Fly a Little Higher

How God Answered a Mom's Small Prayer in a Big Way

By: Laura Sobiech

Narrated by: Amber Quick

Length: 9 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Laura Sobiech tells the amazing story of how God used her son’s battle with cancer to touch the lives of millions.

"Okay, Lord, you can have him. But if he must die, I want it to be for something big. I want someone’s life to be changed forever." This is what Laura Sobeich prayed when she found out her 17-year-old son had only one year to live. With this desperate prayer, she released her son to God’s will. At that point, Zach Sobiech was just another teenager battling cancer. When his mother told him to think about writing good-bye letters to family and friends, he decided instead to write songs. One of them, "Clouds", captured hearts and changed not one life but millions, making him an international sensation. But Zach’s story is not just about music. It’s a testament to what can happen when you live as if each day might be your last. It’s a story about the human spirit. It’s about how God used a dying boy from a small town in Minnesota to touch the hearts of millions - including top executives in the music industry, major music artists, news anchors, talk show hosts, actors, priests and pastors, and school children across the globe. Zach once said, "I want to be known as the kid who went down fighting, and didn’t really lose." Fly a Little Higher is about how God used Zach to do something big.

©2014 Thomas Nelson (P)2014 Thomas Nelson

None of our afflictions are wasted!

This book wrecked me! So inspiring! It absolutely amazes me how God uses every little thing we go through to touch those around us. The question is if we will embrace it and allow God to change the world through us?!? I want my story to reach others the way Zach’s did! Great read. Get the tissues ready!

Amazing

This story of Zach was a great read very emotional but the Sobiech family are one tuff, hi spirited people and thank you for sharing Zach and your families story with us. This has definitely changed my life and way of thinking. Sending so much love and hugs to the Sobiech family 💙

Amazing

Laura Sobiech has such an amazing way of writing such a beautiful, heartbreakingly inspiring book. this is a MUST read!

Thank you for sharing your story

How do you review a book like this? If you shed only one Tera, then this story has touched you in some way. It is a story of hope and faith. A story about living. A story of how we each can fly a little higher, in life and in our journey into heaven. As much as all of those who knew Zak and have felt blessed to have know him, I am positive that Zak felt the same way about all of you. Be good to one another. It matters, it truly does. In closing I would like to add that the Narrator of this audiobook did a fantastic job. She read it in such a way, that at times I thought it was her story to tell.

Touching Story

I came across Zac's story on YouTube and was deeply touched. I was moved by the family and how they lived through his cancer journey. I watched the 1 year later video next. That's where I saw this book. I couldn't stop listening. I am a grown man and found it amazing how many times I cried. This is a touching, life lesson learning book.

Laura's story and approach to life and living life can be an inspiration to all.

Uplifting

What a beautiful way to speak of every parents nightmare of the thought of having to bury their child.

What an emotional, inspirational read!

What did you love best about Fly a Little Higher?

I loved the realism of this book. The Sobiech family tackled Zach's illness with realism, with their anger and pain and hope. It was so beautiful that I pulled up the songs and videos on Youtube.

Which character – as performed by Amber Quick – was your favorite?

Amber Quick embodied Laura Sobiech. Her voice is very similar, and while her dialogue is not strong, it isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I almost did! It is emotional and gripping, a family coming to terms with a child, a brother, a friend, who is going to die, but chooses to live his life fully, to use music as a way to connect with his friends and family. No one expected the story Zach's life and music would have, with its raw, unrefined power. I enjoyed this book!

Any additional comments?

I would have liked to have "Clouds"" in particular as a song along the book, but this is a minor quibble in an emotional roller-coaster that was not without hope.
It is well worth watching the My Last Days videos on Youtube, which complement the lasting legacy of this close, real, strong family.
Well worth the time and credit.

Through Zach's Eyes

What did you like about this audiobook?

Anyone who does not read this 'treasure' is missing a real treat. Will it make you cry? I think so. This young man battles through a particularly aggressive cancer. A battle that he loses. However we all know that battles are rarely fought alone and I found that I fell in love with his parents, his siblings, extended family and friends, his sweat heart and his community.

How has the book increased your interest in the subject matter?

Even though I have worked in the medical community this story written by a gifted woman and artist educated me greatly and has inspired me to 'do' rather than 'talk' about assisting the pediatric cancer fight.

Does the author present information in a way that is interesting and insightful, and if so, how does he achieve this?

Laura has illustrated her story with experience and facts. These facts should make us, the voters and our Government drop our heads in shame. Our children should NOT be suffering and subsequently passing away from the same Cancers as they were 40 years ago.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

The narrator was perfect having the same gentle voice as Laura. Could not be faulted.

Do you have any additional comments?

Thank you Laura for sharing this personal story. Please read this book. Even if you don't LOVE it I know that you will hug your children a little more after you have finished this fine volume.

had me crying in the first 5 minutes

very good book and really hits the heart strings. I cried so many times throughout this book. Zach's mom is so strong!

Will Not See The Movie

I will and do go back to YouTube (73 years old) and watch Zach as he was as I not knowing him want to remember him as he was those eyes that smile .... Loosing a child no matter their age hurts your heart in a way that I have never been able to find the words for but this book made me see that loving, remembering every detail was Gods gift to their family the people who 7 years later found it for the first time and play it over and over and share its uplifting message and I thank you Laura thank you. Though our faith and Hope is different I still cry but with a smile on my face and in my heart.
Thank you
Wendy S
Pinetop Arizona