A Mango-Shaped Space: A Journey into Color and Self-Acceptance
Wendy Mass has a gift for weaving intricate tapestries of emotion, and her novel A Mango-Shaped Space stands out as a beacon for anyone who has ever felt a little different. The moment I discovered this book, I was intrigued—not just by its captivating premise of synesthesia but by the promise of deeply relatable characters and themes. For anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, Mia Winchell’s story is one you won’t want to miss.
At its core, A Mango-Shaped Space is the story of Mia, a thirteen-year-old who sees the world in vibrant hues—and not just through a painter’s palette. Mia experiences a unique condition called synesthesia, where she perceives sounds and numbers as colors. It’s a fascinating concept that feels both magical and isolating, as the world she sees isn’t quite the same as everyone else’s. The pressures of fitting in, particularly in the chaotic landscape of adolescence, come crashing down on her when she is forced to confront her uniqueness.
Mia’s journey isn’t just about her extraordinary way of perceiving the world; it also delves deep into personal and familial relationships, grief, and the exercise of accepting one’s true self. The narrative pulls at your heartstrings, especially as Mia navigates her relationship with her beloved cat, Mango, whose presence adds both comfort and complexity to her life. It’s a loving tribute to the bonds that tether us to our emotions, and honestly, I found myself reflecting on the pets I’ve loved and lost while reading her story.
Mass’s writing shines through in her ability to blend humor with poignant moments. The pacing is just right—never rushed, allowing the reader to savor Mia’s gradual journey toward self-acceptance and the gradual revelation of her synesthesia to friends and family. One moment that particularly resonated with me was when Mia inadvertently loses her ability to perceive colors after a devastating loss. It left me with a profound sense of emptiness, mirroring how loss can dull our emotional landscapes.
The book is peppered with beautiful imagery and thoughtful observations that stay long after the last page has been turned. It invites readers to not only imagine a world alive with color but also to embrace their own “mango-shaped spaces” and unique qualities—no matter how different they might be. I couldn’t help but smile at the deep friendships Mia cultivates, reminding us of the importance of finding those who appreciate us for who we truly are.
In a world where fitting in can feel paramount, Mass reminds us to celebrate our quirks and see our differences as our greatest strengths. For young readers navigating their own landscapes of identity, this book serves as a gentle guide toward self-acceptance.
So, if you’re a parent, teacher, or someone who enjoys stories rich with themes of empathy and resilience, I highly recommend adding A Mango-Shaped Space to your reading list. Whether you’re a pre-teen looking for inspiration, an adult needing a reminder of your uniqueness, or anyone curious about the magic of synesthesia, this book will not just entertain you—it will color your heart in ways you didn’t know were possible.