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Girls Don't Fly
Myra is used to keeping her feet firmly on the ground. She's got four younger brothers, overworked parents, and a pregnant older sister, and if Myra wasn't there to take care of everyone, they'd probably fall apart. But when her boyfriend unceremoniously dumps her, Myra feels like she's lost her footing. Suddenly she's doing things she never would've a few months earlier: quitting her job, applying for a scholarship to study birds in the Galapogos, and falling for a guy who's encouraging her to leap from her old life . . . and fly.
Set in the Salt Lake City area, Girls Don't Fly is full of intelligence, humor, and is a refreshing change of pace for teen readers.
Set in the Salt Lake City area, Girls Don't Fly is full of intelligence, humor, and is a refreshing change of pace for teen readers.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2011
34 people are currently reading
1830 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Chandler
4 books173 followersRandom Stuff about Me
Why I Became a Writer: I like cookies. When I was five years old there was a toddler that lived across the street that cried all the time. I remember the little girl’s mother sitting out on front porch, looking exhausted one morning. I walked over and asked her if her daughter would like me to tell her a story. I’m sure this young mom thought I was a strange but her daughter seemed to like my story enough to listen instead of cry. The mom said she would pay me with cookies if I came back the next day. I came back all summer. Stories and cookies. What could be better?
Why I write for people that are younger than I am: I like teenagers. There is something brutal and wonderful about not having a clue who you are.
Do I really fish and row? The first time my dad took me fishing I hooked him in the eyebrow. Several years later he took me again. These days I usually hook more fish than people, but I’m strictly catch and release, either way. I love to get into trouble on my kayak. It’s a great way to sneak up on birds and muskrats.
When I’m not writing, I love to read, run, fish, row, hike, ski, ride horses, and spy on wildlife. There isn’t actually a job that pays me to do these things, so I write about them, and do plenty of research. My kids and I have great Adventures (when we say it with a capital A it means that something went badly and made the trip more interesting). I also love teaching, which I’ve done since I got my MFA in Creative Writing a million and one years ago.
Why I Became a Writer: I like cookies. When I was five years old there was a toddler that lived across the street that cried all the time. I remember the little girl’s mother sitting out on front porch, looking exhausted one morning. I walked over and asked her if her daughter would like me to tell her a story. I’m sure this young mom thought I was a strange but her daughter seemed to like my story enough to listen instead of cry. The mom said she would pay me with cookies if I came back the next day. I came back all summer. Stories and cookies. What could be better?
Why I write for people that are younger than I am: I like teenagers. There is something brutal and wonderful about not having a clue who you are.
Do I really fish and row? The first time my dad took me fishing I hooked him in the eyebrow. Several years later he took me again. These days I usually hook more fish than people, but I’m strictly catch and release, either way. I love to get into trouble on my kayak. It’s a great way to sneak up on birds and muskrats.
When I’m not writing, I love to read, run, fish, row, hike, ski, ride horses, and spy on wildlife. There isn’t actually a job that pays me to do these things, so I write about them, and do plenty of research. My kids and I have great Adventures (when we say it with a capital A it means that something went badly and made the trip more interesting). I also love teaching, which I’ve done since I got my MFA in Creative Writing a million and one years ago.
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March 13, 2012
Have you ever felt trapped by your family’s expectations? It’s February of her senior year, and seventeen-year-old Myra Morgan, the heroine of Kristen Chandler’s Girls Don't Fly, has a vague plan for after high school: enroll in dental school and spend time with her boyfriend, Erik. There aren’t many others options in her small Utah town. Her older sister, Melissa, is pregnant and dropping out of college, and their overworked parents depend on Myra for cooking, carpool, and childcare.
When Erik unexpectedly dumps her, Myra is forced to reconsider what comes after high school. She decides on a whim to compete against Erik for a summer fellowship to study wildlife on the Galapagos islands. She also gets a job working at the Great Salt Lake Marina, and spends time with Pete, the graduate students who is helping them with their applications. But even if she wins the fellowship, can her family spare her long enough for Myra to pursue her dreams?
Girls Don’t Fly will appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen and of Chandler’s debut novel, Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me. It’s a relatively quick and straightforward read (no complicated timelines or point of view changes) and will appeal to anyone interested in families, small town life, and environmental causes. Although set at the end of high school, it is appropriate for ages 14 and up and raises no red flags for content.
When Erik unexpectedly dumps her, Myra is forced to reconsider what comes after high school. She decides on a whim to compete against Erik for a summer fellowship to study wildlife on the Galapagos islands. She also gets a job working at the Great Salt Lake Marina, and spends time with Pete, the graduate students who is helping them with their applications. But even if she wins the fellowship, can her family spare her long enough for Myra to pursue her dreams?
Girls Don’t Fly will appeal to fans of Sarah Dessen and of Chandler’s debut novel, Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me. It’s a relatively quick and straightforward read (no complicated timelines or point of view changes) and will appeal to anyone interested in families, small town life, and environmental causes. Although set at the end of high school, it is appropriate for ages 14 and up and raises no red flags for content.
Want to read
October 1, 2011OH MY GOOOOOOOD!
I knew there was a reason I liked this description SOOOO much.
I knew there was a reason why I immediately wanted this book in my hands.
I knew there was a reason I am dying to read this.
THIS IS WRITTEN BY KRISTEN CHANDLER!!!
THE AMAZING AUTHOR OF THE EXTREMELY AWESOME BOOK:
Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me
One of my favorite books.
*extreme excitement causes a breakdown*
I knew there was a reason I liked this description SOOOO much.
I knew there was a reason why I immediately wanted this book in my hands.
I knew there was a reason I am dying to read this.
THIS IS WRITTEN BY KRISTEN CHANDLER!!!
THE AMAZING AUTHOR OF THE EXTREMELY AWESOME BOOK:
Wolves, Boys and Other Things That Might Kill Me
One of my favorite books.
*extreme excitement causes a breakdown*
May 21, 2013
Huh. This... was not what I expected.
I really enjoyed "Wolves, Boys, and Other Things that Might Kill Me." I loved it, in fact. So I expected to love this one too. But no. I didn't love it. I didn't even like it.
We start off with Myra's boyfriend breaking it off with her. Now Myra will mope, and she will continue to mope because her family life is crazy, and she quits her job, and she wants to do this scholarship thing but oh crap she quit her job and her amazing boyfriend broke up with her. She finally gets a clue and moves on with her life, but it takes for-freaking ever. Honestly, I felt like I was reading about Bella and Edward again. Heaven help me.
I've lived in Utah most of my life and did learn quite a bit from this book about the Great Salt Lake. I love that the Saltair was mentioned as I actually did know about that place, but only because of a random happenstance where I got lost once. Bahaha.
But I also thought that there was a lot of religion-bashing. It's very subtle, and there aren't any names mentioned, but all the villains are religious. All the heros are not. Whenever anyone does something untoward, it's because of their religion. It just left me with an icky taste in my mouth.
So, Kristen Chandler was formerly one of my AUTHORS TO WATCH FOR - LOVE!!! but now has been demoted to "eh... maybe I'll read more... maybe."
I really enjoyed "Wolves, Boys, and Other Things that Might Kill Me." I loved it, in fact. So I expected to love this one too. But no. I didn't love it. I didn't even like it.
We start off with Myra's boyfriend breaking it off with her. Now Myra will mope, and she will continue to mope because her family life is crazy, and she quits her job, and she wants to do this scholarship thing but oh crap she quit her job and her amazing boyfriend broke up with her. She finally gets a clue and moves on with her life, but it takes for-freaking ever. Honestly, I felt like I was reading about Bella and Edward again. Heaven help me.
I've lived in Utah most of my life and did learn quite a bit from this book about the Great Salt Lake. I love that the Saltair was mentioned as I actually did know about that place, but only because of a random happenstance where I got lost once. Bahaha.
But I also thought that there was a lot of religion-bashing. It's very subtle, and there aren't any names mentioned, but all the villains are religious. All the heros are not. Whenever anyone does something untoward, it's because of their religion. It just left me with an icky taste in my mouth.
So, Kristen Chandler was formerly one of my AUTHORS TO WATCH FOR - LOVE!!! but now has been demoted to "eh... maybe I'll read more... maybe."
October 1, 2020
I don't remember a lot about this book, but I do remember me thinking that it was a good book when I read it.
May 18, 2012
As I'm fairly certain there's a high chance I won't be able to make it to the book club meeting this time around (39 weeks along as of today), I thought it best to at least write my thoughts about the book here.
I liked that it was set in Utah and I was vaguely familiar with a few of the landmarks. Oddly enough, I also liked that it wasn't centered on an LDS family - there are plenty of them in Utah and while the church was peripherally mentioned, I didn't feel like there was much commentary on it at all. It's always nice to get glowing reviews in literature, but not getting any negative reviews is also very nice.
Overall, I liked it. A fun little read - finished it fairly quick, two/three days I think.
I liked that it was set in Utah and I was vaguely familiar with a few of the landmarks. Oddly enough, I also liked that it wasn't centered on an LDS family - there are plenty of them in Utah and while the church was peripherally mentioned, I didn't feel like there was much commentary on it at all. It's always nice to get glowing reviews in literature, but not getting any negative reviews is also very nice.
Overall, I liked it. A fun little read - finished it fairly quick, two/three days I think.
September 19, 2012
I am currently reading the book "Girls Don't Fly" by Kristen Chandler. It is about this girl named Myra. She has a lot of family troubles, and is struggling with her break up with her boyfriend. Right now I am reading about the apart where Myra just broke up wit her nineteen month relationship boyfriend Erik. I was surprised to read, that after he brok up with Myra, he started acting like a real jerk. For example, he started making Myra jealous with a bunch of other girls, and start harrassing her in class. This makes me feel sympathy for Myra, because she never intended to break up with Erik.
As I was reading along, I found out that Myra has a lot of relationship and rituals with her family. She has two hard working parents, four littler brothers, and a pregnant older sister. Every single day, she has to pick up her brothers from school and drive them to soccer practice, then cook dinner for the whole family, and then take care of her sister. She also has to create a proposal to go to Galapogos Islands and raise a thousand dollars with a minimum wage job! So it sounds to me, that Myra has a lot on her plate. I can relate to this, even though I don't have any brothers. I have to pick up after my sister all the time because she makes a lot of messes, (older sister haha) and I also have tons of homework to do every night after school. Not to mention all my chores around the house that I have to do.
Myra talks a lot about creating a proposal to do on Galapogos Islands. She didn't know what to do her topic on about so she decided to do it on the cormorants. The cormorants are a type of species found on the Islands that only come out at a certain time in the year. They are a flightless bird. The student at the University of Utah came down to Myra's school to help them all find a topic to do for their proposal. Even though Pete is five years older than Myra, he has shown some affection towards her which is making Erik jealous. Not to mention, Myra's job is at a boating dock where she has to keep the office organized, and Pete also works there.
I predict that Pete might fall in love with Myra, and Erik will get really angry at her and try to beat her from going to Galapogos Islands because only two winners can go.
I am really enjoying the book "GIrls Don't Fly" and can't wait to see what happens next!
As I was reading along, I found out that Myra has a lot of relationship and rituals with her family. She has two hard working parents, four littler brothers, and a pregnant older sister. Every single day, she has to pick up her brothers from school and drive them to soccer practice, then cook dinner for the whole family, and then take care of her sister. She also has to create a proposal to go to Galapogos Islands and raise a thousand dollars with a minimum wage job! So it sounds to me, that Myra has a lot on her plate. I can relate to this, even though I don't have any brothers. I have to pick up after my sister all the time because she makes a lot of messes, (older sister haha) and I also have tons of homework to do every night after school. Not to mention all my chores around the house that I have to do.
Myra talks a lot about creating a proposal to do on Galapogos Islands. She didn't know what to do her topic on about so she decided to do it on the cormorants. The cormorants are a type of species found on the Islands that only come out at a certain time in the year. They are a flightless bird. The student at the University of Utah came down to Myra's school to help them all find a topic to do for their proposal. Even though Pete is five years older than Myra, he has shown some affection towards her which is making Erik jealous. Not to mention, Myra's job is at a boating dock where she has to keep the office organized, and Pete also works there.
I predict that Pete might fall in love with Myra, and Erik will get really angry at her and try to beat her from going to Galapogos Islands because only two winners can go.
I am really enjoying the book "GIrls Don't Fly" and can't wait to see what happens next!
July 10, 2012
Young Adult novel (I listened to audio version) that is absolutely captivating with charming believable characters who don't have a perfect life. I especially enjoyed it because of the main character, an 18 yr. old girl who is dependent, self effacing, selfless doormat to her family, employer, and boyfriend but who realizes her own self worth and evolves into a strong, confident young woman realizing that she is in control of the direction her own life can take.
The setting is a small town called Linden, Utah, near Salt Lake City. She's the 2nd of 5 children in a loving family that struggles financially. Mother works night shift and father days. Her older married sister is out of the home, temporarily--until a situation develops in which she returns home bedridden, and everyone, especially the 3 younger children, including 2 preschoolers, are all very dependent on her for both their physical and emotional needs. Life is hard and the financial struggle is ongoing. In addition to caring for them & keeping everything running smoothly (e.g. laundry & meals, etc) while her mother sleeps and while father is at work, she holds down a demanding part time job & manages to find time to do her school homework (last quarter senior year). Highly responsible, loving, thoughtful, and completely selfless, she does all this without complaining but also without recognizing the importance of caring for herself. But that changes as choices become more difficult, and painful.
The book deals with the usual teenage angst in a realistic and humorous way as she begins to discover not only who her "friends" really are, but who she, herself, is. I highly recommend this novel to YA girls & to parents. She deals with difficult topics such as teen pregnancy in a tasteful manner without inappropriate scenes or preaching. There is no bad language or sex which always earns an extra star in my ratings.
The prose is beautiful. Really. Her use of metaphor is outstanding and there is rich symbolism in almost everything that happens in the story. An easy, highly enjoyable read.
The audio version was well done & I had a hard time putting it down.
The setting is a small town called Linden, Utah, near Salt Lake City. She's the 2nd of 5 children in a loving family that struggles financially. Mother works night shift and father days. Her older married sister is out of the home, temporarily--until a situation develops in which she returns home bedridden, and everyone, especially the 3 younger children, including 2 preschoolers, are all very dependent on her for both their physical and emotional needs. Life is hard and the financial struggle is ongoing. In addition to caring for them & keeping everything running smoothly (e.g. laundry & meals, etc) while her mother sleeps and while father is at work, she holds down a demanding part time job & manages to find time to do her school homework (last quarter senior year). Highly responsible, loving, thoughtful, and completely selfless, she does all this without complaining but also without recognizing the importance of caring for herself. But that changes as choices become more difficult, and painful.
The book deals with the usual teenage angst in a realistic and humorous way as she begins to discover not only who her "friends" really are, but who she, herself, is. I highly recommend this novel to YA girls & to parents. She deals with difficult topics such as teen pregnancy in a tasteful manner without inappropriate scenes or preaching. There is no bad language or sex which always earns an extra star in my ratings.
The prose is beautiful. Really. Her use of metaphor is outstanding and there is rich symbolism in almost everything that happens in the story. An easy, highly enjoyable read.
The audio version was well done & I had a hard time putting it down.
January 11, 2012
This was well-reviewed (For example, from SLJ: "The protagonist is a delightfully spunky teen whose witticisms will keep readers laughing, and her deeply felt connection to her family and cool head in the midst of life-and-death crises will leave them with watery eyes. Fans of Sarah Dessen will want to grab this one - Richelle Roth")so I thought I'd give it a try...I'm a fan of Sarah Dessen, after all.
Now, I don't want to call Richelle a liar, but I hated Myra, she was not delightful. I can definitely understand the good reviews and people who liked this book. The writing was skilled, and the plot was sufficeint, if a little dull and trite.
But man, was Myra annoying...first, is the fact that she put her whole life into her boyfriend, then after she was realized she was being a doormat for him and stopped (good job!), she became one for her family.
I mean, I understand being there for your family (I am well-versed in the Mother Teresa school of J.O.Y., as well as the Forget About Me, I Love You F.A.M.I.L.Y.) but Myra is a teenager. She is not the parent of her brothers; she is the sibling. No teenager should be forced to raise children. That's just wrong. ..and I get
So yeah, I'm adding Myra to my list of "Fictional Characters that I Hope Stay Fictional Because I Don't Want to Be Friends" List.
And if teen patrons are looking for a science-y book, I'm recommending "Evolution Me Other Freaks of Nature"
Overall, I'm not mad at you Kristen Chandler. I see what you did there, and I can appreciate why others like this book. It's just not for me.
Now, I don't want to call Richelle a liar, but I hated Myra, she was not delightful. I can definitely understand the good reviews and people who liked this book. The writing was skilled, and the plot was sufficeint, if a little dull and trite.
But man, was Myra annoying...first, is the fact that she put her whole life into her boyfriend, then after she was realized she was being a doormat for him and stopped (good job!), she became one for her family.
I mean, I understand being there for your family (I am well-versed in the Mother Teresa school of J.O.Y., as well as the Forget About Me, I Love You F.A.M.I.L.Y.) but Myra is a teenager. She is not the parent of her brothers; she is the sibling. No teenager should be forced to raise children. That's just wrong. ..and I get
So yeah, I'm adding Myra to my list of "Fictional Characters that I Hope Stay Fictional Because I Don't Want to Be Friends" List.
And if teen patrons are looking for a science-y book, I'm recommending "Evolution Me Other Freaks of Nature"
Overall, I'm not mad at you Kristen Chandler. I see what you did there, and I can appreciate why others like this book. It's just not for me.
December 17, 2012
Myra is an admirable young woman how is responsible of her younger brothers while her parents overwork themselves, and a pregnant yet unmarried sister who moves back home. If she isn't there then maybe everything and everyone would fall apart. When her boyfriend breaks up with her, Myra finds herself doing things she'd never expect herself to do such as quitting her job, applying for a scholarship to study birds in the Galapagos and falling for a guy who is five years older than her who yet encourages her to get away from her life and start anew. What I liked the most about the book was when Myra helps the lost hunters get back to safety and how everyone at school is talking about it but they don't even know that it was her who was helping them through the phone. I also liked that she never went back to Erik because he hurt her too much and even though she loved him so much, she decided to not get back with him. I highly recommend this book because it shows how a girl, who had a very close relationship with her boyfriend, can be brave enough to face her busy life. I would highly recommend this book to young adults because they are the ones who go through break-ups and think that the world is going to end and Myra is the perfect example that life just goes on and that you just have to find a way somehow to keep moving forward.
July 16, 2012
I randomly picked this one up as a quick lunch break read, and it turned to be one of the best realistic teen books that I've read in a long time. I loved the Utah setting, the main character and her big family (I am drawn to books where a character has a big family -- must be why Mallory was my favorite member of the Babysitters Club), and the more complex parts of the setting -- that Myra and her family are non-religious in a very religious town, and the judgement she receives at school because of that. I also loved the connection to science and how it was still a suspenseful part of the story.
What kept this from being a 4 star review were a few characters that were a little less formed than they should be, like Myra's mother and Pete's father. (Minor Spoiler Ahead) I also felt that Melyssa's pregnancy wound up being very convenient for Myra, and I would have liked to have a better idea with where Melyssa was heading (maybe another book about her??? :) ). But I will definitely check out Wolves, Boys, & Other Things That Might Kill Me and look forward to reading more from Kristen Chandler.
What kept this from being a 4 star review were a few characters that were a little less formed than they should be, like Myra's mother and Pete's father. (Minor Spoiler Ahead) I also felt that Melyssa's pregnancy wound up being very convenient for Myra, and I would have liked to have a better idea with where Melyssa was heading (maybe another book about her??? :) ). But I will definitely check out Wolves, Boys, & Other Things That Might Kill Me and look forward to reading more from Kristen Chandler.
December 12, 2011
I finished this book two days ago and I already can barely remember anything about it or if I liked or disliked it. So that must mean it was just ok. Another one set in Mormon country--though the main character isn't Mormon--and didn't have anything super compelling about it.
OH WAIT I remember the one ridiculous thing. The Galapagos are a main part of it, and a bunch of kids are in a meeting about applying for a trip there (actually at their second or third such meeting) and they all start challenging the grad student who is helping them as to why the Galapagos are worth going to--indicating extreme disinterest/skepticism over the whole thing. I can't even believe that the awesomeness of the Galapagos has to be explained to any kid. I remember in high school and younger learning about them and being nothing short of completely fascinated. I have always wanted to go as a result. It's ridiculous to think that they wouldn't be appealing to kids who have already indicated they have an interest in it!
Friends of mine went to the Galapagos a few years ago and I'm still jealous.
OH WAIT I remember the one ridiculous thing. The Galapagos are a main part of it, and a bunch of kids are in a meeting about applying for a trip there (actually at their second or third such meeting) and they all start challenging the grad student who is helping them as to why the Galapagos are worth going to--indicating extreme disinterest/skepticism over the whole thing. I can't even believe that the awesomeness of the Galapagos has to be explained to any kid. I remember in high school and younger learning about them and being nothing short of completely fascinated. I have always wanted to go as a result. It's ridiculous to think that they wouldn't be appealing to kids who have already indicated they have an interest in it!
Friends of mine went to the Galapagos a few years ago and I'm still jealous.
December 18, 2011
Now one thing about me is I am a huge fantasy reader and am not into this genre of book as much. But I absolutely loved this book! It was definitely a refreshing change from my other reads! I was actually given the opportunity to have Kirsten Chandler come into my class and talk to us about the publication process, writing tips, and her journey as a writer which I think added to the feeling of this book. After learning about how an author got to this point and achieved getting her second book published it definitely changes how you view the book. It actually helps you see it as more than a book written by some unknown person but is something written by someone out there that had the drive to put her writing out for everyone to see. I love this book and this author is so cool! I think anyone and everyone should read it!
January 29, 2012
I thought Myra was a character who was easy to relate to. Her story rang true and reminded me of many of the feelings, doubts and insecurities I remember having in high school. The story was a cute, quirky coming of age, contemporary family drama.
Set outside Salt Lake City, UT and written by an LDS author I expected this to be LDS fiction but it was not. This could have been a book set in any town, anywhere. Other than a mention or two of the religious kids who went to church on Sunday there was no mention of anything about Mormons in this book.
Each chapter begins with a tidbit of knowledge about birds that ties into that chapter. Very clever.
Girls Don't Fly was an enjoyable, quick read.
Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book
Content: Some language
Source: Review Copy
Set outside Salt Lake City, UT and written by an LDS author I expected this to be LDS fiction but it was not. This could have been a book set in any town, anywhere. Other than a mention or two of the religious kids who went to church on Sunday there was no mention of anything about Mormons in this book.
Each chapter begins with a tidbit of knowledge about birds that ties into that chapter. Very clever.
Girls Don't Fly was an enjoyable, quick read.
Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book
Content: Some language
Source: Review Copy
December 9, 2011
What I liked the most about this book (besides the writing) was the way it dealt with the question of personal sacrifice. Myra must choose between sacrificing her ambition, her desire to grow, and being there for her sister. Chandler does a good job of showing that ever present tension between a young person's need to be the person she was meant to be and her duty to others. Good job. This is Chandler's second book and it is wonderful to see her growth as writer, her willingness to go deeper, to write from the heart. I look forward to her next work.
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November 1, 2011This is why I love reading contemps. LOVE LOVE LOVE!
February 24, 2012
A great story with some nice depth.
February 29, 2012
I really enjoyed Girls Don't Fly. It's a great story about a girl discovering who she is, rather than who everyone else wants her to be.
June 21, 2012
Useless, 10-word review: Frustrating yet lovable main character. I'm proud of her evolution.
May 10, 2020
This is a truly fantastic, transforming, "coming of age" and super depressing but humorous and ultimately uplifting teen life book.
I don't write reviews often, but all the ones I read sucked compared to what it really had hidden in its bindings.
She is a senior in high school, from a hard working large family that needs her to be the "mom", even to her pregnant older sister, while working to help support the family, trying to figure out what's next, and how not to be a "doormat" after the "prince" dumps her. Each chapter has a bird title along with the subject she researches, which helps her realise a change in her perspective is all she needed, not a change in location.
Spoilers:
[not in the right order but...]
Myra deals with sexual pressure from her ex/boyfriend, twice, (you go girl!), an issue with germs and dis-order, deals with being called a slut, from a slut family, because her brilliant, beautiful sister got pregnant in college, dropped out, and came home, and found out her mom was pregnant when she got married to her brilliant engineer father, bombshell! And there is perfect prince, Erik, who isn't so perfect, but he was for her then, to escape her family drama, who randomly dumps her and we live through that loss with her.
As most youths want to run a million miles from home, she has the opportunity to take an intro class to learn about the Galapagos islands and submit a research proposal. Since her sister is pretty amazing, she helps Myra helps edit the research the proposal. Even though the sister Melyssa is obnoxious, constantly fighting with her boyfriend, Zeek and taking over our room, she is still our sister.
Myra takes over the unfinished storage only basement for her own space, which is constantly invaded be heri lttle brothers, where she tells them fantasy stories thinly vailing what's going on in her life. Which her sister sees right through and comments on the life events. Melyssa has some good lines, especially about not being a doormat which runs through Myra's head as she decided who and what she will be.
Throw in the college guy, Pete, who leads the class for the Galapy, who actually helps Myra and the class see they just need a change in perspective and that Myra can rise above Erik and Pete too.
Family is pissed, we need you to work, you can't keep $1k, how could you leave, we won't let you go to an island for a vacation, et cetera, et cetera.
Myra decides to choose helping her sister with the dangerous pregnancy over applying for the trip to the islands. Despite working horrible jobs to get the moola to apply. We suffer with her at those jobs. But this is the right decision, family first, and Myra made it for herself.
Fast forward.
She realizes Erik is a total jerk, just like Pete said, later she gets pissed off at Pete after an argument, and calls for a ride home. Instead of telling dad, dangerously Melyssa drives like a bat out of hell to pick her up, no questions asked, but actually going into labor prematurely.
Myra helps deliver the baby in the hospital parking lot. Forgetting germs and order, she is there for her sister, and her sister wants Myra to not leave her.
Her beautiful hand made dress that Erik and his beautiful date sneared at is, which Pete loved because she clearly did it out of love for herself, covered in baby goo, grossing everyone out, and Myra doesn't care. It's not even remotely important, than baby's life is, the tiny one she held in her arms, held her sisters hand, never leaving her.
Life is back to normal, the grapevine says "the comedian and the jerk one." Prince Erik was the jerk, remember? Which means she didn't. The family finds out she won some money and can go! Yippee...whaaaa? Her mom apologizes for being a jerk, everyone is happy but she didn't get picked, and actually bursts out crying in front of her family, shock!
Flip the script. Zeke is taking life seriously, with Melyssa, and the baby is healthy, Myra is back to work, and she gets the phone call. She won the research proposal application process!!! She has the mooola... But Erik didn't get it? He was disqualified, the weasel. The baby gets named after Myra, sort of, in both official name and nickname, happy tears!
The last few chapters, Erik I still a jerk, but she was "the jerk" from the grapevine and so apologizes, Pete apologizes. Myra decides she's the one who has to make herself happy, not a guy. And she decided to kiss Pete, it's not perfect like with her and Erik, and imperfections is great. Ends on a nice happy note with a future full of possibilities in the next breath and the happy knowledge that home is always waiting for you to come back, and maybe a guy too.
