Finished this up the other day and really enjoyed it. I liked the different perspectives of the story. The school culture is so hard with peer pressure, growing up, maturing and trying to maneuver through it all. My kids are still really young but you can already see how a kid’s life at home shapes how they think and behave in a social environment. Even in first grade, Malia is learning how to maneuver through the “mean girls” & I’m having more conversations with other parents to help them work through conflicts. I shudder to think about what all that is like as they get older.
I really liked the different viewpoints. I found Miranda’s the most interesting. I’m glad that despite her behavior being fed by insecurities, she let kindness bring her back. I don’t know how often that happens in real life, but I like to think it happens more often than not.
Jack’s was really interesting too. It’s easy to just go with the flow and stay under the radar when people are gossiping. To turn your back on what’s safe to do what’s right? Much harder to do. It’s okay to have a few good friends than to run with the popular crowd.
What was sad for me was when Via’s grandmother told her that she was her favorite because August had “many angels” looking out for him. Such an important thing for her to hear. I have 2 very healthy kids and I struggle with finding balance for each of them. Malia soaks up so much of my time and sweet Max, I’m trying to make sure he gets just as much attention. To have a child who needs attention medically, socially, emotionally, etc, it’s easy to let the “normal” child fend for herself. I imagine it’s much like families dealing with children with cancer.
