Book Review: When She Flew by Jennie Shortridge
Posted By CarrieK on December 3, 2009
Title: When She Flew
Author: Jennie Shortridge
Genre: Contemporary fiction
Publisher: NAL Accent
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Review copy from Library Thing’s Early Reviewers program
First line: The common barn owl inhabits almost every place on this Earth.
In When She Flew
Because the pair is camping unlawfully, though, and because Lindy is not attending a public school, Jessica’s commanding officer decides to get the Department of Health Services involved, which means that Lindy will be placed in foster care, even though she has a parent who loves her and is caring for her. As a police officer, Jess’s job is to take Lindy to the foster home. As a mother, though, she can’t bear the thought of separating a child from a loving father. She makes a decision that places her career and her own freedom at risk.
This book was my first experience with Jennie Shortridge’s work, though it definitely won’t be my last. In When She Flew she has crafted a fast-paced story about a mother trying to make up for her past mistakes and a remarkable young girl who loves her father more than anything. I loved the character of Lindy, and Shortridge wrote her voice so clearly, it almost seemed that her sections of the book were written by a completely different author than the one who wrote Jess’s side of the story.
As a homeschooling family, we have faced our own questions and criticisms for not doing things the “normal” way. Although homeschooling is becoming more and more accepted, there is still a large segment of people who think everyone should fit into a neat little box, should live the same way, should learn the same way. I loved the fact that Shortridge explored this issue in her book – the issue of what a family is, what normal is.
While this was the first Jennie Shortridge novel I have read, it certainly won’t be the last.
This is probably the third or fourth review of this book I’ve seen, and they have all been very positive. Tough subject! I think it is wonderful that alternative schooling is become more acceptable. It is almost like a status symbol down here in Florida, where the schools truly suck. If I had even a tiny bit of patience, I’d give it some thought, especially for my son who is gifted and struggles to learn in an environment created for the norm. I admire what you do.
Sandy´s last blog ..Then Again, Maybe I Won’t – Judy Blume
Sandy – you’re sweet.
There is so much good in this book – I think the education part just stuck out to me because of our personal situation.
Jennie Shortridge has quickly become one of my favorite authors – her way of telling a story seems flawless to me (I only wish my reviews could convey the beauty of her writing, but I’m not a writer, just a reader, lol). The first book of hers that I read was Eating Heaven and I really liked it. A friend recommended it. I went out and bought her two previous books and look forward to reading them. I was thrilled when a publicist contacted me to read When She Flew. I was not disappointed by this book. Loved it.
Nice review, Carrie!
Mary´s last blog ..Friday Finds – Dec. 4
Mary – I’m very interested in reading some of her other books – I loved the very different voices she gave Jess and Lindy in this one.
This sounds like a wonderful book. Booking Mama was kind enough to share her copy with me and I can’t wait to read it now.
Kathy´s last blog ..Review: The Body in the Sleigh
Kathy – isn’t it wonderful to have blogging friends who pass on books!?
I think this is the next book I’m picking up, so I’m pleased to hear that you liked it.
Jen – Devourer of Books´s last blog ..Bad Girls Don’t Die – Book Review
Jen – it’s a quick read – at the speed you read, you’ll probably have it done before you go to bed tonight!
What an interesting premise for a novel….it sounds lovely!
Michele´s last blog ..As if we need an excuse….
Michele – it is.
I’ve not read Shortridge, but I have this one and Eating Heaven on my tbr list. This sounds llike a very intriguing book Great review.
stacybuckeye´s last blog ..Over the Top Award
Thanks, Stacy.
This reminds me of an interview I saw on The Colbert Report this week. The interviewee wrote a book about schools, and he said that schools for kids (not universities) was a Prussian invention designed to prepare children for the military. Before that, kids learned at home from relatives or tutors. Then, when schools came to the US, they were adapted to prepare kids for working in a factory. Nowadays, because of so-called “security threats,” schools are modeled after prisons. Which is funny, because my high school sure as heck felt like a prison.
It does seem like schools in this country are intent on churning out “the normal,” and anyone who doesn’t fit into that mold really suffers through it. Considering the origin of schools to begin with, that’s not really a surprise.
Sounds like a good book that touches upon an important issue!
heidenkind´s last blog ..Hush, Hush
Tasha – I agree! I have four kids – three of whom I know would probably do fine in public school. But my Jonathan is a hands-on learner, a squirmer, an active guy, a guy who needs things explained a few different ways before he gets it – and I know he would fall through the cracks at public school.
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I have to say, When She Flew was very different than the other Jennie Shortridge novel I’ve read, but I enjoyed them both.
S. Krishna´s last blog ..Fallen – Lauren Kate
Swapna – this was my first Shortridge book, but since so many people are saying it’s very different from her other books, I’m curious to try another one and see what you mean!
Glad you liked this. I have to read soon bec. I agreed to participate in a blog tour for the book. It definitely sounds unique and intriguing.
Amy S.´s last blog ..Interview: Tonya Chen Mezrich– jewelry designer, community activist and style luminary
Amy – looking forward to reading your thoughts on it!
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