Harley in the Sky

Content/Trigger Warnings from the Author\’s Site: Depression, mood swings, references to suicidal ideation, heart attack This was a truly beautiful book, it was a tribute from Akemi Dawn Bowman to mental health, dreams, and creativity. I loved the duality of Harley\’s mental health and her cultural identity, they each were part of her reasons she felt the Circus was the place for her, someplace to call home because it contains those who were different. I could deeply relate to her, even despite the age difference between Harley\’s youth and my…haha lack of it. It was her insecurities, her emotions as part of her mental health, and even the cultural identity issues. I wanted to desperately give this book to sixteen-year-old me, to say that everyone\’s normal was different, that you were not alone, but, the best I can do is recommend this to anyone who has ever felt alone due to being different [whether through mental health, cultural heritage disassociation, or just for not fitting in]. I loved the show of the relationship between Harley and her parents, the growth between them, and especially the connection to her family as a whole as it changed through the book. The circus was, of course, my favourite, I loved that there were different circuses and the performers and crew were a lot of fun to read about. Vivien and Vas were probably my two favourite characters, aside from Harley of course! I look forward to reading more by Bowman.

I could not put Harley in the Sky down! This YA contemporary novel is about chasing your dreams, belonging, and mental health. Eighteen-year-old Harley runs away to join the circus instead of going to college, but quickly learns that the path to becoming a trapeze artist is more difficult than she imagined. I loved the circus setting, and Bowman beautifully captures the magic and artistry of the circus, as well as the hard work behind the scenes. The book also explores Harley\’s multiracial identity and her feelings about not belonging. In the process of pursuing her dream, Harley hurts a lot of people and discovers unexpected consequences to her actions. Sometimes I was so disappointed in Harleys actions (or inaction), but she grows and reflects throughout the book. I loved the characters in the book and the different family relationships and friendships, especially Harley\’s circus roommates Dexi and Vivien. Theres also a very sweet romance! However, I did feel like things were too quickly resolved in the end, and wanted to see details of how Harley was managing her mood swings. I definitely recommend this book, as well as Akemi Dawn Bowman\’s previous novels, Starfish and Summer Bird Blue! I received an advance review copy from the author.

Series Info/Source: I got an eGalley of this book from NetGalley.com to review. This is a stand alone book. Story (4/5): This is, at heart, a coming of age story about Harley who is desperate to pursue a career as a trapeze artist while her parents would prefer her to go to school. I enjoyed the circus setting and Harleys steadfast determination to follow her dreams. It was an engaging story that was a quick read for me. Characters (4/5): The characters are complex and well done, even the side characters are intriguing. I was a bit frustrated at how poorly Harley and her parents communicate with each other. Harley is definitely a heavily flawed protagonist, shes bad at compromise and not willing to communicate. However, that is part of the point of this story…so, while I didnt love Harley I did understand how these flaws were something she had to grow around. Setting (5/5): Absolutely loved the contemporary circus setting, I am always intrigued by circus life. Writing Style (4/5): The writing in this book flows well and is easy to read. Some of the descriptions are very well done and really make you feel like you are sitting there in the circus tent. While theres nothing truly outstanding or spectacular here, this is still a very well written book that is easy to fall into and read. Summary (4/5): Overall I enjoyed this book. I loved the look into circus life and it was interesting to watch Harley learn that her family and friends deserve just as much consideration as her ambitions. It was also interesting to take a look at a character that has manic depressive tendencies and see how that affects the people around her.

This is the first of Akemi\’s books that I have read, and it will not be the last. Akemi has such a beautiful and lyrical way with her prose that I couldn\’t help but be swept along into the magic and the heart of the circus. How Alemi handles mental health and depression is stunning. I suffer with a lot myself, and I felt seen and represented in this story. Thank you Akemi, for your story, your words and your incredible talent. This book suckerpunched me in the heart and I loved every minute of it.

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