Cannonballs done your way.
In honor of summer, this month’s children’s book is “Cannonball” by Sacha Cotter. The book cover illustrations by Josh Morgan feature beautiful blue and white water splashing, evoking a signature summer sound, to accompany an iconic childhood rite of passage- the cannonball. The main character, a little girl, hangs out beachside where people jumps from the cliff. She has determined to be recognized for an amazing cannonball, which she can’t do. She listens to Nan’s advice and so many others. Finally, she realizes that doing a cannonball in her own way, using her own rituals, style and delivery helps her make the perfect cannonball. She learns to listen to herself and approach the cannonball like only she can.
The boy in “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho finds himself on a journey to fulfill his Personal Legend in our adult book this month. The reader follows a young humble shepherd boy who listens to the advice of so many along his journey, trading his valuables thinking that he could trade or buy his way to find his treasure, his Personal Legend. He ultimately finds himself in a desert, where he figures out that only he can connect with the earth in a way that defeats his enemy. The boy finds that his treasure is closer to him than he ever realized, and that the key was listening to his inner voice and connecting to the earth’s power around him. “The Alchemist” is a testimony in its own success as Paulo Coelho’s foreward of the book. It was published 28 years ago, without success. At 41 years old, the original publisher let Paulo out of his contract because of the minuscule sales it earned. But Paulo kept believing in his project and summarizes his journey and the book in the foreword:
“But I never lost faith in the book or ever wavered in my vision. Why? Because it was me in there, all of me, heart and soul. I was living my own metaphor. A man sets out on a journey, dreaming of a beautiful and magical place, in pursuit of some unknown treasure. At the end of his journey, the man realizes the treasure was with him the entire time.”
At forty years old, I can relate to both main characters and Paulo Coelho’s desire to have advice, tips, or help to advance to life goals. I’ve been guilty of wanting the “Personal Legend” or perfect cannonball, the perfect relationship, home, family and career. I have sought advice from people who surround me, experts in books, podcasts and more. But I have learned to trust the still small voice that speaks when I’m quiet, in prayer. I’ve embraced the fact that only I will be able to execute the “cannonball” moment of my life in the way that I’ve been prepared to do. I believe that God has designed each of us as individuals on a specific course for a specific reason, that only you can fulfill. Both of these books in this months book pairing offer the opportunity to reflect on the personal journey, what we seek after, what we are willing to trade, substitute or listen to. One of my favorite quotes in the book is on page 134, which says, “And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity.” I’ve been challenged by this month’s book pairing to continue my search to fulfill dreams I’ve had, things I feel in my heart my life is intended for. It has sparked great conversation with my nine year old, and pushed me to think about how I am supporting his pursuit of listening to the voice in his heart, and the pursuit of his dreams. This book pairing offers you and your kiddo the platform to discuss the following:
When is a good time to listen to your own voice?
When should you trade your time or money for other people’s advice?
When should you listen to the advice of other people?
What makes you special?
What makes you unique?
What makes you able to do anything?
What is a dream that you have in your heart?
How can your family support your dream?
