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Fred: Well, I have finished book 3... I have been rereading chapters 28-36 and replaying the scenes several times in my head this morning. I am finishing up gathering all my reactions and recollections of the book. Overall, I really like the book! :)

All the Ivy stories are stories about search for identity, and this one is no different. In book 2, Ivy learns to identify and accept who she really is. In book 3, she tries to find out the answer to the question: Well okay, so what does that really mean? As a result, this book delves a lot into the nature of Ivy's telekinetic power. What can she do with it? What does she want to do with it? And, most importantly, how does she come to grip with the fact that it is a very unique power in this world? Furthermore, Ivy must deal with the challenge that she has extremely little human world experience, and is very much an outsider. Compounding Ivy's challenge in her quest for her identity, are her other differences--most significantly, her absence of sex drive.

Ivy learns, through various experiences, the value of her telekinetic power. She learns that it is more than a freak show talent. People really could use and appreciate her talent. Ivy finds out that while explaining her power is difficult and tedious, an attitude of "hey it is helpful to me, and potentially, to you" and the act of getting to the point by demonstrating it makes this task as painless as possible. Ivy does several odd jobs with her power, and at the end, becomes completely and undoubtedly accepting and appreciative of it. The production of Ruben's play, and her mastery of "wind art" bring Ivy much fulfillment and joy, as well as appreciation of her own power and how she would most enjoy using it.

Yet, in the exploration of Ivy's power, Ivy also manages to explore and teach some very important concepts. Ivy learns the concepts of vision, and perspective. Her power allows her to fly, and through this act, Ivy understands the limitations and weaknesses of most humans' perspectives. In fact, Ivy's flight and freedom of motion symbolize transcendence over the limited and "maze-like" experience that most humans call life.

Also, Ivy explores her nonsexuality. She really had not been "bothered" by it until this book. Perhaps a combination of peer messages, Bailey's human-like physical development, Zeke's sexual interest, and Ivy's deep but platonic interest for Ruben cause her to wonder about it. Ivy faces the challenge of rejecting Zeke's romantic overtures but still remaining friends. Ivy tries to "feel" romantic and sexual feelings for Ruben, but cannot... Ivy consults with friends and doctors, but cannot find a satisfactory answer. The best conclusion arrived at in the book is Ruben's advice to "be happy" about it and not be upset about it.

At this point, I think that it is an irreversible part of Ivy's nature. The doctor and other characters in the book suggest a different aging pattern for Ivy (for whatever reason) but this is not conclusive. The true nature of this trait of Ivy's cannot and is not defined in this book. Ivy does learn about love, however. Yet, love is such a broad and deep topic, that it is impossible for anyone to learn all about it in such a short span. For now, Ivy finds that love exists, and takes on very many different forms. She finds out, through Ruben, that male-female love may exist, and indeed be very affectionate, yet still not require sex or desire for sex.

Still, Ivy does not know enough about love to put it into words. In chapters 28 and 35 where the topic is brought up by Zeke, Ivy still cannot explain or accept her nonsexuality. The difference between Zeke and Ruben is that Ruben is understanding and accepting of Ivy's nonsexuality without pressuring Ivy to change that facet of herself. Thus, Ruben helps Ivy in terms of accepting and being comfortable with her own body.

In conclusion, Ivy gains insight into her identity by deeply exploring her powers and her nonsexuality. The book shows Ivy finally understanding the nature of her telekinetic power, becoming comfortable with it, and becoming comfortable with showing it to others. Ivy discovers (though perhaps she needs more reinforcement than what is covered in the book) that like her telekinesis, the medical basis for her nonsexuality is a nonfactor. The fact is that, like her telekinesis, it is part of her, and she can love and be loved regardless of her sexuality. Ivy has discovered love and acceptance from others--building on her own self worth that she discovered in book 2, and her own willingness to search, discover, and examine with an open mind. Thus, in book 3, Ivy learns more about her own identity by learning how she is truly valued and appreciated by other people.


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