Paper Airplane: A Lesson for Flying Outside the Box : Book Review

"Paper Airplane" by Michael McMillan is a truly captivating tale that delves into the powerful themes of love, forgiveness, and never giving up on one's dreams. The story revolves around twelve-year-old Dylan Webber, who is grappling with the recent loss of his father and the challenges of starting a new school. As Dylan navigates these obstacles, he discovers a newfound passion for paper airplanes, which become a symbol of hope and a means to connect with others.

McMillan's writing style is engaging and heartfelt, immediately drawing readers into Dylan's world. His adept portrayal of Dylan's emotions and struggles allows readers to empathize with and wholeheartedly root for the young protagonist. The exploration of grief and resilience is carried out with great sensitivity, offering valuable life lessons for individuals of all ages.

The characters in "Paper Airplane" are wonderfully developed and relatable, each with their own unique challenges and perspectives. From Dylan's quirky yet supportive grandfather, to the school bully, each character adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Moreover, McMillan skillfully incorporates themes of friendship and belonging, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with the right people.

One of the exceptional qualities of this book is the way McMillan integrates the art of paper airplane folding throughout the story. The descriptions of the various paper airplane designs are vivid and detailed, providing readers with a creative and immersive reading experience. Furthermore, the author ingeniously uses the act of folding paper airplanes as a metaphor for the transformative power of perseverance and creativity.

Overall, "Paper Airplane" is a touching and inspiring story that resonates with readers of all ages. Michael McMillan's thoughtful writing and well-crafted characters make this book an absolute must-read. Whether you enjoy coming-of-age stories or crave a heartfelt tale about grief and resilience, this book is guaranteed to captivate and move you.

What are readers saying?

Michael McMillan's book "Paper Airplane" has received contrasting feedback from readers. This collection of short stories delves into various themes and emotions, resulting in a range of opinions. While some readers found the stories thought-provoking and elegantly written, others felt they lacked depth and failed to fully engage them.

One aspect that garnered positive feedback from reviewers is McMillan's writing style. Many readers appreciated his ability to convey emotions and create vivid imagery through his words. They found his prose to be poetic and captivating, allowing them to effortlessly immerse themselves in the stories. In fact, some readers even described the writing as "hauntingly beautiful" and "lyrical."

Furthermore, the diversity of themes explored in the book stood out for some reviewers. McMillan covers a wide range of topics, including love, loss, loneliness, and the human experience. This variety appealed to readers who appreciate the exploration of different emotions and perspectives within a collection of short stories.

However, there were readers who felt that the book lacked depth and struggled to fully engage them. These individuals commented that some stories felt disjointed or unfinished, leaving them unsatisfied and longing for more. Additionally, some reviewers mentioned difficulty connecting with the characters or relating to their experiences.

Another point of criticism was the brevity of some of the stories. Certain readers expressed that the short length of these stories limited the development and exploration of themes and characters. Consequently, they felt a lack of substance and an unsatisfied desire for more depth in the book.

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