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How to Repaint a Life
Isaac is running from his old life when he steps off the bus in a small town. He doesn’t plan on sticking around and has nowhere to stay, but a local café owner's kindness offers him a chance to change his story. Then Isaac meets Sophie and learns he’s not the only one wanting to repaint his life.
As he did so masterfully with The Simple Gift, Steven Herrick delves into the universal themes of rising above the past and taking control of your future.
As he did so masterfully with The Simple Gift, Steven Herrick delves into the universal themes of rising above the past and taking control of your future.
274 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2021
3 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
May 3, 2022
There are some things I liked about this, but I had two major problems with it.
The female friendships are badly written. Teenage girls don't act like this with one another. The friendship seemed transactional - only there to move the plot forward. And the #MeToo theme went nowhere. If it was developed, it might have improved the book, although I question Herrick's ability to write girls.
And don't get me started on the parents. Supportive parents in YA are awesome, but having sections of the book from the POV of the Dad was weird. If a teenager wanted to read a book about a dad, there are multitudes of non-YA books out there. I guess the adults reading this loved it - it's on Shortlist for the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year - Older Readers award. It's a given the judges and I never agree. I have a theory Steven Herrick is an auto-add author. He could write anything and the judges would swoon. I'm surprised his book Bordeaux And Bicycles didn't get nominated in 2014. Please don't tell me it did!?
The female friendships are badly written. Teenage girls don't act like this with one another. The friendship seemed transactional - only there to move the plot forward. And the #MeToo theme went nowhere. If it was developed, it might have improved the book, although I question Herrick's ability to write girls.
And don't get me started on the parents. Supportive parents in YA are awesome, but having sections of the book from the POV of the Dad was weird. If a teenager wanted to read a book about a dad, there are multitudes of non-YA books out there. I guess the adults reading this loved it - it's on Shortlist for the Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year - Older Readers award. It's a given the judges and I never agree. I have a theory Steven Herrick is an auto-add author. He could write anything and the judges would swoon. I'm surprised his book Bordeaux And Bicycles didn't get nominated in 2014. Please don't tell me it did!?
July 21, 2022
I picked this one since it's on the CBCA shortlist for 2022.
It has chapters from three different characters, but I don't think I'm alone finding that the chapters from the Dad's POV were weird. We have teenage crushing and finding herself, and teenage boy escaping domestic violence and finding a new place for himself where he feels worthwhile... and middle aged man at work and spray painting signs around town at night. It's a very odd choice and didn't really need to be there, but I guess it added its own element (if only to have something painting related to throw back to the title).
It was great for found family, and small community spirit, but also showed the negatives as well. The parent characters ranged from super progressive and supportive to abusive and violent, but for the most part everyone was a genuinely good person, and all distinct from each other.
It was enjoyable, but not anything that'll blow your mind.
It has chapters from three different characters, but I don't think I'm alone finding that the chapters from the Dad's POV were weird. We have teenage crushing and finding herself, and teenage boy escaping domestic violence and finding a new place for himself where he feels worthwhile... and middle aged man at work and spray painting signs around town at night. It's a very odd choice and didn't really need to be there, but I guess it added its own element (if only to have something painting related to throw back to the title).
It was great for found family, and small community spirit, but also showed the negatives as well. The parent characters ranged from super progressive and supportive to abusive and violent, but for the most part everyone was a genuinely good person, and all distinct from each other.
It was enjoyable, but not anything that'll blow your mind.
October 21, 2021
Perfect.
December 30, 2021
I picked up How to Repaint a Life by Steven Herrick without realising it is a young adults novel - not my usual choice!
But if I transport myself back to my younger years, what I like about this book is that Herrick tackles some pretty big issues - like domestic violence, youth homelessness, toxic masculinity and sexual consent - with an easy, light style and contemporary storyline.
The book centres around 17-year-old Isaac, who runs away from home with just a backpack of clothes and enough money to catch a bus as far away as possible from his violent, abusive father.
When he steps off the bus at a small town, homeless and hungry, the kindness of a local café owner - and a blossoming relationship with local teen Sophie - offers him a chance for a new start, free from the suffocating fear of the past.
It is a story about the power of kindness over bullying, of rising above life’s challenges and resisting peer pressure - all positive messages for teenagers at any time, and perhaps moreso today given the additional challenges brought by social media and climate change.
