The Key to Extraordinary

The novel highlights that knowing one’s destiny can be daunting, especially if that fate seems extraordinary. Although this is the case for Emma, working to fulfill her destiny leads her to understand more about herself and her capabilities.

Even before she has her Destiny Dream, Emma understands that she will pursue something extraordinary, and this knowledge alone impacts her actions and feelings about herself. Looking through the Book of Days, Emma is inspired by Lola Daniels’s entry, specifically her advice, “[Y]ou don’t have to go looking for stories across the world. You only have to look out your window” (44). The words of wisdom from a Wildflower, coupled with Emma’s knowledge that she, too, will be part of her family’s legacy, empowers her to sing to the Conductor, beginning a quest to save her home. After venturing into the cemetery alone that night, when she returns to her room, Emma thinks, “I loved my room. I liked all my stuff. But I wanted to get back out there. Not just out there in the graveyard near the treasure. But I wanted to run through the unknown again” (57). Emma’s adventure, although terrifying, fuels her with adrenaline to explore the unknown again.