By Dusti Bowling
Dusti Bowling is one of my favorite authors. Over the years, I’ve marveled at her ability to connect with readers. Readers of all ages and interests fall in love with her books. Her stories speak to us as human beings.
The Beat I Drum (coming out in April) is another brilliant story of humanity. Connor Bradley has Tourette syndrome, and is starting high school in a new place. His life is full of change and adjustment. Not only does he miss his old friends, but he resents his dad reentering his life, which causes major upheaval.
The author pulls the reader into the story on the very first page. She begins with Connor comparing his Tourette syndrome to being in a pressure cooker. His voice is honest and real: “So here I go. Just gonna hold my breath and hope I don’t explode.”
This book is much more than an account of life with Tourette syndrome. Connor’s story is intertwined with family dynamics, an intuitive music teacher, and multilayered friendships. That teacher, Ms. Chen, begins drum lessons with him. On page 131, she asks, “What’s the most important thing?” Connor replies, “The beat.”
Bowling nails it. “The Beat,” of not just music, but life.
The Beat I Drum is full of people who help one another navigate life. It is fresh, unique, and real. The characters are vulnerable and honest. We are given a front-row seat to the power of the human spirit, music, and forgiveness. It demonstrates the impact we can have on each other, for good, when we take time to be present.
Finally, while disabilities are an important aspect of the story, and provide rich insight, they do not define the characters. They are people first!
Connor introduces his dad to his friend, Aven, (Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus), who has no arms. However, he never told his dad that she was armless. His dad asks him why, and Connor replies. “That just always seems like one of the least important things about her.”
Beautiful! My heart is full. Thank you, Dusti Bowling, for your poignant ability to connect us as human beings and shower us with hope and forgiveness.