Flying Solo by Linda Holmes is a wholly original and unique story leading you to the realization that it is not necessary to always conform to the way the world functions. It tells you, it is okay to be different, as long as you are happy in the world you create for yourself. And, it does so through a lovely story centered around Laurie, her great-aunt Dot and some charming supportive characters that include – her friend June, boyfriend Nick, her brothers (in particular Ryan) and a few others.
I found the concept of Flying Solo quite alluring. Laurie’s great-aunt Dot has just passed. Dot having been unmarried, has no children of her own. And Laurie takes it upon herself to sort through Dot’s belongings and give them a dignified send off. As she & June go through Dot’s stuff, I was drawn into this amazing feeling of how your belongings tell your life’s story to a large extent. And, what might have been precious to you and brought you immense happiness, it probably would not to anyone else. I am sure many of us, specially with age, have had a passing thought of what would happen to all your stuff when you are no longer here? Flying Solo brought such a heart warming and endearing view to it.
The highlight of Flying Solo undoubtedly is it’s famous heist ! The duck chase is unquestionably a delight to read and brings in a whole lot of excitement and humor to the story! It is a wood duck decoy that Laurie had found in Dot’s blanket chest. And it weaves the whole story together as Laurie works through various clues to decode the provenance of this duck, in the process it getting stolen and then reclaimed in an adventurous heist. It also allows the otherwise rudimentary character of Ryan to be the star of the show! Thoroughly enjoyable!
Through Dot’s colorful and vibrant life, Linda Holmes makes it easy to see how despite being single she led a most fulfilling life. Learning innumerable crafts, pursuing various hobbies, travelling – Dot was full of life and color! She may have been single, but was not lonely. You don’t have to be married to be loved.
While Dot chose not to marry, we have the old John who is married with four children. But, he is still putting up at assisted living. That he is happy there is a different point, but it gives food for thought to those who look at marrying just to have kids who would look after them in old age. Was John himself not in the same sitch as Dot?
Besides, the book has a mix of humor and romance to give it a rounded feel. A scene in particular is worth a mention when Laurie mistakenly posts a embarrassing message on the group in place of June. And one thing I am totally flabbergasted by is all the shades of eyes that authors decorate their characters with! Hazel, blue, green, gray, emerald. We only seem to get black down here!
Conclusion:
Flying Solo comes as a reassurance to those of us who have at some point felt out of the usual – the odd ones out. It fills you with hope and brightness to follow your heart with conviction and not be afraid to be different from the lot. It may seem somewhat an oversimplified view to some. For, it probably chooses to look at the best case scenarios of old age. But I have no complaints about that, for I prefer doing the same. This heart warming, uplifting read is sure to bring a smile to your face. Get your copy here.
Looking for more such inspiring stories, why not try this entertaining read – Lessons In Chemistry
Interesting book. Thanks for sharing.
I loved Dot’s character! Nice sweet book this.