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Flying Colors: A Soul-Stirring Adventure About Finding Your Wings
Lyrical, cinematic, and profoundly moving, Flying Colors is for seekers, dreamers, and anyone at a crossroads. If you’ve ever felt there must be more to life and longed for something greater, this novel will inspire you to spread your wings and soar.
★★★★★ “At home in the compelling realms of The Alchemist and Field of Dreams, Laney's Flying Colors is richly told and impossibly vibrant. The story will stay with you long after the final page is turned.” -John Hart – Six-time New York Times bestselling author.
John Freeman has done everything expected of him. He’s followed the rules, climbed the corporate ladder, and chased success. But when a stranger on a flight shares a near-death experience with an impossible twist, something inside John shifts. Suddenly, the life he’s built feels empty.
Haunted by doubts he’s spent years avoiding, John finds himself drawn to a forgotten dream that leads him to a mystical airfield untouched by the modern world. There, a mysterious flight instructor’s lessons challenge everything John knows about purpose, ambition, and what truly matters.
Over a remarkable summer, as he struggles to unravel the secrets behind the magical airfield and its enigmatic flight instructor, John must pass the ultimate test to earn his wings: does he play it safe and continue his lifeless routine, or will he leap into the unknown to become the person he’s meant to be? But to truly soar, John must learn to let go of everything weighing him down.
Flying Colors is a journey of rediscovering passion, purpose, and the hidden magic woven into everyday life. Perfect for fans of The Alchemist, Illusions, and Field of Dreams, this story will weave itself into your soul.
★★★★★ “At home in the compelling realms of The Alchemist and Field of Dreams, Laney's Flying Colors is richly told and impossibly vibrant. The story will stay with you long after the final page is turned.” -John Hart – Six-time New York Times bestselling author.
John Freeman has done everything expected of him. He’s followed the rules, climbed the corporate ladder, and chased success. But when a stranger on a flight shares a near-death experience with an impossible twist, something inside John shifts. Suddenly, the life he’s built feels empty.
Haunted by doubts he’s spent years avoiding, John finds himself drawn to a forgotten dream that leads him to a mystical airfield untouched by the modern world. There, a mysterious flight instructor’s lessons challenge everything John knows about purpose, ambition, and what truly matters.
Over a remarkable summer, as he struggles to unravel the secrets behind the magical airfield and its enigmatic flight instructor, John must pass the ultimate test to earn his wings: does he play it safe and continue his lifeless routine, or will he leap into the unknown to become the person he’s meant to be? But to truly soar, John must learn to let go of everything weighing him down.
Flying Colors is a journey of rediscovering passion, purpose, and the hidden magic woven into everyday life. Perfect for fans of The Alchemist, Illusions, and Field of Dreams, this story will weave itself into your soul.
- GenresFiction
Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2023
About the author
Christopher Laney
2 books8 followersChristopher (Chris) Laney is a writer and pilot born on the hills of the Mystic River in Massachusetts. That may be why he loves to follow life’s glints and glimmers to discover the magical places they lead. He now enjoys living in the mystic realms of North Carolina, where he’s working on his next book.
Chris has penned numerous magazine feature articles on varied subjects, from learning to fly to travel to destressing through mid-day escapes. His recent book, Flying Colors, is a magical adventure about finding fulfillment. More than a fitting tale for turbulent times, the story will help you view life with a new perspective to discover what's most important. If you'd like to read more by Chris, check out his Dare to Soar posts at ChristopherLaney.com.
Chris has penned numerous magazine feature articles on varied subjects, from learning to fly to travel to destressing through mid-day escapes. His recent book, Flying Colors, is a magical adventure about finding fulfillment. More than a fitting tale for turbulent times, the story will help you view life with a new perspective to discover what's most important. If you'd like to read more by Chris, check out his Dare to Soar posts at ChristopherLaney.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 21, 2023
This book starts as a slow burn but builds into a vibrantly beautiful story of finding magic in the everyday. A modern-day magical realism fiction that will leave you crying contented tears. Looking forward to Christopher Laney’s future books!
