Ascending

by Blaine M. Yorgason

Is it possible for one brought forth into lowly and meager circumstances, with all the odds stacked against him, to rise above himself? To become Royal, for instance, when he knows he is not? Or is it hopeless and even foolish to want to try? Join with master story-teller Blaine Yorgason in this new and joy-filled flight of fantasy - ascending far and farther, high and higher in a quest for ultimate understanding, being delightfully entertained as you soar.

148 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Blaine M. Yorgason was born in Sanpete County, Utah. He attended Brigham Young University and received both a BA and MA in History. Blaine and his wife Kathleen have 7 children and numerous grandchildren.

Reviews

[Holly Hoopes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and I want all who are religious to read this book. It is a parable of how to live and what to do in life. I give copies of this book away to others of my faith and not of my faith.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!!!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need more stars! THIS is the best book ever.

[Leah Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book several years ago. It is a beautifully written allegory of life, sacrifice, and potential. The message is gorgeous, the writing is striking, and the story is heartwarming. It's a fantastic read for all ages.

[Jackie Pilkinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ascending is an excellent allegorical tale that illustrates how each of us can become who we are truly meant to be. The story is told from the perspective of an albatross bird through the life long journey he makes to become a Royal Albatross. Through heartache, love and sacrifice he is able to become who he never believed he could be. It's an easy read and very well written. A classic book to be returned to again and again.

Thanks for sharing this book with me Sherry McCleery!

Here are a few quotes from this book:

"Remember: keep your eyes on the horizon instead of all the garbage that is beneath you, and fly high and higher and far and farther as you seek understanding. And while you're about it, keep in close touch with the creator, and do exactly what he puts into your heart." (pages 120-121)

"The creator chooseth no one until he first chooses himself. And choosing thyself is the beginning of obtaining divine Royalty...the hearts of most of my creations are set so much upon the garbage of this world, and aspire to the pleasures therof, that they never even think to choose themselves." (page 139)

[James Allred · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story. The allegory of different types of Albatross and what it is that makes them different. Angus is a hatchling who finds that in his nest thing are different than they are for other nestlings. His mother has him live to a higher standard. Why can't he fit in? As he grows the other albatross tease him for being different. As he finally learns to fly, the last of all the others he begins to live as he promised his mother he would. He keeps running into those who are in need and turns aside to help them even though it delays him. In the end Angus finds that it is not what you are so much as how you act.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting tale of a bird who learns to be Royal...I read this when it first came out in 1996 & just finished it again today. Still a good story that has teaching parallels on how one can be better than they ever imagined.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book is is a short book but with a story that is inspirational. It is about a seagull that ends up becoming the best he can be.. but not until he has his share of problems.

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book, better than Jothanson Livingston Seagull, though there are similarities.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first heard that this was a book about a bird I wasn't too excited, but I thorougly enjoyed it! I read it in less than a day, and it was insightful and thought provoking.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent short story with a moral concept. For youth but an excellent story for an uplift. I highly recommend it.

[Amanda Harmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down my favorite book. Ever. Which is weird because I classify myself as YA dystopian. It tells a powerful message in such a simple way, and, without fail, always leaves me in tears.