Have you ever read a book that gets in under your skin and won't leave you alone? That's this book, The Beautiful Something Else, written by Ash Van Otterloo in 2023. I thought that it would have left my thoughts already since I posted a few pictures of the book yesterday and a brief commentary after having finished it, but no.... it continues to nudge me to say more.
This book caught my attention because it was highlighted on a shelf with a "Read With Pride" display from Scholastic and because of the cool cover art. The cover art is by Leo Nickolls. You can see more of Leo's design work here. I didn't even notice that the book was signed by the author until I started reading it when I got home.
Maybe it was the wings that caught my attention, as wings are a symbol that speak to me in my own life, as hang gliding has offered me freedom and butterflies teach me about transformational life from darkness to light.
Whatever it was that got my attention from the outside, the inside of the book, its guts, had ne captured and I finished it the day after I began it. The story line is one I could understand as a parent, a Mama Bear, and other roles in my life. I have met kids like Sparrow, but not exactly. Sparrow's story drew me in and I wanted to listen to get to know the story and the person.
There are layers to Sparrow's story that are very real, though it is a fictional story. The emotions are palpable. The relational challenges are relatable.
Sparrow had to grow up at an early age due to life's circumstances and this caused Sparrow to take on ways of being that weren't always fitting. Even so, Sparrow was able to let go of the protective veneer that both was a help and a hindrance in order to find true self and authenticity.
Sparrow truly came into being through out the book and it was a remarkable journey to witness.
I recommend this book.
Here is what I wrote about it yesterday:
"I am reading a book I picked up in Asheville last week at a cool bookstore, Malaprop's. Though I didn't find my author cousins' books there, they did look them up for me to let me know they sold well. :)
The book I am reading, The Beautiful Something Else, was a risk. I don't know the author. The cover caught my attention (by Leo Nickolls). Plus, it is Pride month and I like to read books that I can pass on or recommend to youth or families. I didn't even see that it was a signed copy until I started reading it.The author writes a gentle warning in the beginning, encouraging readers to take care of themselves as they read, as there are some topics that arise.
Even so, I am finding this book insightful, meaningful, touching. It is a book that I wish was written 10 years ago instead of in 2023. However, we still need these books today. Our youth need love, acceptance, support, understanding, and more."
I don't know if I could pick favorite lines or quotes.... there were many. And, at times, there were some words that moved me to tears.
Check it out. Read the warning from the author, but dive in afterwards. Take breaks if/as needed.
Here is a video introduction by the author:
Enjoy!
