What do you think?
Rate this book
Setting Free the Kites
For Robert Carter, life in his coastal Maine hometown is comfortably predictable. But in 1976, on his first day of eighth grade, he meets Nathan Tilly, who changes everything. Nathan is confident, fearless, impetuous--and fascinated by kites and flying. Robert and Nathan's budding friendship is forged in the crucible of two family tragedies, and as the boys struggle to come to terms with loss, they take summer jobs at the local rundown amusement park. It's there that Nathan's boundless capacity for optimism threatens to overwhelm them both, and where they learn some harsh truths about family, desire, and revenge.
Unforgettable and heart-breaking, Setting Free the Kites is a poignant and moving exploration of the pain, joy, and glories of young friendship.
Unforgettable and heart-breaking, Setting Free the Kites is a poignant and moving exploration of the pain, joy, and glories of young friendship.
326 pages, Hardcover
First published February 21, 2017
109 people are currently reading
6823 people want to read
About the author
Alex George
14 books629 followersAlex George is a writer, a bookseller, a director of a literary festival, and a lawyer. He was born in England, but presently lives in the midwest of America.
His novel, A Good American, was published by Amy Einhorn Books, an imprint of Penguin/Putnam, in February 2012. It was a #1 Indie Next Pick, a Barnes and Noble Discover New Writers Pick, an Amazon Best Book of the Month, a Midwest Connections Pick, and a a Library Journal Best Book of the Year. It was a national and international bestseller.
Setting Free The Kites was published in 2017, also by Penguin. It was an Indie Next Pick, a Barnes and Noble Best Fiction Pick, a Library Reads Choice and a Midwest Connection Pick.
His latest novel, The Paris Hours, will be published by Flatiron Books, an imprint of Macmillan, on May 5, 2020.
Alex read law at Oxford University and worked for eight years as a corporate lawyer in London and Paris. He moved to the United States in 2003. In addition to writing, he owns an independent bookshop, Skylark Bookshop, in downtown Columbia, MO. He is also the founder and director of The Unbound Book Festival, which will be holding its fifth annual festival in April 2020. Past guests have included Michael Ondaatje, Salman Rushdie, Zadie Smith, and George Saunders. He is also a practicing attorney in his spare time.
Alex has been named as one of Britain’s top ten “thirtysomething” novelists by the Times of London, and was also named as the Independent on Sunday’s “face to watch” for fiction in its Fresh Talent feature.
Alex is married to the writer, professor, and critic, Alexandra Socarides. They live in Columbia, Missouri with their four children.
His novel, A Good American, was published by Amy Einhorn Books, an imprint of Penguin/Putnam, in February 2012. It was a #1 Indie Next Pick, a Barnes and Noble Discover New Writers Pick, an Amazon Best Book of the Month, a Midwest Connections Pick, and a a Library Journal Best Book of the Year. It was a national and international bestseller.
Setting Free The Kites was published in 2017, also by Penguin. It was an Indie Next Pick, a Barnes and Noble Best Fiction Pick, a Library Reads Choice and a Midwest Connection Pick.
His latest novel, The Paris Hours, will be published by Flatiron Books, an imprint of Macmillan, on May 5, 2020.
Alex read law at Oxford University and worked for eight years as a corporate lawyer in London and Paris. He moved to the United States in 2003. In addition to writing, he owns an independent bookshop, Skylark Bookshop, in downtown Columbia, MO. He is also the founder and director of The Unbound Book Festival, which will be holding its fifth annual festival in April 2020. Past guests have included Michael Ondaatje, Salman Rushdie, Zadie Smith, and George Saunders. He is also a practicing attorney in his spare time.
Alex has been named as one of Britain’s top ten “thirtysomething” novelists by the Times of London, and was also named as the Independent on Sunday’s “face to watch” for fiction in its Fresh Talent feature.
Alex is married to the writer, professor, and critic, Alexandra Socarides. They live in Columbia, Missouri with their four children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 803 reviews
November 18, 2016
If I were asked to pick one sentence from this book which sums up the context of the entire story, a sentence relevant to each of the characters, I would choose this:
"Sometimes he liked to keep the world at a distance".
And..... the most minor character mentioned - Nathalie- set me off with a flood --
gushing -Niigata Falls Tears!
Sooo beautiful - so sad - I sooooo HIGHLY RECOMMEND it!!!!!!
I'm still too much of an emotional soggy pancake to say anything else!!!!
So....ZERO SPOILERS - NO MAJOR DETAILS ... LOVED THE STORY... THE CHARACTERS ....THE SURPRISES...THE LOOSE ENDS....( things don't get packaged with a pretty bow), and again I say HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!
* minor detail: I noticed that the author used the words ambush and kaleidoscope each twice in his novel. Both times I found them interesting choices of words. NOT BAD.....I LIKE THE WAY BOTH WORDS SOUND and FEEL. - but I noticed them - as jumped out at me.
* One more minor detail: .... An excerpt I love.... (from a girl who lives in California)
"The snow came early that year".
"It arrived in one giant, overnight fall, a week before Thanksgiving, a silent ambush from the sky that left us beneath a dazzling blanket of white. I gazed through my bedroom window at the new world outside. Within hours the snow would be plowed up, shoveled aside, trample down, driven over. Life went on. You can't afford to be sentimental about the weather in Maine".
I would enjoy being part of a book discussion with this novel FOR SURE!
Thank You Penguin Group, NetGalley, and Alex George
"Sometimes he liked to keep the world at a distance".
And..... the most minor character mentioned - Nathalie- set me off with a flood --
gushing -Niigata Falls Tears!
Sooo beautiful - so sad - I sooooo HIGHLY RECOMMEND it!!!!!!
I'm still too much of an emotional soggy pancake to say anything else!!!!
So....ZERO SPOILERS - NO MAJOR DETAILS ... LOVED THE STORY... THE CHARACTERS ....THE SURPRISES...THE LOOSE ENDS....( things don't get packaged with a pretty bow), and again I say HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!
* minor detail: I noticed that the author used the words ambush and kaleidoscope each twice in his novel. Both times I found them interesting choices of words. NOT BAD.....I LIKE THE WAY BOTH WORDS SOUND and FEEL. - but I noticed them - as jumped out at me.
* One more minor detail: .... An excerpt I love.... (from a girl who lives in California)
"The snow came early that year".
"It arrived in one giant, overnight fall, a week before Thanksgiving, a silent ambush from the sky that left us beneath a dazzling blanket of white. I gazed through my bedroom window at the new world outside. Within hours the snow would be plowed up, shoveled aside, trample down, driven over. Life went on. You can't afford to be sentimental about the weather in Maine".
I would enjoy being part of a book discussion with this novel FOR SURE!
Thank You Penguin Group, NetGalley, and Alex George
April 25, 2017
Imagine yourself as a kite and someone cutting the twine and being set free. Untethered; the wind gently swaying you up. This is a quiet get under your skin never going to forget kind of a story of friendship between 2 teenage boys.
There are tragedies and sadness But it's also a story that's real - about resilience, relationships and the freedom one experiences when one is able to feel free from the heaviness of life and emotions. It's about moments of joy. And forgiveness.
George's prose is as gentle as a breeze. His characters are heartbreakingly real and full of emotion - sadness, happiness and peaceful acceptance. This is a story Of letting go of the things that can burden us and recognizing the authentic meaning of friendship and love and how it can sustain us during our most trying times.
I loved that Robert found books to be the balm of his healing. It is for me as well.
Thank you George for this beautiful and soulful read. This is worthy of 5*****
There are tragedies and sadness But it's also a story that's real - about resilience, relationships and the freedom one experiences when one is able to feel free from the heaviness of life and emotions. It's about moments of joy. And forgiveness.
George's prose is as gentle as a breeze. His characters are heartbreakingly real and full of emotion - sadness, happiness and peaceful acceptance. This is a story Of letting go of the things that can burden us and recognizing the authentic meaning of friendship and love and how it can sustain us during our most trying times.
I loved that Robert found books to be the balm of his healing. It is for me as well.
Thank you George for this beautiful and soulful read. This is worthy of 5*****
December 27, 2016
At the outset, I want to say that in spite of the many things I loved about this book , there were a couple of things that made this fall short of 5 stars. Close to the end something happened with a character that didn't seem to fit and there is a revelation that felt a little overwritten. I wanted to get that out of the way so I could focus on why this is such a wonderful book. It's one of those beautifully written introspective stories which allows the reader to reside in the heart and mind of the young narrator, Robert, who as many young narrators that I am drawn to, has wisdom beyond his years. In essence , it's a coming of age story reflecting the importance of family and friendship. It's also a story of loss and grief. At first I wondered if I should be reading it now, having recently lost my mother but it's such a beautiful story I did not want to put it aside. It is about loss of loved ones but also about having had the privilege of loving them so in spite of my own grief, this worked for me.
What can I say about the writing? I can tell you that I was in Haverford, Maine. I was taken there, to the snowy, freezing ,winter and to the beginning of beautiful summers when Robert's family's amusement park opened. I could clearly see the kites as they disappeared into the sky when Robert helps his friend Nathan get through a difficult loss. There is something sentimental about this story - the place , this time in the 1970's as it begins. There is a somber tone but yet it is interspersed with moments of pure joy. There is death here but yet so much life. There are several heartbroken characters trying desperately to cope, but my heart was mostly broken for Robert who as sad as he was, became a beacon for reason and hope. I wish I could have given it 5 stars but it's a solid 4 stars and a high recommendation.
I received an advanced copy of this book from G.P. Putnam's Sons through Penguin First to Read.
What can I say about the writing? I can tell you that I was in Haverford, Maine. I was taken there, to the snowy, freezing ,winter and to the beginning of beautiful summers when Robert's family's amusement park opened. I could clearly see the kites as they disappeared into the sky when Robert helps his friend Nathan get through a difficult loss. There is something sentimental about this story - the place , this time in the 1970's as it begins. There is a somber tone but yet it is interspersed with moments of pure joy. There is death here but yet so much life. There are several heartbroken characters trying desperately to cope, but my heart was mostly broken for Robert who as sad as he was, became a beacon for reason and hope. I wish I could have given it 5 stars but it's a solid 4 stars and a high recommendation.
I received an advanced copy of this book from G.P. Putnam's Sons through Penguin First to Read.
October 15, 2016
Few friends have a first meeting like Robert Carter and Nathan Tilly. It's the first day of eighth grade in 1976, and Robert has resigned himself to another year of being bullied by his nemesis, Hollis. Yet Nathan literally rescues Robert in the midst of Hollis' repeatedly sticking his head in the toilet. Not quite an auspicious meeting, but certainly a memorable one, one which Robert is truly grateful for, especially once events continue to unfold.
The boys' friendship intensifies rapidly. Nathan is the brave, carefree one, obsessed with the wonder of flight and all things that fly, while Robert has spent most of his life being much more cautious, perhaps as a result of his parents' protectiveness in the wake of his older brother's serious illness. But each brings out the best in the other, and while there isn't much to do in their Maine hometown, the two are pretty much inseparable, especially in the wake of two tragedies. But they take jobs at the local amusement park owned by Robert's family, and that both occupies and complicates their lives.
As Robert watches his parents' marriage weather difficult times, he can't seem to muster up the enthusiasm for life that he once did. And as Nathan faces each situation with a never-fail, constantly positive attitude, especially around winning the attention of the most beautiful girl in school, Robert starts to get frustrated with Nathan. He misses their us-against-the-world friendship, their recklessness, and he wants his old life back.
Setting Free the Kites is a pretty terrific book about how friendship changes your life, especially when you're young. It's also a story about fear and bravado, love and loss, and what it's like when children begin to realize their parents have secrets and flaws, just like everyone else.
I really loved this book. There's so much emotion, nostalgia, humor, and heart in this story, and Alex George did such a terrific job in making a simple, familiar story so compelling and making his characters so interesting. Even though you've definitely seen elements of this story before (I have no idea why I was reminded of the end of the movie Stand By Me , as this book has almost nothing in common with that movie), it's really a special book.
Alex George is tremendously talented. I remember wanting to read his first book, A Good American , so I'm definitely going to need to add that to my list now. If you love books that make you feel nostalgia for those special friendships of childhood, you should absolutely read Setting Free the Kites . It'll leave you with a lump in your throat and a smile in your heart.
NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
The boys' friendship intensifies rapidly. Nathan is the brave, carefree one, obsessed with the wonder of flight and all things that fly, while Robert has spent most of his life being much more cautious, perhaps as a result of his parents' protectiveness in the wake of his older brother's serious illness. But each brings out the best in the other, and while there isn't much to do in their Maine hometown, the two are pretty much inseparable, especially in the wake of two tragedies. But they take jobs at the local amusement park owned by Robert's family, and that both occupies and complicates their lives.
As Robert watches his parents' marriage weather difficult times, he can't seem to muster up the enthusiasm for life that he once did. And as Nathan faces each situation with a never-fail, constantly positive attitude, especially around winning the attention of the most beautiful girl in school, Robert starts to get frustrated with Nathan. He misses their us-against-the-world friendship, their recklessness, and he wants his old life back.
Setting Free the Kites is a pretty terrific book about how friendship changes your life, especially when you're young. It's also a story about fear and bravado, love and loss, and what it's like when children begin to realize their parents have secrets and flaws, just like everyone else.
I really loved this book. There's so much emotion, nostalgia, humor, and heart in this story, and Alex George did such a terrific job in making a simple, familiar story so compelling and making his characters so interesting. Even though you've definitely seen elements of this story before (I have no idea why I was reminded of the end of the movie Stand By Me , as this book has almost nothing in common with that movie), it's really a special book.
Alex George is tremendously talented. I remember wanting to read his first book, A Good American , so I'm definitely going to need to add that to my list now. If you love books that make you feel nostalgia for those special friendships of childhood, you should absolutely read Setting Free the Kites . It'll leave you with a lump in your throat and a smile in your heart.
NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available!
See all of my reviews at http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blo....
February 15, 2017
Robert first met Nathan when as a new boy he came to Roberts aid when he was being bullied. From there this friendship became the cornerstone of Roberts life. Looking back from forty years in the future, he remembers the years with both regret and longing. A time of an amazing friendship and inconsolable loss.
I finished this book feeling melancholy and sentimental.. Looking back we can probably all remember a special friendship that meant everything. For Robert and his family it would be a time of profound loss, of trying to come together as a family, saving what was left. A time of adventure and discovery, a first job and a new and unique friendship with an old man.
I enjoyed this book, but there is much sadness, moments of joy, exhilaration as well. Two boys so different, one more careful, one daring. Dealing with grief and how we all handle it differently. Music and literature are a big motif, and a secret will be revealed concerning one.
ARC from publisher.
I finished this book feeling melancholy and sentimental.. Looking back we can probably all remember a special friendship that meant everything. For Robert and his family it would be a time of profound loss, of trying to come together as a family, saving what was left. A time of adventure and discovery, a first job and a new and unique friendship with an old man.
I enjoyed this book, but there is much sadness, moments of joy, exhilaration as well. Two boys so different, one more careful, one daring. Dealing with grief and how we all handle it differently. Music and literature are a big motif, and a secret will be revealed concerning one.
ARC from publisher.
October 11, 2021
“Nathan Tilly gave me the story I’m going to tell, but it was the old paper mill that set my memories free.”
By 2016, the old paper mill had not been operational for more than fifty years, the land sold, the old mill to be razed and replaced by some modern convenience. It matters not, really, what is to replace it. For some, it’s part of the town’s history, and for others… the history is more personal.
“…early morning sunlight falls into the cathedral-like space where vast pulping machines once rumbled from dawn to dusk, the town’s beating heart.”
And so Robert Carter has returned to pay his last respects to the memories gathered at this place, two summers filled with memories of his youth, a time of so much change. Two young boys so filled with life and unquenchable thirst for adventure, defying the gravity of looming adulthood.
In 1976, the summer that Nathan Tilly moved to Haverford with his mother and father, was unbearably humid, the air filled with horseflies torturing all. With summer’s end approaching, Robert’s dread of returning to school rises, with no hope in sight of reprieve. Robert knows once school begins, the terror of being in the range of Hollis Calhoun’s fists grows closer.
On the first day of school, Robert meets Nathan Tilly after Nathan comes to his aid when Hollis Calhoun can’t wait another minute to begin another year of terror.
I loved this story, it's a wonderful coming-of-age story. A bit reminiscent of “Stand By Me” in the sense of the tomfoolery of boys out exploring, but there’s more to it than that.
Returning to the memories of childhood, or to the memories of the place where you grew up, the regrets you had then, the regrets you still have, the friendships, the impact those friendships still have on you. Facing your fears. Love. Loss. Even facing the flaws in those whom you love. Even if you’ve never left, there’s history in those places tied around your heart that can never be broken, and they lead down so many different trails of thoughts, of memories.
Setting Free the Kites” by Alex George is a heartbreakingly unforgettable journey through the memories of two young men, with all the joy and pain and splendor of the friendships that shape who we become.
Published: 21 February 2017
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Penguin Random House and author Alex George
June 10, 2017
Maybe I am becoming pickier with storylines and themes from books. Maybe the timing wasn't right for me, or maybe I am figuring out more what I like about a story and what I don't. I am not sure but this one just didn't work for me. While there were some really good things that work well for me, there were some that didn't and unfortunately, the good parts that I like didn't save the story for me.
We meet, Robert who is cautious, overshadowed and a bit neglected by his parents as a result of his brother's serious illnesses and Nathan who is careless, and reckless, and dealing with the loss of his father. They are bonded by an intense and inseparable friendship and share the feeling of grief. In their sorrow, they find joy in their friendship. They bring out the best in each other. I really enjoyed their friendship and their differences which really added to the dynamics of the story.
There was just too much loss and grief in a story for one person so young. Too much going on, too busy of a story, one part over the top and then, there was the clincher that didn't make any sense to me for the story to be tied up so nicely in the end. I wished I had enjoyed it. Many friends got so much more out of the story then I did. Maybe I missed something.
All of Norma’s and my reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
We meet, Robert who is cautious, overshadowed and a bit neglected by his parents as a result of his brother's serious illnesses and Nathan who is careless, and reckless, and dealing with the loss of his father. They are bonded by an intense and inseparable friendship and share the feeling of grief. In their sorrow, they find joy in their friendship. They bring out the best in each other. I really enjoyed their friendship and their differences which really added to the dynamics of the story.
There was just too much loss and grief in a story for one person so young. Too much going on, too busy of a story, one part over the top and then, there was the clincher that didn't make any sense to me for the story to be tied up so nicely in the end. I wished I had enjoyed it. Many friends got so much more out of the story then I did. Maybe I missed something.
All of Norma’s and my reviews can be found on our sister blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
September 3, 2017
What a beautifully, compassionate, and lovingly written novel!
There are some books that are such a pleasure to read and this was one of them. The characters that Mr George introduced us to were wonderful. Robert, our main protagonist, takes us on a journey which details his life, his family, and his friendship. His brother Liam, suffers from muscular dystrophy and his parents dote on him. He is the light of their lives and Robert is often shuffled aside because of his parents' care and concern of Liam. Liam is a wonderful character, so determined to live his life to the fullest. Nathan, Robert's best friend is a free spirit, fascinated as his father was with flying, finding happinesss in his often sad life, and making the most of everyday.
All of these characters come together in a compassionate and loving way. Robert lives the life of a teenage boy, being bullied in school but finding his friend Nathan protecting and stepping in where others never do. Liam faces his illness with courage and the ability to make the very best of what life has dealt him. Nathan, proves himself to be a friend we all wish we could have. Nathan's story is one of sadnesss that never gets Nathan down. He shows us a young man with determination and the innate ability to make the best of any situation he finds himself in.
This was a lovely story and one that I recommend most highly. If you love and appreciate excellent writing that pulls you in, makes you wish you were present in the story with the characters as your friends, then this is certainly a novel for you.
There are some books that are such a pleasure to read and this was one of them. The characters that Mr George introduced us to were wonderful. Robert, our main protagonist, takes us on a journey which details his life, his family, and his friendship. His brother Liam, suffers from muscular dystrophy and his parents dote on him. He is the light of their lives and Robert is often shuffled aside because of his parents' care and concern of Liam. Liam is a wonderful character, so determined to live his life to the fullest. Nathan, Robert's best friend is a free spirit, fascinated as his father was with flying, finding happinesss in his often sad life, and making the most of everyday.
All of these characters come together in a compassionate and loving way. Robert lives the life of a teenage boy, being bullied in school but finding his friend Nathan protecting and stepping in where others never do. Liam faces his illness with courage and the ability to make the very best of what life has dealt him. Nathan, proves himself to be a friend we all wish we could have. Nathan's story is one of sadnesss that never gets Nathan down. He shows us a young man with determination and the innate ability to make the best of any situation he finds himself in.
This was a lovely story and one that I recommend most highly. If you love and appreciate excellent writing that pulls you in, makes you wish you were present in the story with the characters as your friends, then this is certainly a novel for you.
August 29, 2017
"People go their whole lives without knowing what real friendship looks like, how it feels. But you do.”
Robert Carter is not looking forward to another school year as he begins the 8th grade. He has been bullied by Hollis and knows that this year will not be any different. He has enjoyed his summer off and knows that Hollis will be waiting for him in order to bully him once again. Robert never discloses that he is being bullied to adults in his life. He suffers in silence until, one day, he is literally rescued by Nathan as Hollis has his head in a toilet. Nathan is the new kid at school who enters the bathroom stall to help Robert. Thus, begins their friendship.
The year is 1976 and Robert is the son of an amusement park owner in a coastal town in Maine. He has an older brother with a debilitating illness. His parents are naturally protective and Robert goes through life with caution. Nathan is the son of a fisherman and his wife who spends hours in her study typing on a typewriter. His father is a happy go lucky man who likes to fly kites. Where Robert is cautious, Nathan is carefree, reckless and breaks the rules.
Tragedy strikes for both families and the boys weather the storm together in their own way. This is a coming of age tale set in the 70's about friendship, loss, tragedy, family, hope, and life. How friendship can change and grow just as a person can change and grow. Children face loss and come to the realization that their parents do not always have the answers and in fact have faults themselves. The parents are pretty much dealing with their own issues and grief to often pay closer attention to their children.
I really enjoyed the story of these two boys who met under not so pleasant circumstances. Nathan and Robert forged a close friendship that changes and grows as they go through adolescence. Years later the reader sees one of these young men, grown and looking back on his friendship with the other.
I thought this book was extremely well written. This is an emotional roller coaster coming of age tale that pulls at the heartstrings. The friendships we make when we are young can have lasting effects and influence on our lives. There is no sweeter friendship than the friendship of youth. Going through so many changes with another person forges a deep and lasting bond. Anyone who has ever had a best friend growing up with relate to these boy's bond.
Nostalgic, poignant, sad, and hopeful. This book will make you chuckle, smile and cry.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Robert Carter is not looking forward to another school year as he begins the 8th grade. He has been bullied by Hollis and knows that this year will not be any different. He has enjoyed his summer off and knows that Hollis will be waiting for him in order to bully him once again. Robert never discloses that he is being bullied to adults in his life. He suffers in silence until, one day, he is literally rescued by Nathan as Hollis has his head in a toilet. Nathan is the new kid at school who enters the bathroom stall to help Robert. Thus, begins their friendship.
The year is 1976 and Robert is the son of an amusement park owner in a coastal town in Maine. He has an older brother with a debilitating illness. His parents are naturally protective and Robert goes through life with caution. Nathan is the son of a fisherman and his wife who spends hours in her study typing on a typewriter. His father is a happy go lucky man who likes to fly kites. Where Robert is cautious, Nathan is carefree, reckless and breaks the rules.
Tragedy strikes for both families and the boys weather the storm together in their own way. This is a coming of age tale set in the 70's about friendship, loss, tragedy, family, hope, and life. How friendship can change and grow just as a person can change and grow. Children face loss and come to the realization that their parents do not always have the answers and in fact have faults themselves. The parents are pretty much dealing with their own issues and grief to often pay closer attention to their children.
I really enjoyed the story of these two boys who met under not so pleasant circumstances. Nathan and Robert forged a close friendship that changes and grows as they go through adolescence. Years later the reader sees one of these young men, grown and looking back on his friendship with the other.
I thought this book was extremely well written. This is an emotional roller coaster coming of age tale that pulls at the heartstrings. The friendships we make when we are young can have lasting effects and influence on our lives. There is no sweeter friendship than the friendship of youth. Going through so many changes with another person forges a deep and lasting bond. Anyone who has ever had a best friend growing up with relate to these boy's bond.
Nostalgic, poignant, sad, and hopeful. This book will make you chuckle, smile and cry.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
March 26, 2017
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal."
Setting Free the Kites is a heartrending and nostalgic story about two friends who develop a deep bond over the course of several summers in the late 1970's. This story will have you reminiscing about childhood friendships, and how much you came to depend on them when your parents, or just life in general, became so darn confusing. A time when bicycle riding, listening to records at full blast, and the uncertainty of starting that first summer job is the most important thing happening in your life.
Just as in real life, this story is also about loss, heartache, and how adults can sometimes choose to do questionable things and let you down. But more importantly it’s about perseverance and learning that whether you want it to or not - Life Goes On.
I really loved reading this book, and was sad to see my time in Haverford, Maine was over. I highly recommend this moving story, just keep the tissues close by.
April 17, 2017
If you’re still standing on the final page, then that’s enough of a happy ending. A little heartbreak could be survived…I wondered if we would all still be standing when our story was done.
And boy did this book break my heart and not just with weepy little tears. Often devastatingly tragic, but also life affirming in its joy and generating a certain nostalgia for the friendships of our youth. This is absolutely beautiful story telling, true-to-life, relatable characters and prose that is both elegant and effortless.
It was sobering to discover that my father wasn’t the man I’d believed him to be. Our worlds are always at risk of these unexpected fracturings that require small--and sometimes not so small--readjustments of hope and expectation.
I was swept away by the author’s atmospheric conjuring of the late 70s in a small town, its abandoned mill and the dilapidated amusement park at its center all reminiscent of the writing of Richard Russo. And Robert, our narrator, mimics the voice of Nick Carraway in such a subtle way that when a plot point turns to The Great Gatsby, you find yourself saying, ah, that’s it. But it is the character of Nathan Tilly, free spirit, fearless and ceaselessly ebullient that will steal your heart. Would that all of us had a Nathan in our childhood.
I would give this the full five were it not for a few missteps that took away that fifth star of perfection for me. That said, this is a thought provoking and unforgettable coming of age story about family, friendship and grief which I highly recommend and for which I have Cheri and Larry to thank! I would not otherwise have heard of this book and while I'm often frustrated with Goodreads, it's a small price to pay for the deep well of interesting and erudite reviewers.
And boy did this book break my heart and not just with weepy little tears. Often devastatingly tragic, but also life affirming in its joy and generating a certain nostalgia for the friendships of our youth. This is absolutely beautiful story telling, true-to-life, relatable characters and prose that is both elegant and effortless.
It was sobering to discover that my father wasn’t the man I’d believed him to be. Our worlds are always at risk of these unexpected fracturings that require small--and sometimes not so small--readjustments of hope and expectation.
I was swept away by the author’s atmospheric conjuring of the late 70s in a small town, its abandoned mill and the dilapidated amusement park at its center all reminiscent of the writing of Richard Russo. And Robert, our narrator, mimics the voice of Nick Carraway in such a subtle way that when a plot point turns to The Great Gatsby, you find yourself saying, ah, that’s it. But it is the character of Nathan Tilly, free spirit, fearless and ceaselessly ebullient that will steal your heart. Would that all of us had a Nathan in our childhood.
I would give this the full five were it not for a few missteps that took away that fifth star of perfection for me. That said, this is a thought provoking and unforgettable coming of age story about family, friendship and grief which I highly recommend and for which I have Cheri and Larry to thank! I would not otherwise have heard of this book and while I'm often frustrated with Goodreads, it's a small price to pay for the deep well of interesting and erudite reviewers.
August 13, 2017
Robert stands before his town’s old paper mill about to fall and remembers his boyhood friend, Nathan, and those eventful summers, now 40 years passed.
The title of this book, “Setting Free the Kites” was a meaningful one. As a hobby, Nathan’s father creates kites. At one point in this story, the kids fly these kites, but instead of bringing them back down to earth, Nathan cuts the string, setting them free over the ocean. I can’t tell you the reason why, but it is related to an analogy for life and the way some people live theirs. With that image in mind, there was a beauty picturing those kites untethered, aloft with memories.
As central to the story as this friendship are the lives of Robbie’s family and the small-town amusement park owned by his father. Passed down by generation, it is the place his dad disdains and loves in equal measure, bound to by history. It is also the place where events will harden and test the relationships of Nathan, Robbie and their families.
This story says a lot about growing up, but perhaps it tried to touch on too many things in such short period of time. I felt that some focus was lost in tragic events, which is the only reason for four stars instead of five. But, I was anchored by the characters, the many emotions felt, and if anything, the epilogue washed away those earlier thoughts of mine. I was left content.
”People go their whole lives without knowing what real friendship looks like, how it feels. But you do.”At the age of 13 their friendship is immediate - because sometimes bonds are like that. It is formed when Nathan, the new kid in school, saves Robbie from a bully and a date with second “swirly”, and it is secured by early tragedy on both sides, so that the next three summers are ones that will not only change their outlooks, but be impossible to forget.
The title of this book, “Setting Free the Kites” was a meaningful one. As a hobby, Nathan’s father creates kites. At one point in this story, the kids fly these kites, but instead of bringing them back down to earth, Nathan cuts the string, setting them free over the ocean. I can’t tell you the reason why, but it is related to an analogy for life and the way some people live theirs. With that image in mind, there was a beauty picturing those kites untethered, aloft with memories.
As central to the story as this friendship are the lives of Robbie’s family and the small-town amusement park owned by his father. Passed down by generation, it is the place his dad disdains and loves in equal measure, bound to by history. It is also the place where events will harden and test the relationships of Nathan, Robbie and their families.
This story says a lot about growing up, but perhaps it tried to touch on too many things in such short period of time. I felt that some focus was lost in tragic events, which is the only reason for four stars instead of five. But, I was anchored by the characters, the many emotions felt, and if anything, the epilogue washed away those earlier thoughts of mine. I was left content.
November 12, 2017
Good coming of age story set on the coast of Maine. I loved the friendship between Nathan and Robert and the meaning behind the books' title! It was nice to read a realistic YA/historical novel that encompassed friendship, family, loss and happiness.
December 5, 2016
Alex George is a wonderful storyteller. He’s such a good storyteller, in fact, that it’s remarkably easy to get lost in his narrative and overlook some of the flaws in this novel. I must say, from the time I began the novel, I couldn’t wait to get back to it and find out what happened next.
The book centers on two young friends, Robert Carter, the somewhat timid son of an amusement park owner, and Nathan Tilly, the new kid in town who rescues Robert from the town bully. The two become inseparable and soon there’s another reason to bind them: each of them must navigate a personal tragedy that overshadows most of the typical joys and foibles of childhood. Nathan is the hopeful, fearless one; Robert muddles through, trying to make sense of his tragedy and capture some meaning from it.
The author beautifully brings these two characters to life and also reveals how slippery the grief process is and how each of us – including the surrounding adults – processes it in his or her own way.
Alex George is striving to reach two audiences here – literary adult audiences and also young adults – and for the most part, he straddles the line well. From time to time, he slips in those all-important lessons (for example, when Robert and Nate work at lowly jobs in the amusement park – as a kitchen helper and a janitor’s helper – they suddenly understand how even entry level jobs make a major difference in a well-oiled organization.) A couple of chapters that serve as backstory, revealing the murder of innocent civilians in Japan in World War II, seem gratuitous. One of the characters does something very out of character that I had a hard time buying into. And one of the final reveals was just too over-the-top. At the end, everything is tied up in a neat bow.
Don’t let those issues keep you away from Setting Free The Kites. You could do a lot worse than allow yourself to become captivated by this page-turning story. The writing is so seamless that it’s easy to forgive these missteps. 3.5 stars.
The book centers on two young friends, Robert Carter, the somewhat timid son of an amusement park owner, and Nathan Tilly, the new kid in town who rescues Robert from the town bully. The two become inseparable and soon there’s another reason to bind them: each of them must navigate a personal tragedy that overshadows most of the typical joys and foibles of childhood. Nathan is the hopeful, fearless one; Robert muddles through, trying to make sense of his tragedy and capture some meaning from it.
The author beautifully brings these two characters to life and also reveals how slippery the grief process is and how each of us – including the surrounding adults – processes it in his or her own way.
Alex George is striving to reach two audiences here – literary adult audiences and also young adults – and for the most part, he straddles the line well. From time to time, he slips in those all-important lessons (for example, when Robert and Nate work at lowly jobs in the amusement park – as a kitchen helper and a janitor’s helper – they suddenly understand how even entry level jobs make a major difference in a well-oiled organization.) A couple of chapters that serve as backstory, revealing the murder of innocent civilians in Japan in World War II, seem gratuitous. One of the characters does something very out of character that I had a hard time buying into. And one of the final reveals was just too over-the-top. At the end, everything is tied up in a neat bow.
Don’t let those issues keep you away from Setting Free The Kites. You could do a lot worse than allow yourself to become captivated by this page-turning story. The writing is so seamless that it’s easy to forgive these missteps. 3.5 stars.
September 21, 2017
For those who love coming-of-age stories wrought with awkwardness, bullies, kindness, friendship, and familial discontent, this beauty of a novel is for you. This is one of those novels that you sit with your cup of tea and cozy blanket, and lose yourself into the lives of two teen misfit boys who navigate their lives with their steadfast friendship.
The story takes place in a coastal town of Maine where the main attraction is a run-down amusement park. One of the boys, Robert Carter, is the son of the proprietor of the amusement park. His friend, Nathan Tilly, just moved to Maine from Texas. The boys become friends when Robert’s life-long bully is giving him a toilet swirly in the school’s boys’ bathroom. Nathan happens to come across the tyrannical sight and comes to Robert’s rescue. The friendship is cemented within a few weeks.
Author Alex George writes his story in lyrical prose. The way he writes, the reader is transported back in time when the angst of fitting in and making sense of the world is deep. There are serious issues covered in the story and the characters are complex and realistic.
He uses Robert as the narrator, so the reader gets a peek inside the eyes of a teen boy trying to make sense of his family, his town, and his place in the world. His friend Nathan is an interesting dreamer of a boy who is fearless. Robert has an older brother with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Robert is invisible in his family, at least in his eyes. Nathan is the first person to “see” Robert. Nathan also opens Robert’s eyes to a life full of adventure. The boys also help each other deal with their own individual tragedies and heartbreak.
It is a reading joy to experience a friendship such as Robert and Nathan enjoyed. It’s also heartbreaking in being a part of their losses. This would make a great movie. I highly recommend this as a thoughtful male friendship novel.
The story takes place in a coastal town of Maine where the main attraction is a run-down amusement park. One of the boys, Robert Carter, is the son of the proprietor of the amusement park. His friend, Nathan Tilly, just moved to Maine from Texas. The boys become friends when Robert’s life-long bully is giving him a toilet swirly in the school’s boys’ bathroom. Nathan happens to come across the tyrannical sight and comes to Robert’s rescue. The friendship is cemented within a few weeks.
Author Alex George writes his story in lyrical prose. The way he writes, the reader is transported back in time when the angst of fitting in and making sense of the world is deep. There are serious issues covered in the story and the characters are complex and realistic.
He uses Robert as the narrator, so the reader gets a peek inside the eyes of a teen boy trying to make sense of his family, his town, and his place in the world. His friend Nathan is an interesting dreamer of a boy who is fearless. Robert has an older brother with a rare form of muscular dystrophy. Robert is invisible in his family, at least in his eyes. Nathan is the first person to “see” Robert. Nathan also opens Robert’s eyes to a life full of adventure. The boys also help each other deal with their own individual tragedies and heartbreak.
It is a reading joy to experience a friendship such as Robert and Nathan enjoyed. It’s also heartbreaking in being a part of their losses. This would make a great movie. I highly recommend this as a thoughtful male friendship novel.
September 16, 2017
"But love and pain are two sides of the same coin. You can't have one without the other. Sometimes that's how we know we're alive."
Robert Carter resigns himself to have a difficult school year. Its the first day of eighth grade and Hollis Calhoun has made it his mission to make Robert's year as miserable as possible. Mid-swirl, Nathan Tilly steps into the bathroom and brings the bullying to a surprising end by telling the truth. Robert and Nathan begin to establish a rapport and thus a friendship is born. Through laughter and grief, these two boys become inseparable and each other's best ally.
What a beautiful and thoughtful coming-of-age story! This was a narrative foremost about the power of friendship. Set in Haverford, Maine in 1976 the story follows Nathan and Robert. Robert is more cautious and watchful whereas Nathan has a free spirit and is fearless. The new kid in school, Nathan has no qualms about standing up to the bully. Robert and Nathan could not be more different yet they grow close, get deeply involved in the other one's family life and go on adventures (and often create mischief). Dealing with family, grief and sorrow, this novel was very well written. Since its set in a small town, there is also a nostalgic feel to it. This novel provides so much to consider about family and friendship, love and loss. I absolutely love how Alex George incorporated kites and flying into the story, both in the literal and metaphorical sense. A sad, touching but ultimately uplifting narrative, this is a book I will not soon forget.
Robert Carter resigns himself to have a difficult school year. Its the first day of eighth grade and Hollis Calhoun has made it his mission to make Robert's year as miserable as possible. Mid-swirl, Nathan Tilly steps into the bathroom and brings the bullying to a surprising end by telling the truth. Robert and Nathan begin to establish a rapport and thus a friendship is born. Through laughter and grief, these two boys become inseparable and each other's best ally.
What a beautiful and thoughtful coming-of-age story! This was a narrative foremost about the power of friendship. Set in Haverford, Maine in 1976 the story follows Nathan and Robert. Robert is more cautious and watchful whereas Nathan has a free spirit and is fearless. The new kid in school, Nathan has no qualms about standing up to the bully. Robert and Nathan could not be more different yet they grow close, get deeply involved in the other one's family life and go on adventures (and often create mischief). Dealing with family, grief and sorrow, this novel was very well written. Since its set in a small town, there is also a nostalgic feel to it. This novel provides so much to consider about family and friendship, love and loss. I absolutely love how Alex George incorporated kites and flying into the story, both in the literal and metaphorical sense. A sad, touching but ultimately uplifting narrative, this is a book I will not soon forget.
April 17, 2017
I loved this book. So much so, that a third of the way into it, I wrote to two of my favorite fellow readers and told them to drop everything and put this book on reserve.
And halfway through it, I put the book down and read the entire Sunday paper, because I didn't want the book to end.
Great story. Amazing characters...both primary and secondary. Both Liam and Lewis will stay with me a long time.
And halfway through it, I put the book down and read the entire Sunday paper, because I didn't want the book to end.
Great story. Amazing characters...both primary and secondary. Both Liam and Lewis will stay with me a long time.
June 17, 2017
I loved this book. It was beautifully written and a beautiful story of friendship, families and tragedies. For some reason parts of this stuff ry reminded me of Stephen King's book which I also loved. I could go on and on but do yourself s favor and read this book.
January 2, 2018
This book begins in 1976 and covers two years in the friendship between the narrator Robert Carter and his best (and seemingly only) friend Nathan Tilly. They are around 13 or 14 when the story begins. Nathan is an optimistic free spirit and occasionally reckless. Neither boy is getting a lot of parental attention, but for different reasons.
Despite Nathan's inherently positive approach to life, this is a pretty melancholy book. From the very beginning there is always sadness surrounding even their more playful moments. Growing up isn't easy and the boys and their parents have to face bullying, illness, tragedy and grief. It definitely held my interest and, for the most part, it felt very real. However, it turned out that Mrs. Tilly was keeping a secret which I doubt would have been possible to hide in real life.
I have sort of mixed feelings about this book. It was well written and I wanted to know how it turned out, but it didn't make me feel good.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
Despite Nathan's inherently positive approach to life, this is a pretty melancholy book. From the very beginning there is always sadness surrounding even their more playful moments. Growing up isn't easy and the boys and their parents have to face bullying, illness, tragedy and grief. It definitely held my interest and, for the most part, it felt very real. However, it turned out that Mrs. Tilly was keeping a secret which I doubt would have been possible to hide in real life.
I have sort of mixed feelings about this book. It was well written and I wanted to know how it turned out, but it didn't make me feel good.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
March 10, 2017
It's 1976. Nathan & Robert are 13 year old boys who become friends in a coastal town in Maine. They have different personalities. Robert is quiet and reserved, while Nathan is carefree, daring and optimistic. They balanced each other so well. I laughed so hard when Nathan's Dad came to the principal's office when the boys got in trouble. There are some really good characters. Lewis, the crusty old maintenance man at Robert's family's amusement park, and Liam, Robert's big brother.
If you love coming of age stories, you won't want to miss this one. It's so well done, I highly recommend it. A new favorite for me.
If you love coming of age stories, you won't want to miss this one. It's so well done, I highly recommend it. A new favorite for me.
May 26, 2017
Setting Free the Kites by Alex George was beautifully, masterfully written. I clung to every word of this story, never daring to skim through any of it. Alex George proved to be a master of character development here, giving each character their own idiosyncrasies. In doing so, each character came alive and were lovable in their own way. There were heartbreaking moments but also laugh out loud times as well. I won't soon forget this book and I highly recommend it!
June 20, 2017
Robert Carter is dreading the first day of school, fearing the beating likely to be inflicted by Hollis, a bully much bigger than Robert. Robert is shocked when the new boy at school, Nathan Tilly, steps in and rescues Robert, and doesn't hesitate to tell the truth. And so begins an incredible friendship. Nathan is fearless, adventurous and encourages Robert to spread his wings. Embraced by Robert's family, Nathan also shares a bond with Robert's older brother Liam, who suffers from a debilitating disease. They share a love for loud music and spend hours in Liam's room playing records. Robert's father owns an amusement park that helps to support their small town in Maine. Robert has grown up spending his summers wandering the park, later working there, growing in responsibility and maturity.
A wonderful coming of age story that captivated my heart.
A favorite quote: "Our worlds are always at risk of these unexpected fracturings that require small-and sometimes not-so-small-readjustments of hope and expectations."
A wonderful coming of age story that captivated my heart.
A favorite quote: "Our worlds are always at risk of these unexpected fracturings that require small-and sometimes not-so-small-readjustments of hope and expectations."
June 1, 2017
Setting Free the Kites is filled with so much tragedy and sadness, but filled with joy and greatness too. Alex George has once again given us a beautiful story! Not anything like A Good American of course, but still this great all American story. I'll admit to hesitating before opening this one, worried it wouldn't have the same impact on me as A Good American, but those were such foolish thoughts - his writing is beautiful and once again I will be eagerly and anxiously awaiting another novel by him. (As it sits longer, and other books have been read - just going to change to more of a 4.5 star read. :-) And I think that A Good American is favoured more over this new one. After having time go by and thinking..., but still, excellent read for me!)
February 16, 2017
“Hope is a curious thing. It emerges in the most unexpected places.”
Robert Carter is an introverted boy with few friends and loving but preoccupied parents. His life changes forever when he is befriended by a new kid at school. Nathan stands up for him when he is being assaulted by a bully, and a friendship is forged that will last for life. Thank you Net Galley and Penguin Putnam for the DRC, which I received in exchange for this honest review.
Our story is set in a small Maine town in 1976. Nathan’s parents are creative people, sculpting, writing, building one-of-a-kind kites, but tragedy strikes early in the story and Nathan’s mother retreats into herself, and is not available to her only child. Robert’s parents are fond of Nathan, who also befriends Robert’s terminally ill brother Liam, and soon Nathan has found a second home.
Most reviewers describe Setting Free the Kites as a tragic tale, and they’re right, but what few people mention is how many really funny scenes lie in between the somber stuff. George’s writing has tremendous voice, one that brings these adolescent boys to life as few others do. I actually laughed out loud more than once, and this not only makes this a more enjoyable read, but also underscores the tragedy, taking the reader through a whole wide range of emotions.
The genre crosses between adult and young adult fiction. If I were still teaching highly capable language arts students, I’d want half a dozen copies of this book to use in a reading circle; that said, the sexual content would also force me to send home permission slips, because conservative parents would otherwise rampage into the district office with torches, hot tar and feathers. However, I consider this an outstanding enough read that I’d jump through some hoops to use it.
In some ways, however, it is more suited to literate adults. George uses a high vocabulary and uses it well. It’s certainly not a story I’d recommend to someone whose mother tongue is not English, because there’s too much cultural nuance and subtlety for that audience, and likewise, most adolescents won’t benefit from such a novel.
There are a couple of odd extraneous reveals toward the end of the story that startled me, and that did nothing to enrich the story or develop its characters. However, the rest of the book is so outstanding that it’s a five star read regardless.
This book is available to the public February 21, 2017. Highly recommended to those that love great literary fiction.
Robert Carter is an introverted boy with few friends and loving but preoccupied parents. His life changes forever when he is befriended by a new kid at school. Nathan stands up for him when he is being assaulted by a bully, and a friendship is forged that will last for life. Thank you Net Galley and Penguin Putnam for the DRC, which I received in exchange for this honest review.
Our story is set in a small Maine town in 1976. Nathan’s parents are creative people, sculpting, writing, building one-of-a-kind kites, but tragedy strikes early in the story and Nathan’s mother retreats into herself, and is not available to her only child. Robert’s parents are fond of Nathan, who also befriends Robert’s terminally ill brother Liam, and soon Nathan has found a second home.
Most reviewers describe Setting Free the Kites as a tragic tale, and they’re right, but what few people mention is how many really funny scenes lie in between the somber stuff. George’s writing has tremendous voice, one that brings these adolescent boys to life as few others do. I actually laughed out loud more than once, and this not only makes this a more enjoyable read, but also underscores the tragedy, taking the reader through a whole wide range of emotions.
The genre crosses between adult and young adult fiction. If I were still teaching highly capable language arts students, I’d want half a dozen copies of this book to use in a reading circle; that said, the sexual content would also force me to send home permission slips, because conservative parents would otherwise rampage into the district office with torches, hot tar and feathers. However, I consider this an outstanding enough read that I’d jump through some hoops to use it.
In some ways, however, it is more suited to literate adults. George uses a high vocabulary and uses it well. It’s certainly not a story I’d recommend to someone whose mother tongue is not English, because there’s too much cultural nuance and subtlety for that audience, and likewise, most adolescents won’t benefit from such a novel.
There are a couple of odd extraneous reveals toward the end of the story that startled me, and that did nothing to enrich the story or develop its characters. However, the rest of the book is so outstanding that it’s a five star read regardless.
This book is available to the public February 21, 2017. Highly recommended to those that love great literary fiction.
February 19, 2017
Robert Carter is struggling. After a summer spent working at his father's quirky medieval-themed amusement park, he's now back at school...and back to getting bullied by the class thug, Hollis. But life for Robert is about to change. While Hollis holds him upside down over a toilet at school--Robert's head submerged in swirling poo water--both boys are surprised to see Nathan Tilly standing by the bathroom stall door. And they are even more surprised when Nathan starts beating Hollis up. The commotion of the fight gets the attention of the janitor, who promptly hauls all three boys to the principal's office. They are punished--but though Robert is embarrassed by the post-fight fallout, he and Nathan become fast friends. Setting Free the Kites is the story of their friendship as it develops during tremendously difficult circumstances.
There is a lot to love about this book. The writing is superb--simple and to the point, but still expressive and lovely. It suits the characters and the premise of the story perfectly. And I so loved Robert and Nathan. The boys are everything you expect boys this age to be: exasperating but still endearing, smart, searching, sweet, but also reckless in that innocently clueless sort of way. It's impossible not to adore them.
Still, I'm withholding one star, and that is because there are several moments in here that feel needlessly sad. I have nothing against sad stories. I love sad stories! But by the end, I couldn't help but wonder if there really needed to be SO MUCH loss. I don't want to give anything away, but, seriously, it's just hit after hit in this book... At some point it started feeling imbalanced, like the whole thing is about GRIEF AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT.
Yet, it is a legit beautiful story, and I'd still recommend reading it. If you do end up enjoying Setting Free the Kites, I'd also suggest Skippy Dies and The Impossible Fortress.
ARC received through Amazon Vine.
See more of my reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com!
There is a lot to love about this book. The writing is superb--simple and to the point, but still expressive and lovely. It suits the characters and the premise of the story perfectly. And I so loved Robert and Nathan. The boys are everything you expect boys this age to be: exasperating but still endearing, smart, searching, sweet, but also reckless in that innocently clueless sort of way. It's impossible not to adore them.
Still, I'm withholding one star, and that is because there are several moments in here that feel needlessly sad. I have nothing against sad stories. I love sad stories! But by the end, I couldn't help but wonder if there really needed to be SO MUCH loss. I don't want to give anything away, but, seriously, it's just hit after hit in this book... At some point it started feeling imbalanced, like the whole thing is about GRIEF AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT.
Yet, it is a legit beautiful story, and I'd still recommend reading it. If you do end up enjoying Setting Free the Kites, I'd also suggest Skippy Dies and The Impossible Fortress.
ARC received through Amazon Vine.
See more of my reviews at www.BugBugBooks.com!
February 14, 2017
Disclaimer: I was offered an early version of this book via First to Read in exchange for an honest review.
The book was written in the first person and the main character - Robert - wrote it in his forties looking back on two pivotal years in his life: his 8th grade and freshman year in high school. There were four characters in this book that died and it affected the main character of this book profoundly in ways that affected his entire life: his sickly brother, his best-friend's father, his best friend and his mentor...all within a two-year period! However, the story was light-hearted, heart felt and innocent as was this 14-15 year old kid in 1976-78. Scattered throughout this coming of age story was his discovery of grief, the real world and realizations about his family he never thought possible. He was the cautious one, his best friend was not; he was introduced to adventures that opened his eyes, made him seek freedom and redemption. Most of all, it opened his eyes to becoming an adult, maybe against his will.
What I liked about this book was all the parallels I could relate with although at different points of my life. I worked at a similar amusement park though it wasn't on the grand scale as the one in this book. I experienced similar deaths in my life (my best friend's father, my mother at an early age, my mentor). I really enjoyed reading this story and identifying with all the characters. I will definitely be seeking out other Alex George novels. He was able to take real life situations and translate them through the eyes of a pre-adult kid perfectly!
The book was written in the first person and the main character - Robert - wrote it in his forties looking back on two pivotal years in his life: his 8th grade and freshman year in high school. There were four characters in this book that died and it affected the main character of this book profoundly in ways that affected his entire life: his sickly brother, his best-friend's father, his best friend and his mentor...all within a two-year period! However, the story was light-hearted, heart felt and innocent as was this 14-15 year old kid in 1976-78. Scattered throughout this coming of age story was his discovery of grief, the real world and realizations about his family he never thought possible. He was the cautious one, his best friend was not; he was introduced to adventures that opened his eyes, made him seek freedom and redemption. Most of all, it opened his eyes to becoming an adult, maybe against his will.
What I liked about this book was all the parallels I could relate with although at different points of my life. I worked at a similar amusement park though it wasn't on the grand scale as the one in this book. I experienced similar deaths in my life (my best friend's father, my mother at an early age, my mentor). I really enjoyed reading this story and identifying with all the characters. I will definitely be seeking out other Alex George novels. He was able to take real life situations and translate them through the eyes of a pre-adult kid perfectly!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2017
Robert and Nathan meet in eighth grade. A time, in my own life, when I had the best friends ever. I remember staying up for long hours into the night talking and talking on the phone (about what? who knows. but it was important). I like the friendship depicted between the two boys, but somewhere in the middle of the book there are a lot of plot elements going on and the bond loses shape.
This is great writing and I love the setting. I just feel like it gets busy in a way that clutters up the emotional take away for me.
This is great writing and I love the setting. I just feel like it gets busy in a way that clutters up the emotional take away for me.
April 3, 2020
i loved this story. i loved Nathan and Robert’s friendship. i loved Lewis. a book that makes you feel something and provoke thoughts is more than just a book. and to be a dollar book i found at dollar tree, i call that a steal!
February 23, 2017
http://www.themaineedge.com/buzz/sett...
The friendships forged in childhood are often the ones that impact us most; even if those friends vanish from our lives, the marks they leave on us can remain forever.
Alex George’s new novel “Setting Free the Kites” tells the story of one such friendship, a bond between two boys brought together by proximity, united by personality and forever changed by tragedy. Their journey together as they share one another’s burdens both large and small offers a look at how shared experience reflects on the man that a boy might become.
The year is 1976. Robert Carter lives in a small Maine tourist town called Haverford; it’s the only place he has ever known. His father owns Fun-A-Lot, the local amusement park - an attraction that helps power the town tourism trade even as it is held together by little more than determination, luck and the sweat of Mr. Carter’s brow.
It's not the easiest of lives for Robert. His parents are consumed by their worry about Robert’s older brother Liam, who suffers from muscular dystrophy (though Liam doesn’t let the degenerative disease prevent him from joyously embracing his favorite music – specifically, punk icons like the New York Dolls, the Stooges and the Ramones). And there’s a bully – one who has made it his mission to ensure that school is no escape from misery for Robert.
But when a new boy named Nathan Tilly arrives from Texas, everything changes. Suddenly, Robert has a kindred spirit, a staunch defender and a best friend. And even when Nathan encounters his own tragic circumstances, the two form the sort of inseparable connection that only children of a certain age can create.
The two support one another through sadnesses far too great to be navigated alone. Nathan has opened Robert’s eyes to life’s joys, to the myriad possibilities that the world has to offer. And through it all, there is the park, there is the music … and there are the kites. As these two young men try to make that transition from child to adult, all they want to do is find their own ways to fly.
The term “coming of age” has become a sort of literary shorthand, a way to convey certain basic ideas about a narrative. Some might argue that the very notion has lost its meaning. But what Alex George has created here is an exquisite example of just such a narrative, a story that captures the purity of what it means to grow up. He has distilled the essence of childhood friendship into something sweet and intoxicating; he has set down on paper what it means – good and bad - to have a best friend.
“Setting Free the Kites” is a beautiful tale, one whose underlying truth will ring familiar to all. It’s a story to which all can relate; anyone who has ever had a friend will carry forward an inherent understanding of what these two boys mean to each other. There is plenty of sadness mixed in with the joy, but that too reflects the power of friendship; having a loyal companion by your side – someone on whom you can lean when necessary – can make even the bleakest of times a little brighter.
George’s gifts as a storyteller are considerable; he has built a narrative that consumes, that draws the reader in to an impressive degree. It is – as loath as I am to stoop to the cliché – a page-turner in the most positive sense of the term. The combination of compelling narrative and authorial craft is such that the book proves nigh-impossible to put down.
“Setting Free the Kites” is sharp and clever, charged with the love inherent to young friendship. Sweet and serious and goofy and sad, it will likely inspire memories of those friends who long ago changed you for the better.
The friendships forged in childhood are often the ones that impact us most; even if those friends vanish from our lives, the marks they leave on us can remain forever.
Alex George’s new novel “Setting Free the Kites” tells the story of one such friendship, a bond between two boys brought together by proximity, united by personality and forever changed by tragedy. Their journey together as they share one another’s burdens both large and small offers a look at how shared experience reflects on the man that a boy might become.
The year is 1976. Robert Carter lives in a small Maine tourist town called Haverford; it’s the only place he has ever known. His father owns Fun-A-Lot, the local amusement park - an attraction that helps power the town tourism trade even as it is held together by little more than determination, luck and the sweat of Mr. Carter’s brow.
It's not the easiest of lives for Robert. His parents are consumed by their worry about Robert’s older brother Liam, who suffers from muscular dystrophy (though Liam doesn’t let the degenerative disease prevent him from joyously embracing his favorite music – specifically, punk icons like the New York Dolls, the Stooges and the Ramones). And there’s a bully – one who has made it his mission to ensure that school is no escape from misery for Robert.
But when a new boy named Nathan Tilly arrives from Texas, everything changes. Suddenly, Robert has a kindred spirit, a staunch defender and a best friend. And even when Nathan encounters his own tragic circumstances, the two form the sort of inseparable connection that only children of a certain age can create.
The two support one another through sadnesses far too great to be navigated alone. Nathan has opened Robert’s eyes to life’s joys, to the myriad possibilities that the world has to offer. And through it all, there is the park, there is the music … and there are the kites. As these two young men try to make that transition from child to adult, all they want to do is find their own ways to fly.
The term “coming of age” has become a sort of literary shorthand, a way to convey certain basic ideas about a narrative. Some might argue that the very notion has lost its meaning. But what Alex George has created here is an exquisite example of just such a narrative, a story that captures the purity of what it means to grow up. He has distilled the essence of childhood friendship into something sweet and intoxicating; he has set down on paper what it means – good and bad - to have a best friend.
“Setting Free the Kites” is a beautiful tale, one whose underlying truth will ring familiar to all. It’s a story to which all can relate; anyone who has ever had a friend will carry forward an inherent understanding of what these two boys mean to each other. There is plenty of sadness mixed in with the joy, but that too reflects the power of friendship; having a loyal companion by your side – someone on whom you can lean when necessary – can make even the bleakest of times a little brighter.
George’s gifts as a storyteller are considerable; he has built a narrative that consumes, that draws the reader in to an impressive degree. It is – as loath as I am to stoop to the cliché – a page-turner in the most positive sense of the term. The combination of compelling narrative and authorial craft is such that the book proves nigh-impossible to put down.
“Setting Free the Kites” is sharp and clever, charged with the love inherent to young friendship. Sweet and serious and goofy and sad, it will likely inspire memories of those friends who long ago changed you for the better.
March 2, 2020
Any words that I might have to describe this perfection are floating in the air in 1978 at an amusement park in Maine, years before I was born. My feelings have feelings and those feelings have feelings. I loved every page of this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 803 reviews