Full Flight by Ashley Schumacher is a beautiful book, but it is also one that will break your heart. Following two band kids who fall in love despite the odds being stacked against them, this one contains the excitement of marching band and two complex main characters. The writing style is also poetic, making this a great read for those looking for a more thought-provoking and emotional read.
Title: Full FlightAuthor: Ashley Schumacher
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: Febraury 22, 2022
Rating:
A YA contemporary novel told in alternating perspectives, about an exuberant girl and a solitary boy who are forced to work together on a duet in their small-town marching band. With rumors flying and time running out before the big competition, the two must perfect their music while coming to terms with the loneliness they are both battling.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: Full Flight by Ashley Schumacher
After joining her school’s band later than everyone else, Anna constantly feels like she’s falling behind, especially with the upcoming competition season. However, when she is assigned a duet with Weston, an outcast with a reputation as a troublemaker, he becomes her tutor, and Anna’s skills start to improve. As they spend more time together, Anna realizes that Weston is nothing like the rumours, and what starts as a few practice sessions quickly blossoms into romance. However, because of Weston’s reputation, Anna’s parents would never approve, forcing them to hide their relationship. Together, Anna and Weston must fight for love with the odds against them.
❀ Complex Main Characters
Anna and Weston are both complex main characters, and I enjoyed their emotional depth. As she is a newcomer to band, I really felt for Anna and her desperation to prove herself as a musician, and I was struck by the contrast between her bright personality and the darkness she experiences. Weston’s character is also interesting, as the mystery surrounding him has made him the subject of much of the town’s gossip–gossip which is completely false. Both characters experience loneliness in their own way, but I loved watching them find comfort in each other as they slowly reveal their true selves.
❀ Poetic Style
This book has the kind of writing that I immediately knew would break my heart. As it tackles themes like loneliness, the style is very poetic, and I really enjoyed the way the bird motif ties in with this. Ashley Schumacher has proven herself as an author who is able to make me feel the emotions behind her words–not only sadness and grief, but also the giddiness of first love–so I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
❀ An Emotional Story
Full Flight by Ashley Schumacher is an emotional story of love and loss. I enjoyed the premise of a marching band contest, and the main characters are well-developed. The poetic writing style reminded me of Nicola Yoon’s work, so I’m sure fans of books like Instructions for Dancing will enjoy this one.
About Ashley Schumacher
Ashley Schumacher is the author of Amelia Unabridged and Full Flight and has a degree in creative writing from the University of North Texas. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s either singing Disney songs, finding new and exciting ways to pester her family, or trying to find her inside voice, which has been sadly missing since birth. She lives in a small town north of Dallas with her husband, son, and more books than is strictly necessary.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
I hadn’t heard much of this one besides seeing the cover, so I was excited for your review. I love the sound of it! Do you think it would be appropriate for a 14 year old?
I think it should be! It’s definitely one that will evoke a lot of emotion! Probably similar to TFIOS in terms of how sad it gets. 😉
This one sounds good, I’ll have to make sure to add it to my wishlist for my school library. I love the cover as well. Thanks for sharing your review!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…ARC Review: Bright Ruined Things by Samantha Cohoe
It is a great addition for a school library, Lisa! 🙂
This sounds like a very good read. I’m looking forward to it.
This sounds like one that will keep me interested and reading.
I liked this book, but it destroyed me. Still beautiful focus on friendship and first love.
It is definitely a destroyer! 😉
Full Flight sounds like a wonderful romance, thanks of sharing your review and have a spectacular day!
Looks like an interesting book.
Thanks for the review.
This sounds like a great story. I also like that you compare the writing with Nicola Yoon because I really like Nicola’s writing style so that sounds really good!
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…ARC Review: A Coin for the Ferryman by Megan Edwards
Yes! I love this style of writing and it fits perfectly with the theme of this one! 🙂
Thank you for the review. I think my daughter would like to read this book.
I hope that she enjoys it as much as I did! 🙂
I love how the writing style really elevates those themes of sadness and love both.
Right?! It is really intense! 🙂
I love the cover. It sets the tone for the book.
It sure does! 🙂
That book sounds really good and I see it everywhere these days!
It is definitely all over the place right now! 🙂
Terrific cover
This book sounds so good. The cover is gorgeous.
Great review! Sounds right up my alley 🙂
I definitely want to read this now! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing your review of this book, it sounds like a good read
sounds emotional