Book Review: Just Fly Away

Fifteen-year-old Lucy learns a family secret that not only devastates her, but separates her from her friends, family and even her boyfriend. Her father has an eight-year-son from a brief affair that he’s kept hidden from Lucy and her sister and although her sister seems unfazed, Lucy feel as though a rug has been pulled out from under her and no matter how hard she tries, she can’t seem to get her feet under her.

Soon it’s too much for Lucy and without truly realizing it, she escapes from the world she thought she knew so well to Maine, to spend some time with her estranged grandfather. It is there where Lucy begins learning more about her family as she spends time getting to know her grandfather.

This is a coming-of-age story with the voice of a teenage girl desperately trying to figure out her world and where she fits in it. I felt at some places that the author tried to fit in a little too much – parent betrayal – check, brother she never knew she had – check, new friends after old friends diss her – check, new mysterious boyfriend – check, extended family drama – check. I felt as through there was a little more focus the characters and plot could have developed more naturally that feeling like the plot points were getting checked off a list.

My favorite part of the story was when Lucy comes in contact with her grandfather (whom she has only met once). Their time together and the development of their friendship was the truest part of this novel and I believe is what kept me reading to the end. As a side note, the author – Andrew McCarthy is not usually a YA author, he’s an actor (Pretty In Pink, Weekend at Bernie’s, etc.), director and has written a memoir, but writing YA does not come easily to everyone.  I think he shows promise and would definitely pick up another title if he published anything else in this genre.

Twitter Booktalk (140 characters or less): 15yo Lucy’s world is crumbling around her, so she visits Maine and her estranged grandfather to learn more about herself and her family.

Title: Just Fly Away
Author: Andrew McCarthy
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Publication Date: April 2017
Page Number: 258 pgs.