The Book of Form and Emptiness

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One year after his musician father's death, thirteen-year-old Benny Oh begins to hear voices from objects in his home—a sneaker, a broken ornament, a piece of wilted lettuce. Although he can't understand their words, he feels their emotional tones; some are gentle, while others express anger and pain. As his mother, Annabelle, develops a hoarding problem, the voices become increasingly overwhelming. Initially, Benny tries to ignore them, but they soon follow him outside and into school, prompting him to seek solace in a large public library, where the objects speak softly. In this refuge, Benny discovers a vibrant new world. He falls for a captivating street artist with a smug pet ferret who performs in the library. He also meets a homeless philosopher-poet who inspires him to ask profound questions and find his own voice. Additionally, he encounters his very own Book—a talking entity that narrates his life and teaches him to listen to what truly matters. With its engaging characters and exploration of themes like jazz, climate change, and our connection to material possessions, the narrative is a blend of boldness, wisdom, poignancy, and playfulness.