September 27, 2023
"You can chase what weighs you down. Or you can find what lifts you up. You can't do both." - Kent
John is your typical salary man who's focused on his career and willing to give everything up for it! But a fateful encounter has him questioning his life and the new chapter that's about to unfold for him. He believed he knew exactly what he wanted out of life, but could he be wrong? Is there more out there? Can a mysterious flight instructor really help to change John's life?
"Don't guess. Know."
We get so caught up in the fast-paced lifestyle and making sure to check all the boxes for properly "adulting" that we forget to truly live. Boxing up all the "childish" things and the dreams we held onto dearly including the ones that made us feel like magic was real. The dreams that ignited our souls and had our very cores shaking with excitement all to fulfill society's idea for our lives. How should you adult? What does being "mature" actually look like?
John has a schedule for his weeks and his life. On the edge of a big promotion at work he's so focused on it that life is passing him by. But when an encounter with someone mysterious causes his world to shift John begins to slowly stop running on the rat wheel. Everything he knew is about to change as he starts noticing things he hadn't before. Remembering past memories and experiences that were long forgotten or so he thought.
"When it comes to learning how the world works for yourself, there are no deadlines."
This book is very inspiring and had me believing in magic again! Sorry, not the kind where wands and fireballs are involved. I enjoyed watching John's growth and how he began to realize there's more to life than clocking into a nine to five. Watching his journey to enlightenment and how something that works for someone else may not work the same for him.
I was very surprised by this read and just the freedom of having options. Understanding that something you thought you wanted may not be what you actually need. And acknowledging that is a breath of fresh air. There are flashbacks as the MC navigates his past to understand his present and future. I appreciated a lot of the parallels and some of the finer details that I want to really go into but would contain major spoilers! Love the metaphysical aspects of the book and shifting one's perspective ever so slightly.
We only have a single POV with this read. There are mentions of past accidents resulting in deaths, but nothing is detailed out or gory. I didn't pick up on any language/curse words. Overall, this was a lighthearted read with a very happy ending!
The descriptions of flying where fantastic and I love that the author is a pilot himself! It makes me want to learn how to fly a plane, a small one, or to just be inside one. Seeing the world from a higher viewpoint and just being able to soar. John doesn't realize that he's signing up for more than just a flight instructor with Kent, the man having an unorthodox way of teaching.
Enjoy the inspirational read that will have you believing in magic and possibly taking that leap of faith! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.com
John is your typical salary man who's focused on his career and willing to give everything up for it! But a fateful encounter has him questioning his life and the new chapter that's about to unfold for him. He believed he knew exactly what he wanted out of life, but could he be wrong? Is there more out there? Can a mysterious flight instructor really help to change John's life?
"Don't guess. Know."
We get so caught up in the fast-paced lifestyle and making sure to check all the boxes for properly "adulting" that we forget to truly live. Boxing up all the "childish" things and the dreams we held onto dearly including the ones that made us feel like magic was real. The dreams that ignited our souls and had our very cores shaking with excitement all to fulfill society's idea for our lives. How should you adult? What does being "mature" actually look like?
John has a schedule for his weeks and his life. On the edge of a big promotion at work he's so focused on it that life is passing him by. But when an encounter with someone mysterious causes his world to shift John begins to slowly stop running on the rat wheel. Everything he knew is about to change as he starts noticing things he hadn't before. Remembering past memories and experiences that were long forgotten or so he thought.
"When it comes to learning how the world works for yourself, there are no deadlines."
This book is very inspiring and had me believing in magic again! Sorry, not the kind where wands and fireballs are involved. I enjoyed watching John's growth and how he began to realize there's more to life than clocking into a nine to five. Watching his journey to enlightenment and how something that works for someone else may not work the same for him.
I was very surprised by this read and just the freedom of having options. Understanding that something you thought you wanted may not be what you actually need. And acknowledging that is a breath of fresh air. There are flashbacks as the MC navigates his past to understand his present and future. I appreciated a lot of the parallels and some of the finer details that I want to really go into but would contain major spoilers! Love the metaphysical aspects of the book and shifting one's perspective ever so slightly.
We only have a single POV with this read. There are mentions of past accidents resulting in deaths, but nothing is detailed out or gory. I didn't pick up on any language/curse words. Overall, this was a lighthearted read with a very happy ending!
The descriptions of flying where fantastic and I love that the author is a pilot himself! It makes me want to learn how to fly a plane, a small one, or to just be inside one. Seeing the world from a higher viewpoint and just being able to soar. John doesn't realize that he's signing up for more than just a flight instructor with Kent, the man having an unorthodox way of teaching.
Enjoy the inspirational read that will have you believing in magic and possibly taking that leap of faith! Don't forget to give the author some stars!
shutupandbookup.com
June 1, 2023
Caught up in and consumed by the widely accepted, and expected, routine of climbing a career ladder, one man has a chance encounter that sparks serious reflection in Christopher Laney’s Flying Colors.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
While working tirelessly to progress his marketing career in pursuit of the goals he believed he should strive for in life, John Freeman has a chance encounter with a curious blue butterfly on an airport window while returning from a work trip that starts his journey on a new, exciting path. As long-buried memories and dreams from his childhood resurface, John rekindles his abandoned dream of being a pilot and meets Kent Gordon, the owner of Air Haven and John’s new enigmatic flight instructor, but flying isn’t the only thing John becomes Kent’s student of. Eager to understand the mystery and apparent magic surrounding Kent and the airfield, John finds himself enjoying new experiences and vibrant colors infusing the world around him but faces a important decision: continue the professional growth ambitions he outlined for himself or pursue the enticing possibility of a life filled with simpler, extraordinary joys.
Written with abundant descriptions of vivid color contrasting with a perceived dullness amid ordinary, everyday life that captivates, the narrative begins slowly before rapidly progressing as it depicts one man’s personal journey of seeing and experiencing wonders and novelties within life that can often go overlooked. The surreal descriptions of the magic moments John encounters within mundane details of life, how the magic manifests for people in unique ways, and how John learns to be able to manipulate it at his whim was a simple yet interesting depiction of magical realism, particularly of the flying circus, which would be an utterly fascinating tangential story to explore. With a relatively small cast of characters detailed within John’s orbit, it’s rather easy to predict how each character will inspire or contribute to his development and understanding of himself and the world around him as some of the characters appear with primary function of helping move the story along. The story is a timely reminder and resonates as it encourages reflection on interactions with opportunities that arise that might allow you to pursue a passion and thrive doing something that matters to you, experiencing wonders and imaginative possibilities enriching your own path, instead of doing something to simply exist or survive because it’s a socially accepted path.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
While working tirelessly to progress his marketing career in pursuit of the goals he believed he should strive for in life, John Freeman has a chance encounter with a curious blue butterfly on an airport window while returning from a work trip that starts his journey on a new, exciting path. As long-buried memories and dreams from his childhood resurface, John rekindles his abandoned dream of being a pilot and meets Kent Gordon, the owner of Air Haven and John’s new enigmatic flight instructor, but flying isn’t the only thing John becomes Kent’s student of. Eager to understand the mystery and apparent magic surrounding Kent and the airfield, John finds himself enjoying new experiences and vibrant colors infusing the world around him but faces a important decision: continue the professional growth ambitions he outlined for himself or pursue the enticing possibility of a life filled with simpler, extraordinary joys.
Written with abundant descriptions of vivid color contrasting with a perceived dullness amid ordinary, everyday life that captivates, the narrative begins slowly before rapidly progressing as it depicts one man’s personal journey of seeing and experiencing wonders and novelties within life that can often go overlooked. The surreal descriptions of the magic moments John encounters within mundane details of life, how the magic manifests for people in unique ways, and how John learns to be able to manipulate it at his whim was a simple yet interesting depiction of magical realism, particularly of the flying circus, which would be an utterly fascinating tangential story to explore. With a relatively small cast of characters detailed within John’s orbit, it’s rather easy to predict how each character will inspire or contribute to his development and understanding of himself and the world around him as some of the characters appear with primary function of helping move the story along. The story is a timely reminder and resonates as it encourages reflection on interactions with opportunities that arise that might allow you to pursue a passion and thrive doing something that matters to you, experiencing wonders and imaginative possibilities enriching your own path, instead of doing something to simply exist or survive because it’s a socially accepted path.
*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2026
I picked up Flying Colors on Kindle Unlimited after reading the description, and I’m really glad I did. This is one of those quiet, thoughtful stories that sneaks up on you and lingers long after you’ve finished.
At its heart, this book follows John Freeman, a man who’s done everything “right” by society’s standards, yet can’t shake the feeling that something is missing. When a chance conversation on a flight sparks a deep inner shift, John’s life begins to unravel in the most unexpected way. What follows is a journey toward a forgotten dream, a mystical airfield, and a mysterious instructor who teaches lessons that go far beyond flying.
The story feels almost dreamlike at times, lyrical, cinematic, and reflective. It reminded me a lot of The Alchemist and Field of Dreams in the sense that it’s less about the destination and more about what you discover about yourself along the way. The themes of purpose, courage, and letting go of what weighs you down are woven in beautifully without feeling preachy.
This is a book for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, questioned the path they’re on, or wondered if there’s something more waiting for them. It’s gentle, inspiring, and quietly powerful.
If you enjoy soulful stories about self-discovery with a touch of magic and wonder, Flying Colors is absolutely worth your time.
At its heart, this book follows John Freeman, a man who’s done everything “right” by society’s standards, yet can’t shake the feeling that something is missing. When a chance conversation on a flight sparks a deep inner shift, John’s life begins to unravel in the most unexpected way. What follows is a journey toward a forgotten dream, a mystical airfield, and a mysterious instructor who teaches lessons that go far beyond flying.
The story feels almost dreamlike at times, lyrical, cinematic, and reflective. It reminded me a lot of The Alchemist and Field of Dreams in the sense that it’s less about the destination and more about what you discover about yourself along the way. The themes of purpose, courage, and letting go of what weighs you down are woven in beautifully without feeling preachy.
This is a book for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, questioned the path they’re on, or wondered if there’s something more waiting for them. It’s gentle, inspiring, and quietly powerful.
If you enjoy soulful stories about self-discovery with a touch of magic and wonder, Flying Colors is absolutely worth your time.
July 20, 2023
"Flying Colors" by Christopher Laney is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey with John Freeman, a determined young man on the cusp of achieving his dreams. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes a student of a mysterious flight instructor. What follows is a thrilling exploration of a mystical airfield abandoned by modern society as John unravels its secrets, questioning his own ambitions along the way.
Laney's writing beautifully weaves together elements of magic and everyday life, making "Flying Colors" a delightful read for those seeking enchantment. The story serves as a reminder that it's never too late to pursue the person we long to be, encouraging readers to reflect on what truly matters.
"Flying Colors" is as informative as it is entertaining, offering an exploration of self-discovery, mystery, and the power of human connections. Laney's work comes at an opportune moment, providing readers with a poignant reflection on the consequences of extraordinary events, such as the current pandemic. Overall, "Flying Colors" is a must-read for those searching for a touch of magic in their everyday lives, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who dares to embark on its pages.
Laney's writing beautifully weaves together elements of magic and everyday life, making "Flying Colors" a delightful read for those seeking enchantment. The story serves as a reminder that it's never too late to pursue the person we long to be, encouraging readers to reflect on what truly matters.
"Flying Colors" is as informative as it is entertaining, offering an exploration of self-discovery, mystery, and the power of human connections. Laney's work comes at an opportune moment, providing readers with a poignant reflection on the consequences of extraordinary events, such as the current pandemic. Overall, "Flying Colors" is a must-read for those searching for a touch of magic in their everyday lives, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who dares to embark on its pages.
July 22, 2023
Thank you to the author and publisher for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
John has always put his career first. He’s climbed the corporate ladder and has his ultimate goal in his sights…partnership. A stranger in an airport opens his eyes to another world…a world where anything is possible. This leads him on a path of self discovery.
“It’s never too late to become the person you’re meant to be.”
He ends up at a small airport and meets a mysterious flight instructor who guides him to discovering his true self. John is on a journey to figure out what matters most.
I loved following along on John’s adventure. It was enlightening, inspiring, thought-provoking and powerful. Kent, the flight instructor, was such a wise and fun character. I loved how he guided John without giving him all the answers. This was such a beautiful story and I can’t wait to read more from Christopher Laney.
“You can chase what weighs you down. Or you can find what lifts you. You can’t do both”
John has always put his career first. He’s climbed the corporate ladder and has his ultimate goal in his sights…partnership. A stranger in an airport opens his eyes to another world…a world where anything is possible. This leads him on a path of self discovery.
“It’s never too late to become the person you’re meant to be.”
He ends up at a small airport and meets a mysterious flight instructor who guides him to discovering his true self. John is on a journey to figure out what matters most.
I loved following along on John’s adventure. It was enlightening, inspiring, thought-provoking and powerful. Kent, the flight instructor, was such a wise and fun character. I loved how he guided John without giving him all the answers. This was such a beautiful story and I can’t wait to read more from Christopher Laney.
“You can chase what weighs you down. Or you can find what lifts you. You can’t do both”
April 21, 2023
This appears to be Christopher Laney's first published novel and I sure hope he is working on his second, because I can't wait to read his next adventure. I was impressed by how he captured my attention with the first page and wove a story of mystical magic and imagination around such a serious topic, one that so many of us struggle with these days. I finished each chapter wanting to know what's next, and read the entire book in one sitting. The pages seemed to turn themselves and before I knew it, I reached the last page and was left wanting to know what the characters will do next! Mr. Laney, I sincerely hope you have found your fulfillment and learned to let go of what weighs you down...although by the way you write, something tells me you have discovered what lifts you. PLEASE keep writing and sharing your gift with the world!
April 3, 2026
Flying Colors is a lovely, fantastical story about a man learning to color his gray world with joys remembered and the love of a father lost too soon.
John Freeman can’t explain how he finds himself at Air Haven, but he knows the moment he arrives that it holds magic. Through flying lessons taught by a wise (somewhat mysterious) instructor, John begins to see the wonders of life all around him and experience the ways in which he can help bring color to the lives of those he cares for too.
For fans of Mitch Albom, Matt Haig and W.P. Kinsella.
John Freeman can’t explain how he finds himself at Air Haven, but he knows the moment he arrives that it holds magic. Through flying lessons taught by a wise (somewhat mysterious) instructor, John begins to see the wonders of life all around him and experience the ways in which he can help bring color to the lives of those he cares for too.
For fans of Mitch Albom, Matt Haig and W.P. Kinsella.
January 12, 2024
I received a copy of this book for a fair and honest review. This book gives me the feeling one should not left life pass them by. It is about know what is important and it could be that advancing at work, finding love or learning to live. A chance encounter has John questioning his well planned out future as life just seems to be passing him by day after day. It does make one take a closer look at what is going on in their lives.
July 12, 2023
Ethereal Lightness or Illumination?
A fanciful tale & metaphor for the journey we all must make to find our true selves, beyond our egos. May it reawaken your inner fanciful child who believes anything is possible,
A fanciful tale & metaphor for the journey we all must make to find our true selves, beyond our egos. May it reawaken your inner fanciful child who believes anything is possible,
January 2, 2025
Not many books that I don’t want to put down.
Really enjoyed reading this. Recommend to all, those interested in flying and those that aren’t.
Will definitely read the next book from Christopher.
Thank you.
Really enjoyed reading this. Recommend to all, those interested in flying and those that aren’t.
Will definitely read the next book from Christopher.
Thank you.
April 12, 2023
Magical!
Flying Colors is an uplifting, magical story of one mans journey to what matters most to him.
I couldn't put it down... great read!
Flying Colors is an uplifting, magical story of one mans journey to what matters most to him.
I couldn't put it down... great read!
December 11, 2024
I think it was a good book for youth.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews