Status Updates From Dust

I'm glad that I received answers about Adam and his situation.

I felt hesitant about reading this book because I knew it'd be heavy, but I loved it. Avalyn was a relatable, well developed protagonist, and I enjoyed her growth throughout the book. The way she reflected on her actions and did her best to become a better person was admirable. If only more people were like that in real life. 😟😔

I'm not sure what to make of Caleb's transformation at the end of the book. I saw it coming because of his actions earlier in the story. It's understandable that Avalyn, Nan, and Dillon would feel skeptical and/or suspicious of him since he'd bulled them in the past. And I get why forgiving him would be difficult or take a lot of time.

'Today we’re all eating tofu cheese and cauliflower crust, Avalyn,' Nan said, dripping water all over the cool decking.

This is so heartwarming and tooth-rotting that I can barely stand it. 😍 It's amazing that Nan was so inclusive of Avalyn at her birthday party. It's important to do that for a friend when they have a food allergy or food intolerance.

Continued from my previous update.

I'm a LOT older than Avalyn and speaking up for myself is still hard for me. She's an inspiring character just like Mack in When You're Brave Enough.

But I had to believe that just as being quiet had gotten easier over time, speaking out would get easier, too. I just needed a lot more practice, and here was my chance to get some.

❤❤❤❤ Avalyn standing up to Valerie and Emma was a wonderful example of her character development. 😍

Avalyn stood up for herself and her friends in a way that was unexpected and unique.

Continued from my previous update.

I acknowledge that Avalyn's dad made a valid point. Hurt people don't always hurt other people. It depends on the person and the situation.

And anyway, just because someone’s been hurt doesn’t mean they’re destined to hurt others.'

That can be true, but look at what Michael Jackson did. He continued the cycle of abuse even though he was abused. He didn't break the cycle of abuse.

'Yes, you’re only one person, but you know what we’ve always told you. A single voice can be powerful. Your voice can be powerful. You are definitely not powerless, Avalyn.'

Once again, Avalyn's dad is a gem. 😀

Avalyn is dealing with a rough realization and it has shaken her up.

I stomped my foot like a little kid.

I have literally seen grown ass adults do this. 🙄😑

And some questions flat out cross a line. I've dealt with that too.

Avalyn's empathy for Adam is interesting to read about wrt bullying and the way they've both struggled with standing up for themselves against bullies. That's very relatable.

His face softened a little. “She was always sad, okay? She was never, ever not sad."

My guess is that Adam's mother had depression.

I can understand why Adam wanted Avalyn to stop asking him questions about his life. I've been there. Some people can come off as nosy whether they mean to or not.

It's interesting how Avalyn thought that Magneto was a sympathetic character.

The foreboding mood at the end of that chapter was intense.