Lucy Christopher

In this touching novel for ages 10+, Lucy Christopher explores the remarkable bond between a young girl, a boy and a damaged wild bird - a relationship that will touch everyone who reads it. While visiting her father in hospital, thirteen-year-old Isla meets Harry, the first boy to understand her and her love of the outdoors. But Harry is ill, and as his health fails, Isla is determined to help him in the only way she knows how. Together they watch a lone swan struggling to fly on the lake outside Harry's window. Isla believes that if she can help the damaged swan, somehow she can help Harry. And in doing so, she embarks upon a breathtakingly magical journey of her own.

Flyaway

Hannah Yang

Ahhhh, young love. 

Flyaway is such a simple novel, but it's perfectly executed. It feels so light and soft, like the swan feathers. Like it's about to take off and fly away. (Plus, may I add that the cover is gorgeous?) It has a sort of childlike, innocent feeling because the narration is from a realistic thirteen year old perspective. I found Isla a mature character when she had to be, with her own quiet spark.

I don't really know what I was expecting when I first read Flyaway. 

Writing-wise, Flyaway was timid. It was more tender and gentle. The narration flowed perfectly. I felt like I was Isla when I read the whole book: feeling every moment, feeling the shared flight of the swans. The whole book sort of blew me away. I think it's the kind of book I needed. Not a book that leaves you heartbroken, or a book that makes you smile really widely, or a book that's thrilling and action-packed. It's sweet and sincere. Plus, the ending was adorable. It's the kind of ending you expect and want.

I really enjoyed her dream chapters - the chapters that consisted of her dreams with the swans and with the people. I felt like in those dreams, we really got to understand Isla. She has a sort of whimsical way of thinking, but it's written so beautifully I wouldn't want it any other way.

  There's an ache in my chest as I watch him. But I can't take my eyes from him. I'm scared that if I do, he'll just disappear. I'm scared I'll never see him again.

In general, Flyaway reminded me of a simpler and younger The Fault in Our Stars. Without all the quirky philosophical touches and more physical romance, Flyaway felt like a fairy story of the swans and finding a way to fly. Isla and Harry were very likable characters. Plus, I'm sure that if they weren't just characters in the book, they would be very cute together. :)

Isla was a good narrator and well-written character. She was just a normal girl dealing with an abnormal, unfortunate situation. My favorite part about her was that she was so easy to understand. Understanding the motives and thoughts of the characters in a book really plays a role in liking the characters. Isla struck the perfect balance between a simpler character (not overly complex, no uber-dramatic backstory, etc.) with realistic tweenage girl thoughts, without being too simple to the point where she'd become boring. 

Harry was an adorable complement to Isla. He's bright, thoughtful, and sweet. He's passionate in a quieter way, like Isla. He didn't rush things, and it wasn't like instalove (thankfully!). Instead, he found a way into Isla (and the reader's) heart, and kept us rooting for him, for his transplant, for his health and safety. I liked how it was made clear that he wasn't exactly a dream boyfriend - he's obviously sick and his survival wasn't even guaranteed. He's not perfect. But he was so nice, and his character was so welcoming, like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day, you can't help but to love him and Isla together.

Overall, Flyaway was so, so good. It's the kind of book you pick up and read on a rainy day, with a cup of tea or hot cocoa or something. I won't say that it's surprising and gives you cliffhangers, because it's not really that kind of story. But it has it's own sort of sweet grace, leaving you hooked. It's heartwarming and very sweet. That's the best word I can use to describe Flyaway: sweet. I think it's suited for any audience. If I were you, I'd pick up Flyaway, and prepare to take flight on an amazing journey. Maybe on the way, you'll find your wings.

Flyaway

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