With the beginning of the pandemic, our country has faced many challenges including racial injustice, and gun violence. Gun violence is a serious epidemic today. It is sad that every morning, the news headline talks about a mass shooting, school shootings etc. According to ABC news last year, 120 children of ages 0-11 have been killed by gun violence with 281 injured,and 471 ages 12-17 being killed. In 2020, gun violence killed nearly 20,000 Americans, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive. Unfortunately, the number rises and rises.
Today I am going to share with you a book that talks about the trauma of gun violence. This book is written by Newberry Medalist and author of Other Words for Home, Jasmine Warga. I have read both of her books and have loved them, especially her new book, The Shape Of Thunder, that just came out a few weeks ago. This beautifully written book reflects the painful experiences and perspective of the shooter’s family and the victim’s family. It covers important topics like Family, Friendship, Grief, Coming in Terms with the loss of a loved one, Gun Violence, hope, empathy and forgiveness.
Cora, a middle schooler, has always had her best friend Quinn by her side, but now it’s just Cora. Cora has been grieving the death of her sister, Mabel who was shot by Quinn’s brother Parker in a school shooting (What an irony). She visits a therapist where she opens up her feelings. Whereas her ex best friend Quinn, has been shocked by what her brother had done and misses her best friend Cora. Both the girls are experiencing the pain of losing their siblings due to gun violence.On Cora’s birthday, Quinn breaks the silence by planning on a time travel to change the past and save their siblings. Cora is angry about what Quinn’s brother had done and doesn’t act friendly as she used to. Quinn wants to find what happened to Parker and why Parker killed those people and ended his life. Quinn’s parents have been fighting lately because of what Parker had done and that leads to Quinn pouring all her emotions into letters that she writes to Parker. Quinn’s parents are suffering from the trauma of losing their son and being judged as a shooter’s family Cora doesn’t know what to think about Quinn after the incident and cannot forgive. But, with the help of her Father and Grams, she changes her perspective about Quinn. What will happen next? Will the girls get to undo the past to save their siblings? Will their friendship restart? Read this book to find out.
After reading this book, when I shared the story with my mother she asked me a difficult question. She asked “Whose character do you mostly identify with , Quinn or Cora”? It took me a while to think about it but I feel it’s a mix of both. I have the positive attributes of Quinn like hope and perseverance. I’m somewhat like Cora. Cora is smart and interested in science (Well, I am not that smart) but have few things in common. Both the characters have a power of imagination and want to explore time travel, something that I wish was possible. This book covers science as well as cultural diversity. It is filled with complex emotions and will make you understand how gun violence affects everyone including shooters and the victim’s family.
Should guns be banned? This is the topic of debate on television after every incident of gun violence. Maybe this problem will be solved one day.
I would like to end this blog with a positive note by wishing everyone “Happy Memorial Day”!
As you may know, Memorial day is an American holiday to honor the Military as they fought for our country. On this day of May 31, we also celebrate the ones who died for our country. On this day, schools are off for one day and there are lots of sales in stores. Memorial day is observed on the last day of May on a Monday. And not to forget, this day marks the first day of summer.
Happy Memorial Day to everyone and have a lovely day!
Credits: Google, Wikipedia
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