AUSTRALIA-WIDE LOW FLAT RATE $9.90
AKEMI DAWN BOWMAN is a proud Ravenclaw and Star Wars enthusiast, who served in the US Navy for five years and has a BA in social sciences. Originally from Las Vegas, Akemi currently lives in Scotland with her husband, two children, and their Pekingese mix. Her debut novel is the much-loved and acclaimed Starfish.
' This is a crucial book on loss. Raw, real, and deeply hopeful, Summer Bird Blue follows Rumi Seto on her path to healing in idyllic Hawaii with the help of a grumpy old man and a bubbly new friend. This book has solidly secured Akemi as one of my favourite contemporary YA authors - I will read anything Akemi Dawn Bowman writes. The stand-out element for me was the aro-ace representation in Rumi, the likes of which I have never seen before... Much of Rumi's journey in Summer Bird Blue explores her discovering and accepting her aro-ace identity, and she does NOT end up in a relationship by the end. She made me feel strongly seen in a way I don't think I've ever felt before in a book ... I deeply admire and respect Akemi for making this choice, because it would have been SO easy to let Rumi end up in a relationship with Kai. But it makes a far more interesting book because she doesn't! ' - Alice Oseman, author of Heartstopper 'Bowman dives into the sea of grief with her protagonist and celebrates the kinds of love that are eclipsed all too often. With this remarkable book, she has cemented her position as one of the most progressive and insightful authors of her generation.' - Samantha Shannon, author of The Priory of the Orange Tree 'Summer Bird Blue is a quiet but powerful exploration of music and love, and their ability to heal grief over time. Like my favorite sad songs, this book settled deep into my heart and refused to let go.' - Brandy Colbert, author of Little & Lion and Finding Yvonne 'Summer Bird Blue brings us the gift of Rumi, unflinchingly honest in herself, her music and the ways she loves and doesn't. I got (sobbingly) lost in the rhythms of this beautiful exploration of what it means to grieve when you haven't figured out who you are or your place in the world. With a Hawaiian setting so vividly alive that it becomes essential to Rumi's healing, this is a gut-wrenching, must-read novel.' - S.K. Ali, author of Saints and Misfits 'A beautifully complex exploration of grief, guilt, and the healing power of art and friendship. Akemi Dawn Bowman's Summer Bird Blue will make your heart ache and leave your soul hopeful.' - Ashley Herring Blake, author of Suffer Love and Girl Made of Stars
