The healing power of Savvy

It felt appropriate for me to spotlight Ingrid Law‘s Savvy now, because for me the reading of this beautiful book will always be linked with my sobbing through the story several years ago, as I healed from losing my brother in a car accident.  Since the 15th of this month (yes, I know…crazy anniversary, eh?) marks four years since my brother and his wife were killed, I’m taking the chance now to give back a little and point others to this book.

Savvy cover pic

Isn’t that a gorgeous cover?  It was the cover that made me pick it up, but the story just sucked me in.  I didn’t know then that it would wring my heart out and wash it clean to air in the sunshine, but I could instantly tell it was going to be an awesome read.  The voice, the wry humor, the juxtaposition of modern life and old time yarn, clashing up against each other, they all spoke to me.

But perhaps most important, the Beaumont family and Mibs herself seemed real.  Sometimes gritty with sweat and dust, often warm with love and smiles, but always real.  And one of the things about car accidents and death is, they’re real.  In a world where maybe the weather forecast will happen and maybe it won’t.  Maybe that choice is right and maybe it’s not.  Maybe that scandal is real and maybe it’s smoke–having a beautiful book about a girl who’s real yet somehow still larger than life can help you deal with the hardest problems of life–like car accidents–that are equally real yet somehow larger than life.

Best of all, perhaps, I’m grateful that reading Savvy just then has added one more bright point to the memory of losing my brother.  There are others.  One is the image of all the many-colored helium balloons–released by his nieces and nephews at the end of the funeral–floating up in a soaring rainbow of colors against a blue sky.  Those kind of images help the hurt, and let the heart heal.  And Savvy did that for me.

Pass it on, maybe it will help someone else, as well. 🙂

Apricot kitty cat napping on a rock

“If cats had a savvy, it would be curling up in people’s laps, purring.  In fact, I think that might be how we exercise our savvy.  We store it up sleeping in the sunshine, because sunny naps are the stuff a savvy is made of.”

Look for more MMGM spotlights, reviews, interviews and giveaways on Shannon’s blog, and thanks for stopping by!

MMGM2

 

Share, share away:

12 Comments

  1. Reply

    I have also heard good things about the next story, SCUMBLE. I can’t wait to read both… if only their were more time in these busy days. Anyway, thanks for renewing my interest in these books by Ingrid Law. Also…I’ve had a similar loss but with an older sister many years ago. You always think of the good times you had with them. I’m glad you returned to Savvy and its healing powers.

  2. Reply

    Scrumble is on my list, too! The blurb looks interesting, but as you say, the towering To Read pile outstrips the hours of the day! lol And yes, thinking of the good times is a great comfort. 🙂

  3. Reply

    I love it when a books speaks to a reader the way this one did for you.
    Savvy is one of my all-time favorite middle grade books. Every time I think about it or someone talks about it, my heart does a “thump” in my chest.

  4. Reply

    That’s a good way to describe it–as a thump in the chest! And yes, some books make you feel you’ve gained private entrance to a world, and can now join in welcoming any newcomers who find their way to join you!

  5. Reply

    Suzanne, I am so very sorry to hear about your brother and his wife but how wonderful that a children’s book helped you heal. I’ve always loved SAVVY.The voice is perfect. It’s been quite a few years since I read it. Maybe it’s time to read it again. SCUMBLE was fun too.

  6. Reply

    Thank you, Joanne! But you know, at the end of the day these things happen, and I’m grateful to be a parting of the book reading, loving, writing and recommending community, to help people heal! Books are beautiful. 😀

  7. Reply

    What a beautiful post, Suzanne! I’m sorry about your brother and his wife. I know books have helped me heal from the loss of my dad many years ago. All Rivers Flow to the Sea by Alison McGhee is one of my favorites for that reason.
    I’ve never gotten around to reading Savvy, although I’ve heard so many good things about it. Thanks for the reminder!

  8. Reply

    Suzanne, a very moving post. I could visualize the balloons–what a wonderful tribute. And Savvy sounds like a great read–I’ve already downloaded a sample for my Kindle.

    Did you ever read the book Zod Wallop by William Spencer Browning? It’s a fantasy novel written in 1995 about an author whose grief causes the monsters in his children’s book to come into the real world. In the end, it’s about how books can redeem us and salve our grief.

  9. Reply

    Jenni, thank you for that recommendation, and for the sympathy–which I send back to you, as well! I haven’t heard of All Rivers Flow to the Sea, but it sounds lovely!

  10. Reply

    Thank you! It may sound strange to say, but I’m glad you enjoyed it. And I’ve added Zod Wallop to my list, thank you for the recommend!

Leave Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *