YA Wednesdays #YA #BookReview #Flyaway by #HelenLandalfFlyaway on December 19th, 2011
Genres: YA
Pages: 176
Format: eBook
Source: NetGalley
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
three-stars

Stevie Calhoun is fifteen and knows how to take care of herself. Her mom has disappeared for days at a time before. So why is Aunt Mindy making such a big deal of it now? Whatever. Stevie will pack up her gypsy skirts, midriffs, camouflage pants, and red high heels. She’ll go with Aunt Mindy. But it doesn’t mean she’s going to stay. Mom will return and promise to never see Drake and his white powder again. Stevie will make sure of that. If Mom’s awake, she’ll be with her. If she’s working at the club, Stevie will hang at home and count the hours. Who cares about school? Who cares about Alan and helping those stupid birds? Crap. Does she?

With a powerful mix of humor and heartbreak, Flyaway is a contemporary novel that takes a frank, hopeful look at the victims of addiction and their right to a safe and heartening future.

Screen Shot 2013-10-27 at 2.47.23 PM

 

When I saw the cover and snippet, I quickly snagged up the book. It sounded like a deep retrospect into this girl’s wretched life. I was intrigued by the serious topic of a young girl caring for her mom, trying to keep her off drugs, keep up in school, etc. The reader definitely gets a mouthful. I am sure this meant for much more than it delivered.

Stevie is a piece of work. To be the heroine of the story, I expected so much more growth in her character. Yes, she ends up volunteering at a bird rescue. I had the pleasure of rescuing and caring for five baby owls for a night, so this interested me. It was one long night so I can’t imagine doing it day in and out. ^_^ But, looking through the eyes of young readers, I am unsure of how much they will dig into this part. They seemed to drag on.

I did love the caretaker of the facility. What an adorable lady and so sweet to take in wrecks such as the birds…and Alan. Aunt Mindy, oh how I love her! I didn’t at first, she seemed like some of the moms here in Southern Cali. All materialistic and full of vanity. No, Aunt Min was every bit of motherly goodness!.

The whole aspect of drugs and adult club didn’t bother me one bit. It’s a part of life for a lot of kids to deal with. Moms coming home late, not parenting, kids having to completely take care of themselves. I have students in my class that this is their life. One just lost his mother to it all, he being the first to find her. It’s so sad, but his strength is resounding.

Overall, I would recommend it as an afternoon read as it is short. Get a few tissues for the end.

The Book Heroine

three-stars