The Paradox of Vertical Flight

Written by Emil Ostrovski

Narrated by MacLeod Andrews

Good morning! Today is Jack's eighteenth birthday. Here's what's happened so far—

He woke up from a dream about dissecting frogs and measuring the bubbles produced by llamas. He just missed a call from Bob, his grandmother. He's not sure she'll remember he exists—which makes him sad, because he really loves her. He's thought about jumping out of the window. Not because he wants to die, mind you, but some attention would be nice. He's had a nonsensical conversation with his roommate, who is still asleep. While in the dorm bathroom, he popped a zit and listened to some guy (who should not be singing) singing in the shower.

Jack's cell phone rings a second time. He recognizes the number. Jess. He never thought he'd hear from her again.

Guess what? Jack's day is about to get epic.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Release date: Sep 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9780062295378

Emil Ostrovski

Emil Ostrovski emigrated from Russia when he was two years old. He graduated from Vassar College in 2012 with a degree in philosophy and currently attends the MFA program in creative writing at Columbia University. The Paradox of Vertical Flight is his first novel.

Reviews for The Paradox of Vertical Flight

[brainannex · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An interesting balance of quest, philosophy, banality, and heart. Sort of if Sophie's World mixed with a buddy road trip movie.

[carebear36 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received an ARC of this novel. This is a beautifully written book. Well done inner monologue. While there were a few plot points I was uncomfortable with (kidnapping a baby, getting drunk while watching said baby), overall I liked the story. At times humorous, other times heartfelt, the writing is a wonderful twist of poetic language and teenage foolishness.