Unlearning to Fly

Halfway into the book, when I didnt find anything about flying, I thought may be here in this book, its a metaphorical act. Lullaby for Lloyd: This is a small chapter, but at the end of it, it seems like a book. Its about the author's adopted brother. The reader is already aware of the parents good nature. The story can be seen from a sibling's, parents of an adopted child or from the adopted child's point of view. And the innumerous people who put up with pranks of a brat. Three Paragraphs: Her experience as an obituary writer. How they moved from 'in your own words' of the bereaved family to the stock three paragraph format. When she writes her own grandfather's obituary, one can see how to keep it from getting overly public, all things unique about him have to be shorned off the paper. The Metaphysics of being stuck: From here on you enter the promised land of the book. While it is about stall in the flying process, it does not end without touching (let me trace the path) the split between moving and still - explorers fascination - student pilot - her solo flight - ambition vs societal expectation - motherhood. Angle of attack: The writing technique in this is worth admiring. Analysing the cause of death of an acquaintance, she has a lot more to tell about flying, about accidents. Including some writing on 'accident reports' has added texture to this essay. There are many quotes from many authors, but one mostly used are of Antoine de Saint-Exupery's "Wind, Sand and Stars" who stars in the next essay 'Blue Storm' The beginning is foreboded in the title, but it branches into many journeys.

Jennifer Brice tells stories not often told; about growing up in Alaska, about learning to fly and about a rich (in spirit) and interesting family. This is not your average memoir. Despite the fact that hers is essentially a functional family, there are sections that excite and thrill (earthquakes, plane crashes, etc.), always accompanied by thoughtful reflection.