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Paper Planes #1
Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost
On June 18, 1992, Flight 397 crashed off the coast of Long Island. But this story isn't about the crash. Not completely.
RUBY
The likelihood of dying in a plane crash is one in five million—meaning my mom shouldn't be dead. But she is, and no one understands my grief. Needing to vent, I pen a letter to another who lost her parent on that flight.
BRETT
My parents are dead, and my twin sister is spiraling out of control. The new year isn't doing me any favors until Ruby arrives in my mailbox. Her letter is intended for Amber, but her words are meant for me. Ruby's quirky facts save me from drowning under the weight of my responsibilities.
Our bond grows as we share the pain of celebrating milestones without our loved ones, but the paper planes that heal us create a dilemma. How do we plan a future together while living on opposite sides of the country?
From the authors of The Archer and His Rosebud comes a contemporary coming-of-age romance set in the 90s. Lovers of pen pals, strangers-to-friends, and long-distance tropes will be smitten with this angsty novel about first love and soul-devouring loss.
RUBY
The likelihood of dying in a plane crash is one in five million—meaning my mom shouldn't be dead. But she is, and no one understands my grief. Needing to vent, I pen a letter to another who lost her parent on that flight.
BRETT
My parents are dead, and my twin sister is spiraling out of control. The new year isn't doing me any favors until Ruby arrives in my mailbox. Her letter is intended for Amber, but her words are meant for me. Ruby's quirky facts save me from drowning under the weight of my responsibilities.
Our bond grows as we share the pain of celebrating milestones without our loved ones, but the paper planes that heal us create a dilemma. How do we plan a future together while living on opposite sides of the country?
From the authors of The Archer and His Rosebud comes a contemporary coming-of-age romance set in the 90s. Lovers of pen pals, strangers-to-friends, and long-distance tropes will be smitten with this angsty novel about first love and soul-devouring loss.
ebook
First published June 1, 2016
45 people are currently reading
1032 people want to read
About the author
Mindy Michele
15 books105 followersPen name of Mindy Hayes and Michele G.
Miller
Hi! Mindy Michele is the co-writing duo of sweet romances with low to medium heat, such as the Paper Planes Series, the Seaside Pointe novels, and The Archer and His Rosebud.
We’re pretty awesome! We like singing in the car, eating white cheddar popcorn, and going on road trips together. You’ll find us sharing a table at a few book signings each year. We have a love of romance, New York, anything sweet, and great books.
To find out more you can hunt us down on social media. We’re all over the place!
AMAZON: http://bit.ly/MindyMichele_Amz
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mindymichele...
IG: https://instagram.com/mindymichelebooks
FB READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindy...
TT⏰: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindymicheleb...
Sign up for our newsletter here: http://bit.ly/MGMNews
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Miller
Hi! Mindy Michele is the co-writing duo of sweet romances with low to medium heat, such as the Paper Planes Series, the Seaside Pointe novels, and The Archer and His Rosebud.
We’re pretty awesome! We like singing in the car, eating white cheddar popcorn, and going on road trips together. You’ll find us sharing a table at a few book signings each year. We have a love of romance, New York, anything sweet, and great books.
To find out more you can hunt us down on social media. We’re all over the place!
AMAZON: http://bit.ly/MindyMichele_Amz
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mindymichele...
IG: https://instagram.com/mindymichelebooks
FB READER GROUP: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindy...
TT⏰: https://www.tiktok.com/@mindymicheleb...
Sign up for our newsletter here: http://bit.ly/MGMNews
Looking for any content warnings on our titles? Find them here: https://michelegmillerbooks.squarespa...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
June 29, 2016
Rating: 5 stars!
What happens when paper-plane pen-pals pine for parents?
You get a beautiful story that rips your heart out of your chest a few dozen times, then sticks it back into your chest in hopes that it will heal before the sequel.
But in all seriousness- I loved this book. I read it in one day, staying late into the night to find out what would happen. I'm reviewing Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost 23 days later, so instead of writing a long-winded review I'll just put down a few notes. (Note: After finishing said review, I have realized that it is in fact long-winded and nonsensical. Enjoy.)
Formatting (aka cuteness injection): I just adored the way this book was formatted! The little pictures to go along with Ruby and Brett's chapters were so cute, and I felt they really added something to the novel. I'm sure the letters and different little illustrations look even better in paper/print format than on an ebook.
THE LETTERS: The letters were such an important part of the plot, and they didn't disappoint. Hayes and Miller managed to inject humor and sweetness and sadness and plot and everything nice into Brett and Ruby's letters. The evolution of Brett and Ruby's relationship mirrored the evolution of the letters (which is fitting since letters are essentially the thoughts of your head and heart on paper). From notebook paper to illustrated paper-plane masterpieces, the letters were an added measure of quirkiness and FEELS in this book.
Brett: Our resident male lead was not the stereotypical jock. His parents' deaths changed him (and his twin), and it was always made clear that he was not the person he was before that tragic accident. Brett did have a few flaws, but he is only an eighteen year-old kid who lost his parents, so I was able to realize how they just made up more of who he was.
Ruby: Now Ruby was pretty fab. She was a dancer, which was something I could definitely relate to, and also a bit of an outsider. The first time she was really noticed by her school was when her mother died in the accident. I loved reading from Ruby's perspective, and related to her a lot.
Character-freaking-Development: So good. SO GOOD! The authors created a really good chance for extensive character development, what with a horrible event uprooting every character's life, and they took it (by the ink-stained hand and brought it on an amazing journey of self-discovery)! Each and every character was dynamic and went through some kind of transformation throughout the novel. Especially our MCs, and most especially Ruby. She had her ups and downs, but she pulled through and matured, and I loved her all the more for it.
Family! Again, Hayes and Miller handed themselves the perfect scenario for family drama and evolution on a silver platter. Then they proceeded to base an entire novel off that platter and have a party. Sorry, I don't think that made any sense. Just read the book.
(It's Not) The End: GAH. Those last chapters ripped and re-inserted my heart from and into my chest several times before finally letting it lie still for a little bit. This isn't the sort of book where you expect so many things to happen, BUT THEY DID. AND THEY KILLED ME.
Overall I just loved this book. Everything about it was amazing, and I can't wait for the sequel/companion novel! Also, I wonder if Hayes and Miller each took a POV? Or did they collaborate throughout? Anywhoooooo...READ. THIS. INCREDIBLE. BOOK!
What happens when paper-plane pen-pals pine for parents?
You get a beautiful story that rips your heart out of your chest a few dozen times, then sticks it back into your chest in hopes that it will heal before the sequel.
But in all seriousness- I loved this book. I read it in one day, staying late into the night to find out what would happen. I'm reviewing Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost 23 days later, so instead of writing a long-winded review I'll just put down a few notes. (Note: After finishing said review, I have realized that it is in fact long-winded and nonsensical. Enjoy.)
Formatting (aka cuteness injection): I just adored the way this book was formatted! The little pictures to go along with Ruby and Brett's chapters were so cute, and I felt they really added something to the novel. I'm sure the letters and different little illustrations look even better in paper/print format than on an ebook.
THE LETTERS: The letters were such an important part of the plot, and they didn't disappoint. Hayes and Miller managed to inject humor and sweetness and sadness and plot and everything nice into Brett and Ruby's letters. The evolution of Brett and Ruby's relationship mirrored the evolution of the letters (which is fitting since letters are essentially the thoughts of your head and heart on paper). From notebook paper to illustrated paper-plane masterpieces, the letters were an added measure of quirkiness and FEELS in this book.
Brett: Our resident male lead was not the stereotypical jock. His parents' deaths changed him (and his twin), and it was always made clear that he was not the person he was before that tragic accident. Brett did have a few flaws, but he is only an eighteen year-old kid who lost his parents, so I was able to realize how they just made up more of who he was.
Ruby: Now Ruby was pretty fab. She was a dancer, which was something I could definitely relate to, and also a bit of an outsider. The first time she was really noticed by her school was when her mother died in the accident. I loved reading from Ruby's perspective, and related to her a lot.
Character-freaking-Development: So good. SO GOOD! The authors created a really good chance for extensive character development, what with a horrible event uprooting every character's life, and they took it (by the ink-stained hand and brought it on an amazing journey of self-discovery)! Each and every character was dynamic and went through some kind of transformation throughout the novel. Especially our MCs, and most especially Ruby. She had her ups and downs, but she pulled through and matured, and I loved her all the more for it.
Family! Again, Hayes and Miller handed themselves the perfect scenario for family drama and evolution on a silver platter. Then they proceeded to base an entire novel off that platter and have a party. Sorry, I don't think that made any sense. Just read the book.
(It's Not) The End: GAH. Those last chapters ripped and re-inserted my heart from and into my chest several times before finally letting it lie still for a little bit. This isn't the sort of book where you expect so many things to happen, BUT THEY DID. AND THEY KILLED ME.
Overall I just loved this book. Everything about it was amazing, and I can't wait for the sequel/companion novel! Also, I wonder if Hayes and Miller each took a POV? Or did they collaborate throughout? Anywhoooooo...READ. THIS. INCREDIBLE. BOOK!
May 18, 2016
I haven’t told her there’s this girl in California who makes me feel the same things she does using only words.
**
This book brought back sooo many memories for me and me Jr High days. I had a pen pal that to this day I am still friends with. I still talk to him regularly and share in the joys of his life, wife and child. So, when reading this book, my emotions were overwhelmed in such an amazing way. As you get older you tend to put memories of the past to the side in favor of the new ones that are happening right in front of you. But when a certain song plays, or you happen to read a book that has some similar events to your past, it brings it all flooding back. Don't you just love that feeling? Especially when it is such a wonderful memory?
**
It’s one thing for him to miss her. It’s another when he becomes his heartache and falls into a black hole I can’t save him from.
**
As for this book, I couldn't get enough of it. It was so quirky and fun, so beautiful and tragic. At just the right times it would have me smiling after reading a scene that brought tears to my eyes. Just when you thought you knew where the book was headed, it would cut you off and send you in a whole new direction. It keeps you on your toes, that’s for sure.
I hope when you read this book you fall in love with Brett and Ruby just as quickly and just as hard as I did. Both are characters that I can promise will stay with you even after the book is over and done. They become a part of you after you read all they have gone through and all they are going through. There is so much to love about them both. When they write to each other you feel the chemistry radiating off their letters. You notice the first signs of love long before they do. Ah!! I am just so giddy about this book!!!
PAPER PLANES AND OTHER THINGS WE LOST is one of those crazy, beautiful tales you don’t want to let go of even after you laid it down. It will call to you. It will bring your mind wondering back to the story and the characters, time and time again, wishing you hadn’t finished it so quickly. Definitely one of my most favorite reads of 2016. 5 Stars!
**
This book brought back sooo many memories for me and me Jr High days. I had a pen pal that to this day I am still friends with. I still talk to him regularly and share in the joys of his life, wife and child. So, when reading this book, my emotions were overwhelmed in such an amazing way. As you get older you tend to put memories of the past to the side in favor of the new ones that are happening right in front of you. But when a certain song plays, or you happen to read a book that has some similar events to your past, it brings it all flooding back. Don't you just love that feeling? Especially when it is such a wonderful memory?
**
It’s one thing for him to miss her. It’s another when he becomes his heartache and falls into a black hole I can’t save him from.
**
As for this book, I couldn't get enough of it. It was so quirky and fun, so beautiful and tragic. At just the right times it would have me smiling after reading a scene that brought tears to my eyes. Just when you thought you knew where the book was headed, it would cut you off and send you in a whole new direction. It keeps you on your toes, that’s for sure.
I hope when you read this book you fall in love with Brett and Ruby just as quickly and just as hard as I did. Both are characters that I can promise will stay with you even after the book is over and done. They become a part of you after you read all they have gone through and all they are going through. There is so much to love about them both. When they write to each other you feel the chemistry radiating off their letters. You notice the first signs of love long before they do. Ah!! I am just so giddy about this book!!!
PAPER PLANES AND OTHER THINGS WE LOST is one of those crazy, beautiful tales you don’t want to let go of even after you laid it down. It will call to you. It will bring your mind wondering back to the story and the characters, time and time again, wishing you hadn’t finished it so quickly. Definitely one of my most favorite reads of 2016. 5 Stars!
April 24, 2017
On June 18, 1992, a plane crashed off Long Island and many families lost loved ones as there were no survivors. This isn't the story about the crash or the victims that lost their lives in the plane crash but the story of those who were left behind. The families of the victims that died in the plane crash. Two families in particular. Ruby Kaminski, lost her mother in the plane crash and her dad ended up in a depressed state. Now with her Nana trying to keep the household together, Ruby moves from day to day but has found that the crash also caused her to lose not only her boyfriend Mitchell but her other friends. Brett and his twin sister Amber and older half-brother Cole lost both of their parents in the plane crash. Since Brett and Amber are 18, they are looking after themselves while Cole is doing his residency as he is studying to become a doctor. Cole's story is Book #2 Subway Stops which I had previously read and reviewed. Ruby's Nana tells her about a project called Paper Planes, where you can write to other people who have lost family members in the Plane Crash. Ruby picks Amber Pratt to write too. The thing is Amber is going through a rebellious stage, and Brett finds the letter unopened on Amber's floor. Curious he opens, and for the first time since his parent's death, he finds himself smiling. So begins Brett and Ruby's letter writing project to one another, the letter writing goes on throughout their senior year, and they make a goal to meet one another at the Memorial site one year later. What will happen though when Ruby doesn't show up? Has Brett also lost the one other person he could be his true self around or will Ruby and Brett finally meet and their friendship become something more?
Find out in Book #1 Paper Planes Series - Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost by Mindy Hayes and Michele G. Miller.
Find out in Book #1 Paper Planes Series - Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost by Mindy Hayes and Michele G. Miller.
May 26, 2017
Wow. What can I say other than grab your tissues and prepare for your heart to feel warm and full.
I don't cry at books, ever. Snape confessing his Always undying love for Lily only provoked a single tear out of me. Epic, harrowing tales where our fearless heroine gives her life to save all of humanity gets not even the beginnings from me. But this book, this book ripped all the tears out of my eyes and I cried, ugly and hard and long. It was cleansing and refreshing and my heart feels so full and warm now.
So basically, grab a glass of wine get comfy, and read it. You'll thank me later.
I don't cry at books, ever. Snape confessing his Always undying love for Lily only provoked a single tear out of me. Epic, harrowing tales where our fearless heroine gives her life to save all of humanity gets not even the beginnings from me. But this book, this book ripped all the tears out of my eyes and I cried, ugly and hard and long. It was cleansing and refreshing and my heart feels so full and warm now.
So basically, grab a glass of wine get comfy, and read it. You'll thank me later.
June 12, 2016
4.5 stars!
I received an eARC by RedCoat PR in exchange for an honest review.
A story about losing loved ones. A story about finding new love.
Through letters.
As if the whole plot line wasn't perfect already, the book ended beautifully.
It had an amazing story, with some marvellous characters and beautiful writing. I have recently gotten around to writing letters and I completely understand their minds. Each letter that Brett and Ruby wrote together was like an offering of a piece their soul to each other. It was written from the heart and I loved it.
I received an eARC by RedCoat PR in exchange for an honest review.
A story about losing loved ones. A story about finding new love.
Through letters.
As if the whole plot line wasn't perfect already, the book ended beautifully.
It had an amazing story, with some marvellous characters and beautiful writing. I have recently gotten around to writing letters and I completely understand their minds. Each letter that Brett and Ruby wrote together was like an offering of a piece their soul to each other. It was written from the heart and I loved it.
February 25, 2017
This book deserves so many stars. I loved it!!! I can't believe it took me soo long to read it. It was a beautiful story about loss and finding happiness after. Brett and Ruby are so sweet its impossible not to love them. The way they met it was just so pretty, I loved the letters, the anticipation they felt, how things grew.
There's no unnecessary drama here, no hard scenes and I couldn't put it down. I love all this characters, and I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
There's no unnecessary drama here, no hard scenes and I couldn't put it down. I love all this characters, and I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
June 25, 2017
I fell in love with Brett and Amber the fabulous main characters in this novel. They are twins and the authors bring up the similarities but dont overdo it. The reason is clear, a plane crashes, for fate connecting Brett, his twin Amber to Ruby. It is a well thought out plot. A really good addition to the NA drama category. Its a nice clean read with a huge heart.
MGM,has a partner and I'm really glad
I just bought book two, Cole has a story and I wanna know
MGM,has a partner and I'm really glad
I just bought book two, Cole has a story and I wanna know
April 27, 2021
This book was so so good, definitely a 5/5 star book for me. This book follows two teenagers who both lost their parents in a plane crash and connect through writing each other letters. This book gives you so many feelings! I want to write more but feel it's best going in knowing next to nothing.
January 26, 2017
Loved this! Ruby and Brett's story is so unique and heartbreaking, but gush-worthy at the same time.
June 18, 2016
What do I say about this book? Besides the fact that I am in love with the cover (who wouldn't be?), I knew from the very beginning since I read the summary that this was going to be one of those books that breaks your heart a little bit, and yet still has you smiling, laughing, and gushing over the most sweetest things ever.
This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish. It's one of those books that you want to go back and re-read almost immediately after finishing it, because you know that even though it tore at you heart, it still somehow managed to put it back together in the most sweetest, perfect way imaginable.
I am not going to tell you what this book was about or even go into any details about it, because this is one of those books that you need to experience for yourself. I loved every second of reading this book, and it has definitely found a place close to my heart! This is one of those books where the characters will jump off the page and come alive, and where you can feel each raw emotion as if it was your own.
This book is more than just romance. It's a book about life, pain, hope, and love all rolled into one big amazing bundle. Paper Planes & Other Things We Lost is definitely a book worth reading and until you read it for yourself, you will not understand just how amazing this book really is!
This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish. It's one of those books that you want to go back and re-read almost immediately after finishing it, because you know that even though it tore at you heart, it still somehow managed to put it back together in the most sweetest, perfect way imaginable.
I am not going to tell you what this book was about or even go into any details about it, because this is one of those books that you need to experience for yourself. I loved every second of reading this book, and it has definitely found a place close to my heart! This is one of those books where the characters will jump off the page and come alive, and where you can feel each raw emotion as if it was your own.
This book is more than just romance. It's a book about life, pain, hope, and love all rolled into one big amazing bundle. Paper Planes & Other Things We Lost is definitely a book worth reading and until you read it for yourself, you will not understand just how amazing this book really is!
June 27, 2016
There was a popular tweet that was shared in tumblr that says
"I'm into long distance relationship because how could you believe that out of 8 billion people in the world, your soul mate 15 minutes from you?"
!! Reading this novel may confirm this theory!!
What are the chances of two teeangers to lose their parents in a plane crash? As a wanderlust, I always avoid statistics like that! Living in Riyadh, I spent three years riding a plane going back and forth to my home city and I could not have wished it in another way! take-off and window-seats are two of my favorite things in the world, so reading about plane crashes and loses from Ruby's and Brett's pov gave me a new perspective to appreciate life more.
I loved everything about this novel from the cover which is 100% the reason why I picked it up and bought from iBooks, to the fact Ruby's father is a pharmacist *squeal* *trust me Us pharmacists don't have that impact on literature or media except that maniac from Desperate Housewives..* to the letters.. *sigh* the letters and paper planes. I have always wished for a pen pal but to be frank I think I would come up awkward and weird just like Ruby was.. Their journey of healing and grief, . what a perfect summer read.
What are the chances of two teeangers to lose their parents in a plane crash? As a wanderlust, I always avoid statistics like that! Living in Riyadh, I spent three years riding a plane going back and forth to my home city and I could not have wished it in another way! take-off and window-seats are two of my favorite things in the world, so reading about plane crashes and loses from Ruby's and Brett's pov gave me a new perspective to appreciate life more.
I loved everything about this novel from the cover which is 100% the reason why I picked it up and bought from iBooks, to the fact Ruby's father is a pharmacist *squeal* *trust me Us pharmacists don't have that impact on literature or media except that maniac from Desperate Housewives..* to the letters.. *sigh* the letters and paper planes. I have always wished for a pen pal but to be frank I think I would come up awkward and weird just like Ruby was.. Their journey of healing and grief, . what a perfect summer read.
July 1, 2016
"I don’t want to be sad about what’s to come. I don’t want to regret meeting you in paper planes."
If I had one word to describe this book it would be 'Aww'. I so enjoyed Ruby & Brett's PoVs and their touching story.
If I had one word to describe this book it would be 'Aww'. I so enjoyed Ruby & Brett's PoVs and their touching story.
February 6, 2017
Sweet story!
I really enjoyed this! It was such a cute story! Very very clean but plenty of romance. I laughed and cried!
I really enjoyed this! It was such a cute story! Very very clean but plenty of romance. I laughed and cried!
June 28, 2016
Big thanks to Red Coat PR (and Michele and Mindy) for a free copy of Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost (hopefully this will be available in PB eventually, because I'd love to have this gorgeous cover on my shelves).
Being as I was a huge fan of Michele's From the Wreckage series, I couldn't wait to dig in to PPaoTWL as soon as I saw the blurb. First of all, the cover is SO CUTE. Second, the premise is intriguing, and the whole guy/girl/loss/letters thing sounds like the perfect formula. I love correspondence books, so I was really looking forward to checking out something that not only shared letters written back and forth by two teens, but a book based in the early nineties.
The letters were great, both characters had their own distinct voice, and I felt it was pretty seamless switching back and forth. (If you do sort of get caught up in that, there is always a little picture next to Ruby or Brett's name to give you a visual cue.) I loved both characters' families. The way both Mindy and Michele played out everyone's reactions to loss being their own unique response and recovery was nice. No two recoveries are the same, so showing each character having their own wave of emotions and whatnot made it realistic. I appreciated that a lot.
As for the nineties part of it, I didn't really feel a whole lot of that vibe. (I was a teen in the 90s, so I'm pretty sure I didn't miss anything.) Maybe that was partly due to the fact that I've never been to New York (there was quite a bit of explaining the differences between then and now), I didn't get the feel I should have, but aside from occasional references (and the chapter titles, which were all titles to 90s songs), I didn't really get a 90s "feel". So if you're going into reading this hoping to have a full 90s experience, you might be disappointed. (However, had it been full-out throwing the 90s in your face all of the time, it totally would have taken away from the story.)
The only other thing that I picked up on was the language. Brett is a good guy, but at times, he didn't sound eighteen. I'm sure not all teens during all stages of time curse like sailors, but it was hard imagining an 18 year-old guy being worried about something and saying, "crap crap crap". It didn't take away from the story, it simply pulled me away from it a bit, at times... but that clean version does make the storyline more reachable for a wider audience base, which, of course, is a good thing.
Ultimately, if you like snowboarding, ballet, correspondence books, books about loss, books about characters coming together over something tragic, seeing characters' hearts mend after sad events, teen romance, troubled characters, or books with throw-backs, I think you'll enjoy PAPER PLANES and OTHER THINGS WE LOST.
Being as I was a huge fan of Michele's From the Wreckage series, I couldn't wait to dig in to PPaoTWL as soon as I saw the blurb. First of all, the cover is SO CUTE. Second, the premise is intriguing, and the whole guy/girl/loss/letters thing sounds like the perfect formula. I love correspondence books, so I was really looking forward to checking out something that not only shared letters written back and forth by two teens, but a book based in the early nineties.
The letters were great, both characters had their own distinct voice, and I felt it was pretty seamless switching back and forth. (If you do sort of get caught up in that, there is always a little picture next to Ruby or Brett's name to give you a visual cue.) I loved both characters' families. The way both Mindy and Michele played out everyone's reactions to loss being their own unique response and recovery was nice. No two recoveries are the same, so showing each character having their own wave of emotions and whatnot made it realistic. I appreciated that a lot.
As for the nineties part of it, I didn't really feel a whole lot of that vibe. (I was a teen in the 90s, so I'm pretty sure I didn't miss anything.) Maybe that was partly due to the fact that I've never been to New York (there was quite a bit of explaining the differences between then and now), I didn't get the feel I should have, but aside from occasional references (and the chapter titles, which were all titles to 90s songs), I didn't really get a 90s "feel". So if you're going into reading this hoping to have a full 90s experience, you might be disappointed. (However, had it been full-out throwing the 90s in your face all of the time, it totally would have taken away from the story.)
The only other thing that I picked up on was the language. Brett is a good guy, but at times, he didn't sound eighteen. I'm sure not all teens during all stages of time curse like sailors, but it was hard imagining an 18 year-old guy being worried about something and saying, "crap crap crap". It didn't take away from the story, it simply pulled me away from it a bit, at times... but that clean version does make the storyline more reachable for a wider audience base, which, of course, is a good thing.
Ultimately, if you like snowboarding, ballet, correspondence books, books about loss, books about characters coming together over something tragic, seeing characters' hearts mend after sad events, teen romance, troubled characters, or books with throw-backs, I think you'll enjoy PAPER PLANES and OTHER THINGS WE LOST.
July 2, 2016
I've been a fan of Michele and Mindy for years, and I was so excited to hear they were teaming up on a book. Their writing flows so well together. Michele is a master at creating angst ridden characters that tear your heart to pieces, and Mindy is the queen of quirky characters and plot twists I never see coming. Together they have created a wonderful story full of all those things and more.
Brett made my heart ache and swoon, while Ruby is hilariously witty and genuine. All the characters are well developed, and the throwback setting adds charm and so much nostalgia. In true Michele and Mindy fashion, Brett and Ruby's story is heartbreaking, funny, surprising, and, most of all, full of hope.
Brett made my heart ache and swoon, while Ruby is hilariously witty and genuine. All the characters are well developed, and the throwback setting adds charm and so much nostalgia. In true Michele and Mindy fashion, Brett and Ruby's story is heartbreaking, funny, surprising, and, most of all, full of hope.
May 8, 2017
This book was so beautiful I'm struggling to find the words. Brett and Ruby lost so much and their story was so raw. This story is a journey about healing and love.
I first picked up this book because I say that Michele was one of the writers. I loved her book From The Wreckage. It tugged on all my heart strings. This book she wrote with Mindy is no different. Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost is simply an amazing story.
Michele and Mindy's writing has a way of dragging you in. They were able to make me feel every emotion in the book without the main characters even having to meet. That is pure talent.
I can't wait to be able to get Subway Stops and the Places We Meet because I can already tell this will be one of my favorite Series.
I first picked up this book because I say that Michele was one of the writers. I loved her book From The Wreckage. It tugged on all my heart strings. This book she wrote with Mindy is no different. Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost is simply an amazing story.
Michele and Mindy's writing has a way of dragging you in. They were able to make me feel every emotion in the book without the main characters even having to meet. That is pure talent.
I can't wait to be able to get Subway Stops and the Places We Meet because I can already tell this will be one of my favorite Series.
March 21, 2017
This was my first read from either of the authors. I've met them several times at a few signings and discovered we were all in a mutual author group. Very cool.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I love the idea of it. I messaged Michele throughout my read of this one. I fell for Brett Pratt! Who doesn't want a boyfriend like him?
I adore Ruby too! She's a great girl and knows exactly what she wants in life.
Looking forward to the next installment in this series!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I love the idea of it. I messaged Michele throughout my read of this one. I fell for Brett Pratt! Who doesn't want a boyfriend like him?
I adore Ruby too! She's a great girl and knows exactly what she wants in life.
Looking forward to the next installment in this series!
June 13, 2016
Just finished reading a book that may have torn my heart open. It brought back a lot of memories and pain. But the story, Paper Planes by Michele G Miller and Mindy Hayes is so freaking fantastic that I could not read it. I would endure all of my old memories and emotions to feel the hope that this book gives again. Wonderfully done ladies. Now I am going to drown my sorrows in food.
June 11, 2016
Satisfied Reader,
#1 LOVE the cover, its so prettttyyy!!!
#2 Great collaboration, You both became AwesomeSauce
#3 This book, so lovely, is a must read! I just love YA and this one topped it, I absolutely loved it!! <3 <3
Reader In Love
#1 LOVE the cover, its so prettttyyy!!!
#2 Great collaboration, You both became AwesomeSauce
#3 This book, so lovely, is a must read! I just love YA and this one topped it, I absolutely loved it!! <3 <3
Reader In Love
January 7, 2018
I loved this book! I'm a big romantic at heart and love the idea that fate brought them together. I'm glad to see that the next book carries on the story with Cole. I'd love to know more about him and get to explore New York with him.
September 14, 2017
Oh my gosh. I suddenly want a Pen pal.
January 31, 2020
Is it worth to read it?
The answer is yes!
I really like the relationship between the lover in this book. It is so simple without too much drama (of course a little drama won’t hurt anybody, aren’t our real life full of dramas?)
I like how positive they are for surviving the grief of their parents.
I like how understanding Hope is. She is a good person.
I like how Ruby is so optimist in her life & knows a lot of random facts.
I like that Brett is a responsible brother & talented in art.
I like how Brett & Ruby keep on sending letters to each others. The conversation that they have.
I like the paper planes that Brett made.
Last but not least,
This book is not that oustanding but surely give you heartwarming feeling.
The answer is yes!
I really like the relationship between the lover in this book. It is so simple without too much drama (of course a little drama won’t hurt anybody, aren’t our real life full of dramas?)
I like how positive they are for surviving the grief of their parents.
I like how understanding Hope is. She is a good person.
I like how Ruby is so optimist in her life & knows a lot of random facts.
I like that Brett is a responsible brother & talented in art.
I like how Brett & Ruby keep on sending letters to each others. The conversation that they have.
I like the paper planes that Brett made.
Last but not least,
This book is not that oustanding but surely give you heartwarming feeling.
February 9, 2018
That one was a little gem!
February 8, 2018
Excited to read Book 2 🙈
July 18, 2019
A Different story
I really enjoyed this book because it has a different and unusual storyline, it was refreshing.
The characters are well constructed and very interesting. It kinds of left me sad for finishing the book but I'm sure I will read the other standalone books in this collection.
I really enjoyed this book because it has a different and unusual storyline, it was refreshing.
The characters are well constructed and very interesting. It kinds of left me sad for finishing the book but I'm sure I will read the other standalone books in this collection.
June 14, 2017
Easy read. I loved the premise. Likely will read others in the series.
January 2, 2018
I was automatically inthralled with this story. The chemistry between Brett and Ruby is priceless. The story line stole my heart. As a parent it is our biggest fear to leave our children. This story made me believe that there is goodness in the world and that no matter what love persists. I am happy to say that I will continue reading the standalone series.
October 11, 2016
I love Paper planes because it is mix with love, loss, and finding out who they truly are. Two people, Brett and Ruby had one thing in common, "death of love ones." These two teenagers live on two seperate coast, and the one letter that Ruby wrote, brings these two people together. Both of them lose themselves in the letters they have written to each other, and always anticipate each other letters everyday. As the letter was intended for Brett's twin sister, to help cope with the loss of their parent(s). It somehow turned into something more for both Brett and Ruby. During that time they have communicate in letters, they grew a bond to each other that also turned into love. This book had bought in so many different emotions which include love, laughter, and saddness that you are suck into their world, and finding out what will happen to them. It was really an amazing book that you cannot put it down because it does suck you in. You will not be disappointed, and you will enjoy their love story.
Read
August 3, 2016Originally published at Novel Escapism
Ruby Kaminski and Brett Pratt were living very different lives until that fateful day, June 18, 1992, when Flight 397 crashed in the ocean off Long Island and they both lost parents. Now they share a connection that no one but the two of them understands. As they write letters back and forth, they help each other heal and focus on the future instead of all the things they lost. This is book masterfully deals with love, pain, loss, hope, and dreams. It’s a heart-warming, character-driven story about two people on opposites side of the country can connect through shared pain and experience and the power of words. The excellent writing makes the plot feel all the more real and beautiful. I absolutely recommend Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost. Go read it!
Ruby Kaminski and Brett Pratt were living very different lives until that fateful day, June 18, 1992, when Flight 397 crashed in the ocean off Long Island and they both lost parents. Now they share a connection that no one but the two of them understands. As they write letters back and forth, they help each other heal and focus on the future instead of all the things they lost. This is book masterfully deals with love, pain, loss, hope, and dreams. It’s a heart-warming, character-driven story about two people on opposites side of the country can connect through shared pain and experience and the power of words. The excellent writing makes the plot feel all the more real and beautiful. I absolutely recommend Paper Planes and Other Things We Lost. Go read it!
April 25, 2017
So good. I love Brett and Ruby! I loved reading a book set in the early 90s before internet and cell phones, when hand written letters and home phones were the ways of communication. It's been forever since I read a contemporary set back then when I was a teen.
Brett and Ruby have both experienced tragic loss. Both are trying to deal. When Ruby reaches out to a teen her same age by letter correspondence everything changes for these two. They find each other, understanding, friendship, encouragement, and eventually love.
Beautiful.
Brett and Ruby have both experienced tragic loss. Both are trying to deal. When Ruby reaches out to a teen her same age by letter correspondence everything changes for these two. They find each other, understanding, friendship, encouragement, and eventually love.
Beautiful.
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