Pax

The fox has shown itself in my life (in some form) every single day so far this year. I have been trying to understand the message it has to share with me. It's been wild...

And maybe, just maybe, that's the message I am to take away. I've been tamed, but am meant to live in the wild unknown. (Aka I am not meant for conventional living yet that's exactly what I've convinced myself to do. Again. It's no wonder my spirit is barely hanging on at the moment.)

When I stumbled upon this book at the grocery store, I took a photo and then downloaded it on Libby when I got home. I was instantly taken in by the author's note of fox communication and the epigraph: Just because it isn't happening here doesn't mean it isn't happening.

The story of connection, division, resiliency, and rising though and from pain was both beautiful and tragic at times. The symbolism was exquisite. The backdrop of war showcased the battles we have within ourselves, with others, with life, and with nature. Besides the relationship between the preteen main character, Peter, and Pax, the fox he raised since it was a kit, the relationship between Peter and “the weird old woman in the woods” was my favourite. It tugged at my heartstrings while I learned from both of them.

There were many storylines to explore and if I was still an elementary school teacher/librarian, this is a book I would read with (and provide meaningful assignments/projects/activities for) students in grade 3, 4, and 5.

It gutted me in the best way.