The Simple Art of Flying
3.5/5
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About this ebook
Perfect for fans of The One and Only Ivan, this irresistible debut novel combines plucky humor and a whole lot of heart in a story about the true meaning of family.
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.
Cory Leonardo
Cory Leonardo grew up believing she’d replace Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune, but when that didn’t work out, she decided she’d turn letters and phrases in a different way (but minus the glittery dresses, sadly). A born and bred upstate New Yorker, she currently lives in the Syracuse area with her husband and three plucky children. Cory was selected and mentored in Brenda Drake’s Pitch Wars 2016 and has been an active SCBWI member for the past five years. She is the author of The Simple Art of Flying and The Hedgehog of Oz.
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Reviews for The Simple Art of Flying
7 ratings2 reviews
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I admit it...at first GLANCE I was in love...I mean really, how can you not be? That cover is absolutely stunning! Between the books, the color scheme, and the magical nature of the art, I was enamored. Thing is at first read, I wasn't quite sold. It's only now, weeks after I've finished the book and am revisiting my experience to put it into words for all of you, that I can fully appreciate the journey our young feathered friend (and others) truly takes us on.
When it all began, I couldn't quite fathom a story told by a parrot heck-bent on escaping his supposed captivity to wing it into the wilds of his homeland while at the same time rescuing his sister from the same caged fate be believes awaits himself. Okay, so it sounds incredible in a way, but really, first reading, I was having a hard time getting behind it. As the story progresses, we get to know Alastair...his hopes and dreams, successes and failures, neurosis's and ultimately...his true heart. You see, we AND he figure out that it isn't the place that makes "home" home, but rather how we feel, the people/creatures that surround us, and the love that fills our souls that points us in that home-ly direction. Though he goes through many trials and tribulations, some self created and others by circumstance, Alastair is a better bird for it in the end.
All in all, a surprising read that really got under my feathers...I mean, skin...in the end. The hardships Alastair (and friends) go through, along with the unexpected connections they make, truly build a unique heartfelt story you won't soon forget. Lit lovers...watch for the samples of famous works as tasted by our feathered friend, and animal lovers...you're gonna love his neighbors at the pet store!
**ARC received for review - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I had high expectations for this after reading the sample, but the story didn't quite live up to the reviews. The parrot protagonist, Alastair took forever to learn and grow; the boy character was primary in the beginning, then kind of faded out of the story; and the plot got bogged down from this. I knew what would happen at the end long before Alastair did. I also wish there'd been more information about African Grey Parrots and they're plight in the wild.