How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly

by Connie May Fowler

How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly is the transcendent story of a young woman who, in a twenty-four hour period, journeys through startling moments of self-discovery that lead her to a courageous and life-altering decision.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Labmom · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should never read a novel that is described as "empowering." And I know better than to read chick lit. But I honestly thought this book sounded like it would defy the conventions of that cliched genre - set in North Florida, quirky Cracker characters, ghosts with a story to tell, dysfunctional family life, even a dwarf circus. Sadly, no. All those aspects that drew me to this book, and which were highlighted on the misleading jacket description, turned out to be a very small part of the narrative. Another book wherein an author teases the reader with a small taste of something interesting and different, only to abandon it in favor of obvious and hackneyed cliches: beautiful but damaged steel magnolia has an epiphany on a hot summer day (which is redundant, in Florida), decides to kick her no-good husband to the curb, but only after being flirted with by every man she talks to that day and getting all dolled up for a meeting with much younger hottie who calls her "baby" constantly.

Just because the main character collects Zora Neale Hurston doesn't mean the author, or her creations, bear any resemblence to Hurston's beyond being set in the same state.

Such a dissapointment, fortunately I was able to skim most of this and only lost a day reading it.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was difficult to get into because the author wandered all over the place during the first half. It is clear that she was in an abusive relationship, but I could not identify with her inept ability to have control over any part of her personal life, even though she was suppose to be an accomplished author and gardener. She did demonstrate empathy for the ghosts revealed in and around her home. There were no chapters to break up the sequences. My observation is that readers either love it or hate it. I lean toward the latter.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is rare that I cannot finish a book. I can find something redeeming in nearly any book, so I just keep plowing through. This book? I actually snapped it closed and gave it away (with a warning about my inability to finish it). I couldn't connect with a single character, and I'm still not sure what the book was actually about.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarissa Burden is aptly named. She is struggling and feeling helpless to control her life. One blistering hot Florida day she starts to encounter ghosts and strange things begin to happen which help her find her way. The writing is very creative (Clarrisa refers to what most of us call our inner voice as her Ovarian Shadow Women!) I felt some questions were left unanswered - what was the origin of the hidden women's and children's cemetary? Overall an enjoyable read.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 1 out of 5]

Can't believe this is the same author who wrote Remembering Blue? I made it to page 53 and gave up - I'm not into ghosts!! Maybe our awful Florida heat fried Connie May Fowler's brain along with eggs on the asphalt!!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me say first of all that this was a good read, full of the details that make Southern gothic novels so enjoyable. I was delighted by Fowler's strong narrative voice, and lush descriptions of the Florida landscape. I even enjoyed the ghosts that populated the story- in many ways, their stories seemed much more compelling than Clarissa's ever could.

For me, the difficulty with this novel lay in Clarissa herself, and her enthroned status as a complete doormat. This woman is a successful novelist who tolerates a husband who belittles her and conducts affairs right under her nose even as he lives off of her earnings. He hasn't touched her in years, she is dying by inches inside, and yet she worries about making his lunch or angering him? I just couldn't accept that as realistic- she should have kicked his ass to the curb long ago! I always like to find some aspect of a character that I can relate to my own life and story, but with Clarissa, this was just impossible.

That said, I did enjoy the book. I would have liked more followup on the cemetary, and certainly more focus on the story of the house and its ghosts, but at least in the end Clarissa was able to break free (at least in her mind) on the magical longest day of the year. Four stars because I just didn't like Clarissa as much as I liked the writing itself.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Page 63-end. Wow. This book is one bumpy ride as it jogs from genre to genre. But why should an author to have stick to one genre? Maybe because if she doesn't she end up with a mess like this.
during her jump around, there were pages that I actually liked, but those pages needed to be in a different (better) book.


Pages 1-62. Hard going; horrible primary character. I hate books without chapters. Very jumbled, chaotic; I guess it is supposed to be funny. Was relieved with the introduction of ghosts and angels ; hope it will instill some sanity and realism. Idiotic woman, take your kimono back. Because it is for Book Club, I must break my cardinal rule, which is to immediately stop reading a book that gratuitously mentions Barack Obama, which it does on page 56, and then continues on to say, referring to Pres. Bush, "the entire country knows, but not the president. Great; now ignorance is his number one defense."

