A Mango-Shaped Space

April 14, 2003
In an intriguing first novel, Mass introduces a 13-year-old heroine with an unusual perspective. Mia Winchell is a synesthete; her visual and hearing senses are connected so that numbers, letters, words, sounds and even some people's auras appear to her as colors. The letter "a," for instance, is the shade of a "faded sunflower," screeching chalk "makes red jagged lines in the air," and Mia's beloved cat, Mango, is surrounded by an orange cloud. Mia's unique view proves to be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, she enjoys having heightened senses ("If I couldn't use my colors, the world would seem so bland—like vanilla ice cream without the gummy bears on top," she says). On the other hand, sometimes it's hard for her being reminded that she is different, like when her brother, Zack, calls her "the Missing Link." Although the story line, at times, seems cluttered with underdeveloped subplots about Mia's friendships, potential romances and conflicts at school, the novel's premise is interesting enough to keep pages turning. The author successfully brings abstract ideas down to earth. Her well-defined characterizations, natural-sounding dialogue, and concrete imagery allow readers to feel Mia's emotions and see through her eyes a kaleidoscopic world, which is at once confusing and beautiful. Ages 10-13.

Mia Winchell is a synesthete--her brain is wired to taste, read, and hear in color. Narrator Danielle Ferland portrays a young person who is both ordinary and unique. Ferland is strong in depicting Mia's wry humor as she struggles with siblings and friendships while coping with her own perceptions. Vivid word pictures cascade throughout this sensual story. Mia's cat purrs in mango spheres, and her music produces shapes in the air. But she has the experiences of average kids as well, and with youthful sincerity Ferland expresses her frustration over homework and her despair over losing family members. This audiobook brings alive a unique young person and her rare gift. C.A. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine