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xeniba's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I liked the writing, but found the story to be a bit lackluster. I also hate the whole “OMG I’m going to be 40” cliche and the repeated insinuation that being a size 18 is a major hurdle, even if the character is ok with it. 🤷🏻
I did like the side characters. Books about Dot and Ginger, please!
I did like the side characters. Books about Dot and Ginger, please!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Fatphobia
crystalleighwrites's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol and Death
Minor: Mental illness, Infertility, Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Infidelity
this_momma_is_booked's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was such a cozy summer read! I really loved that while the romance was an important part of the book, it didn't feel like this was a romance novel, which is a tricky balance. This book is a great critique on societal views on getting older - Laurie has been so focused on turning 40 as if it is some life-defining year rather than just another birthday. I appreciate that we got a look at how she broke that down and learned to accept that she can live life by her own terms, even if it looks nothing like the lives of those she loves.
I LOVED that she didn't stay in Calcasset at the end of the book because that would have been disingenuous to Laurie's character. Figuring out a relationship style with Nick that works for them is fantastic. I also liked the thread of mystery in the book (the duck!) and how there was a bigger theme of figuring out who we are, what legacy we leave behind, and who's going to be there to love and miss us when we're gone. Overall, I really enjoyed the book!
I LOVED that she didn't stay in Calcasset at the end of the book because that would have been disingenuous to Laurie's character. Figuring out a relationship style with Nick that works for them is fantastic. I also liked the thread of mystery in the book (the duck!) and how there was a bigger theme of figuring out who we are, what legacy we leave behind, and who's going to be there to love and miss us when we're gone. Overall, I really enjoyed the book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting
Moderate: Death
Minor: Fatphobia
prettiestwhistles's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting
Moderate: Death, Grief, Infidelity, and Sexual content
Minor: Alcohol, Fatphobia, Pregnancy, and Racism
quasinaut's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Gosh, I loved bits and pieces of this book, but there were certainly parts that didn't work for me.
Some stuff I liked: Laurie and her friendships with June and Nick and Daisy, the evolution of these relationships (as well as Laurie's understanding of her own independence), Nick's research skills and library commentary, and the nefarious discovery and resulting caper/heist.
On the other hand, the overall premise didn't feel quite right to me. I found it odd that Laurie would be left so on-her-own by her family to clean out Dot's belongings. Her brothers couldn't each come for a few days? Where are her aunts?
Also, just because something is tucked in a box doesn't mean it was intentionally hidden away and therefore special. I was surprised Laurie let the duck go over momentary embarrassment (especially since she originally wanted to keep it regardless of its value). Maybe I'm just being nitpicky! But I wanted everything to fit together a bit more cohesively than it did for me.
Some stuff I liked: Laurie and her friendships with June and Nick and Daisy, the evolution of these relationships (as well as Laurie's understanding of her own independence), Nick's research skills and library commentary, and the nefarious discovery and resulting caper/heist.
On the other hand, the overall premise didn't feel quite right to me. I found it odd that Laurie would be left so on-her-own by her family to clean out Dot's belongings. Her brothers couldn't each come for a few days? Where are her aunts?
Also, just because something is tucked in a box doesn't mean it was intentionally hidden away and therefore special. I was surprised Laurie let the duck go over momentary embarrassment (especially since she originally wanted to keep it regardless of its value). Maybe I'm just being nitpicky! But I wanted everything to fit together a bit more cohesively than it did for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol and Sexual content
Minor: Racism, Fatphobia, and Infertility
caseythereader's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Thanks to Random House for the free copy of this book.
- FLYING SOLO is a wonderful exploration of living and loving outside the traditional path. I loved both Laurie and Dot (and Ginger!) and how they forged their own paths, knowing what they liked and didn't like and not letting anyone try to mold them into something else.
- I loved that Laurie knew she liked living alone and doing things just her way. I loved that this book breaks apart the idea that romantic love is worth blowing up your existing life and putting yourself into a life you otherwise did not want.
- The mystery (and small heist!) embedded in this story was great fun, too. I was on the edge of my seat for some scenes!
- FLYING SOLO is a wonderful exploration of living and loving outside the traditional path. I loved both Laurie and Dot (and Ginger!) and how they forged their own paths, knowing what they liked and didn't like and not letting anyone try to mold them into something else.
- I loved that Laurie knew she liked living alone and doing things just her way. I loved that this book breaks apart the idea that romantic love is worth blowing up your existing life and putting yourself into a life you otherwise did not want.
- The mystery (and small heist!) embedded in this story was great fun, too. I was on the edge of my seat for some scenes!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Cursing, Grief, and Death
Moderate: Terminal illness
Minor: Fatphobia
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