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Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
My Thoughts in Orbit: Movella Nutella Umbrella Patella by Josh Givens moves readers through the aftermath of divorce, exploring how he engages with the world while raising his 13-year-old son. Givens attempts to create structure and meaning in daily life, balancing parenting responsibilities with just trying to keep on keeping on. Between zoo animals, wrestling events, small-town buildings, and paranormal events, every moment works toward shaping his understanding of presence and mortality. Grief, particularly after the death of his friend Jon, and past mistakes that can still occasionally bite, continually intersect with his parenting, forcing him to adapt. Across years, Givens' ongoing challenge is to integrate these observations and experiences into a life that is functional and intentional, centering on this effort to live consciously.
Josh Givens’ My Thoughts in Orbit is a genuinely heartfelt and witty account of fatherhood, friendship, and the small yet meaningful moments that shape daily life. I love that he shares slices of life through different mediums, and his recollections of shared adventures with his son, from sports and hiking to quiet evenings watching Ted Lasso, are easy to connect with. The connective aspect is important since I neither know Givens nor do I know of him, and it's hard to make a complete stranger care, so his getting this right is a testament to his skill as a writer. Givens shows us the importance of relationships, both with family and friends, while celebrating daily victories and reaching personal goalposts. Overall, My Thoughts in Orbit gives a sense of appreciation for ordinary experiences made extraordinary through connection, humor, and compassion. Recommended.
