• Written by:  Ellen Oh - editor
  • Narrated by:  Ellen Oh , Kwame Alexander , Meg Medina, Kelly J. Baptist, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Pena, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Walter Dean Myers, Tim Tingle, Jaqueline Woodson. 
  • Length: 4 hrs and 35 mins 
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Release Date:  01-03-17
  • Publisher: Listening Library


Flying Lessons & Other Stories edited by Ellen Oh is abundantly adept at tugging at each and every heart string. The stories contained therein are an impressive hodgepodge that cobbles together volumes of insight and vibrancy. From urban bildungsroman to tall tales of rollicking adventure yarns, each story is imbued with a strong thematic core and makes an effort to impart sage advice.
 
A quick synopses on a smattering of stories:
 
A young man yearns to prove himself on the basketball court of a rag-tag and tough neighborhood. It’s a coming of age story that redefines what it means to break down expectations of masculinity amongst peers.  

A young girl copes with the butterflies in her stomach when a new student arrives at school. This is a story that examines loneliness and gathering up the courage to just be yourself. This one was propelled by a series of humorous inner monologues.  

A young Chinese girl is arranged to be married to a stranger. But she aspires toward higher goals. Her gaze is fixed upon the high seas and adventures with pirates. Through grit and grit alone does she lift herself up by her boot straps and endeavor to better her situation.  

A young man travels throughout Europe with his spunky grandmother who continually coaxes him to come out of his shell. He’s a determined bookworm who is reluctant to enjoy himself. But he soon finds himself swayed by the allure of summer and the potential for self-discovery.  

The production values of this audio book are stellar as well. The readers are an eclectic motley crew of talent and they firm up the narrative experience well throughout. A vivid and crisp image is implanted firmly into our mind’s eye. It’s immersive and laden with emotional weight. The readings are sincere and the inflections appropriate and executed well. When aurally auspicious, there was even something akin to a detached enthusiasm when speaking from the point of view of an angst-ridden teenager. No easy tone to capture. But achieved singularly here.
 
The diversity of themes is what really captured my imagination. These are stories that teens should be able to identify with easily and with gusto. Themes such as a lifelong love of reading and female empowerment and the determination required to overcome obstacles. The subject matter is emphatically empathetic and should appeal to a wide teenage audience.
 
As a whole, the stories complement one another masterfully. They’re well curated and represent a wide spectrum of voices. There’s a little bit of something for everyone and it casts a wide net in terms of appeal. The stories are diverse in characters, social issues, and implements a kaleidoscope of voices throughout. The ambiance and seamless tonal shifts range from feisty and humorous to forlorn and somber. The stories all contextualized as a whole display a remarkable narrative dexterity.
 
All in all, it’s an overwhelmingly charming audio book. One that I expect will bring much joy and newly acquired insights to teens willing to lend an ear.

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