Title: Harley in the Sky
Author: Akemi Dawn Bowman
First published March 10, 2020
416 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781534437128 (ISBN10: 1534437126)
Rating: 3.98
Overview
Akemi Dawn Bowman’s Harley in the Sky is a captivating contemporary novel that explores the beauty and brutality of circus life. Harley Milano has always dreamed of becoming a trapeze artist like her parents, who run a famous circus in Las Vegas.
Despite her parents’ insistence on education, Harley’s passion for the circus leads her to betray her family and join the rival Maison du Mystère. As Harley navigates this new world of hard work, passion, and collaboration, she must also confront the truth of her family and past.
This heart-wrenching and hopeful novel delves into the themes of love, loyalty, and the sacrifices we make to follow our dreams. With its poetic prose and engaging storytelling, Harley in the Sky is a must-read for fans of The Greatest Showman and Sarah Dessen.
About the Author
Akemi Dawn Bowman is a celebrated author with a talent for writing across multiple genres. Her novels have garnered numerous accolades and award nominations, including her debut work, STARFISH, which was a finalist for the William C.
Morris Award. Holding a social sciences degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Akemi currently resides in Scotland with her loved ones.
She admits to overthinking everything, even this bio about herself. If you want to connect with Akemi, you can find her on Instagram by following @AkemiDawnBowman.
Editoral Review
Harley in the Sky by Akemi Dawn Bowman is a beautifully written young adult novel that explores themes of identity, family, and chasing your dreams. Bowman is an accomplished author, having written several other highly acclaimed novels, including Starfish and Summer Bird Blue.
The novel is set in a circus, following the story of Harley Milano, a teenage trapeze artist who dreams of performing the ultimate stunt: a triple somersault. However, after a disagreement with her parents, Harley is forced to leave her family’s circus and join a rival one.
As she navigates the challenges of her new life, she must also confront her own fears and doubts about her abilities.
Bowman’s writing is lyrical and evocative, immersing the reader in the vibrant world of the circus. She expertly captures the thrill and danger of the trapeze, as well as the tight-knit community of circus performers.
The characters, particularly Harley and her fellow performers, are well-developed and complex, each with their own struggles and motivations.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of family dynamics. Harley’s strained relationship with her parents is a central conflict in the story, and Bowman does an excellent job of portraying the nuances and complexities of their interactions.
The novel also touches on themes of mental health and the pressure to succeed, adding depth and relevance to the story.
However, the pacing of the novel can sometimes feel slow, and some readers may find themselves wanting more action or plot development. Additionally, while the novel is set in a circus, it does not explore the darker aspects of the industry, such as animal abuse or exploitation, which may be a disappointment for some readers.
Overall, Harley in the Sky is a beautifully written coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers of all ages. Its themes of identity, family, and chasing your dreams are universal and timeless, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a heartfelt and inspiring read.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
