Author's Note: Second Edition

The second edition of Taking Flight was published in September 2014. The book's cover was enhanced, excerpts from reviews were included in the print edition and some fonts were changed. The story remained the same in its entirety. ST

The following is the complete review of Taking Flight as featured in the Kirkus Reviews magazine dated Jan. 15th, 2014 followed by a link to the Kirkus Reviews website.  ST

  
Kirkus Reviews                                  

TITLE INFORMATION
TAKING FLIGHT
Tritto, Stephen
CreateSpace (464 pp.)
$13.50 paperback, $4.95 e-book
ISBN: 978-1482662467; April 3, 2013

BOOK REVIEW

Tritto’s sparkling debut novel succeeds as a gripping tale of one man’s self-discovery.

Tritto, a veteran short story author, tells the story of Anthony Bartolo, a product manager for a high-tech firm. He and his wife, Bernadette, a buyer for an upscale department store, are DINKs—dual incomes, no kids—living well in the suburbs, as are the couples with whom they socialize. By most standards, Anthony should be content, but he still feels unfulfilled - a good thing, narratively speaking, since these characters are fairly unappealing early in the novel. Then life throws some changes at the Bartolos and their friends.

Anthony is blindsided when he loses his job, which leaves him casting about for what he wants to do with his life. Such ruminations could come off as whiny, but in Tritto’s capable hands, Anthony blossoms. A member of their group dies while doing charitable work in El Salvador, and Anthony, the only one with time on his hands, volunteers to retrieve his remains. In fact, he selfishly does so without consulting Bernadette, further threatening their crumbling relationship.

Anthony’s worldview changes once he lands in the Central American country, which is populated by believable characters, including his guide, Col. Juan Hernandez, a former rebel leader who serves as security for Anthony during his trip. While Anthony jumps through bureaucratic hoops in order to take his friend home, he learns to appreciate the ways of El Salvador while navigating its dangers and tragedies. Anthony arrives in El Salvador as a well-meaning but sometimes-ugly American, yet he comes back a changed man, bearing precious cargo: not only his friend’s body, but also a secret from his friend’s other life.

Anthony doesn’t know what he wants to do, but he knows he doesn’t want his old life. Tritto helps Anthony evolve from a self-absorbed yuppie to a man more empathetic to those around him, a man readers can root for even if he still doesn’t truly know himself.

A novel that artfully spans two cultures, from a talented new author ready to take wing.



Kirkus Indie, Kirkus Media LLC, 6411 Burleson Rd., Austin, TX 78744
indie@kirkusreviews.com
                                        TAKING FLIGHT

First Novel Synopsis

                              Taking Flight                 

                                   A novel by Stephen Tritto

    Murder, assassination, betrayal and revenge alter the lives of four seemingly successful couples living ordinary lives in Hempstead, New York.
    Anthony Bartolo was an up and coming high tech hot shot who measured success by the toys he acquired. His life in Hempstead starts to unravel and he finds himself on a noble mission in Post-Civil War El Salvador. There, his life and that of Colonel Juan Hernandez, a former officer in the rebel forces, become linked forever facing life and death as Anthony’s mission changes radically.
    His experience in El Salvador inspires him to change his life, but first he must reconcile the murderous revenge taken in the name of defending his life, his personal history and a disintegrating marriage with his new found values. The characters in Taking Flight are flawed, but the Salvadoran spirit provides hope for survival and possibly even redemption.


From Amazon Reviews:

    5 of 5 Stars: "...I didn't want to put it down."

    5 of 5 Stars: "I'd just call it a darn good read."

    5 of 5 Stars: "A page turning experience...a must read."

    5 of 5 Stars: "...I raced to the end."

    5 of 5 Stars: " A great read!"

    5 of 5 Stars: "There are so many subjects that Mr. Tritto incorporates into this novel, including gluttony, adultery empathy, murder, disloyalty, corruption, and reflection on oneself. He invokes so many different emotions on the reader, that you can't help but be completely immersed into the story."

    5 of 5 Stars: "It is a journey of forgiveness, acceptance, soul searching and the courage of one man to make a change in his life. Read it, for it will put you in a reflective state of mind and it just may make you realize what’s really important in life."

   5 of 5 Stars: "Mr. Tritto has created a work addressing everyday issues such as corporate greed, adultery, compassion, philanthropy, murder, betrayal, and healing. The reflective portions of the story occur in El Salvador and the book title actually pays homage to the spirit of the people of that country."

    5 of 5 Stars: "the author handles Anthony's confrontation with murder deftly and with welcome restraint...the story does not conclude with a trite redemptive package."

   4 out of 5 Stars: "I happen to be "the former American relief worker," owner of Hotel Perkin Lenca and La Cocina de Ma'Anita in Perquin, El Salvador (Ed. Note: Ref. Chapter 32) ...I did start reading, of course, with a good degree of skepticism. While there are fundamental mistakes, the personal redemption journey firmly overshadows them. You did capture the meaning of layers of "confianza" and of values formed in real life. Well done!"
  
   4 out of 5 Stars: "I would definitely give this book 4 out of 5 stars. As soon as I finished it, I was recommending it to my friends and family. The main character, Anthony, is well developed and you find yourself experiencing some of the same emotions that he goes through."

   4 out of 5 Stars: "I will give Taking Flight 4 stars. It starts slowly but is worth the wait. It's a well written story with believable characters and engaging dialogue."

  4 out of 5 Stars: "The story and plot line were very well written...I was challenged on more than one occasion which I deem to be masterful writing that evokes emotion. It's something that every author strives for and this author achieved it."

   Link to complete Amazon Reviews, Sample and Ordering Information:  Amazon

From Self Publishing Review (SPR):

    4 of 5 Stars: "This is a good read and page turner..."
    "There is something of Richard Yates to this masculine, set straight American style ..."
    "An interesting and heartwarming read which would make a good movie""

Link to Complete Self Publishing Review:  SPR

Interview of author  by Angela Hill of Bay Area News Group, March 2014:

Silicon Valley exec following writing dream - San Jose ...