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Kiss the Joy As It Flies
With all the wisdom, humour, and joy we've come to expect from Sheree Fitch, Kiss the Joy As It Flies marks the well-loved author's move from children's literature to adult fiction. Set in the fictional Maritime town of Odell, with a cast of exasperating but lovable characters, Kiss the Joy As It Flies promises to be a remarkable debut and a reader's favourite. Panic-stricken by the news that she needs exploratory surgery, forty-eight-year-old Mercy Beth Fanjoy drafts a monumental "to do" list and sets about putting her messy life in order. Among other things (hide the vibrator!), she's determined to finally uncover the identity of her secret admirer; reconnect with a lost friend and rival Teen Gaudet; and, most importantly, get her hands on the note her father left her before committing suicide all those years ago. But tidying up the edges of her life means the past comes rushing back to haunt her and the present keeps throwing up more to do's. Between fits of weeping and laughter, ranting and bliss, Mercy must contemplate the meaning of life in the face of her own death. In a week filled with the riot of an entire life, nothing turns out the way she'd expected.
312 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2008
4 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Sheree Fitch
44 books81 followersFrom the Writer's Federation of Nova Scotia:
"Sheree Fitch is an educator, literacy activist and author of award winning poetry, picture books, nonfiction, plays and novels for all ages. Her first book, Toes in My Nose, illustrated by Molly Lamb Bobak, was launched in 1987. The books that followed have garnered numerous awards, including The Mr. Christie Award for There Were Monkeys in My Kitchen, The Anne Connor Brimer Award for Mable Murple. If You Could Wear my Sneakers, a book on Children's Rights commissioned by Unicef won both the Ontario Silver Birch Award and Atlantic Hackmatack award.
In 1998 she won the prestigious Vicky Metcalf award for a body of work inspirational to Canadian Children. She has been goodwill ambassador for Unicef since 1994 and her lipslippery adventures have taken her to remote parts of the globe.
Her work as a poet and literacy educator has taken her to the Arctic as eight-time poet laureate for Peter Gzowski's fundraisers for literacy and to Bhutan where she taught writing and participated in that country's first national reading week. Author readings have taken her to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Belize and Mexico.
Currently, she is Honorary Spokesperson for the New Brunswick Coalition for Literacy. The coalition recently initiated the Sheree Fitch Adult Learner Scholarships. She is also Honorary Spokesperson for the Nova Scotia Read to Me Program. This program provides literacy information to new parents and books for newborns. Each year she sponsors a writing competition for New Brunswick Youth. Her latest venture in literacy education includes completing a three year (summer ) writer in residency for Somebody's Daughter --- out on the tundra in Nunavut. This is an innovative program for Inuit women started by Bernadette Dean, Sheree's friend and former student from a writing workshop Ftich held during one of her soujourns to the north.
In the fall 2004, Gooselane Editions released an expanded anniversary edition of her adult book of poetry In This House Are Many Women and Orca published Pocket Rocks, illustrated by Helen Flook.
In May 2005, Fitch's first novel (ages ten and up), The Gravesavers, was published by Doubleday Canada Random House. A coming of age story blended with a historical event—the wreck of S.S. Atlantic in 1873—Fitch considers the novel "a kind of love letter" to her Maritime home and a celebration of her roots. Upcoming books include If I Had A Million Onions, a collection of nonsense for all ages and Peek a Little Boo, a book for babies.
Fitch lives with her husband, Gilles Plante and divides her time between Washington D.C. and River John, Nova Scotia. In demand as a visiting author, workshop leader and keynote speaker, she is currently working on an adult novel. She holds a B.A. from St. Thomas, an M.A. from Acadia University and honorary doctorates from both St. Mary's and Acadia for her contribution to Canadian literature and education. She has two grown children."
"Sheree Fitch is an educator, literacy activist and author of award winning poetry, picture books, nonfiction, plays and novels for all ages. Her first book, Toes in My Nose, illustrated by Molly Lamb Bobak, was launched in 1987. The books that followed have garnered numerous awards, including The Mr. Christie Award for There Were Monkeys in My Kitchen, The Anne Connor Brimer Award for Mable Murple. If You Could Wear my Sneakers, a book on Children's Rights commissioned by Unicef won both the Ontario Silver Birch Award and Atlantic Hackmatack award.
In 1998 she won the prestigious Vicky Metcalf award for a body of work inspirational to Canadian Children. She has been goodwill ambassador for Unicef since 1994 and her lipslippery adventures have taken her to remote parts of the globe.
Her work as a poet and literacy educator has taken her to the Arctic as eight-time poet laureate for Peter Gzowski's fundraisers for literacy and to Bhutan where she taught writing and participated in that country's first national reading week. Author readings have taken her to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Belize and Mexico.
Currently, she is Honorary Spokesperson for the New Brunswick Coalition for Literacy. The coalition recently initiated the Sheree Fitch Adult Learner Scholarships. She is also Honorary Spokesperson for the Nova Scotia Read to Me Program. This program provides literacy information to new parents and books for newborns. Each year she sponsors a writing competition for New Brunswick Youth. Her latest venture in literacy education includes completing a three year (summer ) writer in residency for Somebody's Daughter --- out on the tundra in Nunavut. This is an innovative program for Inuit women started by Bernadette Dean, Sheree's friend and former student from a writing workshop Ftich held during one of her soujourns to the north.
In the fall 2004, Gooselane Editions released an expanded anniversary edition of her adult book of poetry In This House Are Many Women and Orca published Pocket Rocks, illustrated by Helen Flook.
In May 2005, Fitch's first novel (ages ten and up), The Gravesavers, was published by Doubleday Canada Random House. A coming of age story blended with a historical event—the wreck of S.S. Atlantic in 1873—Fitch considers the novel "a kind of love letter" to her Maritime home and a celebration of her roots. Upcoming books include If I Had A Million Onions, a collection of nonsense for all ages and Peek a Little Boo, a book for babies.
Fitch lives with her husband, Gilles Plante and divides her time between Washington D.C. and River John, Nova Scotia. In demand as a visiting author, workshop leader and keynote speaker, she is currently working on an adult novel. She holds a B.A. from St. Thomas, an M.A. from Acadia University and honorary doctorates from both St. Mary's and Acadia for her contribution to Canadian literature and education. She has two grown children."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 23, 2011
A laugh out loud book, Fitch catches us being ourselves.
March 29, 2020
Sometimes the right book comes along at the right time. Other times the right book has been there all along - you just weren’t looking for it. Either way, timing is everything, especially with books.
Right now, our libraries are closed, and I am discovering the unread treasures I have right here at home. This book was given to me 2 years ago by my Aunt after we met the author, at her very own Mabel Murple’s Book Shoppe & Dreamery in Nova Scotia.
I’m glad I waited until now to read it because I feel like I fully appreciated the author’s unique playful yet rich style, in a touching story with endearing characters. I laughed out loud and shed a few tears, but truly I loved the references to familiar places such as the Victoria public hospital. I really enjoyed the side trip to take a photo of Stephen King’s house while in Maine. The many mentions of William Blake are also very meaningful.
I’m grateful I own this book because I’ve marked quite a few pages so I can reread my favourite passages. There’s just something special about books about writers and writing!
“As always, Mercy was hungry for words, especially words that were not her own. Words that made meaning and created beauty; beautiful words that painted worlds where the landscape was a character you fell in love with and sank into as if in a dream; words that cast a spell...”
Right now, our libraries are closed, and I am discovering the unread treasures I have right here at home. This book was given to me 2 years ago by my Aunt after we met the author, at her very own Mabel Murple’s Book Shoppe & Dreamery in Nova Scotia.
I’m glad I waited until now to read it because I feel like I fully appreciated the author’s unique playful yet rich style, in a touching story with endearing characters. I laughed out loud and shed a few tears, but truly I loved the references to familiar places such as the Victoria public hospital. I really enjoyed the side trip to take a photo of Stephen King’s house while in Maine. The many mentions of William Blake are also very meaningful.
I’m grateful I own this book because I’ve marked quite a few pages so I can reread my favourite passages. There’s just something special about books about writers and writing!
“As always, Mercy was hungry for words, especially words that were not her own. Words that made meaning and created beauty; beautiful words that painted worlds where the landscape was a character you fell in love with and sank into as if in a dream; words that cast a spell...”
August 2, 2008
What I loved about this book is that 'Odell' is so clearly Fredericton that I could trace Mercy-Beth's movements through the city on a map. This is a sweet, funny book - not as strong as The Gravesavers, but a strong step into adult fiction from a writer best known for her playful children's poetry.
Read
September 14, 2013Living near/working in Fredericton, the constant references to but not really to the city was annoying. Either create a fictitious place or suck it up and use the real names.
Found many of the characters shallow and not adding to the story. Some even down right confusing.
The name Mercy, bugged me too.
Bought the book at Value Village, donated it back. I was disappointed.
On the upside, Sheree has beautiful language. It just didn't save the story in my opinion.
Found many of the characters shallow and not adding to the story. Some even down right confusing.
The name Mercy, bugged me too.
Bought the book at Value Village, donated it back. I was disappointed.
On the upside, Sheree has beautiful language. It just didn't save the story in my opinion.
March 5, 2010
I found the obvious setting in Fredericton, while saying it was another town, too distracting to end up finishing this book. The chapters were really short, which I would have thought made it more approachable.
December 15, 2016
"How can you be happy when someone you love is in pain?"
August 4, 2019
Quirky, funny and heartwarming.
September 30, 2010
Witty and wise. Great book.
December 1, 2023
Although Sheree Fitch has a very successful, award-winning career writing for children and has been awarded two honorary doctorate degrees for her contributions to Canadian literature, this is her first adult novel. Her effort to expand her literary boundaries met with praise from both critics and readers, sending this volume to the best seller lists. It is written in the same easy prose as her other works, as Fitch’s unique way with words has always been part of her signature style.
The novel is set in the fictional town of Odell, based on the city of Fredericton New Brunswick where Fitch spent part of her life. Her story uses a comedic approach to a very serious topic, pulling readers into the head of forty-eight-year-old Mercy Beth Fanjoy, who has just learned from her physician that the lump found on her ovary may be cancerous. As she prepares for the required exploratory surgery, she takes in the significance of what is ahead of her. She could soon be facing the end of her life.
Mercy Beth enters a whirlwind of activity, creating a monumental “to do” list of all the things she must get done during this critical time. It includes everything from the silly to the serious. From cleaning out her bedroom dresser drawers to the headier issues of confronting her mother about the suicide note her father left, reconnecting with her bi-racial daughter Belle, reuniting with a close friend she has not spoken to in years and considering her grudge against another, she cannot forgive. As she goes about putting her life in order, she thinks about the meaning of life and reconsiders what is truly important. Some of these passages are so well expressed, they are “quote worthy”.
The novel is structured so the first part of the book is laid out one day at a time, while the last part jumps weeks and then months ahead. That structure perfectly mirrors the mental journey of someone facing a physical or mental trauma, initially overcome by the anger, fear and chaos, to then come to a more settled approach to the news. Creating her list helps Mercy Beth channel her nervous energy and is humorously filled with both mundane and more serious things. She tackles it with a flurry of activity, crossing off the things she gets done, reconsidering some items and then deleting them and adding more she feels are important. It is interesting to follow that process, to see what she has come to realize is more significant in the midst of this difficult situation she is continuing to process.
Mercy Beth proves to be an energetic, overactive and quirky character readers will come to care for, a woman who brings readers to many “laugh out loud” moments as well as tragic and emotional thoughts, as she considers things we may never think about until approaching the end of our lives. It is something readers can easily understand, leading us to consider ourselves, what we would do under similar circumstances.
Fitch has created both a funny and heart-breaking story. Her ability to combine these two very different emotions so well makes it a thought provoking read.
The novel is set in the fictional town of Odell, based on the city of Fredericton New Brunswick where Fitch spent part of her life. Her story uses a comedic approach to a very serious topic, pulling readers into the head of forty-eight-year-old Mercy Beth Fanjoy, who has just learned from her physician that the lump found on her ovary may be cancerous. As she prepares for the required exploratory surgery, she takes in the significance of what is ahead of her. She could soon be facing the end of her life.
Mercy Beth enters a whirlwind of activity, creating a monumental “to do” list of all the things she must get done during this critical time. It includes everything from the silly to the serious. From cleaning out her bedroom dresser drawers to the headier issues of confronting her mother about the suicide note her father left, reconnecting with her bi-racial daughter Belle, reuniting with a close friend she has not spoken to in years and considering her grudge against another, she cannot forgive. As she goes about putting her life in order, she thinks about the meaning of life and reconsiders what is truly important. Some of these passages are so well expressed, they are “quote worthy”.
The novel is structured so the first part of the book is laid out one day at a time, while the last part jumps weeks and then months ahead. That structure perfectly mirrors the mental journey of someone facing a physical or mental trauma, initially overcome by the anger, fear and chaos, to then come to a more settled approach to the news. Creating her list helps Mercy Beth channel her nervous energy and is humorously filled with both mundane and more serious things. She tackles it with a flurry of activity, crossing off the things she gets done, reconsidering some items and then deleting them and adding more she feels are important. It is interesting to follow that process, to see what she has come to realize is more significant in the midst of this difficult situation she is continuing to process.
Mercy Beth proves to be an energetic, overactive and quirky character readers will come to care for, a woman who brings readers to many “laugh out loud” moments as well as tragic and emotional thoughts, as she considers things we may never think about until approaching the end of our lives. It is something readers can easily understand, leading us to consider ourselves, what we would do under similar circumstances.
Fitch has created both a funny and heart-breaking story. Her ability to combine these two very different emotions so well makes it a thought provoking read.
May 11, 2017
This book was loaned to me sometime ago and I started it a couple of times and put it down because it takes awhile to get into. But once I finally did start I really enjoyed it. I was intrigued since I had only ever read Sheree Fitch's children's poetry before. It is a great novel set in the Maritimes with real people as characters. No problem to tell that the town of Odell in the novel is Fredericton and I enjoyed identifying many of the places mentioned. It is a story of great sadness and at the same time very funny and based on life experiences that many of us can identify with.
September 4, 2018
I picked this one up because I felt like a feel-good lighthearted read.
It is that. But, it is also more.
We meet Mercy Beth Fanjoy at a critical moment in her life. She has just been scheduled for exploratory surgery. As anyone would, she allows fear to occupy her mind and has a series of mini meltdowns. But, then she buckles down and makes a compelling to-do list.
There was much to enjoy in this story, but Mercy Beth's scattered mind irritated me. Perhaps, she is too close to home.
It is that. But, it is also more.
We meet Mercy Beth Fanjoy at a critical moment in her life. She has just been scheduled for exploratory surgery. As anyone would, she allows fear to occupy her mind and has a series of mini meltdowns. But, then she buckles down and makes a compelling to-do list.
There was much to enjoy in this story, but Mercy Beth's scattered mind irritated me. Perhaps, she is too close to home.
May 10, 2020
Such a good story. Such emotional turmoil. I don’t think any woman older than 45, especially those dealing with illness, grown children and aging parents, could help but relate in some way to many, or possibly all, of Mercy Beth’s issues. I laughed with her, I got angry at her, and I cried with her. I do believe her story will stay with me for some time.
August 26, 2024
There are so many problems with the pacing, realism, setting. Not to mention problems with proof reading. It is supposed to be in a fictional community, but it is clearly Fredericton, NB, including names of businesses, streets, buildings, landmarks. It is described as a tragic comedy. It wasn't funny, at all. Overall a great disappointment.
July 30, 2018
I was a bit hesitant as this was Fitch's first foray into adult lit (and I'm not a big fan of her kids lit, truth be told) but after a shakey start I thoroughly enjoyed this tale about Mercy Beth's midlife crisis.
March 6, 2019
Donated to Friends of the Library.
October 28, 2020
This book was as lovely and wonderful as I knew it would be.
June 30, 2024
Completely immersed in the life of the main character....brought laughter, tears, frustration...inspiring. Highly recommend this book.
June 12, 2023
It was ok. When a woman discovers she has to have exploratory surgery she makes a list of things she wants to do before she dies. There was too much time devoted to one of the items that I think it took away from developing some of the other items. There was a twist at the end. But the book just didn’t grab me like other people. I didn’t laugh out loud. But that’s okay. Doesn’t make it a ‘bad’ book - just not for me.
January 4, 2016
I rate this novel 3 Stars.
Mercy Beth Fanjoy is in a panic about her life and is trying to get certain things in order before she undergoes surgery. The characters were interesting and quirky and the town of Odell is based on Fredericton,New Brunswick, so it was cool to have a context of place. The author has stated she feels this book to be a tragicomedy. There certainly are tragedies but I expected to laugh more. Mercy got into some funny situations but nothing was laugh-out-loud for me. The first two-thirds of the book were each set one day at a time in sequence. The last third of the book jumped weeks and months ahead in time and I felt as though a lot of details were left out. The end seemed abrupt. This is Fitch's first foray into adult literature (she had been a children's author) and, overall, I did enjoy the story. My issues may have more to do with the editing.
Mercy Beth Fanjoy is in a panic about her life and is trying to get certain things in order before she undergoes surgery. The characters were interesting and quirky and the town of Odell is based on Fredericton,New Brunswick, so it was cool to have a context of place. The author has stated she feels this book to be a tragicomedy. There certainly are tragedies but I expected to laugh more. Mercy got into some funny situations but nothing was laugh-out-loud for me. The first two-thirds of the book were each set one day at a time in sequence. The last third of the book jumped weeks and months ahead in time and I felt as though a lot of details were left out. The end seemed abrupt. This is Fitch's first foray into adult literature (she had been a children's author) and, overall, I did enjoy the story. My issues may have more to do with the editing.
May 10, 2016
This was a quick little read by Sheree Finch, who made the jump from children's books to novelist with this book. I, for the most part enjoyed her writing....the character of Mercy Beth Fanjoy was quite true to life....as were her struggles with a mid-life crisis as she struggles with her own mortality after the news that she needs exploratory surgery....Ms. Finch also did very well with sprinkiling humour through out the story, thus making most of the characters seem even more real. At times though I found Ms. Finch would go off track a bit and mix up her writing styles, which sometimes lead me to a bit of confusion as I would have to re-read some passages...but, as I as...all in all ...a decent read.
April 5, 2012
When I first started this book, I could not get in to the story and let it lay on my pile of "to read" books for over a year. Once I settled myself to actually do it, I began to enjoy the story and characters and found a lot of similarities between myself and Mercy Beth Fanning, the main character. I would recommend it as a well written and enjoyable book which makes you think about your situation in life. Besides, Sheree Fitch is a Nova Scotian author ... we should support our own.
December 8, 2022
Mercy has a tumor and is scheduled for surgery. She has just two weeks to get her life in order and solve her life's greatest mysteries. There are laugh-out-loud moments with our imperfect yet loveable heroine. This was so much fun to read and it is also serious and emotional.
My only complaint is that it all happened so fast I wasn't ready to leave the world of Odell. If there is ever another novel, I would love to read it.
My only complaint is that it all happened so fast I wasn't ready to leave the world of Odell. If there is ever another novel, I would love to read it.
January 12, 2014
I felt just a bit neutral about this book. It wasn't amazing but also wasn't awful. Moments of truth for someone facing an unexpected surgery/diagnosis with some glimmering moments of humour. Would recommend it as a light read.
May 20, 2009
I liked how Canadian Mercy was! What a refreshing change from American writers.
July 13, 2011
2.5 stars. I read this because it was recommended in a CBC article about humour writing, and I was disappointed that I didn't really find it all that funny. It's not a bad book, though.
September 16, 2011
I enjoyed the allusions to Fredericton and its characters who are recognizable. Some good moments and often very funny.
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January 3, 2012I just could not get into this book. The writing style was not one which I enjoyed at all, and I failed to find the humour as stated in the reviews. Only read about 100 pages and couldn't continue.
April 2, 2015
Magical. For young adults. But, really, an ageless read.
May 17, 2016
Needed to read for the book club. Not my favourite but it was ok
April 13, 2022
Dearest Sheree!! Please bless us with another adult novel. Kiss the Joy as it Flies was such a balm to my soul right now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews