“Pax” Book Review

When I saw this book I knew I had to read it.  The description and cover reminded me of the books: “Rascal”, “Summer of the Monkeys” and “Where the Red Fern Grows”.  I loved those books as a child and  assumed it would be just like them.  I was right.  If you, like me, adore those books, then this is definitely a book for you! (Or anyone who loves brilliant stories in general! )

 

It is the story of a boy (Peter) and a fox (Pax) that are an inseparable duo. Peter discovered Pax as a young kit and only survivor of his family and raised him.  They had a mutual understanding and incredible bond that connected them and intertwined their hearts.  The book starts where Peter is pressured into abandoning Pax in the wild by his stern and emotionally distant father.  Once separated, it is his only wish to reunite with Pax.  He is driven forward by love, loyalty, and a desire to do what he feels he needs to do to make himself whole.

There are a few gorgeous black and white illustrations scattered in the book that do their part to enhance the feel and flow of the story, but to me the most interesting part about the structure of the book is that to tell their story the chapters switch back and forth between the perspective of Pax the fox and Peter.  It really is ingenious how Sara Pennypacker (the author) really does capture the essence of foxes and relates Pax’s charter in a way that feels truly authentic instead of fictional, which of course it is.  This makes it easy to emotionally connect with both Pax and Peter as they strive to find each other and discover who they are in the process.

Be ready to feel all kinds of emotions when reading this book. The story is simple and the text is simple, but it is so real and raw that it will pull at your heart.  Don’t misunderstand me, simple text does not mean that it isn’t wonderful, because it really is quite a poetically beautiful read.  And thought the story is simple, there are multiple messages and a depth that can only be achieved through an incredible understanding of human nature.

There are also issues addressed that Sara explored in such a way that you feel like nothing is being sugar-coated or filtered, and yet it truly is still done in such a way that it is appropriate for children.  She touches on war, guilt, pain and healing, loneliness and self-control just to name a few.  Perhaps my favorite lesson Peter learns is written on the last page of the book and had me tearing up it was so poignant.

This book has a warm and familiar feel that invites you to “step-inside” and become friends with the characters and join them on their journey.  It is one that I would recommend for children and adults alike.

Some quotes I love from this book are:

“Because I am exactly where I should be, doing exactly what I should be doing. That is peace.”

“So which is it? You going back for your home or for your pet? They’re the same thing, Peter said, the answer sudden and sure, although a surprise to him.”

“She said it meant that no matter how bad things got, we could always make ourselves new again.”

“The plain truth can be the hardest thing to see when it’s about yourself. If you don’t want to know the truth, you’ll do anything to disguise it.”