*********
My opinion, depressing, but when she begins to unfurl and really see, it's beautiful. Can't have the light without the dark, right?
I don't write reviews often, but all the ones I read sucked compared to what it really had hidden in its bindings.
She is a senior in high school, from a hard working large family that needs her to be the "mom", even to her pregnant older sister, while working to help support the family, trying to figure out what's next, and how not to be a "doormat" after the "prince" dumps her. Each chapter has a bird title along with the subject she researches, which helps her realise a change in her perspective is all she needed, not a change in location.
Spoilers:
[not in the right order but...]
Myra deals with sexual pressure from her ex/boyfriend, twice, (you go girl!), an issue with germs and dis-order, deals with being called a slut, from a slut family, because her brilliant, beautiful sister got pregnant in college, dropped out, and came home, and found out her mom was pregnant when she got married to her brilliant engineer father, bombshell! And there is perfect prince, Erik, who isn't so perfect, but he was for her then, to escape her family drama, who randomly dumps her and we live through that loss with her.
As most youths want to run a million miles from home, she has the opportunity to take an intro class to learn about the Galapagos islands and submit a research proposal. Since her sister is pretty amazing, she helps Myra helps edit the research the proposal. Even though the sister Melyssa is obnoxious, constantly fighting with her boyfriend, Zeek and taking over our room, she is still our sister.
Myra takes over the unfinished storage only basement for her own space, which is constantly invaded be heri lttle brothers, where she tells them fantasy stories thinly vailing what's going on in her life. Which her sister sees right through and comments on the life events. Melyssa has some good lines, especially about not being a doormat which runs through Myra's head as she decided who and what she will be.
Throw in the college guy, Pete, who leads the class for the Galapy, who actually helps Myra and the class see they just need a change in perspective and that Myra can rise above Erik and Pete too.
Family is pissed, we need you to work, you can't keep $1k, how could you leave, we won't let you go to an island for a vacation, et cetera, et cetera.
Myra decides to choose helping her sister with the dangerous pregnancy over applying for the trip to the islands. Despite working horrible jobs to get the moola to apply. We suffer with her at those jobs. But this is the right decision, family first, and Myra made it for herself.
Fast forward.
She realizes Erik is a total jerk, just like Pete said, later she gets pissed off at Pete after an argument, and calls for a ride home. Instead of telling dad, dangerously Melyssa drives like a bat out of hell to pick her up, no questions asked, but actually going into labor prematurely.
Myra helps deliver the baby in the hospital parking lot. Forgetting germs and order, she is there for her sister, and her sister wants Myra to not leave her.
Her beautiful hand made dress that Erik and his beautiful date sneared at is, which Pete loved because she clearly did it out of love for herself, covered in baby goo, grossing everyone out, and Myra doesn't care. It's not even remotely important, than baby's life is, the tiny one she held in her arms, held her sisters hand, never leaving her.
Life is back to normal, the grapevine says "the comedian and the jerk one." Prince Erik was the jerk, remember? Which means she didn't. The family finds out she won some money and can go! Yippee...whaaaa? Her mom apologizes for being a jerk, everyone is happy but she didn't get picked, and actually bursts out crying in front of her family, shock!
Flip the script. Zeke is taking life seriously, with Melyssa, and the baby is healthy, Myra is back to work, and she gets the phone call. She won the research proposal application process!!! She has the mooola... But Erik didn't get it? He was disqualified, the weasel. The baby gets named after Myra, sort of, in both official name and nickname, happy tears!
The last few chapters, Erik I still a jerk, but she was "the jerk" from the grapevine and so apologizes, Pete apologizes. Myra decides she's the one who has to make herself happy, not a guy. And she decided to kiss Pete, it's not perfect like with her and Erik, and imperfections is great. Ends on a nice happy note with a future full of possibilities in the next breath and the happy knowledge that home is always waiting for you to come back, and maybe a guy too.
*********
My opinion, depressing, but when she begins to unfurl and really see, it's beautiful. Can't have the light without the dark, right?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2017
Have you have ever had you plans set and you know what you want to do next but, the ones around you are holding you back? In "Girls Don't Fly" by Kristen Chandler, Myra has her plans already set for after high school but, her family depends on her for multiple things which pulls Myra back throughout the book. Myra enters a student research contest to be able to go and study on the Galapagos Islands but, one of the competitors is her previous boyfriend who left her out of the blue. Myra wants to continue on with life and her dreams but with restrictions from her family that might not be an option.
All the struggles Myra faces with her family she still is trying to find a way to do other things and do more with her life. Myra demonstrates the characteristics of a helpful and determined girl. On one occasion Myra had helped two lost hunters to safety, which people had heard about and talked about but, no one knew Myra was the one who had helped. Myra's helpfulness and determination gives a lesson to the reader not to give up because life goes on. "Win or lose you don't wimp out honey"
In the end of the reader can see the confidence Myra has gained in herself. Myra has become happy with herself and her life because of the hard work she has put in to get where she is. Myra saw her opportunities waiting for her and when she could she acted on them. There were times where Myra had almost given up but, she had always found a way to turn them back around and get back on track.
