The Simple Art of Flying

Summary:

“Sometimes flying means keeping your feet on the ground…

Born in a dismal room in a pet store, Alastair the African grey parrot dreams of escape to bluer skies. He’d like nothing more than to fly away to a palm tree with his beloved sister, Aggie. But when Aggie is purchased by twelve-year-old Fritz, and Alastair is adopted by elderly dance-enthusiast and pie-baker Albertina Plopky, the future looks ready to crash-land.

In-between anxiously plucking his feathers, eating a few books, and finding his own poetic voice, Alastair plots his way to a family reunion. But soon he’s forced to choose between the life he’s always dreamed of and admitting the truth: that sometimes, the bravest adventure is in letting go.” (Simon & Schuster website)

Review:

Aggie wants nothing more than to escape their dreary life in the pet shop. He wants to fly away with his sister to palm trees, sunshine and blue skies. Meanwhile, an elderly woman is trying to figure out how to live life without her partner by her side. Lastly, a young boy is doing everything he can to become a doctor when he grows up. Even if that means not fitting in with other kids his own age.

With three distinct voices, this book shows true characters filled with authenticity and flaws. Written in prose, in verse, and in epistolatory form, each character shines through as they struggle with being true to themselves. Sometimes, as the characters come to find out, dreams may change. And you have to be willing to stretch your wings and trust that you can fly.

Final Thoughts:

Told in alternating perspectives, The Simple Art of Flying is anything but a simple story of finding family in even the most unexpected places.

Important Info:

Title: The Simple Art of Flying
Author: Cory Leonardo
Publisher: Aladdin
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
Page Number: 256 pgs.