Setting Free the Kites

By: Alex George

Narrated by: Ari Fliakos

From the author of the “lyrical and compelling” (USA Today) novel A Good American comes a powerful story of two friends and the unintended consequences of friendship, loss, and hope.

For Robert Carter, life in his coastal Maine hometown is comfortably predictable. But in 1976, on his first day of eighth grade, he meets Nathan Tilly, who changes everything. Nathan is confident, fearless, impetuous—and fascinated by kites and flying. Robert and Nathan’s budding friendship is forged in the crucible of two family tragedies, and as the boys struggle to come to terms with loss, they take summer jobs at the local rundown amusement park. It’s there that Nathan’s boundless capacity for optimism threatens to overwhelm them both, and where they learn some harsh truths about family, desire, and revenge.

Unforgettable and heart-breaking, Setting Free the Kites is a poignant and moving exploration of the pain, joy, and glories of young friendship.

Relatable characters, good story

First, I LOVE Ari Fliakos and have picked several books simply because he was the narrator. This was one of them, and I’m happy I did. It’s a coming of age story with plenty of heartache, mischief, young love crush, mystery and relatable characters, but also included the adults’ stories to really fill out the storylines. What i liked the most is that it ultimately wraps up every character’s storyline. There are some chapters that drag a bit and the epilogue seemed to almost provide too much detail that wasn’t really necessary, but I was happy to know exactly what happened with each character. I was pleasantly surprised how much i enjoyed this book.

Great book, great narration

First of all, Ari Fliakos deserves major kudos for the narration of this lovely coming-of-age story. He creates distinct characters with his voice, and in a character-focused book like this, it makes all the difference. The story itself is also wonderful, lovely prose, excellent characterization. I loved this story of friendship, loss, and life in small-town Maine.

coming of age in Maine

Loved it but struggled with some of the story. Execellently written. i will loom for more by this author

Outstanding!

This book was such a surprise. Filled with such humanity and little gems of wisdom. As always, Ari Fliakos is a brilliant narrator!

Solid 4.5 stars

Really good story with great narrator. I just can’t give 5 stars because that is reserved for the best of the best!