Books Save Lives

July is BIPOC Mental Health Month and I think Hurricane Child is a good read for this month. 

There is something about highlighting words that touch your soul. Emphasizing the moments that make you say, that’s me! One book that did that for me was Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho. I’m not here to talk about this book, but it reminds me how important it is to see loneliness, and suicide ideation on the page. I can only imagine how vital it is for youth today to read a story where they can say, I don’t feel so alone anymore. 

Note: If you need to talk, the Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255 or visit the website to chat. 

In their Stonewall Book Awards speech excerpt Callender speaks about what it was like growing up in St. Thomas. The reader can see glimpses of the experiences discussed during this speech while reading Hurricane Child. 

I think about the children and teens who feel alone, and don’t know what’s waiting for them, and who are also contemplating ways to end their lives. I think about the children and teens who need those books right now…

I want them all to know that they’re loved, not in spite of their identities, but because of their identities. I want them to live.

Watch the full speech here. 

This is my first time reading a book by Kacen Callender and now I must have them all. 

In Hurricane Child, Caroline Murphy was born during a Hurricane on Water Island in the US Virgin Islands. Her birth story is her Mother’s favorite story to tell, but her Mother left out the part about Hurricane children being cursed. Maybe that explains why Caroline seems to be the only person who sees spirits. Caroline is 12-years-old and for most of the book she considers herself to no longer be a child. Can you blame her? She’s dealing with constant bullying at school, abandonment from a Mother who disappears, and navigating a new friendship. 

Throughout the book there are verses from Nina Simone’s song Blackbird. It is referenced as one of her Mother’s favorite songs. 

cause your mama's name was lonely and your daddy's name was pain
And they call you little sorrow 'cause you'll never love again

It is an added element to the book that can represent how Caroline is feeling. She’s been called angry, a sinner for who she chooses to love, and is spends lots of time alone at school. 

The book also includes references to history including slavery and incorporates a glimpse of what tourism looks like for someone who calls the Island home. A few topics that I believe were approached really well were how does one define adulthood, viewing parents as imperfect humans, forgiveness, and different family structures. There’s also a theme around being/feeling invisible starting with making Caroline’s home - Water Island. A part of the US Virgin Islands we don’t really hear about in mainstream tourism.  

One of the main plots of the book is Caroline developing a friendship with the new girl at school who agrees to help her find her Mother. This new girl brings some beautiful moments and some tough moments. One of which she expresses her opinion of two women showing affection in public. In the book, the youth attend a catholic school and they believe it is a sin. Caroline has her own thoughts though. I love that she thinks for herself. I think the author choosing to approach it from this perspective of religion because it allows space for Kalinda and Caroline to grow in a way that offers a pause for the reader to consider:

How do I feel about women loving women? Why? Do I stand up for people being ridiculed for who they chose to love? 

Callender does an excellent job capturing the perspective of a 12-year-old. They may be considered children, but still have experiences that warrant an understanding ear. This was their debut novel and it absolutely makes sense to me why Felix Ever After is everywhere! If this book is a glimpse of the type of storytelling by Kacen Callender. I need to own all of their books!