The Magical Imperfect There is a certain magic in imperfection. Often, people strive for perfection, seeking to achieve flawlessness in various aspects of their lives. However, it is in imperfection that true beauty can be found. In nature, imperfections are abundant. The irregular petals on a flower, the asymmetrical shape of a tree, or the unique markings on a butterfly's wings - these imperfections add character and depth to the natural world. They make each individual specimen distinct and memorable.
A Southern California Independent Booksellers Association BESTSELLER!
BookRiot Best Children's Books about Kindness
Nerdy Book Club 2019 Award, Novels-in-Verse
A Literacious Favorite Middle-Grade Book of 2019
A National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Notable Book
They share a beautiful friendship, and I especially liked how realistically Etan sometimes tells Malia to stop scratching but it s not that easy, is it. Adult readers can reflect on the thoughts and feelings Etan goes through as the consequence of an adult offering him a well intentioned comment about making an effort to speak, that impacts him negatively.
They make each individual specimen distinct and memorable. Similarly, in art, imperfections can elevate a creation to another level. Whether it's a slightly off-center brushstroke or a small crack in a sculpture, these imperfections give the artwork a sense of humanity.
Book Review: The Magical Imperfect by Chris Baron
A remarkable story from a talented author. Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read and review The Magical Imperfect! Today is it’s book birthday!
Release: June 15, 2021Summary:
Etan has stopped speaking since his mother left. His father and grandfather don’t know how to help him. His friends have given up on him.
When Etan is asked to deliver a grocery order to the outskirts of town, he realizes he’s at the home of Malia Agbayani, also known as the Creature. Malia stopped going to school when her acute eczema spread to her face, and the bullying became too much.
As the two become friends, other kids tease Etan for knowing the Creature. But he believes he might
have a cure for Malia’s condition, if only he can convince his family and hers to believe it too. Even if it works, will these two outcasts find where they fit in?
My Thoughts:
My oh my. Baron is so purposeful with each word in this novel in verse. A beautiful mix of uniqueness, belonging, friendship, baseball, singing, family, and traditions. The stories and characters flow so well together where we have Etan’s mother who is in the hospital due to severe depression, Etan who is “selective mute”, Malia who has severe eczema and is now homeschooled, Etan’s father who is obsessed with baseball and is losing his faith, and Etan’s grandfather who is always working but has something magical to share. This is all set in the 80’s where we get many references to this time, including the ’89 World Series, San Francisco earthquake, many songs that will get you signing like “Time After Time”. A memorable novel in verse that I am eager to share—also, that cover is gorgeous!
When Etan is asked to deliver a grocery order to the outskirts of town, he realizes he’s at the home of Malia Agbayani, also known as the Creature. Malia stopped going to school when her acute eczema spread to her face, and the bullying became too much.
They break the sterile perfection that can sometimes make an artwork feel cold and mechanical. Imperfections in art remind us of the artist's hand, their human touch and their vulnerability. In relationships, imperfections also play a significant role. It is in accepting each other's flaws and imperfections that true love and connection can flourish. When we give and receive love unconditionally - imperfections and all - we create a bond that is stronger and more resilient, as it is built on understanding and acceptance. Even in ourselves, the magic of imperfection is present. Our flaws and vulnerabilities make us human; they remind us that we are not meant to be perfect. Embracing our imperfections allows us to grow and learn, as we navigate through life with a sense of humility and authenticity. It is through our imperfections that we can truly connect with others, as it creates a sense of relatability and allows us to be vulnerable. In a world that often seeks perfection, it is important to embrace the magical imperfections that surround us. Whether it is in nature, art, relationships, or ourselves, imperfections add depth and character to our lives. They remind us of the beauty and uniqueness that can be found within the imperfect. So, let us celebrate the magical imperfect and find joy in its presence..
Reviews for "The Magic of Imperfect Timing: Embracing the Beauty of Unexpected Opportunities"
1. John - 2 stars
I found "The Magical Imperfect" to be quite disappointing. The characters seemed underdeveloped and the plot lacked depth. I couldn't connect with any of the characters and didn't care about what happened to them. The magic aspect of the story felt forced and didn't add anything meaningful to the overall narrative. Overall, I was hoping for more from this book and sadly, it didn't deliver.
2. Sarah - 1 star
"The Magical Imperfect" left me feeling confused and unsatisfied. The story seemed disjointed and lacked a clear direction. The author introduced too many unnecessary subplots and characters that didn't add much to the overall story. Additionally, the writing style was overly descriptive and made it difficult to follow the main plotline. I struggled to finish this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "The Magical Imperfect," but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was slow, and the story didn't seem to go anywhere. The magical elements felt out of place and disconnected from the rest of the narrative. The characters were forgettable, and I didn't feel invested in their journey. Overall, this book didn't live up to my expectations and left me feeling unfulfilled.
4. Michael - 2 stars
"The Magical Imperfect" had an interesting concept, but the execution didn't live up to its potential. The story lacked clarity and was overly convoluted. The magical elements were introduced in a haphazard manner, and it was difficult to understand their significance. The character development was weak, and I had a hard time connecting with any of the protagonists. I was left feeling confused and dissatisfied with this book.