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rachelladd0810's review against another edition
5.0
4.5⭐️
A book that is straight and to the point, short and sweet, yet somehow also poetic and lyrical in its writing. “How to Turn Into A Bird” is a coming of age story that is both humorous and meaningful, wrapped up into 216 pages, where every page packs a punch.
The story follows Miguel, a 12-year-old boy who is obsessed with his uncle, Ramón, and his job - to take care of the Coca-Cola billboard right near the highway. Ramón decided to make the billboard his new home, so Miguel often visits his strange uncle on top of the billboard. The rest of the story unfolds like a poem, and deals with the themes of innocence, love, loss, and loneliness in a way that’s almost cinematic.
I loved Ferrada’s writing style, and the quick whips in her dialogue that reminded the reader that, even in the worst of times, humor can be found. And even more, humor and the connection of love is what is most important in trying times. The plot was a very basic plot and incredibly straightforward, but the book read much longer than 216 (in a good way). I read this in about an hour and a half, and I loved every second. I highly recommend this one even though no one is really talking about it, and I cannot wait to see what others will say once it gets more traction.
A book that is straight and to the point, short and sweet, yet somehow also poetic and lyrical in its writing. “How to Turn Into A Bird” is a coming of age story that is both humorous and meaningful, wrapped up into 216 pages, where every page packs a punch.
The story follows Miguel, a 12-year-old boy who is obsessed with his uncle, Ramón, and his job - to take care of the Coca-Cola billboard right near the highway. Ramón decided to make the billboard his new home, so Miguel often visits his strange uncle on top of the billboard. The rest of the story unfolds like a poem, and deals with the themes of innocence, love, loss, and loneliness in a way that’s almost cinematic.
I loved Ferrada’s writing style, and the quick whips in her dialogue that reminded the reader that, even in the worst of times, humor can be found. And even more, humor and the connection of love is what is most important in trying times. The plot was a very basic plot and incredibly straightforward, but the book read much longer than 216 (in a good way). I read this in about an hour and a half, and I loved every second. I highly recommend this one even though no one is really talking about it, and I cannot wait to see what others will say once it gets more traction.
crybabybea's review
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
A fairytale-esque little coming-of-age story. The book addresses some heavier themes, such as classism, the societal pressure to conform and fit in, and chosen family. The story comes across as almost whimsical, viewed through the rose-colored perspective of childhood. The choice to tell the story from a child's point-of-view added a great tone to the story and left a lot up to the reader to interpret.
Although told from the perspective of twelve-year-old Miguel, the story's center of gravity is his uncle, Ramón, an eccentric man who lives according to his own whims, much to the dismay of his family and the community around him. Ramón is almost like a character in a fable; hazy rumors surround him and his quirky one-line philosophical musings stay with those he interacts with.
Of course, not everyone is accepting of a hermit who lives in a billboard, so when the rumor mill turns increasingly hateful, Ramón makes an easy scapegoat to pin everything on. With the perspective of a child who doesn't quite understand the depth of social politics (he, like any other kid, only goes to the housing council meetings for the free sandwiches), it leaves room for the reader to reflect on the consequences of choosing to go against the grain.
Although told from the perspective of twelve-year-old Miguel, the story's center of gravity is his uncle, Ramón, an eccentric man who lives according to his own whims, much to the dismay of his family and the community around him. Ramón is almost like a character in a fable; hazy rumors surround him and his quirky one-line philosophical musings stay with those he interacts with.
Of course, not everyone is accepting of a hermit who lives in a billboard, so when the rumor mill turns increasingly hateful, Ramón makes an easy scapegoat to pin everything on. With the perspective of a child who doesn't quite understand the depth of social politics (he, like any other kid, only goes to the housing council meetings for the free sandwiches), it leaves room for the reader to reflect on the consequences of choosing to go against the grain.
María José Ferrada's writing is lyrical, poetic, and the translation by Elizabeth Bryer is done with love and care. It's the kind of book I'm so grateful was translated, but also the kind of book I'm so sad that I will never be able to read and absorb in its mother tongue.
Obviously, the symbolism of birds are sprinkled throughout in thoughtful ways that only add to the contemplative tone.
I found the pair of main characters to be incredibly fun, and it made the story easy-going and quick, though the actual events of the story are actually quite tragic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Alcohol, and Classism
emily_madcharo's review
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
dmartinez422's review against another edition
5.0
In about 100 pages, this book makes you rethink what you know about "mental illness" about being homeless, about the judgements we make towards the choices of others. It also makes you wonder why only tragedy ever bridges those gaps.
ruthsturm94's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
qme5's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dbuchheister's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Very whimsical and sad.
mollymdull's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5