The Beat I Drum

By Dusti Bowling

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

We first met Connor in Dusti Bowling’s award winning Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus, the story of Aven Green who was born without arms. Now in the third instalment of the Life of a Cactus series Connor gets his own story. He has Tourette Syndrome, which means that he has involuntary tics, in his case, he twitches and barks, all of which makes starting out at a new school difficult.

He lives in an apartment alone with his mum as his father left two years ago and Connonr blames himself. At school he makes friends with Amanda, who also has Tourette’s, and Rory, who has a large birthmark on her face which sets her apart. Both of them understand what it’s like being different. It soon becomes obvious that his father is trying to get back in his life and Connor doesn’t want him, it all hurt too much last time. His turmoil is increased by his developing feelings for Rory plus there is a bully at school who torments him. The only solace is his music lessons with the marvellous Mrs Chen, who teaches him how to drum. How Connor learns to drum, and somehow move through life to his own beat is the heart of this story.

Dusti writes intense, intimate scenes, weaving the many strands of family, falling in love, school life, old and new friends with a light but deft hand. The mood is usually upbeat, there is plenty of self-deprecating humour, and Connor is a typical teenage boy, although perhaps a little more self aware than most. This story with its core themes of the therapeutic value of music and the power of forgiveness always feels authentic and will appeal to many readers aged 12+

Union Square Kids 2025

Dusti Bowling