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416th out of 1,919 books
—
2,529 voters
On Little Wings
by
Regina Sirois (Goodreads Author)
This is a story of the countless ways we get love wrong. And why, despite every disappointment, we keep fighting to get it right.
Jennifer must do the impossible – bring her mother home. When a family is torn apart by death, two sisters take violently divergent paths and the story of their family appears to end terribly and abruptly. Two decades later Jennifer never dreams...more
Jennifer must do the impossible – bring her mother home. When a family is torn apart by death, two sisters take violently divergent paths and the story of their family appears to end terribly and abruptly. Two decades later Jennifer never dreams...more
Paperback, 1st, 361 pages
Published
January 4th 2012
by Regina Sirois
(first published December 13th 2011)
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This is an extraordinarily well written accomplishment, of 16 year old Jennifer, who discovers she has a Maine aunt she never heard of, her mother’s sister, and who she wants to contact, to meet, perhaps. But her mom has a 20 year anger against her sister that threatens to block Jennifer from flying the 1700 miles from Nebraska to meet this part of the family that has been hidden from her.
But Jennifer makes the trip, meeting her aunt Sarah, a boy she falls in love with, and a small fishing town...more
But Jennifer makes the trip, meeting her aunt Sarah, a boy she falls in love with, and a small fishing town...more
Immediately after I finished this book I pre-ordered it to make sure I own it in hardcover when it comes back. I know I'll reread it again and would love to introduce it to my pre-teen daughter knowing that she will get something special out of it now and enjoy it more and more over time. The physical descriptions of the Maine town as well make me longing to know such a place. The characters are painted in enough detail to make you wish you had such people in your life. On top of that, the story...more
First line:
"The DNA of mice and humans is 98% identical."
Loved this story. Loved the descriptions. I felt like I was in small town Maine with Jennifer. I want to visit there. Can I remake my home to resemble a beach cottage? Because now I really, really want to. Thanks a lot Regina! *smiley face*
There were many times I wanted to bookmark a certain sentence or passage but I couldn't take the time to stop reading to do it. I'm glad I own a copy of the book on my phone so I can reread it. I would l...more
"The DNA of mice and humans is 98% identical."
Loved this story. Loved the descriptions. I felt like I was in small town Maine with Jennifer. I want to visit there. Can I remake my home to resemble a beach cottage? Because now I really, really want to. Thanks a lot Regina! *smiley face*
There were many times I wanted to bookmark a certain sentence or passage but I couldn't take the time to stop reading to do it. I'm glad I own a copy of the book on my phone so I can reread it. I would l...more
Sometimes you find a book that thrills you on the first few pages and then peters out after a while, leaving you disappointed, yawning, and reaching for a different book. However, once in a great while you encounter a novel that entices you on the first page and beguiles until the last word. “On Little Wings” by Regina Sirois is such a book. Published in 2011 by CreateSpace, it’s the debut novel of a writer who creates unforgettable characters and dresses their story in exceptionally well-crafte...more
To begin with make sure your calendar is clear before you open this book – that’s how great it is. Jennifer is charged with a horrible task for a teenager – finding out secrets kept far too long. She finds a photo of an Aunt she didn’t know about. When asking the parents who it was her mom said she didn’t know at the same time her dad said “your Aunt.” Teenagers don’t forgive lies – I know, I was one once upon a time.
Armed with her best friend, Cleo, Jennifer begins a search for Sarah someone h...more
I was excited to try a new book called On Little Wings. I'm always looking for a new book and was thrilled to dive into this one. I was rewarded with a beautiful story that captured my attention and had me entangled in the world until the last page.
First the synopsis:
Jennifer must do the impossible – bring her mother home. When a family is torn apart by death, two sisters take violently divergent paths and the story of their family appears to end terribly and abruptly. Two decades later Jennife...more
First the synopsis:
Jennifer must do the impossible – bring her mother home. When a family is torn apart by death, two sisters take violently divergent paths and the story of their family appears to end terribly and abruptly. Two decades later Jennife...more
Jan 05, 2012
Tamera Westhoff
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
my-favorite-books
Oh how I loved this book! It was great writing! It was long enough to make me sit down and read for more than a couple of hours! Hurray! I desperately wanted to read, even when I was supposed to be cleaning right before the babysitter came, but I had to know what would happen before I could clean! (Don't worry the 45 minutes we had after I finished gave us time to clean the main floor) I loved the ending, I didn't feel like it was abrupt or left us hanging (too much). I also liked that there was...more
This book is full of human heartache that stems from the harsh realities that life brings. The pain of loss, the loss of love, mistakes made, forgiveness withheld. So many secrets that carry such a burden, as most secrets do. Jennifer finds herself in the middle of all these things without fully understanding any of it.
This is what my husband would call a full-on drama. Yes, On Little Wings was most certainly a drama. It reminded me how fragile yet strong human emotions can be. What a waste of t...more
This is what my husband would call a full-on drama. Yes, On Little Wings was most certainly a drama. It reminded me how fragile yet strong human emotions can be. What a waste of t...more
This is a condensed review. To see the extended version, please visit this link.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: First off, I'd like to thank Tristi for setting up these tours and tell her how much I enjoyed being a part of them.
Now, for my review. I went into this novel with average expectations. I thought it would be a decent read, but that it wouldn't be anything special. And let me tell you how wrong I was. I started reading this without expecting this book to...more
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: First off, I'd like to thank Tristi for setting up these tours and tell her how much I enjoyed being a part of them.
Now, for my review. I went into this novel with average expectations. I thought it would be a decent read, but that it wouldn't be anything special. And let me tell you how wrong I was. I started reading this without expecting this book to...more
Beautiful and intelligent. I couldn't put this book down and I highlighted so many passages and descriptions because they were outstanding.
"The ocean reappeared again, watching me, following me, tugging her foamy white skirts along the jagged rocks to keep up with the car." This describes the ocean so well. Living close to the Pacific, I could just see, hear, and feel the ocean trailing along beside the car.
"I felt the Past push against the car window, its hands thrust to the thin glass, waitin...more
"The ocean reappeared again, watching me, following me, tugging her foamy white skirts along the jagged rocks to keep up with the car." This describes the ocean so well. Living close to the Pacific, I could just see, hear, and feel the ocean trailing along beside the car.
"I felt the Past push against the car window, its hands thrust to the thin glass, waitin...more
I would read anything Regina Sirois writes! I thoroughly enjoyed her writing style. She creates beautiful, realistic characters that you can relate to and her descriptions brings you right inside the book. That doesn't happen often for me so I really enjoyed this experience. The author touched places in my heart and my memories I thought long dead and gone - I found myself thinking "that was a good way to handle that situation". Two sisters separate for 20 years due to misunderstandings and lack...more
A living world – that is how I would describe this book. The characters and setting were just so real that I felt the sand between my toes, wind in my hair, and moon watching me as I walked alongside Jennifer in this journey. The characters became my friends too and I was sad to leave them behind at the end of this novel. I loved the simplicity of the ending, the truth that resonated through the air with which so many of us can empathize. I loved how the author had the characters using prose or...more
I happened to find this as a free kindle download on Amazon. I am SO GLAD I did! It's not there anymore. In fact, it's nowhere. This book won the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel award and now it's being re-released in hardback by a big publisher next year. So apparently, in the meantime, you can't buy it. I'm annoyed because I was going to pick it for book club. Guess I'll have to wait.
Anyway, it's gorgeous. The author weaves poetry and descriptive scenery and characters who are beautifully flaw...more
Anyway, it's gorgeous. The author weaves poetry and descriptive scenery and characters who are beautifully flaw...more
Absolutely fantastic!! This will definitely be added as one of my favorite books of all time. I could have finished it one day early, but I forced myself to stop because I wanted just one more day, just a few more minutes, of reading. The characters, the setup, the location, the ocean ... everything about this novel is just stunning. Sirois is a word genius - how she describes things makes you feel like you're there, like you're a part of the story; you can actually feel, see, smell, touch each...more
It has been a long time since such words wove through my hair, my clothing, and my mind--like sea spray in a stiff breeze. On Little Wings spoke to my soul and reminded me of my own lost, bittersweet loves, my summer magic, my little death as I said good-bye. He waits in my memories, laughing, teasing me. I was once seventeen too.
