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

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.

great story that brought me to tears!

loved it! great perspective from his mother. I was in tears most of the time.

One of my favorite audiobooks

Where does Fly a Little Higher rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The top.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fly a Little Higher?

The very beginning when Laura finds the words to comfort her son in his deepest suffering.

What does Amber Quick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Expression, reality.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Just as it is--"How God Answered..."

Any additional comments?

I couldn't put it down. Afterwards, I searched for another book just as inspiring and so far, I can't find one that would move me as much as this one did. My problems I thought were so big in my life bringing up my children were "nothing" compared to the challenge Laura had to do. What a mountain she climbed day in and day out. This woman gave me a new perspective about suffering and triumph. I am humbled.

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.

wonderful story faith filled

Laura's experience taught me many things first you don't have to be dying to really live. she taught me lessons about faith and courage and handing it over to God. thank you for sharing your beautiful story

Such a Beautiful Life

This is a beautiful story about a beautiful family and the life and love they share. Zach’s determined response to cancer was heart-warming. I heard about him and his struggles years ago when Clouds first came out and then was reminded recently when I watched a special on his life and learned about Laura’s book, Fly a Little Higher. I am so glad I chose to bring this goodness into my life!

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

This story has touched my heart so deeply!

I have been inspired by Zach's story for quite awhile now but not until recently did I read his story through the eyes of his mother Laura "Fly a Little Higher". I thought I knew a lot about Zach and the Sobiech's from different videos and articles but nothing could do them better justice then this. You get's to, through the generosity of Zach's family, step into their home during a most difficult time in their life. Almost as if you got to sit across from Laura over a cup of tea as she shared the story of her amazing son and our even more amazing God!

Beautiful Book

This book is an absolute must read. Beautifully written about a beautiful story. Will make you laugh and cry through the entire thing.

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.