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Flight Season
Back when they were still strangers, TJ Carvalho witnessed the only moment in Vivi Flannigan’s life when she lost control entirely. Now, TJ can’t seem to erase that moment from his mind, no matter how hard he tries. Vivi doesn’t remember any of it, but she’s determined to leave it far behind. And she will.
But when Vivi returns home from her first year away at college, her big plans and TJ’s ambition to become a nurse land them both on the heart ward of a university hospital, facing them with a long and painful summer together – three months of glorified babysitting for Ángel, the problem patient on the hall. Sure, Ángel may be suffering from a life-threatening heart infection, but that doesn’t make him any less of a pain.
As it turns out, though, Ángel Solís has a thing or two to teach them about all those big plans, and the incredible moments when love gets in their way.
But when Vivi returns home from her first year away at college, her big plans and TJ’s ambition to become a nurse land them both on the heart ward of a university hospital, facing them with a long and painful summer together – three months of glorified babysitting for Ángel, the problem patient on the hall. Sure, Ángel may be suffering from a life-threatening heart infection, but that doesn’t make him any less of a pain.
As it turns out, though, Ángel Solís has a thing or two to teach them about all those big plans, and the incredible moments when love gets in their way.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 20, 2018
31 people are currently reading
3158 people want to read
About the author
Marie Marquardt
16 books165 followersMarie Marquardt is author of YA novels Does My Body Offend You? (with Mayra Cuevas), Dream Things True, The Radius of Us, and Flight Season. Her books have earned many awards and commendations, including BEA Buzz Books, Books all Young Georgians Should Read, and the CLASP Américas Commendation, and they have been shortlisted for several state book awards, including the South Carolina Young Adult Book Award and the Missouri Gateway Readers Award. Marie also has published articles and co-authored two non-fiction books about Latin American immigration to the U.S. South, and has been interviewed about her research, writing, and advocacy on National Public Radio, Public Radio International, and BBC America, among many other media outlets. She lives in a busy household in Decatur, Georgia with her spouse, four kids, several chickens, a dog, and a bearded dragon. You can connect with Marie on Instagram, @Marie_Marquardt and at her website, MarieMarquardt.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
October 16, 2019
But the amazing thing about those birds? Their mental maps are so incredible, so wide, that as soon as the storm passes, they’re back on course, headed home.
Sometimes I wish I had bird brains.
Marie Marquardt's best book yet. I can't put into words how much I enjoyed this book. It made me cry and it brought me joy. I can not stop thinking about it. It is definitely reread worthy.
Is this even a review? Meh, idek my brain isn't functioning properly right now.
Instead we rest together above the predators, under a sky full of birds.
Sometimes I wish I had bird brains.
Marie Marquardt's best book yet. I can't put into words how much I enjoyed this book. It made me cry and it brought me joy. I can not stop thinking about it. It is definitely reread worthy.
Is this even a review? Meh, idek my brain isn't functioning properly right now.
Instead we rest together above the predators, under a sky full of birds.
July 26, 2020
Aren’t stories and books just the greatest inventions?
I didn’t connect too much with the story at first, but I think that was intentional. The main character wasn’t connected to herself. She’s blocking out memories, she’s willing herself not to feel the pain that forms with loss of a loved one, she can’t cry, she’s distracting herself with trivial life things, so she’s just about stable. Surviving. Moving along. And the story is moving along but nothing much was happening.
But slowly and surely, she can’t outrun the pain and gets confronted with memories upon memories of her father and everything she shut down gets erupted. And the grief catches up to her. But she finally is able to allow the pain in and becomes calmer for it, albeit lost. But she eventually finds her way to healing.
We also follow a narrative of a young boy who is sick and connects with our main character because he understands her grief. We get acquainted with his suffering and looks at the life of a child who’s ‘smuggled in into the US and is about to be deported ‘home’.
I absolutely loved and appreciated how the author incorporated the realities of what it means to be an immigrant. She’s the chair of a non-profit organisation (in real life) that helps families and immigrants that are detailed, and it truly lends authenticity to the story.
It was heartbreaking to read. All of it. But the friendship these three characters formed was absolutely incredible to read about. I was crying by the end of it.
And now my head hurts because of said crying.
Thank you, Azrah for recommending this story to me.
Read for The Reading Rush readathon.
Challenge: Read a book that takes place on a different continent than where you live.
I didn’t connect too much with the story at first, but I think that was intentional. The main character wasn’t connected to herself. She’s blocking out memories, she’s willing herself not to feel the pain that forms with loss of a loved one, she can’t cry, she’s distracting herself with trivial life things, so she’s just about stable. Surviving. Moving along. And the story is moving along but nothing much was happening.
But slowly and surely, she can’t outrun the pain and gets confronted with memories upon memories of her father and everything she shut down gets erupted. And the grief catches up to her. But she finally is able to allow the pain in and becomes calmer for it, albeit lost. But she eventually finds her way to healing.
We also follow a narrative of a young boy who is sick and connects with our main character because he understands her grief. We get acquainted with his suffering and looks at the life of a child who’s ‘smuggled in into the US and is about to be deported ‘home’.
I absolutely loved and appreciated how the author incorporated the realities of what it means to be an immigrant. She’s the chair of a non-profit organisation (in real life) that helps families and immigrants that are detailed, and it truly lends authenticity to the story.
It was heartbreaking to read. All of it. But the friendship these three characters formed was absolutely incredible to read about. I was crying by the end of it.
And now my head hurts because of said crying.
Thank you, Azrah for recommending this story to me.
Read for The Reading Rush readathon.
Challenge: Read a book that takes place on a different continent than where you live.
July 17, 2018
4.5
When I started this book I didn't really know what to expect and I'm happy to say I was pleasantly surprised. There are a lot of issues this book deals with, but all are brought up with such care that it is truly compelling to read about them. Flight Season talks about loss, immigration, the US college system and so much more. It talks about things people can relate to.
The most magnetic part of this story is the beautiful friendship that the three narrators have. It's truly the focus point of the book and it's the thing I appreciated the most.
I also quite enjoyed all the bird related stuff, it was interesting to read and to learn something new.
I haven't heard people talk about this book and it's a shame because it truly deserves the hype. I can't recommend it enough, just read it.
When I started this book I didn't really know what to expect and I'm happy to say I was pleasantly surprised. There are a lot of issues this book deals with, but all are brought up with such care that it is truly compelling to read about them. Flight Season talks about loss, immigration, the US college system and so much more. It talks about things people can relate to.
The most magnetic part of this story is the beautiful friendship that the three narrators have. It's truly the focus point of the book and it's the thing I appreciated the most.
I also quite enjoyed all the bird related stuff, it was interesting to read and to learn something new.
I haven't heard people talk about this book and it's a shame because it truly deserves the hype. I can't recommend it enough, just read it.
September 18, 2017
This book was absolutely beautiful. The novel follows three main characters: Vivi Flannigan, a college sophomore who is struggling in school after the death of her father, TJ Carvalho, a nursing student working at his huge family's restaurant, and Ángel Solís, an orphaned immigrant from Guatemala who has a life-threatening heart condition. These three characters are thrown together when Vivi gets a summer internship at a hospital- the same hospital where TJ cares for Ángel. What follows is a beautiful story about grief, loss, heartbreak, and healing.
This book was amazing. It deals with some extremely tough topics with grace and beauty, putting words to the grief that many people must face every day. Vivi's father's death changes her and her family forever. She goes from being the girl who does it all- volunteering, sports, perfect grades- to not being able to go to class because she is so depressed. Her mother falls apart, neglecting her responsibilities and their financial situation. But somehow, in spite of all of the heartbreak, this isn't a story about sadness. It is a story about healing, about letting yourself hurt and then finding the strength to move on. It struck the balance perfectly between being realistic about the pain and loss that the characters were experiencing and not letting the book itself be depressing. For every moment of pain, there was a moment of joy.
The relationships in this book were also incredible. As TJ and Vivi work together they grow closer, their feelings growing into something more. I'm a sucker for a well-written falling in love, and this totally did it for me. It was complicated, with Vivi's grief and their histories. But the writing came through and gave us a butterfly-inducing story. But the romance wasn't the only great relationship in the story. The friendship between Ángel and Vivi and TJ was also incredible. It was one of those really true friendships, the bare your soul and love each other flaws and all kind. This is the kind of friendship that I LOVE to see in books. I like books where the friendship feels as real as the romance, not just thrown in for convenience or as a prop. In this story, the friendship was beautifully and painfully real.
I also have a total weakness for any book set by the beach. I love books where the setting feels real and connected to the reader, and somehow beach books always do it the best. The constant backdrop of the sea and all the birds in this story was really powerful, connecting it to the overall story of life and rebirth.
I highly recommend this book to all of you. It has gorgeous prose and such honest characters. I laughed and cried right along with them through the summer, and watched as they battled their demons and came out stronger on the other side.
My final rating- 5/5
This book was amazing. It deals with some extremely tough topics with grace and beauty, putting words to the grief that many people must face every day. Vivi's father's death changes her and her family forever. She goes from being the girl who does it all- volunteering, sports, perfect grades- to not being able to go to class because she is so depressed. Her mother falls apart, neglecting her responsibilities and their financial situation. But somehow, in spite of all of the heartbreak, this isn't a story about sadness. It is a story about healing, about letting yourself hurt and then finding the strength to move on. It struck the balance perfectly between being realistic about the pain and loss that the characters were experiencing and not letting the book itself be depressing. For every moment of pain, there was a moment of joy.
The relationships in this book were also incredible. As TJ and Vivi work together they grow closer, their feelings growing into something more. I'm a sucker for a well-written falling in love, and this totally did it for me. It was complicated, with Vivi's grief and their histories. But the writing came through and gave us a butterfly-inducing story. But the romance wasn't the only great relationship in the story. The friendship between Ángel and Vivi and TJ was also incredible. It was one of those really true friendships, the bare your soul and love each other flaws and all kind. This is the kind of friendship that I LOVE to see in books. I like books where the friendship feels as real as the romance, not just thrown in for convenience or as a prop. In this story, the friendship was beautifully and painfully real.
I also have a total weakness for any book set by the beach. I love books where the setting feels real and connected to the reader, and somehow beach books always do it the best. The constant backdrop of the sea and all the birds in this story was really powerful, connecting it to the overall story of life and rebirth.
I highly recommend this book to all of you. It has gorgeous prose and such honest characters. I laughed and cried right along with them through the summer, and watched as they battled their demons and came out stronger on the other side.
My final rating- 5/5
February 22, 2018
Wow, what a beautifully crafted book from three remarkable POVs! This book was amazing and beautiful and every way. Everything you need in a novel is in Flight Season. This book not only captured my heart, I learned a thing or two!
March 23, 2025
As usual, my brain has been reduced to mush the second I try to talk about why I love a book. This read was too good!!!
Flight Season is everything I love in a book—offbeat characters from different walks of life, a heartwarming summer romance that really feels like it could go the distance, subtle social commentary, and an ending that you can barely read through the tears. This book was all that and more.
Our story follows the lives of three young individuals all trapped by circumstance into one hot summer together under a hospital roof. Vivi is still reeling from the loss of her father, and is now determined to honor his memory by interning at a hospital and searching for him in the birds she catalogues in her trusty notebook. TJ is desperate to break free of his parents expectations and live a life for himself, steadily working his way toward a nursing degree and doing rotations in his free time at the local heart care unit. Ángel is a patient who can barely get out of bed and loves to play pranks on unsuspecting nurses. When all three have their paths collide, it will change their lives forever.
There was something so raw and authentic about the writing. It never pandered to readers and treated our 18-20ish protagonists like honest-to-God real people. And while this book does have an underlying romance plot, it never veered into sappiness. Our characters weren't hooking up in a custodial closet for the fun of it. Although on second thought, that wouldn't have been the WORST thing in the world.
I will say, Marie Marquardt gives twenty-somethings like me a good name. The novel takes the time to reassure vulnerable readers in these transitory periods of life that it's okay not to have everything figured out. The themes of dealing with grief and learning to bear witness to someone else's pain instead of erasing it were also so lovely and well-done, and what made the buddy relationship between Vivi and TJ stand apart from the pack.
Ángel is the scene stealer who makes everything happen, but he's never reduced to Terminal Patient Martyr. He's a fully-fleshed out human character who would turn up a middle finger to any depictions of him that reduced his existence to a sob story. I loved how the author explored the topical nature of America's flawed immigration policies and unethical deportation methods through Ángel's arc.
I also loved how important it was throughout the book for the author to let her characters change and adjust the plans they long held to be true. It was a reminder that nothing lasts forever, and that's a good thing. I just wish I could hold on to the feeling of reading this book for a little while longer.
To conclude, this book was above mid.
4.5 stars
Flight Season is everything I love in a book—offbeat characters from different walks of life, a heartwarming summer romance that really feels like it could go the distance, subtle social commentary, and an ending that you can barely read through the tears. This book was all that and more.
Our story follows the lives of three young individuals all trapped by circumstance into one hot summer together under a hospital roof. Vivi is still reeling from the loss of her father, and is now determined to honor his memory by interning at a hospital and searching for him in the birds she catalogues in her trusty notebook. TJ is desperate to break free of his parents expectations and live a life for himself, steadily working his way toward a nursing degree and doing rotations in his free time at the local heart care unit. Ángel is a patient who can barely get out of bed and loves to play pranks on unsuspecting nurses. When all three have their paths collide, it will change their lives forever.
There was something so raw and authentic about the writing. It never pandered to readers and treated our 18-20ish protagonists like honest-to-God real people. And while this book does have an underlying romance plot, it never veered into sappiness. Our characters weren't hooking up in a custodial closet for the fun of it. Although on second thought, that wouldn't have been the WORST thing in the world.
I will say, Marie Marquardt gives twenty-somethings like me a good name. The novel takes the time to reassure vulnerable readers in these transitory periods of life that it's okay not to have everything figured out. The themes of dealing with grief and learning to bear witness to someone else's pain instead of erasing it were also so lovely and well-done, and what made the buddy relationship between Vivi and TJ stand apart from the pack.
Ángel is the scene stealer who makes everything happen, but he's never reduced to Terminal Patient Martyr. He's a fully-fleshed out human character who would turn up a middle finger to any depictions of him that reduced his existence to a sob story. I loved how the author explored the topical nature of America's flawed immigration policies and unethical deportation methods through Ángel's arc.
I also loved how important it was throughout the book for the author to let her characters change and adjust the plans they long held to be true. It was a reminder that nothing lasts forever, and that's a good thing. I just wish I could hold on to the feeling of reading this book for a little while longer.
To conclude, this book was above mid.
4.5 stars
February 19, 2018
Marquardt did it again! She made me feel all sorts of wonderful emotions and delivered a beautiful story.
Marquardt impressed me with her last book, The Radius of Us, and I was therefore eager to read more of her work. I was surprised to find that I could love her new book more than her last, but that is exactly what happened.
•Pro: I fell for all three main characters instantly. They were all so unique, and each brought something special to this story.
•Pro: Vivi, TJ, and Ángel were all so different from each other, yet they were able to find common ground and develop genuine affections for one another. I loved watching their friendships grow and change, and found so much comfort, joy, and happiness in their interactions.
•Pro: Fate brought these three together for a reason, and their lives were changed for the better. Cue the happy tears!
•Pro: This book was so beautifully written, and the writing only enhanced the beauty of the story.
•Pro: I was a fan of the setting, because I used to visit St. Augustine often when I lived in Jacksonville. I always love when I am familiar with places in a book.
•Pro: There were so many different story threads that revolved around setbacks, but the characters kept plugging away regardless of how many obstacles they experienced. Marquardt has such a knack for writing these characters who show so much resilience and strength.
•Pro: Vivi's struggles were so difficult. After experiencing such a great loss, she just continued to suffer more and more losses, but you know know what? She never threw in the towel. She just kept treading water until she was able to come up with a plan, and I really admired her for that.
•Pro: The romance was this wonderful slow burn. I savored every interaction, and couldn't wait for the relationship to burn hotter and brighter.
•Pro: I thought it was brilliant the way Marquardt used Ángel's point of view. We were in his head, but he knew that we, the readers, were in his head. I like that he talked to us directly. It gave his POV a little different feel and purpose from the other two, which were more traditional.
•Pro: Each of Vivi's chapters began with an entry in her bird watching journal, and I really loved them. The bird stuff was quite interesting, but I also liked the way the observations of the bird paralleled what would play out in the chapter.
•Pro: I enjoy learning about different cultures, and Marquardt shared a lot of TJ's Brazilian culture and Ángel's heritage. Loved it all!
•Pro: Ángel wasn't your stereotypical sick kid. He was funny and his observations and honesty were a breath of fresh air.
•Pro: The last few chapters of this book are so painfully beautiful. I didn't expect what happened to happen, but it was perfect and deserved every single happy tear I shed.
Overall: An utterly wonderful and captivating tale of friendship, love, loss, and healing that filled me with a a myriad of emotions, and left me lots of hope in my heart.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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Marquardt impressed me with her last book, The Radius of Us, and I was therefore eager to read more of her work. I was surprised to find that I could love her new book more than her last, but that is exactly what happened.
•Pro: I fell for all three main characters instantly. They were all so unique, and each brought something special to this story.
•Pro: Vivi, TJ, and Ángel were all so different from each other, yet they were able to find common ground and develop genuine affections for one another. I loved watching their friendships grow and change, and found so much comfort, joy, and happiness in their interactions.
•Pro: Fate brought these three together for a reason, and their lives were changed for the better. Cue the happy tears!
•Pro: This book was so beautifully written, and the writing only enhanced the beauty of the story.
•Pro: I was a fan of the setting, because I used to visit St. Augustine often when I lived in Jacksonville. I always love when I am familiar with places in a book.
•Pro: There were so many different story threads that revolved around setbacks, but the characters kept plugging away regardless of how many obstacles they experienced. Marquardt has such a knack for writing these characters who show so much resilience and strength.
•Pro: Vivi's struggles were so difficult. After experiencing such a great loss, she just continued to suffer more and more losses, but you know know what? She never threw in the towel. She just kept treading water until she was able to come up with a plan, and I really admired her for that.
•Pro: The romance was this wonderful slow burn. I savored every interaction, and couldn't wait for the relationship to burn hotter and brighter.
•Pro: I thought it was brilliant the way Marquardt used Ángel's point of view. We were in his head, but he knew that we, the readers, were in his head. I like that he talked to us directly. It gave his POV a little different feel and purpose from the other two, which were more traditional.
•Pro: Each of Vivi's chapters began with an entry in her bird watching journal, and I really loved them. The bird stuff was quite interesting, but I also liked the way the observations of the bird paralleled what would play out in the chapter.
•Pro: I enjoy learning about different cultures, and Marquardt shared a lot of TJ's Brazilian culture and Ángel's heritage. Loved it all!
•Pro: Ángel wasn't your stereotypical sick kid. He was funny and his observations and honesty were a breath of fresh air.
•Pro: The last few chapters of this book are so painfully beautiful. I didn't expect what happened to happen, but it was perfect and deserved every single happy tear I shed.
But the amazing thing about those birds? Their mental maps are so incredible, so wide, that as soon as the storm passes, they're back on course, headed home.
Sometimes I wish I had bird brains.
Overall: An utterly wonderful and captivating tale of friendship, love, loss, and healing that filled me with a a myriad of emotions, and left me lots of hope in my heart.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
August 4, 2019
ARC provided via NetGalley 632 years ago and I've got no idea why I didn't finish it until now.
“If you need me to stay away from you, I’ll stay away. If you need me to help you steal a scrawny pain-in-the-ass kid from the hospital, I’ll do that, too.”
Such a beautifully heartbreaking story.
Being in these characters' heads was a pure treasure.
The writing style is like a silk.
And being an immigrant myself, the book subject hit close to home.
I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who'd like to dive into a non typical YA story.
“If you need me to stay away from you, I’ll stay away. If you need me to help you steal a scrawny pain-in-the-ass kid from the hospital, I’ll do that, too.”
Such a beautifully heartbreaking story.
Being in these characters' heads was a pure treasure.
The writing style is like a silk.
And being an immigrant myself, the book subject hit close to home.
I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who'd like to dive into a non typical YA story.
April 15, 2018
Vivi, TJ, and Ángel. Each has a story to tell.
A sweet and emotional coming-of-age story. Told through alternating points of view, the three characters tell their story. Vivi has returned home for the summer after her first year away at college. It was a tough year for Vivi because her father died, plus she struggled academically. She hopes to get back on track by working as a hospital intern for the summer. TJ works hard at a hospital during the day and a restaurant at night. He dreams of becoming a nurse, but feels obligated to work in his family's restaurant business. Ángel is sick. Very sick.
Vivi the hospital intern, TJ the nursing student, and Ángel the patient. A story about finding friendship, love, and following dreams.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
A sweet and emotional coming-of-age story. Told through alternating points of view, the three characters tell their story. Vivi has returned home for the summer after her first year away at college. It was a tough year for Vivi because her father died, plus she struggled academically. She hopes to get back on track by working as a hospital intern for the summer. TJ works hard at a hospital during the day and a restaurant at night. He dreams of becoming a nurse, but feels obligated to work in his family's restaurant business. Ángel is sick. Very sick.
Vivi the hospital intern, TJ the nursing student, and Ángel the patient. A story about finding friendship, love, and following dreams.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway.
July 14, 2018
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed Flight Season! The characters were well drawn out with solid, distinct dynamics. My only critique is, I started out this book really into it, but for some reason, I feel like my interest in it kind of waned by the end. I think I didn't really love the way the romance panned out, but definitely nothing major. Overall, a well-written book with complex characters and some pretty heavy subject matter—loss of a parent, deportation—that Marquardt totally manages to pull off.
I really enjoyed Flight Season! The characters were well drawn out with solid, distinct dynamics. My only critique is, I started out this book really into it, but for some reason, I feel like my interest in it kind of waned by the end. I think I didn't really love the way the romance panned out, but definitely nothing major. Overall, a well-written book with complex characters and some pretty heavy subject matter—loss of a parent, deportation—that Marquardt totally manages to pull off.
June 10, 2018
THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD I CANT STOP CRYING. NOT ONLY IS THE LANGUAGE BEAUTIFUL BUT THE CHARACTERS FEEL REAL FEELINGS AND EVERYTHING IS SO WONDERFUL
IM CRYIG SO HARD DIVIDJVISJCHAHDAHVS
IM CRYIG SO HARD DIVIDJVISJCHAHDAHVS
December 2, 2017
Solid 4.5 stars. (Half stars GR, get the memo!)
Wow. I didn't expect this to be as emotionally moving as it was. I certainly didn't expect to love Vivi, TJ, and Angel as much as I did. There was nothing I didn't love about this book. Nothing.
This review will be a struggle to write. I loved the characters that much.
Wow. I didn't expect this to be as emotionally moving as it was. I certainly didn't expect to love Vivi, TJ, and Angel as much as I did. There was nothing I didn't love about this book. Nothing.
This review will be a struggle to write. I loved the characters that much.
March 3, 2018
Brilliant story from a gifted writer. I was really blown away by the intense characters and the real and raw stories of each of the individual characters. There are 3 POVs and each is unique and different and each was so special and easy to relate to. The story is deep, powerful and one I will remember for a long time to come. A must read for all lovers of deeply woven story will wonderful characters as well as a super setting.
January 17, 2018
Such an incredibly important read. I can’t wait to review this ❤️😭
December 21, 2017
Flight Season is a beautiful, heartbreaking book that had me smiling and laughing and crying, both despairing and rejoicing in humanity, and so happy just to spend a little time with these amazing characters.
Vivi Flannigan has returned home from college for the summer to pull her life together. If she can stick it out at her hospital internship she might have a slim hope of passing her semester's courses. If she can help her mother get back on track, she might be able to save their home. And if she can avoid Old Town, she might have a slim chance of forgetting that one night she lost total control. TJ Carvalho has one last clinical placement to pass before he is done with his nursing studies. So when Vivi turns up in his ward, the girl who he witnessed have a complete meltdown, he does his best to avoid her. But when TJ and Vivi are forced to work together to care for heart patient Ángel, the three of them form a beautiful, if challenged, friendship, which just might change their lives in ways they could never have expected.
I think less is more when it comes to reviewing this beautiful, beautiful book. If you are the sort of reader who likes to take a chance on characters, who enjoys simple details that pull together to make a powerful whole, and who loves a bit of everyday magic, then Flight Season is the book for you. I underestimated this book. I underestimated the depth of the story, the power behind its truths, and the way the characters would so quickly worm their way into my heart. Flight Season surprised and delighted me.
Really, I could go on forever about all the things I loved about this story. The way it is told through alternating chapters from the perspectives of the three main characters. How the messages of family, grief, belonging, and home drive the story. How the romance (including some amazing chemistry, an enemies-to-lovers storyline, and a relationship founded on trust, understanding, and friendship) fits so perfectly into the whole of the story. Ángel, who deserves an entire what-I-loved list all to himself. The birds and Vivi's bird journal entires, which add another detail that works so well with this story. The characters, who are all so richly detailed that even secondary characters now feel like old friends. And my review copy did not come with illustrations, but I'm guessing they are only going to make this book even more beautiful.
Flight Season is a book I am going to delight in thrusting into everyone's hands, saying 'you simply must read this book'. So what are you waiting for? Go forth and find yourself a copy of Flight Season. You won't regret it.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
Vivi Flannigan has returned home from college for the summer to pull her life together. If she can stick it out at her hospital internship she might have a slim hope of passing her semester's courses. If she can help her mother get back on track, she might be able to save their home. And if she can avoid Old Town, she might have a slim chance of forgetting that one night she lost total control. TJ Carvalho has one last clinical placement to pass before he is done with his nursing studies. So when Vivi turns up in his ward, the girl who he witnessed have a complete meltdown, he does his best to avoid her. But when TJ and Vivi are forced to work together to care for heart patient Ángel, the three of them form a beautiful, if challenged, friendship, which just might change their lives in ways they could never have expected.
I think less is more when it comes to reviewing this beautiful, beautiful book. If you are the sort of reader who likes to take a chance on characters, who enjoys simple details that pull together to make a powerful whole, and who loves a bit of everyday magic, then Flight Season is the book for you. I underestimated this book. I underestimated the depth of the story, the power behind its truths, and the way the characters would so quickly worm their way into my heart. Flight Season surprised and delighted me.
Really, I could go on forever about all the things I loved about this story. The way it is told through alternating chapters from the perspectives of the three main characters. How the messages of family, grief, belonging, and home drive the story. How the romance (including some amazing chemistry, an enemies-to-lovers storyline, and a relationship founded on trust, understanding, and friendship) fits so perfectly into the whole of the story. Ángel, who deserves an entire what-I-loved list all to himself. The birds and Vivi's bird journal entires, which add another detail that works so well with this story. The characters, who are all so richly detailed that even secondary characters now feel like old friends. And my review copy did not come with illustrations, but I'm guessing they are only going to make this book even more beautiful.
Flight Season is a book I am going to delight in thrusting into everyone's hands, saying 'you simply must read this book'. So what are you waiting for? Go forth and find yourself a copy of Flight Season. You won't regret it.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library.
March 5, 2018
A huge Thank You to St. Martin's Press via Netgalley, for allowing me to read Flight Season in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warning: Death & Grief
The rest of this review may contain spoilers.
Trigger Warning: Death & Grief
The rest of this review may contain spoilers.
September 27, 2018
Flight Season by Marie Marquardt was so beautiful! It is about grief, love, sickness and family. It really surprised me and filled me with hope.
Thank you NetGalley for the ebook in exchange of a honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for the ebook in exchange of a honest review.
February 23, 2018
4.5 stars. "Flight Season" is the story of three very different people: Vivi, TJ, and Angel. Vivi is trying to fix her life after losing her beloved father. Every turn seems to throw more difficulty at her: failing grades, a mother who seems too lost in grief and flakiness to take care of things, and a general uneasy feeling about her future life path. TJ seems stuck in his family business while trying to make something of himself outside of his job at the family restaurant. Angel wanted a better life in the United States but finds himself in the hospital hanging on to his life after fate deals a cruel hand. All of these people are very different but will come together in some surprising ways.
Marie Marquardt is becoming a must-read author for me. Her previous books have been smart with a message behind them. The message always feels baked in and never didactic, which I think is important for any book but particularly young adult books. Because I had enjoyed her previous two books so much, I knew that I needed to jump on reading this one. I was not disappointed!
The characters in this book are great. Vivi is floundering in the beginning of this book. She's done trying to keep up with the social life that took her down a dark path. She is in college at Yale, pre-med but while this seems like something she should do, she isn't sure if she is doing this for herself or for another reason. TJ is confident in his own skin most of the time and seems to know what he wants. Angel was the most touching character. Seeking a new life in the United States, he never was worried about getting hurt; he thought getting over to the U.S. would be the hard part. Because of his status and trying to please his terrible uncle, he has to take any job he can get even if it is dangerous and ends up working on a turkey farm with some insidious practices. These characters come together in such an amazing way. Their bond was really special throughout the whole book.
The book was well-written. Each of the characters had a very different and unique voice. The author has a really good way of pulling together a really interesting story line with characters that will stick with me long after I shut the book.
Marie Marquardt is becoming a must-read author for me. Her previous books have been smart with a message behind them. The message always feels baked in and never didactic, which I think is important for any book but particularly young adult books. Because I had enjoyed her previous two books so much, I knew that I needed to jump on reading this one. I was not disappointed!
The characters in this book are great. Vivi is floundering in the beginning of this book. She's done trying to keep up with the social life that took her down a dark path. She is in college at Yale, pre-med but while this seems like something she should do, she isn't sure if she is doing this for herself or for another reason. TJ is confident in his own skin most of the time and seems to know what he wants. Angel was the most touching character. Seeking a new life in the United States, he never was worried about getting hurt; he thought getting over to the U.S. would be the hard part. Because of his status and trying to please his terrible uncle, he has to take any job he can get even if it is dangerous and ends up working on a turkey farm with some insidious practices. These characters come together in such an amazing way. Their bond was really special throughout the whole book.
The book was well-written. Each of the characters had a very different and unique voice. The author has a really good way of pulling together a really interesting story line with characters that will stick with me long after I shut the book.
February 15, 2018
Beautiful and heartbreaking are just two of many words than can used to describe Marie Marquardt’s Flight Season.
The story follows three points of view; Vivi, a college sophomore, struggling with the grief associated with her father’s death; T.J., a nursing student and nurse’s aide, working toward a career outside of his family’s restaurant; and Ángel, an eighteen year old immigrant suffering from a life threatening heart condition. When Vivi and T.J. are thrown together to care for Ángel, they’re forced to confront some tough issues, including an embarrassing night from Vivi’s past that T.J. witnessed.
I love the characters in the book. While the plot was interesting, the characters were the driving force behind the story, learning and growing and coming to realize what’s really important in life. Vivi goes from the girl who is used to having everything, albeit still working really hard, to a girl who is lost without her father, who for the majority of her life was her biggest support. Her mother doesn’t know how to manage money, leaving the financials to Vivi to figure out. With some help from T.J., Vivi starts to learn life’s responsibilities and how to care for her family.
T.J. is one of the best male protagonists I’ve read about in a contemporary in a long time. He’s sweet and understanding and non-judgmental, and he treats everyone with respect, even when his inner monologue describes his disinterest. He grows a lot throughout the novel as well as he and Vivi work together in the local hospital, caring for heart patient Ángel. T.J. begins the book basically describing Ángel as a pain in the ass, but quickly he comes to learn that he just likes to tease, and mess with people in a friendly manner. He’s been holed up in his hospital room for so long, and he has little form of entertainment so he often creates it himself any way possible. They grow together throughout the novel, along with Vivi, learning about love in all its forms, and the best ways to face difficult situations.
Marquardt does an excellent job showcasing the issues of immigration status and deportation, two tough topics that are very relevant in the news and politics. Her writing is fast paced, informative, and full of substance, telling an important story, while also providing comedic relief and romantic tension.
The relationships formed between the characters are quite impactful, from the budding romance between Vivi and T.J. and the friendship they form with each other and with Ángel. I love how well done the romance is, reading as believable while still giving off the fluttery, butterfly feels. Vivi and T.J. actually communicate with each other, and don’t keep secrets or overreact when finding out information. While the romantic storyline shines, it really is the friendship shared between the three that tugs the most at the heartstrings.
I really love this book. The ending is beautiful and sad and hopeful, and shows the true definition of love and friendship and how far some people are willing to go for others.
*Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review*
The story follows three points of view; Vivi, a college sophomore, struggling with the grief associated with her father’s death; T.J., a nursing student and nurse’s aide, working toward a career outside of his family’s restaurant; and Ángel, an eighteen year old immigrant suffering from a life threatening heart condition. When Vivi and T.J. are thrown together to care for Ángel, they’re forced to confront some tough issues, including an embarrassing night from Vivi’s past that T.J. witnessed.
I love the characters in the book. While the plot was interesting, the characters were the driving force behind the story, learning and growing and coming to realize what’s really important in life. Vivi goes from the girl who is used to having everything, albeit still working really hard, to a girl who is lost without her father, who for the majority of her life was her biggest support. Her mother doesn’t know how to manage money, leaving the financials to Vivi to figure out. With some help from T.J., Vivi starts to learn life’s responsibilities and how to care for her family.
T.J. is one of the best male protagonists I’ve read about in a contemporary in a long time. He’s sweet and understanding and non-judgmental, and he treats everyone with respect, even when his inner monologue describes his disinterest. He grows a lot throughout the novel as well as he and Vivi work together in the local hospital, caring for heart patient Ángel. T.J. begins the book basically describing Ángel as a pain in the ass, but quickly he comes to learn that he just likes to tease, and mess with people in a friendly manner. He’s been holed up in his hospital room for so long, and he has little form of entertainment so he often creates it himself any way possible. They grow together throughout the novel, along with Vivi, learning about love in all its forms, and the best ways to face difficult situations.
Marquardt does an excellent job showcasing the issues of immigration status and deportation, two tough topics that are very relevant in the news and politics. Her writing is fast paced, informative, and full of substance, telling an important story, while also providing comedic relief and romantic tension.
The relationships formed between the characters are quite impactful, from the budding romance between Vivi and T.J. and the friendship they form with each other and with Ángel. I love how well done the romance is, reading as believable while still giving off the fluttery, butterfly feels. Vivi and T.J. actually communicate with each other, and don’t keep secrets or overreact when finding out information. While the romantic storyline shines, it really is the friendship shared between the three that tugs the most at the heartstrings.
I really love this book. The ending is beautiful and sad and hopeful, and shows the true definition of love and friendship and how far some people are willing to go for others.
*Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review*
November 7, 2017
Flight Season is a gorgeous tale of love and loss and the power of human connection to heal. This is a stay-up-way-too-late-because-you-can't-put-it-down kind of story.
Main characters TJ, Vivi and Angel are strikingly drawn, so real and raw and fleshed out, I know them. More than that - I *was* them, we all were - young adults stumbling and fumbling through the transition into adulthood in all its pain and glory. I truly appreciate the focus on a slightly older set of characters. Young adulthood doesn't end at 18, and the teens I know want stories about the years immediately following high school too. Marquardt's handling of this age and time is flawless.
Other standout elements of this novel include the setting (Marquardt's exploration of our shared hometown of Atlanta in prior books was so spot on, I knew I was in for a treat with her portrayal of beach life on the Florida coast), and inclusion of images from Vivi's bird journal, which offer beautiful graphic interludes between chapters.
It's a tough call, but Flight Season stole my heart so thoroughly, I think it might be my favorite book of Marquardt's yet! Don't miss it.
Advance reader copy received from the author.
Main characters TJ, Vivi and Angel are strikingly drawn, so real and raw and fleshed out, I know them. More than that - I *was* them, we all were - young adults stumbling and fumbling through the transition into adulthood in all its pain and glory. I truly appreciate the focus on a slightly older set of characters. Young adulthood doesn't end at 18, and the teens I know want stories about the years immediately following high school too. Marquardt's handling of this age and time is flawless.
Other standout elements of this novel include the setting (Marquardt's exploration of our shared hometown of Atlanta in prior books was so spot on, I knew I was in for a treat with her portrayal of beach life on the Florida coast), and inclusion of images from Vivi's bird journal, which offer beautiful graphic interludes between chapters.
It's a tough call, but Flight Season stole my heart so thoroughly, I think it might be my favorite book of Marquardt's yet! Don't miss it.
Advance reader copy received from the author.
February 22, 2024
What a beautiful book. Frankly, I do not think the blurb does not do this book justice, and I'm finding it hard to find the words to express how poignant I think it is. I think I expected a typical romantic comedy with a slightly annoying sick person to bring the other leads together. Instead, the story introduces two complex stories of people struggling to find peace with the world and three characters I really loved. TJs story is underplayed but there are moments when the beauty of small actions made me feel things were so positive in the sadness of themes of death, dying, loss and grief. Although the themes seem heavy going, this book offers hope and warmth. I really enjoyed the use of the birds and all the different ways they tied the story together; a clever and interesting theme. Even the notes from the author added to the novel and made me want to ensure that when it is released with illustrations, I add it to my copies of much worn books on the shelf!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review
February 9, 2018
This book switches between the perspectives of 3 characters: Vivi, who has almost flunked out of Yale after her father's death, and has to complete an internship at a Florida hospital in order to go back, TJ, who has almost graduated from nursing school and is working at the hospital, and Angel, an immigrant teenage heart patient at the hospital. A moving young adult novel with very real, compelling, and unique characters. I couldn't put it down.
Many thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Goodreads and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 3, 2018
This captivating story wrestles with grief and death and pain we cannot control in stunning ways. I cried with the characters and was deeply moved by example to not turn away from suffering. Absolutely beautiful.
February 7, 2018
Would recommend for anyone who isn't afraid of a good cry! For a full review, follow the link: https://suereadingcorner.wordpress.co...
January 30, 2021
This is exactly the kind of YA book I’d find on a Sunday at the library and finish in one night in high school, which is to say that I really enjoyed this book and it transported me back to a simpler time, so thank you, Flight Season!
All of the characters were intricate and likeable, and I really appreciated the fact that Vivi was coming out of her first year of college here - it sets the tone for a lot of the big topics that are explored and also it was just nice to read YA but make it college.
TJ was very cute and I really liked getting to explore his family dynamics. The plot with Ángel gave me Five Feet Apart vibes, but it was cute and very heartfelt nonetheless. This was a great palate cleanser.
All of the characters were intricate and likeable, and I really appreciated the fact that Vivi was coming out of her first year of college here - it sets the tone for a lot of the big topics that are explored and also it was just nice to read YA but make it college.
TJ was very cute and I really liked getting to explore his family dynamics. The plot with Ángel gave me Five Feet Apart vibes, but it was cute and very heartfelt nonetheless. This was a great palate cleanser.
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February 13, 2018Graded By: Stephanie
Cover Story: Minimalism
BFF Charm: Big Sister, Be Mine, Let Me Love You
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
Talky Talk: He Said, He Said, She Said
Bonus Factors: Florida, Bird Watching
Factor: College
Anti-Bonus Factors: Immigration Laws
Relationship Status: Birds Of A Feather
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Minimalism
BFF Charm: Big Sister, Be Mine, Let Me Love You
Swoonworthy Scale: 6
Talky Talk: He Said, He Said, She Said
Bonus Factors: Florida, Bird Watching
Factor: College
Anti-Bonus Factors: Immigration Laws
Relationship Status: Birds Of A Feather
Read the full book report here.
April 30, 2018
What an absolutely beautiful book. I was expecting a fluffy YA rom-com when I picked it up, but it was so much more than that. Really sophisticated, and funny, with a timely (and absolutely devastating) story of immigration and deportation going along with the romance (and a wee bit of magical realism!). I loved the theme of grief, and how people deal with it differently, and how those who really love you will stay with you through it.
March 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! I was looking for a simple read, (which this definitely was), and was pleasantly surprised. I liked all the characters, and I liked how there wasn't too much romance. I also really liked the way the author started out some of the chapters with drawings and descriptions of birds from one of the character's journals; I thought it was very unique. I really liked the way the story unfolded and I thought the ending was perfect, not too cliche, but cute all the same.
March 18, 2018
Heartwarming, funny, and a overall a great story. Perfect for a touching, quick read!
February 1, 2018
For sure a new favourite. Review to come.
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