“FREEK” imagine being called that. “FREEEEEKKK” that’s what it seemed like she was. “FREEEEEEKKKK” was the name her classmates gave her that day in 3rd grade during math class- the day Mia discovered she wasn’t normal. Mia Winchell, the main character in A Mango Shaped Space appears to be that normal, girl-next -door type of teenager. But she isn’t.
When you think of the number three, for example, do you think of math, algebra, or the number four perhaps? Not Mia. If she thinks of the number three, she might think of the deepest blue of the ocean, or the lightest shade of yellow. Mia has synesthesia, a condition where all colors, sounds, tastes and other senses have their own special color.
Mia’s synesthesia gives her trouble. She had her cat Mango, who went through everything with her. When the colors overwhelmed her, he was there to keep her together. Not only in school did synesthesia make trouble, but also with her friends, her home life, and people just generally understanding her. Until she finds others with the same situation, no one knows what she is really going through. Mia tells her parents about this peculiar condition and things get better and worse from there.
A Mango Shaped Space takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. When you think something pleasant is just about to happen, it’ll take a wild turn. From happy to angry to sad to touching- this brilliant novel makes you cry and laugh at the exact same time.
This unique tale tells readers about a condition that is rarely discussed. Synesthesia is extremely unusual, but people live with it. Many people think of it as a disease, but this book shows that it is not one. There are plenty of amazing qualities synesthetics have. Wendy Mass really took this syndrome and turned it into something new. She made it a story where adolescents could become hooked on a life unlike many others, while learning about something new way beyond what it looks like.
I recommend A Mango Shaped Space to people who love a heartfelt, touching story. There’s a lot more to this book than you might think – you can really interpret it. This is also definitely not an adventure book, so if you’re looking for that, look elsewhere.
A Mango Shaped Space is one of my favorite books, and if you read it, this terrific novel might become one of yours too.