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A review by justinprintreads
How to Turn Into a Bird by María José Ferrada
5.0
“From up above, life showed you its transparent threads. Sometimes you wanted to open your eyes and follow their course. At others, you preferred to squeeze your eyes shut and not let in any kind of light."
How To Turn Into a Bird by María José Ferrada (and translated by Elizabeth Bryer) is a wonderful, crisp and lovely tale which explores love, connection, and family.
In Santiago, Chile, twelve year old Miguel is fascinated by his uncle Ramon's new job: maintaining a Coca Cola billboard. Ramon fully commits to his new gig, making the billboard his home…much to the chagrin of his friends, family and community. Miguel's trips to visit Ramon at the billboard forge a connection with his uncle, and leading Miguel to connect with and understand his uncle (despite the negative things his community says about him).
It's a story of being different, of what's considered right and wrong, of the labels we put on others. Of trying to understand those who are misunderstood, of trying to see and appreciate them for who they are.
This is a story that will resonate with anyone. Seen through the lens of a child, there is a beauty in their innocence of trying to understand the world around us, of living with an open heart.
This was such a sensitive, tender, and playful fable; it read like a modern day fairy tale. I loved reading this book. If you're looking for a short, impactful read, I would highly recommend it. The author packs so much into so few pages, it is truly a wonder.
Thank you Tin House for the opportunity to read and review this title.
How To Turn Into a Bird by María José Ferrada (and translated by Elizabeth Bryer) is a wonderful, crisp and lovely tale which explores love, connection, and family.
In Santiago, Chile, twelve year old Miguel is fascinated by his uncle Ramon's new job: maintaining a Coca Cola billboard. Ramon fully commits to his new gig, making the billboard his home…much to the chagrin of his friends, family and community. Miguel's trips to visit Ramon at the billboard forge a connection with his uncle, and leading Miguel to connect with and understand his uncle (despite the negative things his community says about him).
It's a story of being different, of what's considered right and wrong, of the labels we put on others. Of trying to understand those who are misunderstood, of trying to see and appreciate them for who they are.
This is a story that will resonate with anyone. Seen through the lens of a child, there is a beauty in their innocence of trying to understand the world around us, of living with an open heart.
This was such a sensitive, tender, and playful fable; it read like a modern day fairy tale. I loved reading this book. If you're looking for a short, impactful read, I would highly recommend it. The author packs so much into so few pages, it is truly a wonder.
Thank you Tin House for the opportunity to read and review this title.