All the struggles Myra faces with her family she still is trying to find a way to do other things and do more with her life. Myra demonstrates the characteristics of a helpful and determined girl. On one occasion Myra had helped two lost hunters to safety, which people had heard about and talked about but, no one knew Myra was the one who had helped. Myra's helpfulness and determination gives a lesson to the reader not to give up because life goes on. "Win or lose you don't wimp out honey"
In the end of the reader can see the confidence Myra has gained in herself. Myra has become happy with herself and her life because of the hard work she has put in to get where she is. Myra saw her opportunities waiting for her and when she could she acted on them. There were times where Myra had almost given up but, she had always found a way to turn them back around and get back on track.
November 5, 2018
Myra is a teenager stuck with the responsibility of taking care of her family. She has four younger brothers that she looks after on a daily basis, and an older sister with a baby of her own on the way. She is set on a career in Dental Hygiene with her boyfriend Erik. She had it all planned out. Until Erik breaks up with her. In suspense, Chandler writes, “Erik lets air out of his mouth like a tire. Then he takes another deep breath and does the whole thing again. This is bad. Finally he says, ‘I want to break up.’”(page 8) Now Myra is stuck with what to do next, her whole life just fell through her fingers. As the doormats she thinks she it, she lets Erik walk all over her, along with her family, co-workers, and classmates. But when the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to study wildlife in the Galapagos falls in front of her, she realizes she wants to get out of Utah, get away from her family and away from Erik, and spread her wings and fly. Along the way she finds confidence,a purpose and herself. And a slight feeling for the guy that is handing her the scholarship.
I recommend this book to young adults that have struggles with finding who they are without relying on other people to get you by. Myra always thought it would be her and Erik, but soon figured out she can fly on her own. She is also a really relatable character. With her family drama, her social life, and her relationships, young adults can easily relate. “ I’m not afraid of anything and nothing is going to change that, because this moment is absolutely perfect.” (page 1)
I recommend this book to young adults that have struggles with finding who they are without relying on other people to get you by. Myra always thought it would be her and Erik, but soon figured out she can fly on her own. She is also a really relatable character. With her family drama, her social life, and her relationships, young adults can easily relate. “ I’m not afraid of anything and nothing is going to change that, because this moment is absolutely perfect.” (page 1)
November 24, 2020
This book was, in my opinion, a masterpiece. The writing itself was amazing and brought the story to life. The story was engaging from the very beginning, and more than anything else, it was realistic. It never went exactly the way I thought it would go which made it more relatable because life never goes the way we plan for it or want it to go. I felt like Myra’s experiences in the book were things that could actually happen to a person. As a reader, I was able to connect to the main character, Myra, and in a way see some of her qualities in me. Not only that, but I was also able to learn some lessons from this book that Myra learned along the way. That is what made this book so phenomenal to me. We are all imperfect individuals, struggling in our own way and falling back to old habits and tendencies, just like Myra. There are always people telling us that we can’t grow and that we can’t fly. But through Myra’s journey, she was able to learn that she did amount to more than the “doormat” she often said she was. Lastly, the inspiration I gained from this book was also well worth the read. This story is empowering and teaches us that no matter what we should go for our dreams. We shouldn’t let life hold us down and keep us firmly on the ground. Rather, we should spread our wings and fly, grow into more than we are today, and work to make our lives better and accomplish our dreams.
December 10, 2020
With many YA novels involving over dramatic and self-deprecating main characters, “Girls Don’t Fly” is a refreshing breath of air. A big part of a realistic story being told (particularly in this genre) is how relatable the narrator is to the readers and audience. Myra is a complex character, and her journey in this novel is realistic and feels like something that might have happened in my life or someone I know. It’s interesting that this book doesn’t solely rely on the “I need/want a man on my life” plot line that so many YA novels do. Myra has a lot to deal with, such as her research scholarship, pregnant older sister, and taking care of her younger brothers, so the whole drama with Erik and Pete is kind of a subplot or side story in this book.
I really appreciated the reliable narration that the character of Myra provided. Kristen Chandler did a good job at handling the emotions of a girl that age and not making her main character naive, dumb, or unlikable. This book shows character growth, and it is a good read for teenage girls who need to be shown that they shouldn’t have to be a “doormat.” Even when we struggle in life, we can still pick up the pieces and push through it, we just need to have the confidence and determination to see that life goes on and we can achieve our dreams, despite what others might tell us or what life may throw at us.
I really appreciated the reliable narration that the character of Myra provided. Kristen Chandler did a good job at handling the emotions of a girl that age and not making her main character naive, dumb, or unlikable. This book shows character growth, and it is a good read for teenage girls who need to be shown that they shouldn’t have to be a “doormat.” Even when we struggle in life, we can still pick up the pieces and push through it, we just need to have the confidence and determination to see that life goes on and we can achieve our dreams, despite what others might tell us or what life may throw at us.
July 30, 2018
Den här tyckte jag om. Myra är en sympatisk huvudperson, och hennes utveckling från att vara Eriks flickvän som ska bli tandhygienist för att han ska bli tandläkare till en egen person som vill åka till Galapagos (och arbetar skiten ur sig för det!) är fint utförd. Erik är ju ett första klassens as, men tur att han visar detta och på så vis släpper Myra fri.
Kärlekshistorien tycker jag dock är onödig, och inte så bra genomförd. Jag känner inget för hjälten. Och visst, Myra är inte ansvarig för att ta hand om alla sina syskon, men jag tycker att boken är lite hård med att hon inte ska behöva ta något ansvar - hon kan får vilja, till viss del? Man kan vilja hjälpa sin familj, det i sig är inte att vara en dörrmatta.
Plus för att boken utspelar sig i Salt lake city och beskrivningarna av den salta sjön som är väldigt intressanta.
