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Mormon Mentions: Dusti Bowling
If you haven't got a clue what a Mormon Mention is, allow me to explain: When I see a reference to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (known more commonly as the Mormons) in a book which was not written by a member of the church, I post it here. With commentary from Yours Truly. I'm no theologian, but I try to explain doctrinal issues as well as debunk myths and clear up misconceptions. Speaking of, I should probably make this crystal clear: I do not have horns. I do not belong to a cult. My dad only has one wife. As does my husband. And, yes, people really have asked me all of those questions. Just FYI: mainstream Mormons haven't practiced polygamy for more than 120 years.
Everybody got that? Great. Let's move on ...
Bowling's Newest Gut-Wrenching, But Hopeful
Avalyn is a sympathetic character, of course. In addition to dealing with a debilitating health condition and other allergies that make her feel like she can never fit in, she's also the target of a group of school bullies that are unrelenting in their torture of her. The wholesome, supportive friendship that exists between her and her two best friends (also bullied outcasts) is the best part of the story. I also like that Avalyn has parents who are compassionate and involved. You also can't help but sympathize with poor Adam in his awful situation. The deep pain that all these kids feel from being ostracized and mocked is palpable, hopefully so much so that it influences young readers to make an effort to be kinder and more inclusive, both at school and in their broader communities.
Bowling makes a strong point about not just standing up to bullying and abuse, but also telling a trusted adult when something harmful is happening. It's only when Avalyn does both that she's able to create even a small amount of change. (Content warning: While Adam's situation is never described in detail, it's hinted at pretty heavily and there's one gut-wrenching scene where it is exposed in a way that, while not exactly graphic, is difficult. Hopefully, most kids won't understand enough to fill in the gaps since they, thankfully, have never been in such situations, but those who do get what's going on only too well may find it traumatizing. Caution should be used when recommending Dust to these readers.)
Magical realism can be a hard sell for me, but I have to say it worked well in Dust. Even if that element isn't wholly convincing in the story, it adds to the tale by giving it more power and depth. It also brings something unique to a familiar plot.
While Dust isn't my favorite of Bowling's books (that would be Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus), I do think it's her best. The story is heart-wrenching, powerful, and important. It's one that affected me viscerally (especially the scene mentioned above), staying in my thoughts even now, months after I read it. I highly recommend all of Bowling's novels, but this one is especially affecting.
The Bookish Books Reading Challenge: June Book Ideas and Link-Up for Reviews
I'm late for another of my monthly posts for the Bookish Books Reading ChallengeBookish Books Reading Challenge. Is anyone surprised? I also only managed to read one bookish book in May. I shouldn't have any trouble meeting my goal of reading 30+ of them before the end of the year, but my progress has definitely been slow...and we won't even talk about how many reviews I haven't written. Yikes!
In May, I read this Beauty and the Beast retelling, which I enjoyed:
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