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Blackbird Flies
Fifteen year-old Payton MacGregor is a musical prodigy. To him, though, his music is merely a way for him to escape from the chaos that surrounds him. All of his life, he’s had to care for his mother, who copes with her bipolar disorder with booze instead of turning to her own musical talents. He refuses to become a statistic. Then he’s thrown a curve ball.
His mother suddenly dies, leaving him to be cared for by his aging grandparents. As much as they love him, they decide to send him halfway across Canada to live with his father, Liam—the man Payton always believed abandoned him and his mother. Payton isn’t making the relocation easy on anyone until he finds out he's going to attend the prestigious School of the Arts for musically gifted youth. Any second thoughts he has about his new life are erased when he meets Lily Joplin. Their connection is instantaneous.
Lily is a talented singer, but her struggles with drugs and bipolar disorder hit too close to home for Payton’s comfort. And when her issues become all-consuming, he wonders if his music will be enough to carry him through.
His mother suddenly dies, leaving him to be cared for by his aging grandparents. As much as they love him, they decide to send him halfway across Canada to live with his father, Liam—the man Payton always believed abandoned him and his mother. Payton isn’t making the relocation easy on anyone until he finds out he's going to attend the prestigious School of the Arts for musically gifted youth. Any second thoughts he has about his new life are erased when he meets Lily Joplin. Their connection is instantaneous.
Lily is a talented singer, but her struggles with drugs and bipolar disorder hit too close to home for Payton’s comfort. And when her issues become all-consuming, he wonders if his music will be enough to carry him through.
Nook
First published January 1, 2011
22 people want to read
About the author
Chynna T. Laird
12 books209 followersCHYNNA LAIRD – is a freelance writer and multi award-winning author. Her passion is helping children and families living with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and other special needs. She’s authored two children’s books, two memoirs, a Young Adult novella, a YA paranormal suspense novel, a Contemporary coming-of-age novel and an adult Suspense/Thriller.
Website: www.chynnalairdauthor.ca
Website: www.chynnalairdauthor.ca
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 23, 2011
Reviewed by Shannon
Book provided by author for review
Fifteen year old Payton MacGregor finds himself on a train bound from Winnipeg to Edmonton with no idea how things are going to turn out. Since the death of his mother, he’d been living with his elderly grandparents. Out of the blue, they present him with a train ticket and an opportunity to meet with the man he thought had abandon him when he was a baby.
When he gets to Edmonton, he find out nothing is what he thinks. He finds he is most definitely his father’s son, that he has 2 small siblings and a stepmother who are very excited to see him and that his grandparents didn’t just send him here for an extended visit, but to live there permanently to attend a prestigious music school.
Although Payton’s reluctant, especially given all the change he’s encountered, he agrees to attend the school. Almost immediately, he meets Lily Jordan. She’s vivacious and incredibly talented, but Payton finds out quickly that she also suffers from bipolar, which also afflicted his mother.
While Lily heads on a downward spiral, Payton tells her he’s there for here and will be the shoulders that help her through the rough times. Unfortunately, Lily can’t fight her demons and no matter how hard it is, Payton tells her he can’t be the person she turns to if she’s going to continue the way she is.
The story started out slow and I wasn’t sure where this was going, but half way through it picked up steam. I was completely caught off guard at the end and was reaching for the Kleenex at what transpired with Daliah (Payton’s sister), Lily and Payton. It was heartbreaking, as you can tell Payton has been through so much.
Book provided by author for review
Fifteen year old Payton MacGregor finds himself on a train bound from Winnipeg to Edmonton with no idea how things are going to turn out. Since the death of his mother, he’d been living with his elderly grandparents. Out of the blue, they present him with a train ticket and an opportunity to meet with the man he thought had abandon him when he was a baby.
When he gets to Edmonton, he find out nothing is what he thinks. He finds he is most definitely his father’s son, that he has 2 small siblings and a stepmother who are very excited to see him and that his grandparents didn’t just send him here for an extended visit, but to live there permanently to attend a prestigious music school.
Although Payton’s reluctant, especially given all the change he’s encountered, he agrees to attend the school. Almost immediately, he meets Lily Jordan. She’s vivacious and incredibly talented, but Payton finds out quickly that she also suffers from bipolar, which also afflicted his mother.
While Lily heads on a downward spiral, Payton tells her he’s there for here and will be the shoulders that help her through the rough times. Unfortunately, Lily can’t fight her demons and no matter how hard it is, Payton tells her he can’t be the person she turns to if she’s going to continue the way she is.
The story started out slow and I wasn’t sure where this was going, but half way through it picked up steam. I was completely caught off guard at the end and was reaching for the Kleenex at what transpired with Daliah (Payton’s sister), Lily and Payton. It was heartbreaking, as you can tell Payton has been through so much.