My criticism of Herrick’s narrative is the plausibility of Isaac so quickly landing on his feet and diving into deep relationships. It seems, one day he is homeless and destitute, the next he is being left in charge of running a café, has a girlfriend and a finds a ‘bestie’ in her dad Gerry. A few more obstacles and tension perhaps would have seemed more realistic.
Having said that, I can see the value of this novel as a useful discussion starter in high school classrooms among its intended audience - particularly male teens - as a way of teasing out how to navigate complex, contemporary issues.
But if I transport myself back to my younger years, what I like about this book is that Herrick tackles some pretty big issues - like domestic violence, youth homelessness, toxic masculinity and sexual consent - with an easy, light style and contemporary storyline.
The book centres around 17-year-old Isaac, who runs away from home with just a backpack of clothes and enough money to catch a bus as far away as possible from his violent, abusive father.
When he steps off the bus at a small town, homeless and hungry, the kindness of a local café owner - and a blossoming relationship with local teen Sophie - offers him a chance for a new start, free from the suffocating fear of the past.
It is a story about the power of kindness over bullying, of rising above life’s challenges and resisting peer pressure - all positive messages for teenagers at any time, and perhaps moreso today given the additional challenges brought by social media and climate change.
My criticism of Herrick’s narrative is the plausibility of Isaac so quickly landing on his feet and diving into deep relationships. It seems, one day he is homeless and destitute, the next he is being left in charge of running a café, has a girlfriend and a finds a ‘bestie’ in her dad Gerry. A few more obstacles and tension perhaps would have seemed more realistic.
Having said that, I can see the value of this novel as a useful discussion starter in high school classrooms among its intended audience - particularly male teens - as a way of teasing out how to navigate complex, contemporary issues.
July 6, 2022
Having read and taught ‘The Simple Gift’, I do agree with Herrick’s comment that ‘How to repaint a life’ is an independent sister-book to the verse novel.
The similar concepts of homelessness, rising above challenges and finding yourself with connection are explored in a different manner that is still effective and engrossing.
Herrick is able to offer some wisdom throughout that I think can be appreciated by anyone, my favourite notion being “our parents teach us the right way by doing it wrong.”
I do feel though that the plot and characters are finished a bit by inauthentic interactions that don’t reflect reality, though I do appreciate the drive to tell the story in a certain manner so that the palimpsest is able to be achieved.
The similar concepts of homelessness, rising above challenges and finding yourself with connection are explored in a different manner that is still effective and engrossing.
Herrick is able to offer some wisdom throughout that I think can be appreciated by anyone, my favourite notion being “our parents teach us the right way by doing it wrong.”
I do feel though that the plot and characters are finished a bit by inauthentic interactions that don’t reflect reality, though I do appreciate the drive to tell the story in a certain manner so that the palimpsest is able to be achieved.
July 26, 2022
3.5 stars, a pretty solid book but it just isn't my style. All the characters are alright and the story and setting are actually quite interesting!
Overall it's a good book, but I would only recommend it if you have nothing else better to read.
Overall it's a good book, but I would only recommend it if you have nothing else better to read.
July 20, 2022
Reader, I read it in four hours. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 13, 2022
Absolutely divine. I didn’t want this story to end. Heartwarming, heartbreaking. Gorgeous characters.
October 31, 2022
Enjoyed
April 19, 2024
Representation: N/A
Trigger warnings: Misogyny mentioned, abusive parent, alcohol
Score: Six out of ten.
Looking back at this book which won a CBCA award for Older Readers in 2022 I think I was in the minority since I actually disliked it but apparently the judges liked it and gave it an award so our tastes differ; I was already sick and tired of preachy books like My Spare Heart by Jared Thomas and this didn't help, where do I begin with this. For starters this book preaches about sexting, cancel culture, Greta Thunberg, MeToo, and First Australians but it felt awkward, unnecessary and superficial. The characters weren't really that fleshed out or developed and when Isaac and Sophie developed an attraction with one another I couldn't really connect to them even though this was a romance novel. I was wondering why Isaac's father is abusive; maybe it would cause Isaac to run away and start over with a new life, hence the title though he did provoke him a couple of times such as when he punched him and smashed his TV which might be a symbolic gesture but it's never OK to destroy someone's property. If you like romance books you can try this but there are better ones you can pick up like Where the Road Leads Us by Robin Reul.
Trigger warnings: Misogyny mentioned, abusive parent, alcohol
Score: Six out of ten.
Looking back at this book which won a CBCA award for Older Readers in 2022 I think I was in the minority since I actually disliked it but apparently the judges liked it and gave it an award so our tastes differ; I was already sick and tired of preachy books like My Spare Heart by Jared Thomas and this didn't help, where do I begin with this. For starters this book preaches about sexting, cancel culture, Greta Thunberg, MeToo, and First Australians but it felt awkward, unnecessary and superficial. The characters weren't really that fleshed out or developed and when Isaac and Sophie developed an attraction with one another I couldn't really connect to them even though this was a romance novel. I was wondering why Isaac's father is abusive; maybe it would cause Isaac to run away and start over with a new life, hence the title though he did provoke him a couple of times such as when he punched him and smashed his TV which might be a symbolic gesture but it's never OK to destroy someone's property. If you like romance books you can try this but there are better ones you can pick up like Where the Road Leads Us by Robin Reul.
June 26, 2022
I loved this! I haven't read Steven Herrick since I read Slice which was many years ago. But this is a fantastic book. Sometimes there is very difficult content (domestic violence) and it is handled very well. Great characters here. I loved Gerry! Butler is a tool. And I am so glad the Sophie finds her girl gang.
'But... but he's my friend' says Gerry.
This was adorable and heartbreaking.
'But... but he's my friend' says Gerry.
This was adorable and heartbreaking.
June 26, 2022
I'd never heard of Steven Herrick's work not read any of his books, and to be honest I am not a fan of Young Adult fiction, so it is a very pleasant and agreeable surprise to find that 'How to Repaint a Life' is a most engaging novel that has given me pause to think about the genre. Whilst I started reading this book in part because of my activities as a teacher, and in part because of a colleague's imprecations to do so, I'm glad that I have found a story that was so readable. It isn't perfect, nor is Herrick the most insightful of authors. Yet having completed the book I find myself reflecting on what is at heart a most human and optimistic tale. 'How to Repaint a Life' is a fillip , particularly considering the potential for angst and pain in young adults' lives. This is a most redemptive work of fiction.
My first impression, as I read the early chapters, was less positive. This was because for the most part I found the characterisation of the key figures in his story to be somewhat unreal. There was moral and psychological simplicity to Isaac, Sophie and others that didn't seem truthful. The depiction of the small town where Herrick's tale is set also seemed unrealistic. However, and it emerged more and more strongly as the author's narrative developed, those simplistic characterisations deepened. Herrick may not have been willing to explore the ambivalence of his dramatis personae or that of the setting, however there is an honesty to the emotional development of his characters. Adults and children alike look for love, for connections, for meaning, for safety. Herrick understands this and as the narrative of 'How to Repaint a Life' develops these underpinning ideas grow stronger and stronger.
There are some 'social justice' issues that help to drive Herrick's story and characters forward; bullying being a focus as well as homelessness. The author is not frightened of giving these issues attention, if perhaps they are made a bit too inoffensive for his young adult audience. It might be argued that Herrick writes on these problems with all the sincerity of a soap opera scriptwriter. However, unlike (for example) 'Jasper Jones' Herrick doesn't try to make his novel a statement of how caring or politically sensitive he is. Instead he recognises the cruelty of bullying and of homelessness and lets his characters and their dialogue reveal how one might react to these problems. This is no social realist novel; it is a sensitive yarn that may resonate with many who read it.
On a more personal note I was gratified to see Herrick endow his adult characters with more than just stereotypical personalities. Whilst younger readers will undoubtedly look to Sophie and Isaac as the characters to identify with or at least feel interested in, I suspect many older readers will enjoy the travails of Sophie's parents, Gerry and Dana. There is a significant plot point later in the book that refers to post-punk musician Billy Bragg, and it was a bit of a highlight of the novel for me to read how this iconic singer was brought into the plot.
As I've not read any other of the 2022 shortlisted finalists for the CBCA book of the year for older readers I can't comment on its chances for winning that prize. I can however say I was very happy to have read 'How to Repaint a Life', and I've no qualms whatsoever in recommending it to anyone willing to read it, no matter their age (well, maybe not for under 13s). Herrick has not written a classic per se, but he has written a warm and engaging novel that will give pleasure to those who approach it with a willingness to let his fiction run its course.
