The Crying Bird

by E.J. Stillings

May Johnson used to be an ordinary wife and mother. Now, she’s a middle-aged millionaire, grieving the loss of her family. The only living relative she has left is her smothering younger sister. May’s sanity is already threatened when tensions rise, so she sets out to find solitude in Florida. However, life has other plans for her.

Animal encounters, unlikely friendships, sisterly squabbles and hilarious scenarios take May on an unforgettable journey from the depths of grief to a new life. But, will she embrace it?

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

E.J.Stillings lives in Orlando, Florida, with her life partner and their clowder of rescue cats, in a neighborhood full of wild, free-roaming peacocks. She writes in a variety of genres, having published a contemporary fiction Novel, THE CRYING BIRD, a children’s picture book, MILTON MCMICEY —DETECTIVE MOUSE!, a romantic fantasy novella, THE CAGED MAN AND THE WITCH, and, coming soon, a contemporary paranormal fiction novel, THE PEACH AND THE PUTZ.

When she's not writing, E.J. Stillings applies her artistic creativity to photography and creating fun and visually appealing content on her social media accounts.

To learn more, visit her website! Follow her on social media.

https://www.ejstillings.com
TikTok: @ejstillings
https://www.facebook.com/ejstillings
https://www.Instagram.com/ejstillings
https://www.goodreads.com/ejstillings
https://www.twitter.com/ejstillings

Reviews

[Julie McComas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny books are so hard to come by these days. Wait, let me rephrase that. Good, clean, funny, PG books are hard to come by these days. Every once in a while I will read a book with a funny part, and it is refreshing. This book fits that bill. Sure, it's about a woman that has lost her family, and that is sad, but it doesn't dwell on it. Isn't that how it is in real life? Don't we deal with death, and then keep living? Or that is how it's supposed to work. The main character, May Johnson, does exactly what we all want to do when we lose someone close to us. She shuts down. When she finally gets enough of her little sister trying to help her, she runs away. Again, wouldn't we all like to do that sometimes?

This is a story that many of us can relate to. It is a little sad, but it is also, fast-paced, witty and heartwarming! You not only get May Johnson's point of view as the griever, but you also get the point of view of her sister, as the caregiver. There are unlikely friendships, good deeds, and conversations with a bird. Please tell me that you talk to animals too.

This is E.J. Stillings debut novel, and it is a winner! I absolutely love this book! I will be suggesting this book to my IRL book club, and I just know they will love it!

I received a copy of this book from E.J. Stillings in exchange for my honest review.

Come read my bird story that happened the day I finished The Crying Bird. Kinda crazy!

[Carrie Westmoreland Kurtz · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Crying Bird wasn't at all what I expected, not that I can actually put into words what it was that I was expecting. This book is about a woman whose husband and young daughter died so, of course, it had very sad parts. However, there where times when I literally laughed out loud!

At one point while we were in the car, my husband driving, I was reading. I read the section where 'Limpy' was giving her the snail and I busted out laughing! I had to reread it to the carload of people! That was a great part :)

There were a few things that I didn't love but overall this was a good book. It kind of ended abruptly, it was almost too simple, but I still enjoyed it. Glad that this book was sent my way!

*Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Shellie Gaither · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I couldn't put it down and was anxious to see the poor main character rise from her pain. She made me laugh and cry.
I hope to see more books from this author in the future. She is a wonderful storyteller.

[George J. Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

Although this book deals with a difficult subject (grief), it can be described as an enjoyable read. The author did a great job of presenting a woman’s grief and the efforts of those around her being present for her.

[Judith Mosconi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of deep loss and the journey from grief to living again. A moving story.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an original and interesting story to read. What drew me to it originally was the cover, and that it took place in Fl.
I live probably not far from where the Author lives, and instead of Limpkins I have a group of Sandhill Cranes that keep me in line.
I always hope that a limpkin doesn't land on my dock at night, as they are extremely noisy birds.
This story is about a woman named May Flower Johnson, who was going through grieving the loss, first of her husband from a heart attack, and later her daughter, to a freak accident.
Although these losses happened both 5 years before and 2 years before, May feels as if it just happened.
She becomes very antisocial and lashes out at who ever is around her, mainly her sister Brenda who has been trying to help her.
After getting a wrongful death settlement, she decides to leave her home and move to Florida where she doesn't need to deal with anything or anyone. Once there she becomes very spontaneous, relying on signs she presumes are from her departed loved ones, to make decisions. This story is full of great characters and animals and a big dose of humor along with the healing process.
This author wove a very interesting and oh so readable story about a bunch of everyday people.

[Kathy Schouten · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. This was a sweet, heart breaking story of May’s life after losing first her husband and then her teen age daughter. The description of her grief is so realistic when you are done reading you will feel like you know her.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author knows how to write a moving, heartwarming, smile-inducing story. Don't sleep on this one.

[Nina Mintzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story about sad and happy events.

If we are lucky we have found love and raised a family . To lose all that is devastating and catastrophic. To come back from that is a struggle. To come back and be truly happy for someone else is almost a miracle. But the love of different people and in this story , the birds, reminds us that life goes on. A worthwhile read.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all deal with grief differently. Some dwell on it for years. Some go on about their lives. May has family by her side to help, but does she want it? Does she almost send them totally away after losing the most important people in her life? This book really does put things into perspective, and great things happen. See for yourself!

[Tammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply a beautiful read

Gut wrenching and funny. I found myself laughing and crying. Such a beautiful story about May, who is so real, so flawed, funny, and hurt.

[julie morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this.

The book was well written, had unexpected turns and kept me wanting to read more. It was sad and funny which I find hard to come by

[Shaula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crying Bird

The beginning and middle half were so sad, dark, and depressing. I had a hard time with it but the ending is a crystal, shining through the darkness!