1/26/2024 0 Comments In the darkSoontornvat talks of privilege and unfairness, discusses how the affluent don’t care about the poor, and, most importantly, questions whether you can actually make a change, when you recognize injustice and believe you cannot do anything about it. The system is set up against people who can’t afford the better types of lights and therefore cannot achieve the same quality standards of living, and the rich turn away from their struggles. Chattana depends on orb lights, for everything from light to electricity to heating. I appreciate so much about this book, especially how it artfully tackles social issues such as poverty and wealth distribution. No matter what he did, he could not shut off the light that poured out of the people of Chattana. And I also fell in love with Nok’s relationship with her parents! Though there were rough patches, especially as Nok was trying to determine her place in the world on her own, but her parents made certain that she knew they always loved her. Monks are highly respected in Thai culture, so I loved seeing him teach Pong important life lessons, all Buddhist-inspired. Some other relationships I enjoyed include Father Cham, a mentor to Pong. Their brotherhood and support for each other is at the forefront of their interactions, and it is so heartwarming to see how much they have grown to love each other. First and foremost, I adore the sweet friendship between Pong and Somkit. I think an important part of this book is the relationships that the characters form with one another. Both of these characters are growing, developing their ideas of the world, and learning how to fight for others. Nok, on the other hand, is fierce and determined, but still struggling to define her ideas of right and wrong, just like any kid growing up is. He simply yearns to be free, but he also is extremely good-hearted and kind. Pong is a boy who was imprisoned and treated unfairly because of his mother. And sometimes… Sometimes good people get trapped in the dark.” But sometimes it just shines on the lucky ones. “Well, sometimes light shines on the worthy. I kept waiting for some flaws to surface in my mind, and I truly couldn’t think of anything. Immediately after I finished it, I remember smiling broadly and thinking about how perfect it felt. I’ve said before that I felt like this book was flawless, and I still stand by it. As Nok tries to track him down, Pong discovers how the rich of Chattana thrive while the poor struggle, and he and his friend Somkit band together to bring justice. Reread 5/22/21: perfect book is perfect (edited review to come)Ī Wish in the Dark is a middle grade fantasy that follows two children: Pong, a boy who escapes the prison he was born in, and Nok, the prison warden’s daughter who has become a warrior. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, two young children, and one old cat. She is passionate about STEM (science, technology engineering, and math), and loves learning new things. ![]() ![]() She spent a decade working in the science museum field, where she designed programs and exhibits to get kids excited about science. in Mechanical Engineering and a master’s degree in Science Education. In addition to being an author, Christina holds a B.S. Her forthcoming books include the middle grade fantasy, A Wish in the Dark, and All Thirteen, a nonfiction account of the Thai Cave Rescue. Christina is the author of the fantasy middle grade series, The Changelings, and the early chapter book series, Diary of an Ice Princess. She is very proud of both her Thai and her Texan roots, and makes regular trips to both Weatherford and Bangkok to see her beloved family members (and eat lots and lots of Thai food!). Christina Soontornvat grew up behind the counter of her parents’ Thai restaurant in a small Texas town with her nose stuck in a book.
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