Nikki vs Jess by Liezl Shnookal
A feminist coming-of-age novel about challenging expectations — Nikki and Jess each tell their side of the story
Not just a game. A battle for their lives.
In Nikki vs Jess, two young women face off at the pool table — but their real fight is against the suffocating gender norms of 1980s Australia, and for the right to choose their own futures.
Nikki’s dead set on becoming a motor mechanic in a trade that doesn’t allow women through the door. Jess isn’t sure where she’s heading — but she knows she won’t follow the script others have laid out for her. Adopted Nikki and blended-family Jess both feel out of place within their own families, caught in dynamics they didn’t ask for.
With pressure mounting from all sides, their friendship begins to crack — and the pool table turns into a battleground. Every match feels like a way to reclaim control, to push back, to prove something . . .
Because in a world that keeps trying to define them, they’re fighting to define themselves.
Nikki vs Jess is a feminist coming-of-age novel about friendship, identity, and choosing your own path — even when the world says you can’t.
Review by Literary Titan
"This novel is not only a narrative of friendship and empowerment but also a reflection on the struggle of women carving out their space in professions traditionally dominated by men. The characters’ determination to define their own paths against societal and familial expectations is both inspiring and compelling. Infused with humor, elements of romance, and engaging conversations, the book offers a well-rounded and entertaining read. The author excels in character development, storyline construction, and dialogue, creating a narrative that is engaging.
Liezl Shnookal’s Nikki vs. Jess: United Against the World is a reflection of resilience and camaraderie. The book deftly weaves the trials and triumphs of Nikki and Jess into a narrative that resonates with anyone who appreciates the depth of friendship and the courage to pursue one’s dreams against all odds. With its rich character development and engrossing plot, the novel is a testament to the enduring spirit of determination and solidarity. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, a touch of romance, or a celebration of female empowerment, this book is a compelling journey through the lives of two women who choose to write their own stories."
Literary Titan is an organisation of professional editors, writers and professors that have a passion for the written word.
Nikki vs Jess is available to buy – direct from the author – as either a Paperback book or as an Ebook (PDF or ePUB).
Nikki vs Jess Kindle Edition is also available to buy from Amazon.