Dhan Gopal Mukerji (1890–1936)

So. Gay Neck seems like a fine little dude, bird, pigeon. I have no problem with him. He's heroic, and that's all good. But I just began to LOATHE the narrator, Gay Neck’s owner. He goes and directly or indirectly kills Gay Neck’s siblings, his mom, his dad, sells Gay Neck, and puts him in countless really terrible situations. (Maybe I’m biased because I have birds?)
When there is no love for the narrator, it is kind of hard to like the book. But hey, you learn several times that if you have no fear, your enemies can’t kill you. Noted.

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I really enjoyed this book. This is surprising for me. I just have the goal of reading all Newbery winners and so I picked this up not knowing a thing about it. I found out it was about a pigeon. I hate birds. I hate pigeons the most. I was not at all interested and it sat around for a good while.

I started reading and couldn't believe that I was on the edge of my seat at times. I mean...for crying out loud, it's a story about a pigeon! Things shouldn't be this dang tense. But they were and the images of India were beautifully described and the actions of war were full of suspense and dread. Dhan Gopal Mukerji did justice for the country, India, that you just don't see in other books. Yes, great images there but they really don't talk about the people and the culture in a human and positive way. Here, he does and it is wonderful and beautiful.

There are several gems in this book and here are a few of my favorites:

(After being told to place Gay Neck on his shoulder and say a prayer for courage) If you do that for a while, one day your heart, mind and soul will become pure through and through. That instant the power of your soul, now without fear, without hate, without suspicion, will enter the pigeon and make him free. He who purifies himself to the greatest extent can put into the world the greatest spiritual force....You have been told by Ghond, who knows animals better than any other man, that our fear frightens other so that they attack us. Your pigeon is so frightened that the thinks the whole sky is going to attack him. No leaf tumbles without frightening him. Not a shadow falls without driving panic into his soul. Yet what is causing him suffering is himself. -Gay Neck

May the north wind bring healing unto you,
May the south wind bring healing unto you,
May the winds of east and west pour healing into you.
Fear flees from you,
Hate flees from you,
And suspicion flees from you.

Courage like a rushing tide gallops through you;
Peace possesses your entire being,
And serenity and strength have become your two wings.
In your eyes shines courage;
Power and prowess dwell in your heart!
You are healed,
You are healed,
You are healed!
Peace, peace, peace.-Gay Neck

Whatever we think and feel will colour what we say or do. He who fears, even unconsciously, or has his least little dream tainted with hate, will inevitably, sooner or later, translate these two qualities into his action. Therefore, my brothers, live courage, breathe courage and give courage. Think and feel love so that you will be able to pour out of yourselves peace and serenity as naturally as a flower gives forth fragrance.

Peace be unto all!-Gay Neck

I won't be remembering this story word for word, but I will remember that at this time in my life this is what my heart and soul needed.… (more)