The Kite That Couldn't Fly: And Other May Avenue Stories

by Michael Menard

In "The Kite That Couldn't And Other May Avenue Stories," Michael Menard crafts a captivating memoir, weaving a narrative of resilience and hope from the threads of his challenging childhood. Raised amidst poverty and complex trauma, Menard was one of 14 siblings, each uniquely shaped by their shared experiences. His memoir transcends mere storytelling; it's a journey through the harrowing and the humorous, the unbelievable and the universal, resonating deeply with the human spirit of overcoming adversity.

Menard's life is a beacon of triumph, demonstrating that out of the darkest circumstances can emerge the brightest futures. His account is not just his own but a voice for those who have faced similar trials. From laugh-out-loud anecdotes to heart-wrenching realities, the book navigates through a spectrum of emotions, offering readers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into a life less ordinary. At its core, this book is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Menard's mother, Arletta, emerges as a hero, imparting lessons of love, hope, and resilience. In contrast, his father, Paul, embodies the complexities of a man shaped by his own trauma, offering a nuanced portrayal of parenthood and survival.

"The Kite That Couldn't Fly" isn't just a memoir; it's a mirror for us all, reflecting the universal journey of struggle and success. It challenges readers to confront their pasts, understand their present, and rekindle hope for their futures. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to find light in their darkness, strength in their struggles, and a reminder that even a kite that couldn't fly can soar to unimaginable heights.



Praise for "The Kite that Couldn't Fly":

"What a truly superb and beautiful book! Michael Menard is a master storyteller, whose tales brought me from laughter one moment to tears another. The Kite That Couldn't Fly is chock full of wisdom, humor, and insights about why we thrive and why we stumble. It shows how unconditional love, hope, faith, and a strong spine overcome the most difficult circumstances. I'm grateful for the pleasure of reading it and know it will be an inspiration and uplift to all who read it."
- GLENN R. SCHIRALDI, PH.D., LT. COLONEL, AUTHOR, THE ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES RECOVERY WORKBOOK

"An amazing journey from violence and poverty into triumph! The stories are compelling and touching but it's more than a story. This book can help heal the wounds we carry from childhood. I couldn't put it down."
- DAVE FARROW, INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR


"Menard has written a midwestern version of Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes and even the malignant nuns make a cameo. It's the storytelling and the unique structure of the book that makes The Kite That Couldn't Fly so compelling."
- JAMES MURRAY, PHD

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2024

About the author

Labeled as "non college bound" he was placed in a trade school program. At the age of twenty-one Michael Menard joined Johnson & Johnson to operate the blueprint machine. Twenty-five years later he was named the company's first VP of engineering and an officer of the company with responsibilities in forty-four countries. Now labeled as "exemplory creator", he has received fourteen US and multiple international patents including the inventions of infant disposable diapers with elastic legs and sanitary napkins with wings for women.

As co-founder and president of The GenSight Group, a company helping corporations find a systematic approach to strategic choice and resource optimization, Michael has advised senior leadership at institutions such as Fedex, Westinghouse, Cisco, Glaxo, Pfizer, Coca-Cola, and the US Department of Energy.

Michael has contributed to numerous professional publications including Harvard Management Update, Gartner Research, and The Journal of the American Management Association.

Reviews

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kite that Couldn’t Fly: and other May Avenue Stories: Michael J. Menard

Creating a world where families comes together in good or stressful times is the basis for this narrative told by the author in detail and descriptions and vividly described that you often take the trips bs k in time and experience the good, hard and difficult times he and his family endured.
Each story presents a family faced challenge and how it’s resolved to a point. The author weaves stories that inspire, challenge and tell how he grew up as one of 14 living in poverty, at times traumatic events and the hope that each human challenge in a family that learned how to overcome adversity and cope. Each story tells about his life as a young child with bedtime stories, lessons in life to prepare for future and the story that hit home was the one titled as the title of this book.
The Kite that Couldn’t Fly hit home in many ways. A
The author always wanted a kite and a baseball glove and one more thing. Imagine a mom who understands what it means for children to do without and yet they did. No fancy toys, clothes and other items that kids wanted as you hear the author in the present stating his children would want for nothing. But that’s not the basis of this story about a mother who decided to teach the author a valuable lesson or lessons. Imagine building your own kite and wanting the trophy but after getting it done and his mother created the colours the author enters the Grand Kite Contest with a kite that could not fly but the surprise he got remains within him forever. Read pages 128-130 and smile. Behind False bars teaches the author about family unity and how his father and brother came to his aid when he was falsely accused and arrested for murder. A powerful story and real life ending and page 136 summarizes it all.
Meat for the Heart a Son’s Desperate Act of Love is a story you won’t see anywhere and your love of steaks will explain why stealing them was wrong but you decide if it was truly worth it in the author’s eyes. Read the Paradox of Childhood Trauma to get more of an up close picture of his life.
The epilogue is sad, chilling and yet inspiring as the author takes us inside the lives of his family from start to finish. Some achieved their goals while some you will learn had to overcome obstacles and challenges. He tells when the moved to Kankakee and how life was different but the story about Yesteryear and the steaks was different and yet lessons learned.
The epilogue brings tears when you read Mom. Recanting what he says about his Dad endures us more to him and helps us understand why he was difficult and the victim of childhood trauma. Becoming one with Christ and joining the church was paramount. Next we learn about Jamie, learn about his trials and his relationship with the author as the author tells about himself. There Polly, David and Mary number 5 as the leads us through all 14 siblings with Ellen 14 and his observations about her and her family and describes her as as strong woman with the highest confidence, assertiveness and ambition. The final chapter is written by Kristin Trudeau who wrote the foreword. The preface written by the author and how he came to publish this book and a powerful introduction. Parents that had unique perspectives on life and family and an author who encompassed it all. The Kite That Couldn’t Fly but a family whose lives soared in many directions.
Fran Lewis just reviews

[Brooke Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all-

If you need a new book recommendation, please consider reading The Kite That Couldn’t Fly and other May Avenue Stories by Michael Menard.

This book took me on a journey of laughs, tears, pain, joy, and everything in between. As Michael states in his book, this is not a self help book. With that being said, it is a journey of true stories that he and his siblings (14 total!) lived, survived, and ultimately strived through, that could help so many people!

As someone who experienced childhood trauma relating to my own father, this book touched my heart in ways I didn’t know that I was ready for, but gladly accepted. Childhood trauma shapes the adults that we ultimately become. Admitting to childhood trauma and growing through it, is not an easy task. But this book made me feel — not so alone.

On top of this book affecting my own experiences, I personally am blessed to know and love one of the 14 Menard children, Warren Menard.

I have known Warren for a little over four years and he is one of the funniest, most loving, and family oriented people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. When Warren mentioned to me that his brother Micheal was writing a book about his siblings and their childhood, I couldn’t wait to read it. I would ask Warren to keep me updated every few weeks, as to when the book would finally launch.

This book did not disappoint.

Michael’s writing is beautiful. The way he depicts his mom, Arletta, in this book, made me sad that I never had the pleasure to meeting her. She sounds like an absolute angel.

This book mainly takes you on adventures of Jamie and Michael, as they were the 2 oldest siblings, but ultimately captures a true picture of what the effects of poverty and childhood trauma, can do to a family.

I could honestly go on for hours talking about this book. But I will leave my long winded thoughts with this:
To know a Menard, is to love a Menard. Truly. I am blessed to be able to call Warren my friend, and to learn and grow from him. If he is only 1/14 of the impact his parents left on this world, I would be blessed to know the other 13.

Michael - please know that your book did have an incredible impact on at least one of your readers.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written by one of the oldest siblings of a large family. Each chapter tells a story that pulls the reader in, almost as if you too reside at 118 S. May Ave. His description will stir up many emotions. Memories of childhood will make you laugh out loud, while stories of family trauma, parental discipline & daily survival will bring sadness & tears, even anger to the surface. The author's reflections, at the end of each chapter, give his viewpoint & offer resources to improve a difficult situation. They also reveal reasons why Mike was able to focus on the optimism & faith of his mother, and love & forgive his father, who also faced childhood trauma, to become a successful, decent man. This was a quick read, that I thoroughly enjoyed!

[Stitchywoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read. I could only read one or two stories at a sitting. They were thought provoking and made me very thankful for what I have. Although my childhood environment wasn't necessarily the most functional and healthy, I'm thankful for the good times and compared to Mr. Menard's it was relatively easy. I have great admiration for Mr. Menard's positive attitude and how he has used his childhood experiences to grow and find good in the darkest places. He should be proud of all he's achieved and accomplished.