New Heartfelt Novel from Joy Norstrom: FLYING THE NEST

by Susan Roberts

 

Lonely millennial Chad MacEwan can't seem to get it together. While his boomer Uncle Martin sails through his twilight years with a full social calendar, Chad's weekly highpoint is dutifully visiting Martin at the Eldernest Assisted Living Lodge. Maybe his uncle's magnetism and way with the ladies will rub off on him, or perhaps Chad will one day gain enough courage to strike up a conversation with the woman who works in the cafeteria.  It's not only Chad who struggles with loneliness and self-doubt; the Eldernest is teeming with residents searching for belonging. There's the animal lover who owes her spot at the affluent Eldernest to a government subsidy, and the resident who finds himself back in the closet due to the close-minded confines of communal living. Then there's the love triangle with Martin firmly ensconced in the center position. Or is he really?

As Chad becomes further entangled in the lives of Eldernest residents and staff, each person must decide how much to risk in their pursuit of companionship and connection. Flying the Nest is a heartfelt examination of our assumptions on aging and sexuality, the strength of family, and the enduring power of community.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

December 2020; Dixi Books; 978-1913680053
print (260 pages); literary fiction

Flying the Nest is a great book.  Chad is lonely and divorced with no life except when he visits his uncle Martin at Eldernest, the assisted living lodge where he is living.  Martin is just the opposite of Chad - he is an alpha male who spends his time chasing and sleeping with the women who live at the Lodge -- who knew that assisted living was so lively!  When Chad gets a crush on a woman who works in the cafeteria, he has to face his fears and be more like his uncle.  

I loved the two main characters as they struggled to adapt to their lives and I enjoyed watching Chad as he started on his new relationship. I also enjoyed the stories about some of the other people in assisted living with Martin. They all had very interesting histories. 

This book is a beautiful look at aging and sex, family, and community.  It's a great look at the lives of older adults.

Buy Flying the Nest at Amazon UK

Susan Roberts lives in North Carolina with her husband of over 50 years.  She grew up in Michigan but now calls North Carolina home. Since her travel plans had to be canceled for this year, she is starting to make plans for travel in 2021. She reads almost anything (and the piles of books in her house prove that) but her favorite genres are Southern fiction, women's fiction, and historical fiction. Susan is a top 1% Goodreads Reviewer. You can connect with Susan on Facebook, Goodreads, or Twitter. 

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