Two


Young Adult - Coming of Age
221 Pages
Reviewed on 06/18/2024
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

While most kids wanted to be astronauts or firefighters when they grew up, Nathan wanted to be a writer. Ever since a young age, he has been captivated by stories and how they shape us. This passion for storytelling led him to pursue a B.F.A. from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and an M.A. in English at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Since his published debut in 2019, his poetry, fiction, and essays have been featured in numerous websites and magazines.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Two by Nathan Nicolau is a riveting coming-of-age novel for young adult fans of drama and mystery. Howl studies business administration at UNCC. He loves to read in Charlotte's Romare Bearden Park. There, he notices a weird girl passionately speaking to a statue in Italian. Deeply impressed, Howl decides to talk to her. The girl, named Ella, explains that she has recited an excerpt from an opera, but she doesn't know what it means in English. Howl wants to learn more about the mysterious opera. He suspects that there is more to it. Soon, it becomes clear that they both hide secrets that cast shadows over their young lives. A fateful day spent together opens up opportunities for an unexpected friendship.

In Two, Nathan Nicolau analyzes the true meaning of friendship and our constant longing to be heard and accepted despite our flaws and past mistakes. The author's innovative approach toward narrative makes the book almost interactive. Ella and Howl are skillfully developed characters. Nicolau gives them clear voices that we cannot ignore. Ella's story will resonate with many readers and evoke strong emotions. Nicolau's prose is deeply psychological. Ella's reflections on art and artists are profound and witty. The bright-minded Howl has a puzzling, complex personality. The author explores the roots of creativity and engages us with insights into the lives of famous artists and composers. The narrative also addresses the topics of guilt and grief. I appreciated Nina Tungjairo's beautiful artwork and the revealing conclusion of this fascinating novel.