My first impression, as I read the early chapters, was less positive. This was because for the most part I found the characterisation of the key figures in his story to be somewhat unreal. There was moral and psychological simplicity to Isaac, Sophie and others that didn't seem truthful. The depiction of the small town where Herrick's tale is set also seemed unrealistic. However, and it emerged more and more strongly as the author's narrative developed, those simplistic characterisations deepened. Herrick may not have been willing to explore the ambivalence of his dramatis personae or that of the setting, however there is an honesty to the emotional development of his characters. Adults and children alike look for love, for connections, for meaning, for safety. Herrick understands this and as the narrative of 'How to Repaint a Life' develops these underpinning ideas grow stronger and stronger.
There are some 'social justice' issues that help to drive Herrick's story and characters forward; bullying being a focus as well as homelessness. The author is not frightened of giving these issues attention, if perhaps they are made a bit too inoffensive for his young adult audience. It might be argued that Herrick writes on these problems with all the sincerity of a soap opera scriptwriter. However, unlike (for example) 'Jasper Jones' Herrick doesn't try to make his novel a statement of how caring or politically sensitive he is. Instead he recognises the cruelty of bullying and of homelessness and lets his characters and their dialogue reveal how one might react to these problems. This is no social realist novel; it is a sensitive yarn that may resonate with many who read it.
On a more personal note I was gratified to see Herrick endow his adult characters with more than just stereotypical personalities. Whilst younger readers will undoubtedly look to Sophie and Isaac as the characters to identify with or at least feel interested in, I suspect many older readers will enjoy the travails of Sophie's parents, Gerry and Dana. There is a significant plot point later in the book that refers to post-punk musician Billy Bragg, and it was a bit of a highlight of the novel for me to read how this iconic singer was brought into the plot.
As I've not read any other of the 2022 shortlisted finalists for the CBCA book of the year for older readers I can't comment on its chances for winning that prize. I can however say I was very happy to have read 'How to Repaint a Life', and I've no qualms whatsoever in recommending it to anyone willing to read it, no matter their age (well, maybe not for under 13s). Herrick has not written a classic per se, but he has written a warm and engaging novel that will give pleasure to those who approach it with a willingness to let his fiction run its course.
July 30, 2022
Despite being framed against a background of family violence, this wonderful YA novel is gentle, lyrical, and leaves the reader with lots of characters to hold close to their heart.
Central character Isaac is vulnerable, abused, but only ever wants to elevate those around him. It would have been so easy for Steven Herrick to paint him as a young man who lashes out at everyone, but he chose to make Isaac sensitive, caring and self-aware. His friend Joan is the person you wish every homeless teen might befriend - a deadset legend. And all the support characters are great, especially Sophie's dad, Gerry.
While there will be some that criticise this as a tale too simply told, I would suggest that in these angst-ridden times this is a beacon and a timely reminder that in order to change someone's fortune or direction in life gestures do not have to be grand. Sometimes it really can be as simple as coffee and raisin toast.
Highly recommended.
Central character Isaac is vulnerable, abused, but only ever wants to elevate those around him. It would have been so easy for Steven Herrick to paint him as a young man who lashes out at everyone, but he chose to make Isaac sensitive, caring and self-aware. His friend Joan is the person you wish every homeless teen might befriend - a deadset legend. And all the support characters are great, especially Sophie's dad, Gerry.
While there will be some that criticise this as a tale too simply told, I would suggest that in these angst-ridden times this is a beacon and a timely reminder that in order to change someone's fortune or direction in life gestures do not have to be grand. Sometimes it really can be as simple as coffee and raisin toast.
Highly recommended.
May 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this - while dealing with confronting bullying behaviours, both within family settings and outside, this story is gently paced. Here are two characters dealing with issues in a way a reader can easily engage with. The author chose to portray Sophie's family in such a positive way - quite rare in young adult literature, yet Sophie, even in this lovely family setting is still trying to 'find herself' - and her family provides a sharp contrast to Isaac's experiences of family life.
February 5, 2023
My 100th book!
I really liked it, it feels really wholesome and shows what healthy relationships of all kinds look like, even against the darkest of circumstances.
The author mentions at the end how his previous book that inspired this one, The Simple Gift, left a lot of interesting questions and themes unexplored, and I have the same complaint for this one. I really loved these characters and this world, and although I understand the message and tone of the book, I just can't help but see this as only the begginig, I wish it were longer and had more plot.
