81 pages • 2 hours read
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181
Novel • Fiction
Seattle, Washington • 2000s
2007
Adult
16-18 years
550L
In Flight, 15-year-old Zits, a Native American teenager, runs away from his foster home, is arrested, and befriends a kid named Justice who persuades him to commit a bank shooting. After believing he is fatally shot, Zits experiences time travel, inhabiting different bodies, including an FBI agent in 1975, a young Plains Indian warrior in 1876, an Indian hunter, a pilot post-9/11, and his alcoholic father. Ultimately, Zits returns to the present, receives help from a supportive foster family, and begins a journey toward healing. Topics include gun violence, time travel, indigenous history, and abuse.
Challenging
Mysterious
Emotional
Dark
Hopeful
18,902 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sherman Alexie's Flight is praised for its compelling exploration of identity and redemption through the journey of a troubled Native American teen. Reviewers commend its powerful narrative and dark humor, though some criticize the book's abrupt shifts and uneven pacing. Overall, it offers a thought-provoking and intense read.
A reader who would enjoy Flight by Sherman Alexie is intrigued by coming-of-age stories with complex protagonists. They appreciate narratives exploring identity, social justice, and Native American experiences, and likely enjoyed The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian or Reservation Blues.
18,902 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Justice
A 17-year-old boy Zits meets in a juvenile detention center, known for his kindness and handsomeness. He introduces Zits to new philosophies and ideas.
Officer Dave
A compassionate white police officer who acts as a mentor and father figure to Zits, understanding his struggles and attempting to help him find a stable home.
Hank Storm
A 35-year-old FBI agent who Zits temporarily becomes during his time warp experience. He is admired by Zits for his appearance and confidence.
Young Warrior
A voiceless indigenous boy, around 12 or 13 years old, whose body Zits inhabits during a journey through history, experiencing life in a family and facing moral dilemmas.
Augustus “Gus” Sullivan
An elderly Indian hunter suffering from pain, who Zits becomes during another historical journey. He grapples with his conscience and the harsh realities of his duties.
Small Saint
A young soldier involved in an attack on a Native American tribe, who chooses courage and morality over orders. He attempts to save a young boy named Bow Boy.
Bow Boy
A five-year-old Native American child who struggles to defend himself during an attack. His perseverance and the aid of Small Saint create a bond between them.
Jimmy
A conflicted pilot with a complicated personal life, whose body Zits experiences later in the story. He deals with guilt and loss against a backdrop of post-9/11 tensions.
Zits’ Father
A Native American man who abandoned Zits and his mother, leading a life of homelessness in Tacoma. His troubled past influences Zits' understanding of family and identity.
Robert and Mary
A couple who become Zits' foster parents at the suggestion of Officer Dave. They provide Zits with a structured, loving environment, marking a new chapter in his life.
181
Novel • Fiction
Seattle, Washington • 2000s
2007
Adult
16-18 years
550L
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