Kärlekshistorien tycker jag dock är onödig, och inte så bra genomförd. Jag känner inget för hjälten. Och visst, Myra är inte ansvarig för att ta hand om alla sina syskon, men jag tycker att boken är lite hård med att hon inte ska behöva ta något ansvar - hon kan får vilja, till viss del? Man kan vilja hjälpa sin familj, det i sig är inte att vara en dörrmatta.
Plus för att boken utspelar sig i Salt lake city och beskrivningarna av den salta sjön som är väldigt intressanta.
April 25, 2019
Myra flies low in her family and at school. She's smart but doesn't expect too much of herself or for herself. Her older sister Melyssa drops out of college because of her impending unwed motherhood and adds another complexity to Myra's already complicated life.
After learning about a scholarship that could take her out of her small town and give her a more interesting direction than dental hygiene school, she decides to take a chance on herself. In the mix are also the stories she tells her four younger brothers, her creepy ex-boyfriend, and the grad student who encourages her to take flight. She also has a wide and deep appreciation for birds, which informs the text. Each chapter is headed with the definition (loose but generally accurate) of a word about birds, some new and some likely to be familiar to most readers.
This book contains some suggestive but not graphic content, some profanity and vulgar language and quick easily readable chapters. I would say it's probably appropriate to teenage and adult readers, though the author's previous book is a more satisfying reading experience.
After learning about a scholarship that could take her out of her small town and give her a more interesting direction than dental hygiene school, she decides to take a chance on herself. In the mix are also the stories she tells her four younger brothers, her creepy ex-boyfriend, and the grad student who encourages her to take flight. She also has a wide and deep appreciation for birds, which informs the text. Each chapter is headed with the definition (loose but generally accurate) of a word about birds, some new and some likely to be familiar to most readers.
This book contains some suggestive but not graphic content, some profanity and vulgar language and quick easily readable chapters. I would say it's probably appropriate to teenage and adult readers, though the author's previous book is a more satisfying reading experience.
August 5, 2017
Ok, so this a cute book. I love the messages it is trying to get across. But I wasn't a fan of the writing style or story. It definitely did have it's moments though.
So Myra is stuck in a situation of family expectations and implied self sabotage. First her BF dumps her, then her pregnant sister moves in, and obviously all of her family obligations just pile up at the beginning of the story. Come to find out that Myra is pretty much a third parent when it comes to her family. She is the care taker that everyone turns to when they need something. Though she is normally fine with this, with everything that is happening she's obviously overwhelmed. Then a glimmer of light. a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity! A scholarship to study in the Galapagos!!! Follow Myra as she learns to stand her ground for what she wants!
Again I think this book is cute and it has some good points but for the most part I wasn't impressed with it.
So Myra is stuck in a situation of family expectations and implied self sabotage. First her BF dumps her, then her pregnant sister moves in, and obviously all of her family obligations just pile up at the beginning of the story. Come to find out that Myra is pretty much a third parent when it comes to her family. She is the care taker that everyone turns to when they need something. Though she is normally fine with this, with everything that is happening she's obviously overwhelmed. Then a glimmer of light. a once in a lifetime kind of opportunity! A scholarship to study in the Galapagos!!! Follow Myra as she learns to stand her ground for what she wants!
Again I think this book is cute and it has some good points but for the most part I wasn't impressed with it.
June 3, 2019
Myra is the glue that holds her crazy family together. She is used to putting other's needs ahead of her own. She feels like she has it all together. In a twist that she could have never predicted, her long time boyfriend dumps her out of the blue and she feels turned upside down. After this jolt into reality, Myra is determined to take her life back into her own hands. She resolves to apply for a sponsored trip to the Galapagos to study the island birds. As she learns more about herself, she finds herself becoming more and more open to knew people and their presence in her life.
I genuinely liked this book. I felt really connected to Myra as she was so determined to set the course for her life and take back the reigns for herself. I think she is a great role model who does not let her circumstances hold her back from fulfilling her dreams.
Content warning:
-?
I genuinely liked this book. I felt really connected to Myra as she was so determined to set the course for her life and take back the reigns for herself. I think she is a great role model who does not let her circumstances hold her back from fulfilling her dreams.
Content warning:
-?
March 3, 2020
This book kind of frustrated me. I've read a lot recently with plots where the daughter is in charge of holding the family together, and I know realistically there are families that are like this, no matter how awful it is, but I find myself getting more and more annoyed with these stories. Parents shouldn't put it on their children to take care of the rest of the family. A daughter shouldn't be yelled at for getting a job to pursue something she's interested in just because they need someone to drive everyone around and make sure the other kids get from point A to point B. While I thought this was well written, I'm just so tired of this story line and it made it hard to get into the story unfortunately.
January 29, 2018
Myra is a teenage girl that has the weight of the world on her shoulders with taking care of her four younger brothers and her pregnant sister. When she finally has the chance to to something for herself she realizes how much she needs it. She works hard on this chance for her to do something for her for her family to make her feel guilty for thinking about herself for the first time. Throughout the book she talks a lot about how she is trying not to be a "doormat". She learns a lot throughout the book of how she learns to stand up for herself. Even though family is very important to her she is starting to learn that she needs to think about herself sometimes.
November 6, 2018
Myra’s life is practical and safe. She is pragmatic and organized. She has to be. She has overworked parents, a pregnant older sister, four younger brothers to care for, and is the nice, quiet, always-does-what’s-expected girlfriend of a guy with everything. But when she’s is dumped unexpectedly, Myra learns that she has to change if she is going to make a difference in her own life. The changes she makes not only affect in her own life and future but in that of her family. Sometimes safe and steady is not the best way. Myra is a totally relatable character whose life becomes a cautionary tale against always doing what's safe.
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