I really liked it, it feels really wholesome and shows what healthy relationships of all kinds look like, even against the darkest of circumstances.
The author mentions at the end how his previous book that inspired this one, The Simple Gift, left a lot of interesting questions and themes unexplored, and I have the same complaint for this one. I really loved these characters and this world, and although I understand the message and tone of the book, I just can't help but see this as only the begginig, I wish it were longer and had more plot.
June 2, 2025
I think this was a short a sweet book, delving deep into the stuggles of homlessness, domestic violence, freindship and discovery. This book explores these themes through many of the main characters to the side characters as the progress in their jouney with shifting perpectives and views on life and society. They learn how to repaint their life by having control on what direction they want to go and what experiences they want to experience.
This book is amazing, not something I would typically read but glad that I was able to.
This book is amazing, not something I would typically read but glad that I was able to.
May 23, 2022
A great read for lower secondary.
Boy runs away from abusive father and lives at the racetrack. Makes friends with the local coffee shop lady and eventually works there.
Girl lives in the town and has her own friendship woes and boy challenges.
Boy and girl meet and develop friendship and eventually relationship
All positive characters - including the girls dad and the shop owner. Theme of resilience and gratitude.
Appreciating the simple things
Boy runs away from abusive father and lives at the racetrack. Makes friends with the local coffee shop lady and eventually works there.
Girl lives in the town and has her own friendship woes and boy challenges.
Boy and girl meet and develop friendship and eventually relationship
All positive characters - including the girls dad and the shop owner. Theme of resilience and gratitude.
Appreciating the simple things
May 30, 2022
Isaac runs away from an abusive father and starts a new life in Bendigo. He is 17. You step into the shoes of a rough sleeper with this story, seeing the challenges and perseverance as Isaac problem solves the hurdles, developing friendships and a support network along the way. His relationship with Sophie is special, and she too wants to reinvent herself, in a different way. This is an authentic and heart-warming story.
July 25, 2022
This book was pretty good, it wasn't what I would usually read, but I still really enjoyed it. The first chapter was excellent but after that, I thought nothing really came close to it but I enjoyed the story and I had lots of fun reading it. I loved Sophie, her new group of friends, and Issac and Joan's mother-son relationship.
September 25, 2022
I enjoyed this book although some elements seemed odd or unnecessary.
The first chapter got me hooked and the book was paced well. Isaacs chance encounters with good people were a bit cliched although as written for a young audience this provides hope.
There seemed to be large sections devoted to the graffiti dad which was unnecessary and probably reflected the author.
Overall worthwhile read.
The first chapter got me hooked and the book was paced well. Isaacs chance encounters with good people were a bit cliched although as written for a young audience this provides hope.
There seemed to be large sections devoted to the graffiti dad which was unnecessary and probably reflected the author.
Overall worthwhile read.
April 22, 2022
When I first started reading I thought this book is not going to go great. But I started to read more and turned how to be better than expected!
Steven Herrick always knows how to ride a good rural setting book.
Steven Herrick always knows how to ride a good rural setting book.
September 18, 2022
A simple enough story, pleasantly told. Read as a possible year 11 text. Problems that have the potential to take on devastating proportions are quickly diffused and the sense of general rebuilding ensues. Interesting/odd shifts in tense changes are present - not sure if needed.
January 30, 2024
Herrick always writes with sensitivity and deep insight.
Isaac is forced to run away from his abusive, alcoholic father. He finds himself adrift in a small town where simple human kindness and friendship make him realize what home and homelessness really are.
Isaac is forced to run away from his abusive, alcoholic father. He finds himself adrift in a small town where simple human kindness and friendship make him realize what home and homelessness really are.
August 2, 2025
a lot more lowkey than i was expecting but, it was sweet i guess?? gerry being a pov totally did not go anywhere, i was expecting him to figure out on his own that isaac was homeless and move him in but apparently no
September 26, 2021
Gosh I love Steven Herrick.
December 12, 2021
it is very similar to the simple gift. love it
December 30, 2021
I enjoyed this story. Recommended for Year 8 and above.
January 3, 2022
• Loved this. The feeling of a country town, both the positives and the negatives. Building your own family.
January 4, 2022
Started and finished in a day. Beautiful story, beautiful storytelling.
January 11, 2022
Loved this young adult book by Australian author Steven Herrick. Feel good read. Loved the main character Izaac.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews