Setting Free the Kites

By: Alex George

Narrated by: Ari Fliakos

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

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 heartbreaking, Setting Free the Kites is a poignant and moving exploration of the pain, joy, and glories of young friendship.

©2017 Alex George (P)2017 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“George combines wit, sorrow and nostalgia into a story readers young and old will not forget... heartbreaking and real.”(Vox Magazine)

“[A] touching story...George is masterly in his rendition of Maine landscapes and the emotional swings of adolescence.” (Publishers Weekly)

"Replete with soaring emotion. Setting Free the Kites is a coming-of-age novel driven by the forces of hope. Alex George skillfully proves that the tethers of a painful past can be cut, freeing us to rise above our circumstances if only we have fearless hearts.” (Sarah McCoy, New York Times and international best-selling author of The Mapmaker's Children)

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

A Poignant Tale of Friendship, Masterfully Told

Alex George captures the angst and uncertainty of teenage friendships against the backdrop of family tragedies, using lyrical prose as memorable as his characters. Ari Fliakos demonstrates, as he did in THE WHITES, that he is a narrator of the first order. His characters are distinct and believable, his narration passionate, and his pace affecting. I strongly recommend this book.

Precious Friendship Not Forgotten

Great 2 for 1 credit. I chose this story as l like Ari Fliakos narration style. He makes this story sound as the author meant for us to hear it. The opening is great and one would love to have a friendship like this. This story stays with you. Uplifting attitude that is infectious.
Were my comments of help?

Surprisingly good

This book touched me. Good writing, well-drawn characters and excellent narration that added to the story.

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!

An endearing and charming novel

From the get go I was hooked. The story was woven from the threads of boyhood friendship.
It is much more than a coming of age and yet it is that. No innocents and everyone has a part. I loved this novel. Reflection always has been a part of my life. Highly recommend.

Amazing coming of age story about the impact of true friendships

From the start of this book, I was hooked. The story of a younger brother growing up with a brother suffering from MD, facing down a school bully and acquiring an unexpected friend who helped open his eyes to the value of true friendship. Reminiscent of “Stand by Me” with an element of “Sandlot,” there are moments of outright laughter and tearful heart tugs. Narrated to perfection in the first person, this book did not disappoint.