Review: The Art of the Heart by Dan Skinner
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 6, 2014
“As you think, so you are. As you dream, so you become. As you create your wishes, so they create you.” ~ Wendy GarrettZac, of Dan Skinner's book 'The Art of the Heart', has known that he's different most of his life; but, because he thinks how he feels is wrong, he hides behind his shyness and stays to himself. He tries to be as anonymous as possible, hoping no one will be able to figure it out; but the gift inside of him has a life of its own and will not be denied. With encouragement from Rory, the man he's had feelings for most of his life, Zac is able to acknowledge and appreciate his beauty that lies within.By hiding his desire for men Zac is also smothering his specialness; because in choosing to be plain, he's blind to how gifted he is. When Zac begins to draw, something deep in his soul stirs and cries for release. Even though he can't share it anyone, Zac is able to create his own fantasy world, one in which he can be anything or do anything he wants. Even with the evidence laid before his eyes in the glorious drawings he creates, he still doesn't fathom the extent of their magic. Zac can't internalize his talent so he can't see himself as being anything special. Until his idol, Rory, points it out to him, Zac doesn't realize he has an extraordinary gift, one that can save him from the boring existence which, before now, he's resigned himself to.Rory has always liked Zac, but like everyone else, he didn't realize how special he was, because Zac didn't let anyone know him. With Zac being so shy, Rory thought he didn't want to be bothered, so he mostly left him alone. Rory has no idea that Zac watches him all the time and has memorized every expression, nuance, and movement that Roy makes. When Rory finally sees Zac's drawings, he's in awe of the boy's talent for detail and memorization and compliments him highly. Since Zac had never shown his work to anyone, the praise scares him. He knows that Rory will most certainly pick up on his secret, especially from the obvious sensuality in the drawings and will tell everyone. Rory doesn't do that though. He tells Zac that some things are private and no one else's business. Rory keeps the information in his heart, thinking about how special Zac sees him, waiting to show Zac that he is flattered, instead of being insulted, Rory tries to think of a way to repay Zac for immortalizing him in such a perfect light. When the opportunity comes, he makes sure that Zac knows, in no uncertain terms, just how very special he is.It's not often a story comes along that I immediately want to read over again, but this is one of those times. There's a myriad of emotions played out in this modern fairy tale, which captivated my imagination and made my heart cry and sing. Although Zac's journey of self-realization was sad, I still had the feeling that something good was right around the corner; it was like electricity in the air. I was delighted in Rory's sensitivity and understanding and the part he played in Zac's evolution. It truly endeared him to me. I'd recommend this story to everyone with a romantic heart and a belief that if you wish for something hard enough, your dreams will come true. Thanks, Dan, for reminding us that we all have magic; it's just a matter of recognizing and putting it to good use.Originally published at Rainbow Book Reviews.