Description:
A Washington Post and Ms. Magazine Best Book of December
"This book is a gift." --Megan McDowell
From the award-winning author of How to Order the Universe, María José Ferrada beautifully details the life and lessons of an unconventional man and the boy who loves him.
Review Quotes: "A tender coming of age tale."--The Washington Post
"Enchanting. . . . As in Ferrada's past work, this one has much to say on themes of acceptance, conformity, and societal expectations."--Publishers Weekly "Provides remarkable insight. . . . The theme of the value and place of nonconformity in today's society will ring true."--Library Journal "Touching and transfixing."--Ms. Magazine "Reveals the kindnesses and cruelties that humans are capable of."--San Francisco Chronicle "Enchanting."--Book Riot "A masterful, provocative, and timely artwork that shows what can happen to those who risk a life of freedom that diverges from the norm."--Ploughshares "Fascinating."--Chicago Review of Books "Sharp, sweet, compelling. . . . a delightful and propulsive read."--Powell's Books "Timeless and deeply resonant. . . . This book reminds readers that to allow yourself to be different from the rest of the world is a rare and beautiful thing, no matter the risks."--The Independent Book Review, Starred Review "Here is a master storyteller."--The Adroit Journal "Excellent. . . . Ferrada, much like Jacqueline Woodson in Red at the Bone, knows that freedom may be found in the fetters of youth, allowing her readers to learn along with her characters." --On the Seawall "A blissful escape. . . . Gorgeously detailed, layered, and a true pleasure to read."--The Avocado Diaries "Exquisite."--Historical Novel Society "Well worthwhile. . . . a carefully crafted poignant story."--The Complete Review "How to Turn into a Bird takes a piercing look at how the human spirit can be nurtured, even set free, by curiosity and compassionate attention--or altogether quashed by fear and judgment. María José Ferrada and translator Elizabeth Bryer have created a vivid, poignant atmosphere, both mournful and tender." --Robin Myers "With all the brutal simplicity of a fairy tale, María José Ferrada lays bare the blind and violent intolerance that reigns on the precarious outskirts of an unequal society. A deceptively simple tale in a sensitive translation by Elizabeth Bryer--this book is a gift to English-speaking readers."--Megan McDowell