Scan barcode
A review by becks_reads
Full Flight by Ashley Schumacher
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This book has left me speechless! However, NetGalley gave me the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for a review. Thus, I must do my best to find the right words to say.
Can I just start with the writing style? It was beautiful. The words all followed so well, almost like a song. The metaphors and similes moved together, intertwining to create this beautiful piece. On multiple occasions, I had to pause the book, or rewind, to let the words get the attention they deserve. I definitely spent most of my drives to work, sitting in awe with my mouth hanging open.
Now the story. The. Story. I didn’t know what to expect, as I’ve been slowly inching away from books about high schoolers. When it came to this book though, I didn’t care. In fact, I really enjoyed the high school aspect. Full Flight is told in alternating perspectives of Anna and Weston, which I’m a huge sucker for. Anna was the perfect protagonist. Equal parts whimsical and real. She had me aching for Christmas and my journal. And Weston, don’t even get me started on this beautiful, broken boy. After Anna claimed Weston was helping her prepare for their band concert duet, the two spent long hours growing close and exploring new things. They brought music to life and gave each other the words they needed to share what was on their mind. I could not have asked for a better love story.
Getting mildly “spoily” here. As much as this book brought me butterflies, it also brought me tears. The grief held in some of the pages legitimately tore me apart. Left me crying in the parking lot of a tire shop and on the way to work. This book perfectly captured the reality of love, music, life, and grief.
Major spoilers here.That darn Kauaʻi ʻōʻō left me sobbing more times than I’d like to share. Even before I knew this book was a tragedy. Just imagining it all alone, and being hopeful when it heard the recording. Then at the end when the duet was truly finished. Also the glow-in-the-dark stars. The one Anna put in the casket had me gripping my steering wheel holding back sobs. The light is going to die out without light to charge it. Weston will be in the dark, but still under the same sky. Anyway, my heart is gone, a soggy blanket.
Can I just start with the writing style? It was beautiful. The words all followed so well, almost like a song. The metaphors and similes moved together, intertwining to create this beautiful piece. On multiple occasions, I had to pause the book, or rewind, to let the words get the attention they deserve. I definitely spent most of my drives to work, sitting in awe with my mouth hanging open.
Now the story. The. Story. I didn’t know what to expect, as I’ve been slowly inching away from books about high schoolers. When it came to this book though, I didn’t care. In fact, I really enjoyed the high school aspect. Full Flight is told in alternating perspectives of Anna and Weston, which I’m a huge sucker for. Anna was the perfect protagonist. Equal parts whimsical and real. She had me aching for Christmas and my journal. And Weston, don’t even get me started on this beautiful, broken boy. After Anna claimed Weston was helping her prepare for their band concert duet, the two spent long hours growing close and exploring new things. They brought music to life and gave each other the words they needed to share what was on their mind. I could not have asked for a better love story.
Getting mildly “spoily” here. As much as this book brought me butterflies, it also brought me tears. The grief held in some of the pages legitimately tore me apart. Left me crying in the parking lot of a tire shop and on the way to work. This book perfectly captured the reality of love, music, life, and grief.
Major spoilers here.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death