Night Flying [Mass Market Paperback]

Rita Murphy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 9, 2002

Georgia Hansen can fly. All the women in her family can. They fly at night when the world sleeps, for no one must discover their secret. Georgia will soon turn 16 and make her first solo flight, taking up her birthright with a special ceremony to mark the occasion. But her anticipation is disrupted with the arrival of her rebellious Aunt Carmen. Banished from the family years before for breaking the strict code of flying enforced by Georgia’s grandmother, this unknown aunt reveals the true price of her family’s gift, for the Hansen rules of flying are strict and unforgiving. In this powerful coming-of-age novel, Georgia must weigh the cost of her heritage against her passion for flight.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Life for Georgia Hansen on the eve of her 16th birthday isn't easy. Her grandmother, dominating a household of women, insists on unwavering obedience to her strict codes: no meat eating, no men living in the house... and no solo flying before the age of 16. That's right. Georgia and all her female relatives have the power of flight. This gift comes with a great burden, however. The Hansen women must keep their ability hidden from the rest of the world. Secrets seem to fill the house, especially when Georgia's long-lost (or banished) aunt Carmen returns for a brief stay, spurring anger, anxiety, and mystery. As Georgia prepares for her initiation into womanhood and first solo flight, she wrestles with feelings of rebellion and confusion--and then guilt, when she commits the ultimate Hansen offense.

Rita Murphy's first young adult novel, winner of the Delacorte Press Prize, delves deep into the heart of a family shakily held together after generations of shattering secrets. Georgia is a strong, resourceful girl, who must choose between soul-crushing loyalty to a rigid matriarch and the terrifying freedom of independence. A beautiful metaphor for the wrenching transition from childhood to adulthood, Night Flying will speak volumes to all teenagers who yearn to soar. (Ages 12 and older) --Emilie Coulter --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

NIGHT FLYING Rita Murphy. In a starred review, PW called this first novel about a girl approaching her 16th birthday and her initiation into solo flying (literally) "an auspicious debut. The author seamlessly links the metaphor of flying with Georgia's rite of passage." Ages 12-up.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Laurel Leaf (April 9, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440228379
• ISBN-13: 978-0440228370
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 0.3 x 7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #136,976 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Vermont Magic, November 27, 2000

By 

Linda Richman (Vermont) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Night Flying (Hardcover)

Although this book is recommended for young adults, it speaks to the young adult in all of us. Not only does Rita Murphy know the beauty of her native Vermont landscape, she sprinkles it with a magic that all Vermonters and visitors know well.

This is a spare, beautifully written novel about the pain and exotic excitement of venturing out into a world that is at once exquisite and nurturing and yet lonely and isolating.

As a 38 year old , I was captivated until the last page. I want to know what happened to Georgia the day after!!

Thank you Rita Murphy for your gift to all of us

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NIGHT FLYING a Dream Come True, November 21, 2000

By 

Jane Harrington (Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Night Flying (Hardcover)

What a spare, yet rich, work of literature!

NIGHT FLYING speaks to that part in all of us which longs to be master of our dreams. Though written for the young adult market, this gorgeous, ethereal book is a must-read for all independent, creative thinkers, aged 10 to 100.

This is a pass-along book. You will read it in one day, and then will want to share it with a special person.

Thank you, Rita Murphy, for sharing your talent with me! You are a true artist.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Flying Into Reality, December 20, 2000

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Night Flying (Hardcover)

Rita Murphy's Night Flying is a captivating tale about a girl getting in touch with herself that makes your greatest dreams turn to reality. It's very easy to fall into. When you read it, you'll feel as if you're a part of it. Flying with Eva, Maeve, Suki, stif old grandmother, and Georgia and feeling their anger, sorrow, and joy. It will inspire you to be open and truthful with yourself and with others. I recomend this book for ages 9-99 and garentee a great ride.