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Reviewed by Jason K. Macomson for Readers' Favorite
The Flying Guy by John Baraniak is a lighthearted coming-of-age story that chronicles the life of a boy who is born with the ability to fly. From the moment of his parents’ first startled realization of David Anderson's fantastical abilities, the greatest preoccupation in the young family’s life has always been keeping their son’s unique ability a secret. Little by little though, the secret begins to seep out as David grows up and is compelled to spread his wings, so to speak. Ever more frequent romps in the sky result in more and more people catching a glimpse of Aston, Wisconsin’s Flying Guy, and his forays repeatedly attract the unwanted attention of the press and local authorities. As David enters adulthood, he must decide whether he should use his gift for the benefit of humanity. In a daring rescue, the Flying Guy abruptly goes public when he saves a mother and her daughter whose lives are in peril. Ultimately, though, David’s identity is in danger of being discovered by those who seek to exploit the young man’s gift, even if it brings him and his family harm.
The Flying Guy by John Baraniak is at times a very entertaining story about a young boy who might grow up to be a modern-day superhero, all because of his unique ability to fly. The story takes on the long arc of David’s life, from birth to young adulthood, and envisions the responsibilities such a power would bring to someone’s life. The novel also considers how such a gift would attract the undesirable attention of government authorities and individuals, both realistically concerned about the potential public threat such an ability would pose, as well as those who would seek to exploit it for their own personal and political gain. Baraniak is adept at realistic descriptions of David’s flying abilities and the views he experiences from above. There are also many humorous subplots, especially those involving boyhood pranks. All in all, though, The Flying Guy is a very amusing and heartwarming story of what it would be like if someone were able to actually fly through the air like Superman.
