Flying at Night

Autism is something that has affected my life since my youngest son was diagnosed as high-functioning autistic when he was five years old.  I always knew my son was different but it became abundantly apparent when he was in kindergarten.  He was lucky enough to have his teacher and myself as advocates and was able to get tested and the help he needed quickly but not everyone is as lucky. 

Flying at Night is the debut novel from Rebecca L. Brown about a middle-aged woman that is pulled in all directions, wearing the many hats that women often wear.  Piper was raised in an emotionally and abusive environment at the hands of her father, Lance, and continues to be haunted by its effect years later, their relationship incredibly strained, as well as the effect trickling down to her other relationships, including the one she has with her mostly absent husband. 

In one day Piper's world is turned upside down when her father suffers a major heart attack that leaves him with a severe brain injury and her nine-year-old son Fred is diagnosed with autism.  Her mother, who has weathered her husband's abuse for years, is done and leaves her life and her husband, leaving Piper to be his primary caretaker.  Flying at Night is told from the perspectives of Piper, Lance, and Fred as they adjust to this new normal and each deal with their own personal journeys.

I found myself on a rollercoaster of emotions with this novel.  I would go from incredibly angry to completely heartbroken and everything in between.  Reading about Piper's reaction to Fred's diagnosis was different from my own but by the end of the book I could totally relate to what she was going through in that respect as well as the strain that changes can have on a family and the strength it takes to be your child's advocate. 

I also loved reading from Fred's autistic perspective.  Autistic children have such a different viewpoint and it was neat being able to get inside Fred's mind like that.  My only complaint in the book was the language that was used.  There were times that I could see it warranted but many times it felt forced and unnecessary which was off-putting to me. 

I finished this book with sadness but also with closure which appreciated.  Flying at Night is well written, with the exception with the language in several of the parts, and wonderful for a debut novel.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley Publishing and First to Read in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  All opinions are my own.