A review by dogoodwithbooks
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This is my first time reading a book from Dusti Bowling, and I definitely think it won’t be the last time I read her work. 

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus does an excellent job of conveying life as a disabled person navigating adolescence. With a spunky MC, you can’t help but root for Aven as she adjusts to her family moving to a run-down amusement park in Arizona. I felt that Bowling did a great job with Aven’s character development, especially taking note with addressing Aven’s disability and how Aven’s lived experience as a disabled person interacts with others in the book (for example, considering the ableism Aven and Connor have faced in their lives). While some of the side/minor characters did pile up a bit (mainly with Aven naming all the employees at Stagecoach Pass) and readers can get lost, the core group of side characters is balanced and given their own time to shine. 

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I think Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus would be a good read for those looking for contemporary fiction with hints of mystery narrated through a spirited MC. 
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