February 6, 2012
Author: Chynna T Laird
Published by: Astraea Press
Age Recommend: 16+
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:
"Blackbird Flies" by Chynna T Laird was a good short read. This story deals with mental illness and drug abuse issues with is mother and later with a school friend Lily. The story was of Payton Mac Gregor who had lived for the first fifteen years with is mothers' parents(his grandparents), in Winnipeg now was sent to live his father(Liam) whom Payton had never met to Edmonton. The big question for Payton was why was he sent to live with his father? Now, Payton is with his new family and he has two siblings Dahlia and River. Payton gets accepted into a prestigious music school for gifted students due to the fact he was so talented . For Payton played the piano wonderfully. It was at this school that Payton met his friend Lily and she brought back memories of Payton mother. Lily suffered from bipolar,which also had afflicted his mother.
The characters in this novel were really great and so real. I think my favorites were Payton, Liam, Kate, Dahlia, and Lily. With the story dealing with mental illness,drugs and suicide, Ms. Laird did a really good job with her story telling on this issue. For Payton to be so strong after everything he had been through was remarkable. I believe
"Blackbird Flies" would be for anyone dealing with these kinds of issues and I do recommend this as a good read.
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
Published by: Astraea Press
Age Recommend: 16+
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA
Review:
"Blackbird Flies" by Chynna T Laird was a good short read. This story deals with mental illness and drug abuse issues with is mother and later with a school friend Lily. The story was of Payton Mac Gregor who had lived for the first fifteen years with is mothers' parents(his grandparents), in Winnipeg now was sent to live his father(Liam) whom Payton had never met to Edmonton. The big question for Payton was why was he sent to live with his father? Now, Payton is with his new family and he has two siblings Dahlia and River. Payton gets accepted into a prestigious music school for gifted students due to the fact he was so talented . For Payton played the piano wonderfully. It was at this school that Payton met his friend Lily and she brought back memories of Payton mother. Lily suffered from bipolar,which also had afflicted his mother.
The characters in this novel were really great and so real. I think my favorites were Payton, Liam, Kate, Dahlia, and Lily. With the story dealing with mental illness,drugs and suicide, Ms. Laird did a really good job with her story telling on this issue. For Payton to be so strong after everything he had been through was remarkable. I believe
"Blackbird Flies" would be for anyone dealing with these kinds of issues and I do recommend this as a good read.
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
October 22, 2011
I loved the premise of this book—a young man with a shattered background heads off to reclaim a part of his heritage he thought was lost forever. His troubled mother dies and Payton is shipped to live with his father, a man he’s never known. To complicate things, his father already has a family, complete with a stepmother and siblings Payton’s never met.
This is a coming-of-age novella with an important message. Payton must embrace his past and his musical gifts before he can move forward. I loved how Payton holds on to his values throughout the story. He doesn’t really know how to interact with his new family, but despite his inner conflicts he treats his younger half-siblings well. His relationship with his father and stepmother opens like a flower, but not without bumps and bruises along the way. When he meets the beautiful Lily, Payton feels an overwhelming attraction, but he doesn’t take ownership of her problems. In many ways, Payton is a prodigy not just in music…he often seems wise beyond his years.
Blackbird Flies is a lovely story, brushing up against mental illness and drug abuse issues. Like the haunting chorus of a beautiful song, the parallels between Payton’s mother and Lily play off against one another. No spoilers here, but Payton is challenged time and time again as he struggles to find the right path. This novella, gritty in places, is well worth a read.
This is a coming-of-age novella with an important message. Payton must embrace his past and his musical gifts before he can move forward. I loved how Payton holds on to his values throughout the story. He doesn’t really know how to interact with his new family, but despite his inner conflicts he treats his younger half-siblings well. His relationship with his father and stepmother opens like a flower, but not without bumps and bruises along the way. When he meets the beautiful Lily, Payton feels an overwhelming attraction, but he doesn’t take ownership of her problems. In many ways, Payton is a prodigy not just in music…he often seems wise beyond his years.
Blackbird Flies is a lovely story, brushing up against mental illness and drug abuse issues. Like the haunting chorus of a beautiful song, the parallels between Payton’s mother and Lily play off against one another. No spoilers here, but Payton is challenged time and time again as he struggles to find the right path. This novella, gritty in places, is well worth a read.
May 27, 2011
This book is about a young boy, Payton, who faces challenges in his life yet overcomes them. The challenges arise from abandonment of one parent and substance abuse of another. Payton is very musically gifted uses his talent to cope.
I would say I "enjoyed" reading this story but the word doesn't seem to fit. Rather I would say I enjoyed reading about a child who appeared normal. At first Payton was the typical get out of my face, my life is terrible, don't try to love me kind of kid. But as the story moves along he opens up and allows other people to help him with his difficulties and struggles.
The story deals with some rough subjects: mental illness, drugs, and suicide. The author does a wonderful job of being respectful to all these issues.
This was a very emotional read for me. For one thing as you read the story you realize stuff like this happen all around us everyday and we as humans are powerless to stop it.
For anyone dealing with these kinds of issues or you know someone who is this is a book for you. It will encourage you.
I would say I "enjoyed" reading this story but the word doesn't seem to fit. Rather I would say I enjoyed reading about a child who appeared normal. At first Payton was the typical get out of my face, my life is terrible, don't try to love me kind of kid. But as the story moves along he opens up and allows other people to help him with his difficulties and struggles.
The story deals with some rough subjects: mental illness, drugs, and suicide. The author does a wonderful job of being respectful to all these issues.
This was a very emotional read for me. For one thing as you read the story you realize stuff like this happen all around us everyday and we as humans are powerless to stop it.
For anyone dealing with these kinds of issues or you know someone who is this is a book for you. It will encourage you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2011
The story is short, only 98 pages on my Nook, but took me a little bit longer to read because my Nook was being funky and the formatting was off. I did enjoy it though. It is a very emotional story, that had me teary eyed and smiling at times, and very inspirational.
The story is about fifteen year old Payton who is sent to live with his father, even though he'd rather just stay with his grandparents. Payton gets accepted into a school/college for gifted students. Payton plays the piano, and is very good at it. I loved how music played such a big part in the story. I love music myself. Payton's two siblings are adorable! I especially loved Dahlia!
The characters are very real and go through some very tough situations. The fact that Payton is so strong after everything he has been through is just incredible!
Love the cover, too! I would definitely read something else from this author!
*Note: This story contains scenes involving: drugs, alcohol, and death.
The story is about fifteen year old Payton who is sent to live with his father, even though he'd rather just stay with his grandparents. Payton gets accepted into a school/college for gifted students. Payton plays the piano, and is very good at it. I loved how music played such a big part in the story. I love music myself. Payton's two siblings are adorable! I especially loved Dahlia!
The characters are very real and go through some very tough situations. The fact that Payton is so strong after everything he has been through is just incredible!
Love the cover, too! I would definitely read something else from this author!
*Note: This story contains scenes involving: drugs, alcohol, and death.
March 6, 2012
Payton McGregor is a sullen and rebellious 15-year old on a train bound for Edmonton. No one understands that all he wants to do is play his music. Instead his grandparents have sent him away to live with Liam, the father he has never met. Once he arrives he finds life with Liam is full of one surprise after another. The biggest surprise of all is his acceptance into the School of the Arts for the musically gifted. The man Payton never knew actually knows him better than anyone. But his first term is a bumpy one that goes by the name of Lily, who is too much like his mother for his own good. Laird handles bi-polar nature, alcoholism, drug abuse, and other sensitive issues with realism and sensitivity. More than a coming of age tale, Blackbird Flies is an enticing story about coming to terms with the hand you’ve been dealt.
March 21, 2012
This short story was packed full of emotion. It's about a boy, Payton, that is sent to live with his father, a father he has never known, after the death of his mother. It has been his dream to attend the prestigious School of the Arts for musically gifted youth. It is at this school that he meets a very talented singer, Lily, that he becomes attracted to only to find out she has some secrets of her own. Overall I thought the story was great and shows the very real truth behind substance abuse.
April 21, 2012
I haven't read a lot of YA books, but that's changing for me. Blackbird Flies is one of the reasons. The main character, a teenage boy, has had a tough family life. He's forced to live with another family member, but doesn't want to. After he gets to know them, though, he realizes things aren't always what they seem. After moving, he finds things in common with his family, and gets to attend a school where many of his dreams come true. You get to know him, his friends, and the complicated dynamic of his family.
Get this book - you won't be sorry!
Get this book - you won't be sorry!
March 7, 2012
As a musician, I expected to enjoy the musical setting of this story. From the blurb, I expected some references to the helplessness that comes with mental disorders, but I wasn't ready for the gripping detail and the harsh reality of the consequences that sometimes follow them. This was a very dark tale, reminding me of the musical Rent. I read this in two sittings, and will definitely look forward to more from this author.
September 7, 2016
I think this book is amazing! Chynna Laird is a talented author, who really makes the book interesting, and pulls you in. This book in particular is really real, and helps you understand what might've going around you. Great book! I would also recommend you to get her other books too!!
May 11, 2012
Interesting premise. I can't imagine having so many family issues and baggage to deal with. I liked that he was able to take something horrible and make something positive out of it.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews