The Someday Birds

Sally J. Pla uses Charlie’s evolving relationship with birds and the natural world to explore the ways in which nature might heal and center the individual. For as long as Charlie can remember, he’s loved to read and talk about birds. However, at the start of the novel, Charlie “hate[s] to be outside” because it’s “dusty and dirty” (19). Outside of his occasional trips to the canyon with his dad to see birds, Charlie’s understanding of nature is limited to books until he and his family travel across the country. Pla uses environments and sights, including the “big, monotonous desert[s],” “wide fancy boulevard[s],” “hot beige wasteland[s],” “dark Wyoming mountain[s],” and “piercing-bright diamond stars” to both inspire and move Charlie (49, 89, 103). Each new setting opens Charlie to new ways of seeing the world, other people, and himself. He discovers a deep connection with nature by exploring diverse regions around the United States and learns how healing and empowering these adventures can be. The more places he visits, the more excited he feels to try new things. Therefore, Charlie’s changing geographical context throughout the novel mirrors his shifting emotional state and inspires the array of lessons he learns.

Charlie’s love and respect for Dr. Tiberius Shaw also facilitates his growing love for nature. After he finds Shaw’s journal in Las Vegas, Charlie begins to use Shaw’s writing as a guidebook. Shaw asks questions about the birds he’s studying like: “What stunt of bird bravery is this?” and “What can the godwit teach us about our own connection to home?” (67). Furthermore, Shaw makes observations and remarks like: “You will find me there, surrounded by birds of all flocks, miraculous birds that soar and wing and explain to me the workings of the world” (177). Charlie had previously considered human behavior difficult to understand, but these questions reflect Charlie’s difficulty with people back at him and imply that the study of birds can also be a study of humans. These parts of Shaw’s journal inspire Charlie to study birds and the natural world with new bravery and boldness. In turn, Charlie discovers that many of Shaw’s experiences are true for him, too. Like Shaw, Charlie learns that being outside and spending time with animals grants him perspective on his relationships and his life’s challenges.

Charlie discovers how to overcome adversity and to heal by connecting with nature. Camping with his family, taking walks with Tiberius, exploring Yellowstone National Park, and venturing through the Sanctuary Marsh are all experiences that teach Charlie how transformative the natural world can be. By the end of the novel, Charlie has learned to take more risks, and he has discovered that surrounding himself with plants and animals when he feels upset can soothe and encourage him. Pla also uses these facets of Charlie’s story to explore the particularly important role that nature can play for neurodiverse individuals, as it can offer a safe space in a society that may otherwise be hard to navigate.