More than that, the book speaks to me of another--of my own wounds left unbound, years still slowly bleeding as we watch our separate lives slide away in silence. How I...more
More than that, the book speaks to me of another--of my own wounds left unbound, years still slowly bleeding as we watch our separate lives slide away in silence. How I...more
I grew up in a small town in Idaho. Small towns are charming, but secrets don't stay secret for long.They have such a unique flavor that they draw you back, many years after you have left. The setting of On Little Wings, is a small town in Maine. Main character, Jennifer, stumbles upon an explosive, family secret that threatens to tear her world apart. Jennifer finds out that her parents haven't told her the truth about not having any extended family members. She has an Aunt Sarah, whom she eeri...more
I reviewed this book on the kindle, so coming over to goodreads to write my review and seeing the actual cover has made my day. And it's only 10am. The cover is perfect. I love the title of this book, especially when it reveals itself in the actual story. One could say that this book is a compelling argument for the saying, "Let love go, and see if it comes back to you." More than likely if the love is true, it will fly back to you on the wings of angels, even if it takes far too much time.
While...more
While...more
On Little Wings by Regina Sirois is a beautifully written literary novel for YA. If ratings could go above five stars, this intriguing and heartwarming story is a full "10" in my judgement. Her home surrounded by Nebraska wheat fields, sixteen-year-old Jennifer finds an old photo of a young woman hidden in a book in her parents library. The woman is her Aunt Sarah, her mother's older sister, a woman Jennifer did not know existed. Angry at the lies that have been told by both her mother and fathe...more
Beautiful writing with thought provoking images all tied up in a wonderful story. I found myself rereading lines just to taste the words again. I loved her world she created there in Maine so much, I spent the rest of the day day dreaming about visiting there just to see the sea and fishermen for myself.
She has the coolest way of wording things. Imagine the refreshing honesty of Sarah Plain and Tall, but with modern eloquence meshed with laughter that both touches the soul and lightens the heart...more
She has the coolest way of wording things. Imagine the refreshing honesty of Sarah Plain and Tall, but with modern eloquence meshed with laughter that both touches the soul and lightens the heart...more
Original review posted here
When I was first asked to review this book, I thought that the synopsis included in the email was very intriguing:
"This is the story of the countless ways we get love wrong. And why, despite every disappointment, we keep fighting to get it right.
Jennifer must do the impossible bring her mother home. When a family is torn apart by death, two sisters take violently divergent paths and the story of their family appears to end terribly and abruptly. Two decades later Jen...more
When I was first asked to review this book, I thought that the synopsis included in the email was very intriguing:
"This is the story of the countless ways we get love wrong. And why, despite every disappointment, we keep fighting to get it right.
Jennifer must do the impossible bring her mother home. When a family is torn apart by death, two sisters take violently divergent paths and the story of their family appears to end terribly and abruptly. Two decades later Jen...more
Mar 24, 2012
Melinda
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
chicks of all ages
Downloaded as a freebie from Amazon for my Kindle. Was a pot luck pick for me....I chose because it was set in Maine.
I was very pleasantly surprised to discover how well written the book is. The characters are unique, fun, interesting and well developed.
I'm not sure how to classify this book.. drama, humor, romance. Romantic in a classy way: the innocence of a first teenage love, the heartbreak of lost first loves, the love between family, love between mankind, and the love of the sea.
If you...more
I was very pleasantly surprised to discover how well written the book is. The characters are unique, fun, interesting and well developed.
I'm not sure how to classify this book.. drama, humor, romance. Romantic in a classy way: the innocence of a first teenage love, the heartbreak of lost first loves, the love between family, love between mankind, and the love of the sea.
