Praise for NORMAL CURVE?

Normal Curve? tener duende.

There is something really special about the word duende. It has a Spanish origin and is used to describe art through the phrase tener duende (to have duende) or to have the quality of evoking overwhelming emotion through expression. And while it was originally only used to describe a flamenco dance performance that was so moving to the audience, it is now also used to describe songs, movies, literature, or any form of art that evokes the same “feel it in your chest” type of influence when taking it in.

What I think is particularly special about this word is that it serves as a reminder of how art connects us at the heart. Whether it’s two people listening to a song and look into each other’s eyes as the melody moves them together, or a single person admiring a painting and feeling the weight of emotion the artist put into the piece, it’s a sense of connection that adds so much richness and beauty to Life.

To be able to experience something that has duende is both a privilege and a mindset. We must open our eyes and hearts in order to enjoy these little moments of magic. It is a hand-hold, a connection of empathy and understanding that says “I’m here with you,” and what a powerful expression of love that is.

Normal Curve? is duende.

I am so honored to read Normal Curve? before it’s officially out. I wanted to recap why I loved the book so much. Probably most of all, I love the emotional intelligence, rawness of and managing complex feelings by men—I think we are lucky to be surrounded by men like this (either being from liberal cities, being around queer folks or just now being in 2024) but I genuinely hope that more straight (& not! It’s not exclusively them ha ha) men can read this and just think about how much richer our relationships could be if we break down the patriarchal/toxic masculinity walls and open our hearts to love, understanding & empathy.

All in all, my heart was glowing the entire time I read this.

—Dr. Camille Cardenas, PT, DPT