Overview

“Shares a sense of humor and philosophical bent with such YA authors as John Green and Chris Crutcher. But the story and likable characters are Ostrovsky’s own, a delightful mix of quirky, intelligent, naïve, well-intentioned, and just plain dumb teens. A delightful success.”—Booklist On the morning of his eighteenth birthday, Jack Polovsky has just taken a handful of pills when his cell phone rings. Here’s some news: his ex-girlfriend Jess has given birth and Jack is the father. Jack hasn’t spoken with Jess in about nine months, and she wants him to see the baby before he is adopted. Maybe it’s the pills. Maybe it’s Jack’s general state of mind. But Jack decides he needs to introduce the baby to his Grandma—and tell him a few important things along the way. Then, maybe, everything will be all right. Then at least he will have had a day or two with his son and done his best to shape him. Jack kidnaps the baby, names him Socrates, stocks up on baby supplies at Wal-Mart, and hits the road with his best friend Tommy and with the ex, Jess. As they head to Grandma’s house (eluding the police at every turn), Jack tells baby Socrates the Greek myths—because all stories spring from those stories, really. Even this one. By turns funny, heart wrenching, and wholly original, this debut novel by Emil Ostrovski explores the nature of family, love, friendship, fatherhood, and myth.  

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9780062238535

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Reviews

Do yourself a favor and get inside a car with Emil Ostrovski immediately! The Paradox of Vertical Flight is an amazing road trip. You're in for one heck of a ride. -- Gary Shteyngart, author of the New York Times bestseller Super Sad True Love Story The Paradox of Vertical Flight has all the elements of a great read: funny, eloquent, deep, suspenseful. If you like books that are quirky and thoughtful, irreverent and touching, this book is for you. -- Francisco X. Stork, author of Marcelo in the Real World The Paradox of Vertical Flight is a wonderfully quirky story about discovering the meaning of life when you least expect it: witty, smart, and exuberant. Emil Ostrovski is a talented writer to watch. -- Malinda Lo, Author of Ash and Huntress The Paradox of Vertical Flight is a funny, smart, whimsical, compelling read. Emil Ostrovski takes us on a journey we haven't been on before, and entertains us the entire way. A new great fresh voice. -- Sara An eccentric road trip ... Amiable meanderings through ancient Greek philosophy are the novel's heart and soul. Channeled by a talented, millennial author. these age-old conundrums of good and evil, fate and free will feel fresh and urgent. -- Kirkus Reviews On Jack's 18th birthday, two majoy events occur: he considers attempting suicide and he learns that his ex-girlfriend Jess has just given birth to his baby. What follows is a philosophical journey of self-discovery... A moving and quirky tale ... A whip-smart debut. -- School Library Journal Shares a sense of humor and philosophical bent with such YA authors as John Green and Chris Crutcher...But the story and likable characters are Ostrovsky's own, a delightful mix of quirky, intelligent, naive, well-intentioned, and just plain dumb teens...A delightful success. -- Booklist

Shares a sense of humor and philosophical bent with such YA authors as John Green and Chris Crutcher....But the story and likable characters are Ostrovsky's own, a delightful mix of quirky, intelligent, naive, well-intentioned, and just plain dumb teens....A delightful success. --Booklist

Author Information

Emil Ostrovski emigrated from Russia when he was two years old. He graduated from Vassar College in 2012 with a degree in philosophy and currently attends the MFA program in creative writing at Columbia University. The Paradox of Vertical Flight is his first novel.

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