Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus Life of a Cactus Series 1 by Dusti Bowling
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Web ID: 11774825Full of Perspective!
I chose to read this book for an English class not thinking much of it initially. But after reading the blurb, the concept of a girl without arms having to experience middle school life with her unique features intrigued me. After reading through it, it opened my eyes to how many different kinds of people are out there and how the actions of others may affect how they feel. The judgement, the curiosity, the ignorance, but also the welcoming embrace of a friend, it's all demonstrated in this book. If you were thinking about giving this book a read, I'd recommend doing so. It's a little slow in the beginning but as you read about Aven Green's story and the fun events that come along with it, you won't regret your purchase. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys a heart warming story with a bit of mystery involved!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Tourettes
I haven’t even finished the book yet and I love it. I’ve never seen a person with Tourette’s in a book before. I almost cried when I saw this. I have Tourette’s and I feel so alone sometimes.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Quirky and inspiring
Aven was born without arms. A wonderful couple adopted Aven when she was two years old, and their philosophy was Aven could do anything. Her armlessness did result in stares and awkward questions, but as a feisty redhead with much to prove, Aven learned to be independent and confident. A recent event has threatened to derail that confidence. Aven's father lost his job and announced he and her mother would be taking over the management of Stagecoach Pass, an old amusement park in Arizona. That meant leaving her friends and the comfort of her small school in Kansas. What would it be like to adjust to a new place and people who might not understand her? Aven's positive attitude helps her take in her new surroundings and become comfortable at Stagecoach Pass. They live in an apartment above the steakhouse restaurant on the property. She explores the rundown park and gets to know the quirky employees who are barely keeping the doors open. Starting school offers the usual challenges. Aven is worried about making friends until she meets Connor. He gets her attention when she hears him barking. Turns out Connor has Tourette syndrome. He doesn't have the confidence Aven possesses, but a fast friendship develops that might just benefit them both. Author Dusti Bowling throws together unique characters in a one-of-a-kind setting to create a novel filled with determination and inspiration. I fell in love with Aven in the first chapter and laughed and cried along with her. I'm excited that my next review will be the sequel titled MOMENTOUS EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF A CACTUS. Aven's new adventures promise to be just as inspiring.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Great Book
Aven Green, the mystery-solving, armless, ninja… Dusti Bowling’s first book, The Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus is quite a page-turner. Aven was born without arms but likes to tell people gruesome stories of how she lost them. When her parents decided to move to Arizona to work at a broken down theme park called “Stage-Coach Pass” in the middle of the desert, her initial thought was that they had a mind-chip and were being controlled. Once settling in, Aven meets Connor, a self-conscious boy with Tourette’s Syndrome, and Zion, a shy and overweight boy with not very much confidence. When they try to learn more about the Park’s mysterious absent owner, they find pieces of spookish clues, all relating to Aven. The twist ending is surprising and unpredictable, but a bit unrealistic. This mystery novel is well-written and brings normality and acceptance to physical and mental disabilities. The characters are compelling and realistic, but the storyline is a bit cheesy. Overall, it is a good read and is great for people that love a good mystery, and a story of kindness and friendship. I would recommend this book to tweens (Ages 8-13). As a star rating, I would rate this book 4 out of 5.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com