[Murghi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Either I'm too stressed out to appreciate deep symbolism, etc. or I've been picking a series of losers. Ugh, you'd think with a title like "How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly" a person could expect some nice fluffy chick lit, which is exactly what a person can manage these days. Instead we get a neurotic woman with writer's block, married to a prime number one selfish jerk, surrounded by ghosts of murdered women and children, in 102 degree Florida heat and stank, for all love. I didn't really finish it. I put it down about half-way through and have no desire to pick it up ever again. I guess there's something to "Can't judge a book by its cover."

By great good fortune, I found a new Joanne Fluke at the library. She won't fail me, I know.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book, I think I read the first page three or four times. But there was a quality to the main character that I liked, she had unique observations, so I continued. And then I found a marvel--a fantastically written and slightly oblique novel about a woman with writer's block who is haunted by every ghost in the county. The entire book is set on one day and what a day it is. It's a novel about loving yourself and embracing your creativity, about how the past affects the present and ultimately, how you can control your own destiny. Highly recommended.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should have followed my first instinct and given up on this one 10 pages into it. But then I read the reviews here and thought maybe it would improve. Which it did, for a bit, until a really unbelievably ridiculously stupid ending. For all the random themes packed into it - ghosts, slavery, adultery, child abuse, muscle cars, circus dwarves, writer's block and self-discovery, to name just a few - this book had nothing new or interesting to say. And why the obsession with insects? And did I mention the ending was absurd? The only reason I give this 2 stars is that I didn't mind the part in the middle when all the extraneous crap got left aside for the actual story.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read on my trip south for book club which I probably won't even be back in Michigan in time for. (Well that's a convoluted sentence!) I really enjoyed it, the story of a writer/wife who lets her nonworking-sponging-off-of-her husband control her, and how she gets her mojo back.

8/19: Apparently I read, and liked this one in 2010!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed it - not too heavy, pleasant summer reading but definitely not total fluff. Made me want to live in the subtropics.

[Mizloo · Rating 2 out of 5]

According to kindle, I've read 25% of a book whose main character is a wimpy blocked writer with little interest in shower, clean clothes or the continued existence of her cheating husband. She shares occupation of a dilapidated old Florida mansion with ghosts, animal wildlife, a horny fly and a flamboyantly lovely garden. She's dirty, unkempt and frustrated, and I've had all of her that I can stand.

[Rena Ackley · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wild read. Not quite sure how to describe this one but I enjoyed it. The action takes place near Tallahassee, Florida. Clarissa is a writer with 2 published books and is quite well known. Suffering from a case of writer’s block, a husband who pays her regard, Clarissa tries to change her life. Ghosts of former homeowners from 200 years prior, a dwarf circus, a one-armed ghost/angel treetrimmer, a rattlesnake named Buddy are just a few of the characters to cross Clarissa’s path.

[Jen Burgess · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not even get past the first chapter. The writing is erratic and full of irrelevant details.

[Susan Coleman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gave up on this one on page 30, largely because of sentences like, "Wow, he'd called her baby. And darling. And cutie-pie. She knew the terms of endearment were a manifestation of Adam's machismo and were not personal. Still, she couldn't help but smile head to toe. Sometimes, she thought, rising to her feet, a girl just needed to feel appreciated." Ugh.

[Christine (booktumbling) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Successful writer Clarissa Burden may live in Hope, FL but hope is not necessarily a word in her vocabulary when referring to her own life. She is experiencing writer's block, her husband. Iggy, mostly ignores her (as he paints naked "models" in the backyard) unless he is acknowledging her presence with complete disdain, her new house is beautiful but possibly haunted, she has an obsessed fly that is stalking her, her only mode of transportation is full of six months of trash, and there is a very odd one-armed stranger (angel?) offering his tree-cutting services. Clarissa's memories of her horrible, abusive childhood has left her with a lack of self-esteem and a "do I deserve more?" attitude.

How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly by Connie May Fowler follows Clarissa's day on the summer solstice and oh, how 24 hours can change everything. A rendezvous with a handsome author friend, a trip to the dump and almost drowning in a sunken grave full of quick mud are just some of the unsuspecting events that lead Clarissa on a journey to change her life and allow her to finally fly.

My initial reaction to this book after the first 40 pages or so was confusion and curiosity. I was not sure if I would actually like the main character of Clarissa as she played such a victim of past and present circumstances. I was hoping this would not be the tone of the entire story. It did not take long for me to become completely immersed in this story and to completely become engaged with Clarissa and each and every character - I hated some and laughed at and with others. There was so much more to Clarissa then a dud just letting life run her over. She has recurring daydreams of death scenes of her husband, listens to the ovarian shadow women and speaks with Deepak Chopra as he tells her to toughen up while wearing Liberace glasses.

Ms. Fowler's storytelling skills are superb. I wanted to walk in the garden surrounding the house. I wanted to visit the general store and drive around the small swamp town meeting the eccentrics that seem to congregate in those out-of-the-way places. There were some fantastical moments and some meandering along trails that actually go nowhere but these add to the overall impact of the book and they all serve a purpose. The conclusion to the story would seem extraordinary if taken out of context but was perfect - satisfying!

If you cannot tell, I loved this book. In fact, I wish I could pretend I have not already had the pleasure of following Clarissa's life-altering day so I can experience it again!

via booktumbling

[Jennifer Defoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me feeling so empowered. I felt like I was Clarissa Burden at points. I didn't have the same pressures she had growing up, and as far as I know my boyfriend hasn't started photographing models in the nude in our backyard (although he has grown awfully fond of our new Mustang...LOL) but I have the same self-doubt about myself.

I love how everything in this book has a perspective on what is going on. From the fly in the beginning to the armadillo and rats in the end their actions are described in how it relates to what is going on in the story. I won't even begin to guess the reason for this, but to me it signified that everything has a conscience and is aware of what is going on around them. Which is something I wholly agree with.

The title is so appropriate for this book. From Clarissa's day dreams to the end of the book, everything she does leads up to her flying in so many interpretations of the word. The characters were great, even the ones that I loathed. I connected to much with Clarissa that I could feel what she was going through, physically and emotionally. Not only did I laugh a few times, but I also was near tears a few times. While the abuse Clarissa suffered from her husband wasn't physical it still was hurtful, and when Iggy talks to Clarissa I wanted her to tell him to shove it and leave him. Because if I were in her situation that is what I would want to do (but I don't think I'd word it as nicely... LOL).

There's so much I want to say about this one, but I don't want to give ANYTHING away. The story resonated so much with me that I want to tell the world about it, and at the same time I think that every one will get something different from this one so I want you to have your own opinion. To me it was about Clarissa learning to rise above what she's been told about herself her entire life, which is also what she believes about herself (at least at the most basic level of the story).

So in fear that I'm going to word something wrong and ruin the story for someone else I'll just say again that it was an empowering book and leave it at that. I highly recommend this one to everyone!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Connie May Fowler writes hard truths in beautifully gritty prose. The beauty lies in the beautifully crafted wording which paints a vivid picture. At the same time, the story propels the main character through a hard life - sometimes horrifically so - to a place where the reader knows that life will be better. How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly is no different.

The first few pages of the book made me a little edgy. Clarissa Burden has a bad case of writer's block. Her distant and somewhat abusive husband, Iggy, photographs nude women (when he isn't taking them to bed), while letting the women think that Clarissa is his housekeeper. He attempts to control Clarissa's every move, even as she's their main financial support. I spent the first few pages thinking, "Honey, you really need to kick that jerk out!"

However, after Iggy decides to leave for "business" in town, Clarissa's growth begins. She takes her pickup truck, which seriously needs to be traded in on almost anything, out to run errands of her own. This includes getting rid of the huge pile of garbage that Iggy has placed in both the pickup, a truck which gets sold to a man she's nicknamed Cracker Barrel. The book gets stranger/more interesting as Clarissa's day progresses. When she gets home (with a beautiful yellow El Camino), Iggy orders her to take back her new vehicle and to bring back the truck.

As with most of Ms. Fowler's books (at least the ones I've read thus far), it is in the last section of the book that Clarissa finally catches a break - a break that, along with her growth during the book, grants her her freedom. Iggy and Clarissa are atop a fifty-two foot fire tower, and...Clarissa lives with no serious injuries, a traveling carnival's Money Dog survives because of her, Iggy - a man nobody likes - is arrested, and Clarissa's writer's block is gone. How? You'll have to read the book.

Full review at: http://welcome-to-the-reading-room.bl....

[Joan Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although it takes a chapter or two to fall into the rhythm of this book, once the reader does, Clarissa’s world opens up to us in an extraordinary way. Fowler brings to light not only the unspeakable beauty but also the devastating and sometimes cruel world in which we live. Clarissa both entertains and chills us with her spousal death sequences. We learn about the ghost women and children of Poor Spot Cemetery. We also learn the history and why the ghost family haunts her home. Fowler takes us on a bewildering and curious roller coaster ride until finally, the reader understands not only Clarissa’s present marital frustrations but also the lingering remnants from her childhood.

Amy Tan said of Connie May Fowler: "If writing is a gift, then Connie May Fowler must have been bestowed with the gift of ten Muses.” These muses not only inspired How Clarissa Learned to Fly but make several personal appearances as well. Fowler introduces us to a world of beauty, danger, and unspeakable acts of human cruelty. Then, she shows us the strength a woman can find to survive it, all waiting silently, just below the surface of her life.

Clarissa Burden will capture your heart. You will weep with her, be angry with her and cheer her on along with the voices of her “ovarian shadow women” as she faces the fears both within and outside of herself. Settle in to read this book with a large cup of tea, warm fuzzy slippers, a comfy throw and a seat belt because once you open the pages of this book you won’t want to put it down until the ride is over.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

From My Blog...[return]How Clarissa Burden Learned To Fly by Connie May Fowler is an intriguing, witty, and at times depressing look into a 24-hour period that altered the life of 35-year-old Clarissa Burden. On the warmest summer solstice recorded in Hope, Florida, Clarissa discovers she is procrastinating, she is supposed to be working on her novel, instead she is doing everything but writing when it dawned on her that she spent a great deal of time contemplating the death of her husband Iggy. Clarissa has many intriguing as well as extraordinary adventures throughout the day while her husband is busily sketching nudes. From an amorous fly, the ghosts that inhabit Poor Spot Cemetery, her stagnant marriage, memories of a cruel childhood and the ghost who wants her to write their story, Clarissa's day is culminating into what becomes more than she could ever have imagined and Clarissa can imagine a great deal.[return]How Clarissa Burden Learned To Fly is a well-crafted, creatively pieced together novel filled with intense emotions, eclectic characters both real and imagined, and a plot twisty enough to keep the reader engaged. Written with wit and an intriguing main character, with this type of novel, which has such depth and breadth, I wish I would have had someone to discuss the various events of Clarissa's day with. I believe How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly would make an absolutely brilliant choice for a book discussion group.

[Gaby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit that when I read about Clarisse Burden in her large, well cared for and beautifully proportioned house with a husband frolicking with nude models in the garden, I didn't sympathize with Clarisse. I kept wanting her to get angry and kick the deadbeat out of her house!

But as Clarisse's personal history, wit and personality unfolded, I slowly sympathized and could understand why she didn't call her husband on his ludicrous behavior. Albeit, I kept hoping that she would. Getting to know Clarisse - her kindness and generosity to the young reporter, her wry internal voice, and interest in her surroundings - helped draw me in.

Once I got into it, I thoroughly enjoyed How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly. Clarissa's voice is smart, observant, and a little sad. As she focuses on other people and their stories, she becomes engaged and you see how Clarissa was able to write stories that touched people's lives. If you're looking for an unusual absorbing read, I highly recommend How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly.

ISBN-10: 0446540684 - Hardcover
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; 1 edition (April 2, 2010), 288 pages.
Review copy provided by the publisher.

[Jeanine Halada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Clarissa this weekend--and I loved it, related to it, rooted for her, and learned to fly a little higher myself. It brought back memories of a less sure self--and the journey and the trials and the MISTAKES necessary to come through to the other side. I guess we all have to learn to fly--and for some of us--we need to experience that complete and total "fowking idiot" to accomplish this feat--great novel--and to think it all occurs over twenty-four hours--love Olga, Amaziah and Heart--their journey adds so much to Clarissa's and the ghost fly--bless him--I found him to be extremely endearing. Even the revolting Larry Dibble and Butler connection in Tallahassee--the evil left behind and still somewhat alive--The entire novel--I could not put it down once I started it. Thanks again for another great read--I cannot wait for the next one. Oh and the detail of the discovery of the cemetery--reminiscent of the end of the marriage. And as always -- birds and flight-- seems to be a recurring theme -- Sugar Cage, The Problem with Murmur Lee -- River of Hidden Dreams -- Thanks for another fabulous read:)

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have so many emotions after finishing the book, that I think I liked it, but really don't know where I stand.
Clarissa Burden is a character I relate to all too well. I was in an abusive relationship once, and it tore my world apart. Reading the emotional sacrifice she made by being with her husband, hit home with me.
Her husband is one of those characters you hate from the start. He is so awful, the other characters in the book hate him.
The story the author told was one that should be told, over and over again, until women realize they don't live in the age of settling anymore. We as women need to stand up for ourselves, even to our big, bad husbands.
The one thing I didn't about the writing style was getting off point to describe redundant things. I would point particulars out but then I would spoil the book. Let's just say a little too descriptive for me.
All-in-all, this was a good book, but for a recommendation, I'm not sure. Not everyone would appreciate the story since it's nature is violence on women. I do think it is quite worth the read though.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarissa Burden is a character you can't help but love She's an amazing woman, but sadly, she doesn't realize how special she really is. As Clarissa makes critical decisions and grows, one cannot help but cheer her on. She is a character that will stay with the reader long after the story has been finished.

This novel has an incredible and empowering message. It tells how easy it is to slide into a life we would never chose, but when it happens slowly, we don't realize it until it's too late. Clarissa's journey will have you at the edge of your seat, will make you laugh, sometimes cry, and will even get you frustrated at times. It's an amazing story that I think all women should read.

When you pick up a copy, make sure you buy one for your best friend, as well. It's a story that you'll be sure to want to discuss. This would make a great book for book clubs.

Parental note: This story contains some offensive language and some adult situations.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, but it started out very slowly. Clarissa burden lives in Florida with her husband, Iggy. She is a novelist who is currently suffering from writers block. She lives in a historic house with some unsettled ghosts who are stuck on earth until they can get to heaven. She is unsatisfied with her life, her marriage and her writing career. Her husband, an expatriate South African artist, pays no attention to her. He is busy cavorting with nude models in the backyard, claiming it is artist priviledge.

Clarissa wants more out out of life, but her writers black keeps her from starting a project. Most of the rest of the book takes place in 2 days, and changes Clarissa's life forever, and for the better. There is history, drama and all kinds of goings on to keep you guess until the end. Raed the book to see what all happens. It is very dramatic and helps her get back to her chosen profession.

[Lori Paximadis · Rating 4 out of 5]

9/10

I loved this. It's quirky and emotional and a bit mystical. There are passages written from the perspective of a literal fly on the wall. A one-armed provisional angel with ant-infested dreadlocks. Dwarves. Lifesaving ghosts. Worm grunting. Revenge fantasies.

While there are lots of ways Clarissa and I are quite different, I can relate to her in others (e.g., that terrifying intersection of raging anger and fear of change and hope and the waffling and missteps that occur there; the [in my case former — don't worry] tendency to stick with terrible relationships out of inertia and the sense that this is as good as it gets or as good as we deserve).

It's not a book for everyone — I can see how some readers would be frustrated with Clarissa's doormat tendencies, and you have to have a high tolerance for stretching the boundaries between the real world and others to really enjoy this — but I adored it.

[Ziaria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clarissa, at first annoyed me by putting up with being treated like a child and letting her husband just walk all over her. As the book progressed, my opinion of her changed. It was a real treat to watch her grow as a person. Learn to stand up for herself a bit, learn to take action. She also has a great imagination. I loved all the scenarios towards her husband she came up with. Her overactive imagination was incredibly entertaining.

The town of Hope, Florida is wonderful. Such small town charm and the people were just what I imagine people in Hope would be. I wanted to go visit myself while reading. Such a quaint and quirky town. Did I mention it was full of ghosts? So very cool.

I found this to be a great read and I'm glad I got the opportunity to participate in this blog tour. BTW I would rate this a 3.5 but the star system here won't let me get that half a star in there.

[Amanda Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! I am so happy to have received this giveaway!

I loved this book. Clarissa is a bit of an Everywoman, and an inspiring one at that.

The way Connie May Fowler spins a yarn is so very refreshing. She has a rare talent! I could smell the flowers in Clarissa's garden, and see Clarissa's prized home in vivid detail. I could even feel the heat of a florida summer solstice! I loved the way she zipped in and out of points of view. I really enjoyed hearing the thoughts of a love sick fly, and knowing exactly which name a certain dog preferred.

By the time I turned the last page I wanted to laugh, cry, and jump up and cheer all at the same time! I'm even tempted to go out and find my own 'yellow bird.'

I intend to find some of her other books.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an understatement to see that Clarissa has some negativity going on in her life. Her husband is jealous of her writing success. Her husband never amounted to much but to hear him talk, you would think she was the failure. Going from one bad situation to another, Clarissa begins to wonder why she has let herself get into such a funk. A change needs to be made and it all happens in the span of 24 hours.

This is one of those books that really captivates you and you can't help but feel changed for the better. I felt like I was right there with Clarissa. If I had to describe this book in one word, it would be inspirational.