Book Review: Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
- Charity Harvey
- Jan 21
- 5 min read
Wow, what an impressive title on today's book review! I discovered this one a few years back when it was initially released, but if you haven't read it yet, now's the time to dive in!
The title definitely caught my eye, and it likely caught yours too! It's very unique, much like the story itself. The author also wrote a sequel, which I thoroughly enjoyed! If you're in South Carolina like I am, you can find it through SCLends, the Jasmine/Overdrive digital library, or the Libby reading app. There are plenty of ways to get your hands on a copy!
So what is it about? It follows the story of Aven Green, who tends to draw a lot of stares and questions. Why, you may ask? Well, people can't seem to get past looks and what's on the outside, and Aven looks different from everyone else. Aven does not have her arms. She likes telling people she lost both of her arms in various, exciting adventures, but in reality, she was born without them.
Aven's life takes a sudden change when her parents take on a new job: managing an old western theme park in Arizona. They have to move across the country, but Aven enjoys Stagecoach Pass (the theme park) and makes some new friends. She even makes a friend at school, Connor, who has a disability. The two of them bond over this, as their differences make it difficult to find friends. The closer they become, the more time Connor spends with Aven at Stagecoach Pass. There, they discover a secret room which leads them to a mystery to solve.
I loved Aven and her story! Adopted at the age of 2, her parents have raised her to be independent. She can take very good care of herself, even though she is physically limited. Aven can dress herself, eat, paint, play guitar and more...all with her feet! The idea of that seemed so impossible to me, but in reality, there are people like Aven in our world who really learn to adapt and live their lives this way. I find that very educational for both children and adults! (You already know I'm recommending this book for all ages!)
The story is told from Aven's POV, and her humor in explaining all this is great. Although Aven likes Stageoach Pass, the move is very difficult for her. You see, she grew up with the same classmates from the age of 5. Having no arms was not strange to any of her friends, because they've known her since they were all so little. But now, at a new school, kids are in shock and awe and she feels so isolated. But Aven starts to make friends with Connor, she meets more people who feel the isolated for their own reasons.
Let me give you a few details on why I enjoyed this book so much. The narrator's voice and sense of humor was amazing. I was literally laughing out loud so much. Aven is open to making jokes (when appropriate) about her physical limitations. She also makes friends with people who have disabilities of their own, and they all jokes and laugh with each other. Note: WITH each other, not AT each other, which makes it so special. Also, Aven is a practical joker. I won't go into details and spoil it, but oh my goodness I was laughing so much at what she pulled off. Someone give this girl a medal!
One of Aven's new friends has Tourette's and this book introduces multiple characters with this condition. I think the author handled it so well, and it was very informative for fiction. I think it was realistic, but also written very well for it's intended age group.
The whole book was so unique. I grew up in a town that was close to a western theme park, and this book reminded me of it so much. Because of her parent's new job, Aven's living situation is now unique. She lives AT the park, which makes her days more interesting.
Another character in the book suffers from dementia. A lot of kids probably don't meet anyone suffering from this disease, and I'm glad the author added this to the story. She really doesn't hold back; this book is full of characters with lots of physical problems, which is how the real world works. Not everyone you meet is going to be "perfect" or not have physical conditions, regardless of age, and this story could help kids figure out how to handle those relationships.
Now, not to be negative, but for my older readers I will say this: the mystery aspect of the book was so easy to solve. I had it figured out right away, but that doesn't mean it was bad. I liked the resolution to the mystery, and I think it being so easy to solve is due to the targeted audience.
There are also characters with Tourette's syndrome, but they are all children or teenagers. I believe the author handled this aspect very well and realistically too, showing problems kids may face as they grow up with this condition. They discuss the actual issues with the brain that cause it and possible brain surgery as well, which is a scary concept. But one character does have a tendency to yell out a phrase that is funny but a bit crass. Kids will laugh at it, but parents wouldn't want them repeating it all the time to be funny! What this character yells out is a bit embarrassing, but wouldn't really bother older kids or adult readers. Just wanted to give you a heads up though if you have younger readers who may like this story!
If you have kids or students reading this series, it would be great for parents to read it with them and have some group discussions! It really helps children understand what is may be like to grow up with a physical disability, or meet someone who has dementia and you can't quite understand what they are going through. These types of encounters will eventually happen in life, and it's a great way to prepare a kid for that.
As I'm sure you can tell by my review, this story reminds me of Wonder, which teaches some valuable life lessons. If you take the time to read it, I do believe you will thoroughly enjoy meeting Aven and seeing her adventures!
It's time to wrap this up, as Lily is staring me down and pouting for her snuggle time.
From the both of us, happy reading!
