The Paradox of Vertical Flight - by Emil Ostrovski (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Hilarious, deeply moving, mind-bending, original, romantic, and surprising, this debut teen novel by Emil Ostrovski will appeal to fans of John Green, Chris Crutcher, and Andrew Smith. Gary Shteyngart, author of the New York Times bestseller Super Sad True Love Story, says: "Do yourself a favor and get inside a car with Emil Ostrovski immediately! The Paradox of Vertical Flight is an amazing road trip. You're in for one heck of a ride." An Indie Next Pick!

On the morning of his eighteenth birthday, Jack Polovsky kidnaps his own baby, names him Socrates, stocks up on baby supplies at Walmart, and hits the road with his best friend, Tommy, and with the baby's mother, Jess. As they head to Grandma's house (eluding the police at every turn), Jack tells baby Socrates the Greek myths--because all stories spring from those stories, really. Even this one. By turns funny, heart wrenching, and wholly original, this debut novel by Emil Ostrovski explores the nature of family, love, friendship, fatherhood, and myth.

"Shares a sense of humor and philosophical bent with such YA authors as John Green and Chris Crutcher. But the story and likable characters are Ostrovsky's own, a delightful mix of quirky, intelligent, naive, well-intentioned, and just plain dumb teens. A delightful success."--ALA Booklist

From the Back Cover

Falling is the only way we can fly.

Review Quotes

"Do yourself a favor and get inside a car with Emil Ostrovski immediately! The Paradox of Vertical Flight is an amazing road trip. You're in for one heck of a ride." -- Gary Shteyngart, author of the New York Times bestseller Super Sad True Love Story

"The Paradox of Vertical Flight has all the elements of a great read: funny, eloquent, deep, suspenseful. If you like books that are quirky and thoughtful, irreverent and touching, this book is for you." -- Francisco X. Stork, author of Marcelo in the Real World

"The Paradox of Vertical Flight is a wonderfully quirky story about discovering the meaning of life when you least expect it: witty, smart, and exuberant. Emil Ostrovski is a talented writer to watch." -- Malinda Lo, Author of Ash and Huntress

"The Paradox of Vertical Flight is a funny, smart, whimsical, compelling read. Emil Ostrovski takes us on a journey we haven't been on before, and entertains us the entire way. A new great fresh voice." -- Sara

"An eccentric road trip . . . Amiable meanderings through ancient Greek philosophy are the novel's heart and soul. Channeled by a talented, millennial author. these age-old conundrums of good and evil, fate and free will feel fresh and urgent." -- Kirkus Reviews

"On Jack's 18th birthday, two majoy events occur: he considers attempting suicide and he learns that his ex-girlfriend Jess has just given birth to his baby. What follows is a philosophical journey of self-discovery. . . . A moving and quirky tale . . . A whip-smart debut." -- School Library Journal

"Shares a sense of humor and philosophical bent with such YA authors as John Green and Chris Crutcher....But the story and likable characters are Ostrovsky's own, a delightful mix of quirky, intelligent, naive, well-intentioned, and just plain dumb teens....A delightful success." -- Booklist