What do you think?
Rate this book
Things Go Flying
The brilliant and darkly hilarious debut novel about how the past can come back to haunt you (literally) by the New York Times bestselling author of Everyone Here Is Lying, Shari Lapena.
Harold Walker, desperately average, is in the throes of a mid-life depression. His wife Audrey clings to an illusory sense of control—over their home, their teenaged sons, Dylan and John, and her own explosive secret. The death of a long-estranged friend triggers a series of perturbing events that catapults Harold out of his La-Z-Boy and throws the household into chaos. Things go flying when the dead begin communicating with Harold, leaving Audrey's secret vulnerable to exposure, and Harold more confused than ever. What these familiar voices from the afterlife ultimately reveal is just how little the living know about living.
Harold Walker, desperately average, is in the throes of a mid-life depression. His wife Audrey clings to an illusory sense of control—over their home, their teenaged sons, Dylan and John, and her own explosive secret. The death of a long-estranged friend triggers a series of perturbing events that catapults Harold out of his La-Z-Boy and throws the household into chaos. Things go flying when the dead begin communicating with Harold, leaving Audrey's secret vulnerable to exposure, and Harold more confused than ever. What these familiar voices from the afterlife ultimately reveal is just how little the living know about living.
Audible Audio
First published January 15, 2007
189 people are currently reading
5348 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
March 3, 2018
I loved this book! It had me laughing out loud. Harold is experiencing a mid life crisis and his family and finances are falling apart. His dead mother and recently dead friend talk to him and when things start flying in his house it's time to consult a philosopher. I can't do this book justice with a review. Just read the book.
September 11, 2018
Before Lapena became Canada's favourite export to the suspense novel world (A Stranger in the House, The Couple Next Door), there was this. And this was fun, and good. I'd like to see more of this kind of book from Lapena - not that I didn't enjoy the previous 2 mentioned, but Things Go Flying felt like it had more depth, more humour (dark, the way it is best) and was less genre-bound.
December 7, 2018
Unless I’m looking for a certain author, I will often go with a book whose cover speaks to me. And the artwork on this one grabbed my attention.
I absolutely love the cover! The colourful houses at the bottom, the blue to dark sky, the armless female shooting through air like a rocket or a meteor in a star-filled dress, wearing red high-heeled shoes.
Jane Zednik, the artist who created this image was someone I was unfamiliar with, until now.
I’ve since looked her up and viewed more of her artwork, and like her unique style.
Another interesting fact about this book is that it is edited by another of my favorite writers, Lynn Coady.
Often when deciding to buy a book, the inside has to interest me also. So I read a few opening lines hoping the words also connect. It took only the opening sentence to convince me to buy: Harold’s recent habit of reading the obituaries at breakfast was his only new habit in years.
The book focuses on Harold and Audrey and their two male teenage sons and the problems each are dealing with.
In reading the obituaries Harold discovers his long estranged once best friend has died. They attend the funeral and that’s where the story takes off and Audrey fears a secret may be exposed.
Even though the book deals with some serious and difficult situations, is remains a light read. One fun example is that when Harold finally seeks help, he chooses a philosopher. Which makes for some interesting conversations.
Even though there are lots of problems, it never seems like the end of the world to any of them or as emotionally difficult as real situations in life often are. And maybe that’s the point of good fiction, glide the surface, broach certain subjects, but never dive too deeply. And like I find a lot of fiction, most endings neatly wrapped in “it all turns out okay”.
One of the most interesting things in this book is the dead communicating with the living. This reminds me of when I was a child, especially around Christmas time, when the adults would warn about Santa Claus knowing if you’ve been bad or good, awake or asleep, etc. It’s creepy even thinking of being watched by anyone, much less the dead. Almost like they have unlimited access to the best reality show possible.
Anyway, if you’re looking for an easy, fun read, it’s worth a go. But beware, someone may be watching you!
I absolutely love the cover! The colourful houses at the bottom, the blue to dark sky, the armless female shooting through air like a rocket or a meteor in a star-filled dress, wearing red high-heeled shoes.
Jane Zednik, the artist who created this image was someone I was unfamiliar with, until now.
I’ve since looked her up and viewed more of her artwork, and like her unique style.
Another interesting fact about this book is that it is edited by another of my favorite writers, Lynn Coady.
Often when deciding to buy a book, the inside has to interest me also. So I read a few opening lines hoping the words also connect. It took only the opening sentence to convince me to buy: Harold’s recent habit of reading the obituaries at breakfast was his only new habit in years.
The book focuses on Harold and Audrey and their two male teenage sons and the problems each are dealing with.
In reading the obituaries Harold discovers his long estranged once best friend has died. They attend the funeral and that’s where the story takes off and Audrey fears a secret may be exposed.
Even though the book deals with some serious and difficult situations, is remains a light read. One fun example is that when Harold finally seeks help, he chooses a philosopher. Which makes for some interesting conversations.
Even though there are lots of problems, it never seems like the end of the world to any of them or as emotionally difficult as real situations in life often are. And maybe that’s the point of good fiction, glide the surface, broach certain subjects, but never dive too deeply. And like I find a lot of fiction, most endings neatly wrapped in “it all turns out okay”.
One of the most interesting things in this book is the dead communicating with the living. This reminds me of when I was a child, especially around Christmas time, when the adults would warn about Santa Claus knowing if you’ve been bad or good, awake or asleep, etc. It’s creepy even thinking of being watched by anyone, much less the dead. Almost like they have unlimited access to the best reality show possible.
Anyway, if you’re looking for an easy, fun read, it’s worth a go. But beware, someone may be watching you!
January 22, 2015
After a spate of books I had to push myself through or not finish, I found this an easy, comfortable read. Lots happens in this family with a wife who seems super organized and controlling, husband who is quite bland and seems to let others direct his actions, mostly, and two teenaged sons. Then there are the ghosts, not scary, but certainly interfering and throwing turmoil into the story.
August 18, 2024
Things Go Flying by Shari Lapeña
7h 13m narrated by Robin Wilcock, 232 pages
Genre: Humor, Fiction
Featuring: Epigraphs, Obituaries, Mid-Life Crisis, Parenting, Marital Issues, Family Dynamics, Secrets, Paranormal Activity, Multiple POVs, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Discontentment, Children, Muse, Politics, Drama, Drugs, Misbehavior, Philosophy, Self-Actualization
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Books and Authors mentioned: The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, Paradise Lost by John Milton
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⚰️👻
My thoughts: 📱7% 30:40 Chapter 2 - This is my new car book. It may take a while because it's another Satire with Literary Fiction vibes.
📱 21% 1:28:51 Chapter 4 - Well, this has gotten a whole lot more interesting, still not great but very interesting.
📱37% 2:30:40 Chapter 7 - I had high hopes for the deceased mother character. For now, it's just okay.
📱59% 4:15:02 Chapter 11 - This is giving me Ove vibes in the form of writing styles. I was surprised to hear brassiere, and I'm looking up cash in reference to the cashier. I'm switching my car book for a day or so, hopefully I'll come back refreshed.
📱74% 5:22:34 Chapter 14 - the last 2 chapters had a burst of short-lived excitement.
📱87% 6:17:32 Chapter 17 - It finally has some real excitement.
This was interesting, not my style but better than the second book. In a way, it was a bit like a Self-Help book.
Recommend to others: I'm not sure. It's not a bad book, but you definitely have to let go of the excitement this author is known for.
7h 13m narrated by Robin Wilcock, 232 pages
Genre: Humor, Fiction
Featuring: Epigraphs, Obituaries, Mid-Life Crisis, Parenting, Marital Issues, Family Dynamics, Secrets, Paranormal Activity, Multiple POVs, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Discontentment, Children, Muse, Politics, Drama, Drugs, Misbehavior, Philosophy, Self-Actualization
Rating as a movie: R for adult content
Books and Authors mentioned: The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi, Paradise Lost by John Milton
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⚰️👻
My thoughts: 📱7% 30:40 Chapter 2 - This is my new car book. It may take a while because it's another Satire with Literary Fiction vibes.
📱 21% 1:28:51 Chapter 4 - Well, this has gotten a whole lot more interesting, still not great but very interesting.
📱37% 2:30:40 Chapter 7 - I had high hopes for the deceased mother character. For now, it's just okay.
📱59% 4:15:02 Chapter 11 - This is giving me Ove vibes in the form of writing styles. I was surprised to hear brassiere, and I'm looking up cash in reference to the cashier. I'm switching my car book for a day or so, hopefully I'll come back refreshed.
📱74% 5:22:34 Chapter 14 - the last 2 chapters had a burst of short-lived excitement.
📱87% 6:17:32 Chapter 17 - It finally has some real excitement.
This was interesting, not my style but better than the second book. In a way, it was a bit like a Self-Help book.
Recommend to others: I'm not sure. It's not a bad book, but you definitely have to let go of the excitement this author is known for.
September 16, 2024
shari made the right move by switching to psychological thrillers 🥴
May 11, 2025
Fun dark story ;)
February 8, 2025
pretty much an existential book without much substance but I enjoyed the writing and plot enough
October 17, 2018
3.5 stars
April 28, 2018
Funny and heartwarming.
May 30, 2020
I enjoyed this interesting, quirky story set in Toronto. I could relate to this family; parents of 2 teenage boys, trying to get through life's ups and downs.
February 23, 2025
I couldn’t finish this book. It’s dull and unlike anything else she has written.
February 7, 2009
So far, a great start. Middle aged couple with anxiety and control issues, 2 teenaged sons with some typical troubles and identity theft. Looks promising
Couldn't put it down. Insightful, funny, great book.
Couldn't put it down. Insightful, funny, great book.
November 13, 2012
Quick read. Not really all that exciting for a "ghost" story - Leave the lights off for this one. In fact, you could probably read it in an abandoned building and still fall asleep. Otherwise, story is predictable and unoriginal.
February 26, 2025
Book Review: Things Go Flying by Shari Lapena
In Things Go Flying, Shari Lapena crafts a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of relationships and the intricacies of human behavior. Listening to the audiobook enhances the experience, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the characters’ thought processes and emotional struggles.
The story revolves around a couple, with the wife, Audrey, being highly organized and controlling, while Harold, her husband, comes across as negative and bland. Their contrasting personalities create tension and highlight the challenges they face in their marriage. Additionally, their children add another layer of chaos, making family dynamics even more complicated.
Lapena does an excellent job of portraying the struggles of the characters, particularly as they navigate personal goals and external pressures, such as Harold’s strained relationships with his mother and best friend. Audrey’s worth and self pressures to keep home and family in order. And teenagers doing teenager things. While I often felt frustrated by the characters’ choices, I appreciated their journey toward redemption, which added depth to the narrative.
One intriguing aspect of the story is a side plot that remains unresolved. Although it may not be central to the main narrative, I found myself curious about its outcome, as it could have added another layer to the overall story.
Overall, Things Go Flying is a thought-provoking and engaging read that showcases Lapena’s skill in depicting complex characters and intricate relationships. Despite some unresolved threads, the emotional depth and character dynamics make it a worthwhile experience.
In Things Go Flying, Shari Lapena crafts a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of relationships and the intricacies of human behavior. Listening to the audiobook enhances the experience, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the characters’ thought processes and emotional struggles.
The story revolves around a couple, with the wife, Audrey, being highly organized and controlling, while Harold, her husband, comes across as negative and bland. Their contrasting personalities create tension and highlight the challenges they face in their marriage. Additionally, their children add another layer of chaos, making family dynamics even more complicated.
Lapena does an excellent job of portraying the struggles of the characters, particularly as they navigate personal goals and external pressures, such as Harold’s strained relationships with his mother and best friend. Audrey’s worth and self pressures to keep home and family in order. And teenagers doing teenager things. While I often felt frustrated by the characters’ choices, I appreciated their journey toward redemption, which added depth to the narrative.
One intriguing aspect of the story is a side plot that remains unresolved. Although it may not be central to the main narrative, I found myself curious about its outcome, as it could have added another layer to the overall story.
Overall, Things Go Flying is a thought-provoking and engaging read that showcases Lapena’s skill in depicting complex characters and intricate relationships. Despite some unresolved threads, the emotional depth and character dynamics make it a worthwhile experience.
November 4, 2019
Harold is having the worst month of his life. His best friend died, he is about to reach the age when his father died, he has met with multiple tiny accidents, he has become victim of identity theft, his kids are out of control and his wife Audrey is trying to control every aspect of his life. What's worse is that he seems to have been bestowed with ' The Gift'- the gift to be able to hear the voices of dead people. He is unable to understand how to escape this circus that his life has become. Also he is horrified that whether one soul gets tied to another soul in afterlife, the other soul in question being of his wife.
Audrey on the other hand is freaking about dead people smashing her good China and also hiding the big life altering secret from her family. She is fed up being the anchor in this ungrateful family and just needs mental peace whereas her kids, John and Dylan are fantasizing about girls and acting respectively.
It's a fun,light read with enough quirky elements. It was like watching episodes of Modern Family but with more drama. This being debut novel of Shari Lapena, I didn't have high expectations but I must say that I was impressed.
Audrey on the other hand is freaking about dead people smashing her good China and also hiding the big life altering secret from her family. She is fed up being the anchor in this ungrateful family and just needs mental peace whereas her kids, John and Dylan are fantasizing about girls and acting respectively.
It's a fun,light read with enough quirky elements. It was like watching episodes of Modern Family but with more drama. This being debut novel of Shari Lapena, I didn't have high expectations but I must say that I was impressed.
April 23, 2024
In Things Go Flying, Harold Walker is desperately average and listless at mid-life, stemming in part from the abrupt death of his one-time best friend, Tom. Harold's wife Audrey, an increasingly frustrated housewife and mother to their two teenage sons, is a control freak silently harbouring an explosive secret. Things go flying in the Walker household when Harold's long-deceased mother comes back to haunt them. He finds he has her gift for opening the door to the past-and if there was ever a gift he wanted to return, it's this one! Audrey is similarly terrified-how is she to safeguard her secret now? If she can't control this world, how is she to control the next one? And how will she protect her good china? Harold, who has made a practice of avoiding things all his life, must confront two problems-how to find meaning in this life, and how to come to grips with the mostly terrifying idea that life just might go on forever!
April 14, 2025
This was Shari Lapena’s fiction debut several years ago. It’s a quirky story about a family living in Toronto. After a series of events including the loss of his college best friend, the father can suddenly speak with dead individuals who were known to him in life. The book follows that along with a variety of parenting issues.
It’s wild to think that after this, the author became a queen of mystery thrillers. I can’t help but wonder what other stories and genres she has in mind & hope she hasn’t been pigeonholed into her current genre.
This was on the Cleveland Public Library's Spoofs & Sneers list: "thought-provoking, witty and funny - these satire books will make you question everything." I borrowed it via Libby and finished it in 1 day.
CWs: loss of a friend (current), drugs, alcohol, victim of identity theft, infidelity, mental illness
It’s wild to think that after this, the author became a queen of mystery thrillers. I can’t help but wonder what other stories and genres she has in mind & hope she hasn’t been pigeonholed into her current genre.
This was on the Cleveland Public Library's Spoofs & Sneers list: "thought-provoking, witty and funny - these satire books will make you question everything." I borrowed it via Libby and finished it in 1 day.
CWs: loss of a friend (current), drugs, alcohol, victim of identity theft, infidelity, mental illness
February 28, 2019
I’ve enjoyed this author and her more recent books so I thought I would give this earlier book a try.
It was a cute, shorter story about a family with teenage sized problems, tacking issues around drugs, drunk driving, adultery and facing mortality or everlasting life....
With some friendly ghosts thrown in for good measure.
Funny at times.
Glad to see Audrey reentering the workforce and feeling important after almost 20 years.
Harold also comes to terms with his demons and adopts a more positive and optimistic outlook on life.
It was a cute, shorter story about a family with teenage sized problems, tacking issues around drugs, drunk driving, adultery and facing mortality or everlasting life....
With some friendly ghosts thrown in for good measure.
Funny at times.
Glad to see Audrey reentering the workforce and feeling important after almost 20 years.
Harold also comes to terms with his demons and adopts a more positive and optimistic outlook on life.
October 18, 2024
Interesting book. Makes you think, what can I do to better the world around me?
A man in what sounds like a mid-life crisis, along with a bunch of other bad things happening to and around him, searches for meaning in his life.
You feel bad for him as he really does have a lot of bad things happening at once. His family, two boys and wife are not helping matters any. In fact, are a big part of the problems he is currently experiencing.
All in all a good, interesting book with a timely message at the end.
A man in what sounds like a mid-life crisis, along with a bunch of other bad things happening to and around him, searches for meaning in his life.
You feel bad for him as he really does have a lot of bad things happening at once. His family, two boys and wife are not helping matters any. In fact, are a big part of the problems he is currently experiencing.
All in all a good, interesting book with a timely message at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2024
I did not expect a feel good, psychological realm book. I had no preconceived notions because I just picked this book randomly after having read some other Shari Lapena books. I was pleasantly surprised.
Harold, a man with a wife and two kids, is faced with the loss of his estranged best friend from a heart attack and things come into perspective. However, his mid-life breakdown rears its head and he realizes he has more in common with his mother than he thought and yet not that much in common with one of his sons. And trinkets won't stop flying off the shelves and shattering.
Harold, a man with a wife and two kids, is faced with the loss of his estranged best friend from a heart attack and things come into perspective. However, his mid-life breakdown rears its head and he realizes he has more in common with his mother than he thought and yet not that much in common with one of his sons. And trinkets won't stop flying off the shelves and shattering.
September 2, 2025
This one had a solid storyline—clever in concept and with some genuinely intriguing moments—but it just didn’t quite ignite the spark I needed to stay fully hooked. It was like watching a candle flicker but never quite catch fire.
The characters were quirky and the themes (grief, identity, the supernatural) had great potential, but it felt like the narrative meandered a bit too much. I kept waiting for that “can’t-put-it-down” moment, and while the plot moved forward, it never really took off. More a slow float than a compelling flight.
Just go in knowing it’s a quieter, less twisty ride.
The characters were quirky and the themes (grief, identity, the supernatural) had great potential, but it felt like the narrative meandered a bit too much. I kept waiting for that “can’t-put-it-down” moment, and while the plot moved forward, it never really took off. More a slow float than a compelling flight.
Just go in knowing it’s a quieter, less twisty ride.
May 4, 2021
This was a nice contemporary interruption in my reading habits, LOL.
Yes, this is an older book by Shari Lapena and compared to her latest books, this story is pretty "mild"...it only includes a little bit of anxiety in the way of a few ghosts, possible middle/older age insanity, the hope in curing depression by philosophy, etc.
Sounds confusing ?
It isn't - it's more humorous than you might believe.
It's worth a read, and a snack on the side.
I would recommend.
Yes, this is an older book by Shari Lapena and compared to her latest books, this story is pretty "mild"...it only includes a little bit of anxiety in the way of a few ghosts, possible middle/older age insanity, the hope in curing depression by philosophy, etc.
Sounds confusing ?
It isn't - it's more humorous than you might believe.
It's worth a read, and a snack on the side.
I would recommend.
September 26, 2024
I really like the philosophical element of the book especially how the author expressed it at the end. However, plot wise the book just came to a sudden halt. It felt like i had read half a book and then just closed it. Half of the problems had only just begun and the author kind of just threw in a “but then everything was better” and ended the book. There were barely even conversations with the dead. The synopsis of this book feels like really false advertising.
September 29, 2024
Heavy
The thing I liked most about this story was it was different. The subject matter was depressing but I can't deny it was well written. Strangely, I could not picture any of the characters, but I don't remember them being described. The part I enjoyed most was when John wouldn't steal a car for Nicole and left her. Understanding Famous Philosophers is tedious but, I understand more than I did before.
The thing I liked most about this story was it was different. The subject matter was depressing but I can't deny it was well written. Strangely, I could not picture any of the characters, but I don't remember them being described. The part I enjoyed most was when John wouldn't steal a car for Nicole and left her. Understanding Famous Philosophers is tedious but, I understand more than I did before.
October 15, 2024
“Most men live lives of quiet desperation.”
Harold Walker is one of them. He has a decent but dull job, a good-ish marriage, and two teenage sons who baffle him. The boring but steady trajectory of his life begins to unravel when his college roommate dies. Soon after that, his mother, who has been dead for years, starts speaking to him. So do other spirits of the dead. Life for Harold becomes much more difficult, but far from boring.
Harold Walker is one of them. He has a decent but dull job, a good-ish marriage, and two teenage sons who baffle him. The boring but steady trajectory of his life begins to unravel when his college roommate dies. Soon after that, his mother, who has been dead for years, starts speaking to him. So do other spirits of the dead. Life for Harold becomes much more difficult, but far from boring.
December 18, 2017
It was a very interesting read in comparison to her other books. What I liked about it was that it was done in Toronto. It was a story about a family with 2 teens & the trials & tribulations of what was happening in their lives & how it came about. I really liked the "philosopher" too & the wisdom he shared.
February 3, 2022
I am so glad Shari shifted to writing thrillers *big grin on my face*
Things go flying dragged and dragged, and then dragged some more. Even when I was half-way through the book I still didn't know where it was going. The story was really taxing.
But, it really got good right before it ended. And it surprisingly gave some good life advice.
Things go flying dragged and dragged, and then dragged some more. Even when I was half-way through the book I still didn't know where it was going. The story was really taxing.
But, it really got good right before it ended. And it surprisingly gave some good life advice.
September 4, 2024
I really liked this book. It was funny as heck. I wish that some of the loose ends had been tied up in the end, though. Like what happened with the lawsuit? Who was Nicole and why was she at the funeral? Who stole Harold’s identity? Etc etc. I feel like the ending was kind of rushed and I would have liked at least a few of those questions answered.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews