Play Book Tag discussion

Flight Behavior - Barbara Kingsolver

4 stars

Dellarobbia is not happy with the way her life has been heading. She was pressured into a shotgun wedding after getting pregnant at 17, but then lost the baby. Although she stayed in that marriage and had two subsequent children, he feels as if she was meant for different things. As she decides to risk losing it all she stumbles upon a sight on the mountain that takes her breath away. The mountainside is covered by so many monarch butterflies that it looks like it is on fire. The beauty of the sight makes her reconsider her choices and sets her on a path to find out what she really wants out of life.

I thought this was an interesting book. I liked Dellarobia, although she could be a little frustrating at times. The book was very respectful of the science as well as the people of the rural community. I did feel like the author only gave us glimpses of the supporting characters. Although it is Dellarobia's story, I wish some of the other characters were given more substance. I felt like we got glimpses, but no more. Overall it was an interesting story with a lot of science and natural history. However the science is only the backdrop for the story of woman who is looking for more out of life.

I really liked this book. I remember that there was a scientist who taught her a lot about ecology (or maybe even climate change?) I remembered the impression of fire, but I couldn't remember what it really was. Butterflies! Thanks. (view spoiler)[ I can't remember if she decided to go to college, or if that's just what I wanted her to do. (hide spoiler)]