myself a finished copy for my collection and get started on checking off my own remarkable list.
Huge thanks to HarperCollins Australia for sending this copy my way.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze captured me from the very beginning.
It's moving, inspiring, full of heart & soul and has such a lovable main character in Xander. Xander's coming-of-age story was a pure joy to read and a wonderful reminder that a little kindness goes a long way.
@clay_zane_writes writing is so hearfelt. He breathes so much life into his characters and I felt like I was right there in the moment with them too. I laughed, I cried, I empathised and I was so deeply touched. I also couldn't help but reminisce about my own treasured memories.
Everyone needs to read #100RemarkableFeatsOfXanderMaze then you can join me in singing it's praises. It's become one of my favourite reads!
My heart is full ❤
Now excuse me, while I run to my local bookstore and buy myself a finished copy for my collection and get started on checking off my own remarkable list.
Huge thanks to HarperCollins Australia for sending this copy my way.
June 14, 2021
Remarkable, remarkable, remarkable.
It's been a while since I've read a young adult novel, but I've read quite a few in my time. I went into this book hoping that it would take me back to those high school days, and all of the bittersweet feelings that good books pulled out of me. I wasn't disappointed.
Xander Maze reads like if 'Perks of Being a Wallflower' had been written by John Green. That's high praise, because Perks is #1 on my List of Favourite Coming-of-Age Stories. This book is a truly remarkable addition to that catalogue of stories. It's sweet, thoughtful, and deeply human, with imperfect but loveable characters and one of the best-executed motifs (list-making!) that I've seen in a long time.
It's hard not to see the author in these pages, because every paragraph is brimming with heart and wit, and skilful literary restraint. It's hard for me to say more than that. Clay has created something truly wonderful here.
So I have a suggestion for the author.
Remarkable Feat #101: Write another book (please).
9/10.
It's been a while since I've read a young adult novel, but I've read quite a few in my time. I went into this book hoping that it would take me back to those high school days, and all of the bittersweet feelings that good books pulled out of me. I wasn't disappointed.
Xander Maze reads like if 'Perks of Being a Wallflower' had been written by John Green. That's high praise, because Perks is #1 on my List of Favourite Coming-of-Age Stories. This book is a truly remarkable addition to that catalogue of stories. It's sweet, thoughtful, and deeply human, with imperfect but loveable characters and one of the best-executed motifs (list-making!) that I've seen in a long time.
It's hard not to see the author in these pages, because every paragraph is brimming with heart and wit, and skilful literary restraint. It's hard for me to say more than that. Clay has created something truly wonderful here.
So I have a suggestion for the author.
Remarkable Feat #101: Write another book (please).
9/10.
July 6, 2021
I was flipping between 4 and 5 stars for this after that final act but decided to go with a 4.5.
This book felt like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, except for a slightly younger audience, while also being a book of it’s own. We follow Xander who so strongly believes that completely the 100 remarkable feats he’s written down will save his dying Nanna from cancer. He’s befriended by Lily, an energetic girl who is also recovering from having an eating disorder, and Lachlan, although he’s hardly kind to Xander most of the time. Lachlan also has alopecia. They begin to help him complete his 100 feats along with Andi, who has graduated school already and her friends. It’s that aspect of the story - teenager boy is taken under the wing of older young adults - that reminded me most of perks, I think. It’s an enjoyable read that got better as the book went on. I was hesitant about the first few pages which felt like a bit too much of an info dump for my liking, although this seems to be a ‘writing technique’ prevalent at the start of australian YA novels. Idk why.
Overall, I really liked it. It’s a solid read.
This book felt like The Perks of Being a Wallflower, except for a slightly younger audience, while also being a book of it’s own. We follow Xander who so strongly believes that completely the 100 remarkable feats he’s written down will save his dying Nanna from cancer. He’s befriended by Lily, an energetic girl who is also recovering from having an eating disorder, and Lachlan, although he’s hardly kind to Xander most of the time. Lachlan also has alopecia. They begin to help him complete his 100 feats along with Andi, who has graduated school already and her friends. It’s that aspect of the story - teenager boy is taken under the wing of older young adults - that reminded me most of perks, I think. It’s an enjoyable read that got better as the book went on. I was hesitant about the first few pages which felt like a bit too much of an info dump for my liking, although this seems to be a ‘writing technique’ prevalent at the start of australian YA novels. Idk why.
Overall, I really liked it. It’s a solid read.
October 25, 2023
Xander Maze loves lists, and his grandmother is #1 on his list of People I Love Most in the World. But now that Nanna has stage 4 cancer, can a new list of 100 Remarkable Feats really save her? Particularly when his list contains difficult things like #2 Make a Friend and #3 Make a Best Friend - plus #10 Kiss a Girl (preferably Ally Collins, the girl of Xander's dreams). 100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze is a book about:
1. Never accepting the unacceptable
2. The power of lists
3. One boy's unconditional love for his nanna
Oh my! This book has my heart - even though it took it, gave it a squeeze, stomped on it and then handed it back to me.
Five things I loved about this book:
1. Fifteen y.o. Xander was such a lovable character, right from the beginning. He’s socially awkward but endearingly honest. Comber immediately draws you in with such a fleshed out character.
2. Xander’s lists. I’m a list girl and I won’t apologise for it.
3. The way Comber circles the stories back and makes it even funnier/heartwarming. The whole thing is incredible well written. I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this author before.
4. All the characters are well written. They have their foibles and strengths. Some of them come across as incredibly smart for their age but then they make such obvious mistakes or poor choices. Exactly as everyone does at that age.
5. This story is life-affirming and, without spoilers, will leave you with all the warm and fuzzies.
A great YA read!
1. Never accepting the unacceptable
2. The power of lists
3. One boy's unconditional love for his nanna
Oh my! This book has my heart - even though it took it, gave it a squeeze, stomped on it and then handed it back to me.
Five things I loved about this book:
1. Fifteen y.o. Xander was such a lovable character, right from the beginning. He’s socially awkward but endearingly honest. Comber immediately draws you in with such a fleshed out character.
2. Xander’s lists. I’m a list girl and I won’t apologise for it.
3. The way Comber circles the stories back and makes it even funnier/heartwarming. The whole thing is incredible well written. I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this author before.
4. All the characters are well written. They have their foibles and strengths. Some of them come across as incredibly smart for their age but then they make such obvious mistakes or poor choices. Exactly as everyone does at that age.
5. This story is life-affirming and, without spoilers, will leave you with all the warm and fuzzies.
A great YA read!
June 7, 2021
As well as Xander’s experiences, the story touches on challenges that affect others: eating disorders, childhood illness, agoraphobia, bullying, among others. Yet it’s a quirky and uplifting tale in which the reader will cheers for Xander as he progresses through his Remarkable Feats. This novel will help teens and young adult readers to understand a little more about neurodiversity, and that can only be a positive thing.
https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=2812
Clayton Zane Comber
100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze
https://denisenewtonwrites.com/?p=2812
Clayton Zane Comber
100 Remarkable Feats of Xander Maze
July 12, 2021
This book promises a protagonist you can’t help but fall in love with and I have to say it delivers!! Xander Maze loves lists, and finds making, recounting and focusing on them helps him to navigate the world. His Nanna is #1 on his list of people he loves most in the world and when she falls ill she challenges him to make a list of 100 Remarkable Feats to complete in order to help her to get better. What Xander doesn’t realise is that his remarkable list, while not exactly succeeding in its goal, will positively change his life and impact numerous other’s lives too ❤️
This is such a heartwarming story of family and friendships. The style and structure of the book really allowed you to experience life as Xander does. I absolutely adored this one and highly recommend.
This is such a heartwarming story of family and friendships. The style and structure of the book really allowed you to experience life as Xander does. I absolutely adored this one and highly recommend.
October 9, 2021
As soon as I heard about this book I knew I had to read it given the main character is a list maker like me.
I pretended to buy it for my 12yo son and even left it on his bedside table for a week before picking it up myself.
It was a long week.
Having now reclaimed it and zipped through it, I can happily say I loved every list, every page, every character, every theme, every literary device and every plot point.
I can’t wait to see what Clayton Zane Comber does next. Hopefully there will be more Xander in the mix, but I will read anything he writes.
Also I have a new post lockdown goal - to visit Clayton and his partner’s bookshop/cafe, Bouquiniste, at Kiama on the NSW South Coast.
It goes straight onto my goal list for #100remarkablefeats
I pretended to buy it for my 12yo son and even left it on his bedside table for a week before picking it up myself.
It was a long week.
Having now reclaimed it and zipped through it, I can happily say I loved every list, every page, every character, every theme, every literary device and every plot point.
I can’t wait to see what Clayton Zane Comber does next. Hopefully there will be more Xander in the mix, but I will read anything he writes.
Also I have a new post lockdown goal - to visit Clayton and his partner’s bookshop/cafe, Bouquiniste, at Kiama on the NSW South Coast.
It goes straight onto my goal list for #100remarkablefeats
January 31, 2022
I began listening as an audiobook read but soon I needed the ebook to make sense of things too - the plot is not at all complex or anything like that; it’s just that the story is told through a mixture of lists, boxed memories, ‘third person scenes’, first person narrative and at times messages and letters. It’s yet another of those #LoveOzYA novels that manages to pack a punch and delve into many complex themes without getting bogged down in didactic ‘issues based’ storytelling. The main character and the people who come to be friends are a likeable bunch of teens with problems and challenges that are relatable and realistic. Recommended for 13+ (in fact I told Miss almost 15 she’d probably love it).
October 9, 2021
A phenomenal 'up-lit' book...with similarities to the equally wonderful book 'Promise Me Happy'. Xander has autism, his father died when he was 3, his mother is overprotective and busy, but he has a sweet relationship with his grandmother who is in palliative care when the story begins.
Xander faces challenges in life because of his autism, not obvious to those outside, but clearly depicted to the reader who is let in on Xander's train of thought. "That is a rhetorical question, I don't need to answer it." "36 steps from where mum drops me off to the school gates"
A truly wonderful, utterly delightful book.
Xander faces challenges in life because of his autism, not obvious to those outside, but clearly depicted to the reader who is let in on Xander's train of thought. "That is a rhetorical question, I don't need to answer it." "36 steps from where mum drops me off to the school gates"
A truly wonderful, utterly delightful book.
June 20, 2022
I happened upon this audiobook accidentally when looking up another book and found the blurb interesting. The rest is history 😆 because I do love some young adult fiction. A genuine feel good story with some loveable characters, although there was a few tears too.
Was this book worth reading? Yes
Would I read it again? Yes, I'm hoping to listen to it with my 15year old.
Would I recommend it? And who to? Yes yes, yes... It is YA so any and all teenagers but anyone who would like a light feel good story should tuck in!
My Goodreads star rating... *****
My Goodreads scale:
* waste of time
**filled in time
***good
****excellent
*****absolutely amazing
Was this book worth reading? Yes
Would I read it again? Yes, I'm hoping to listen to it with my 15year old.
Would I recommend it? And who to? Yes yes, yes... It is YA so any and all teenagers but anyone who would like a light feel good story should tuck in!
My Goodreads star rating... *****
My Goodreads scale:
* waste of time
**filled in time
***good
****excellent
*****absolutely amazing
June 11, 2023
Xander’s best friend, his Nan, is in palliative care. She tasks Xander with writing a list of 100 remarkable things and he believes if he does this she will get better.
At 15, Xander has no friends, no social media account and no job but does love making lists, counting facts and trying to stay away from bullies at school.
Although he doesn’t realise it, the list is is Nan’s final goodbye and attempt to have him experience life.
This was a really lovely story with moments equally sweet and sad. Recommended for anyone wanting a quick read that is a positive story with a neuro-diverse main character.
At 15, Xander has no friends, no social media account and no job but does love making lists, counting facts and trying to stay away from bullies at school.
Although he doesn’t realise it, the list is is Nan’s final goodbye and attempt to have him experience life.
This was a really lovely story with moments equally sweet and sad. Recommended for anyone wanting a quick read that is a positive story with a neuro-diverse main character.
August 7, 2023
This whole book feels like a thirty year old man trying to fix his high school experiance. All the character’s interactions were ridiculously Disney channel. So was the main character tbh. Xander is clearly ASD but the book never one names it. This makes me sad. Autistic is not a dirty word and im sick of books THAT ARE TARGETED TOWARS AUTISTIC TEENS treating ASD as taboo. He also felt like a creepy stereotype and his interactions with Ally didn’t sit right with me. I dont really have that much else to say. This book was messy and had zero plot but i didn’t really mind. Lily was so cute and deserved sm better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews