Title: When She Flew
Author: Jennie Shortridge
Genre/Pages: Contemporary Fiction/352
Publication: NAL Trade; November 3, 2009
Rating: 3.5 BOOKMARKS
Source(s): NAL Trade and TLC Book Tours
By-the-book police officer Jessica Villareal makes a rash decision to keep a father and daughter together even though it goes against direct orders from her superiors. Will her act of insubordination cost her her job or will it be reparation for every transgression she’s ever made in her personal life?
When NAL Trade and TLC Book Tours both contacted me with offers to review When She Flew, I jumped at the opportunity. I had the pleasure of reviewing Jennie Shortridge’s Love and Biology at the Center of the Universe last year and was eager to read her next novel. Like L&B, When She Flew focuses on relationships, family dynamics, and choices. Even more interesting is the fact that this novel was inspired by a true story of an Iraq war veteran who lived undetected in the Oregon wilderness with his daughter for almost six years.
Through her skillful characterization, diction, and tone, Shortridge created a credible police world for Jess Villareal. The other police officers and her superiors came to life through realistic dialog and action. I could feel the red tape that frustrated Villareal and which ultimately led her to put her career on the line for two strangers.
After discovering Ray and Lindy Wiggs living off state land, the Columbia Police Department brings them in for further questioning. Ultimately, it’s decided (by the police) that Ray’s teenage daughter should be placed in protective custody. An interview with Lindy and physical examination by a doctor prove that she’s well cared for by her father. Jess Villareal is haunted by her own personal failings–a failed marriage, an estranged daughter–and makes a snap decision that thrusts her into a media maelstrom.
I read the novel in one sitting; the constant action kept the story from stagnating. I found Shortridge’s use of bird imagery and metaphors a bit heavy-handed and there was a bit of religious imagery too. Told from two perspectives–limited first person (Lindy Wiggs) and limited third person (Jess Villareal)–I had a few minor quibbles with the resolution of the novel but they weren’t enough to negatively color my overall opinion of the book.
Though it shared some common themes with Love and Biology, When She Flew tells a unique story that touches on several controversial social issues. This novel would make it a great pick for a book club because of the discussion and debate potential the moral and social problems present.
To enter for a chance to win a new copy of When She Flew by Jennie Shortridge, simply leave a comment below by Wednesday, 12/9 at 10pm EST.
Thank you to NAL Trade and TLC Book Tours for the review copies. For more reviews of When She Flew, visit:
Thursday, December 3rd: The 3 R’s Blog: Reading, ‘Riting, and Randomness
Monday, December 7th: Linus’ Blanket
Wednesday, December 9th: Luxury Reading
Thursday, December 10th: The Literate Housewife Review
Monday, December 14th: Book Addiction
Tuesday, December 15th: Hey, Lady! What’cha Readin’?
Wednesday, December 16th: A Novel Menagerie
Thursday, December 17th: Book Club Classics
Monday, December 21st: Entertainment Realm
Tuesday, December 22nd: Dolce Bellezza
Monday, December 28th: Book Chatter
Tuesday, December 29th: Caribousmom
Wednesday, December 30th: Presenting Lenore
Monday, January 4th: The Brain Lair
Tuesday, January 5th: Redlady’s Reading Room
Welcome aboard, I'm Natalie! I'm 37, married to a dream boat, and live in New Jersey. It's all about books here! I read, recommend, review, and revel in them. Have a book you'd like me to review? Visit my
I’m fascinated with the fact that this was inspired by a true story and I’m really anxious to read it. No need to enter me since I have the book.
.-= Kathy´s last blog ..Progressive Dinner Party – Pear and Blue Cheese Salad =-.
I really like the cover to this book. Thanks for the review!
.-= Jessica Kennedy´s last blog ..Contest Roundup: Dec. 6 – 12 =-.
This book looks really interesting, and I’ve definitely been following a lot of your recommendations and loving them!
Thanks for allowing me to want to read this one too!
I’ve heard a lot of people say how much they liked this one so I’d like to be entered … even though I hardly ever win these things!
.-= Jenners´s last blog ..A Review (Of Sorts) of Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger =-.
I really liked Shortridge’s “Eating Heaven” so I’m looking forward to reading this one. Thanks for offering the giveaway.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Christmas Giveaway at The Christmas Spirit =-.
Havent read this one and if it is open for overseas readers, would like to be counted in.
This book has been on my radar for awhile. I would love to be entered to win.
Thanks for the chance.
sharon54220@gmail.com
Please don’t enter me…I’ve already read it. I think this is her best book yet…I read it in one day, too.
.-= softdrink´s last blog ..See You in a Hundred Years =-.
Appears to be an intriguing read!
mabelilly28 at yahoo dot com
Hey Natalie, great review! Thanks so much for the time you put into reading and reviewing When She Flew! You’ve made me curious about the bird imagery..
.-= Lisa Munley´s last blog ..TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS for the week of December 7th – 11th =-.
[...] December 8th: Book, Line, and Sinker – review and [...]
I’ve been hearing a lot about this book, and your review has made me even more curious!
.-= Alita´s last blog ..Book #44 – According to Jane (final thoughts) =-.
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