If you...more
On Little Wings was a book I downloaded from Amazon for free. The premise is that of a daughter finding out she has an aunt who has been a secret for 16 years. Jennifer (daughter) flew to Maine over her mother's (Claire) objections to meet her aunt, Sarah. The story highlights the people and back stories from a small coastal Maine town, where everyone knows everyone. Jennifer is determined to have her mother and aunt make up. Meanwhile, first love is in the wings along with the fourth of July fi...more
"Jennifer must do the impossible – bring her mother home. When a family is torn apart by death, two sisters take violently divergent paths and the story of their family appears to end terribly and abruptly. Two decades later Jennifer never dreams that the photo she finds stuck between the pages of a neglected book will tear open a gaping wound to her mother’s secret past. Abandoning her comfortable life with her parents and best friend in the wheat fields of Nebraska, Jennifer’s quest for a hidd...more
When 16 year old Jennifer finds an old photograph, she discovers that her mother is not an only child, and Jennifer has an aunt she never knew about. Against her mother's wishes, Jennifer leaves Nebraska to spend the summer with her Aunt Sarah in Maine. While she is there, she meets her aunt's colorful friends; an octogenarian actress, three old "pirates", and an 18 year old scarred genius who just might become her first love. Somehow, they help her sort everything out, and Jennifer plots to bri...more
I actually 'borrowed" this on my kindle and thought I would see if I wanted to read it. I started it around 8:00 pm at night and I stayed up till 3:45 AM to finish it. I think I broke my record with this book. (Usually I make myself stop reading around 2:00) but I couldn't put it down. I loved the story, the characters, the poetry and the setting of Maine and Kansas. I felt like I was back in Maine as I read. I haven't been to Kansas but after reading this book, I would love to see the golden wh...more
The book follows a teenaged Jennifer who has just learned of a family secret that had been kept from her up until now. The first chapters seem to build up to the revealing of the family secret, but once revealed, the secret was not as juicy as expected, especially considering the overreaction of the characters. The writing style of the author felt a bit too "high school" for me because of the overly rich descriptions and the immature characters. Once the story carried on, it redeemed itself with...more
There are few books that you want to hold onto for the rest of your life. This book is one of them for me. I'm in love with the story that she wove through the pages. I'm in love with every single character and I wish I could go to their little world and meet them. I want to sit with Little at her kitchen table and trade a story. I want to sit with the Jacks on their bench and discuss anything and everything except politics. I want to sit on the porch and do lines. I want to fall in love with th...more
From the first pages, I knew this would be a book I would keep on my shelf as a friend to be read again. Not only is the story intriguing, but the way the story is written is such a treat. Regina's writing flows like honey. She combines a well placed plot with characters you will learn to love and scenes that pull you in. The story begins when a young woman finds a picture she was not meant to find, and suddenly she has questions about her family and her mother's past she can't leave alone. Pick...more
I enjoyed the story, characters and setting in this YA novel. The content is appropriate for teens though the pace is likely too slow for them to stay with it. Family estrangement is a reality for many people, but the melodrama and rigidity of it here pushed the limits of believability for me. I eye-rolled many a character reaction and cringed at the myriad missing punctuation, misspellings and typos in the Kindle version.
Readers who enjoy a leisurely pace and character-driven novels will dig th...more
Readers who enjoy a leisurely pace and character-driven novels will dig th...more
I'd give this maybe a 3.75? I didn't know anything about this book going into it; it was just on my parents kindle. I felt some of the anger from Jennifer in the beginning was unfounded. And the the strong dislike between Jennifer and Nathan at the beginning seemed unrealistic and contrived to make a good love story. But I ended up really liking the small town and the characters in it and the story in general. And my heart ached in a good way through parts of it. Haha. It kind of ended abruptly...more
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Winner of the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award for my debut novel, On Little Wings, available 5/30/13 from Penguin/Viking.
I am a housewife, mother, writer, interior decorator and avid reader.
More about Regina Sirois...
I am a housewife, mother, writer, interior decorator and avid reader.
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I am so glad you loved it as much as I did. Such a fantastic read!!! That Regina Sirois absolutely amazes me.
Jun 19, 2012 07:17am