Praise:

I loved this gentle but multi-faceted story, with a cast of well-rounded characters. The use of Eldernest care home as a central point from which all the storylines emanate works really well. The central love story is a delicious meet cute but the other characters don't fare so well - the complexity of relationships and the politics of living in a group setting are described with respect and a twinkle in the eye. I was so engrossed that I didn't see the ending coming. Highly recommended.

~ Stella Hervey Birrell (Award winning poet and writer. Author of PARENT. WORSHIPPER. CARRION.)

Who could have imagined that life in an old folks’ home could be so lively?

The author’s easy going style makes the book a pleasure to read, and she has clearly done her research as life in the Eldernest facility is portrayed with care and compassion, as well as a subtle sense of humour. The plot moves along at a steady pace, and while there is a genuinely unexpected moment of sadness and loss, protagonist Chad ultimately gets his coveted happy ending.

~ S.C. Farrow (Screen writer and novelist. Author of OPEN WOUNDS and THIS IS NOT A LIE)

This book is a beautiful look at aging and sex, family, and community.  It's a great look at the lives of older adults.

~ Girl Who Reads blog

https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2020/12/new-heartfelt-novel-from-joy-norstrom.html

Joy Norstrom's newest novel, Flying the Nest, gave me all of the feels!

I really loved how much depth Norstrom gave these characters. Too often elderly people in books are viewed as infirm or incapable of “real lives,” but that’s not the case here. From trying to keep control of your life to not giving up on the ideas of sex and companionship, these characters wanted it all, and fought for it.

This was a sometimes-poignant, sometimes-funny book that really hooked me. It’s just one of those good reads that catches you by surprise with all it has to offer.

~ It’s Either Sadness or Bookphoria blog https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2020/12/book-review-flying-nest-by-joy-norstrom.html

Flying the Nest shatters stereotypical ideas that life ends when we get older as watch Chad keeping his uncle supplied with condoms while navigating his way through his own sometimes, pointless existence. Norstrom uses entertainment to question common assumptions about racism, homophobia, grief, sexuality, and the ageing process.

This was a well-paced, easy to read novel, perfect for escaping in to a charming story world with appeal for both older and younger adult readers.

~ Nadia L. King (Author of THE LOST SMILE, CLAIRE MALONE CHANGES THE WORLD, and JENNA’s TRUTH)

Flying the Nest is a story full of well thought out characters with great depth. It challenges what many think growing old is all about and shows how important family and community can be. I highly recommend it.

~ Shane Kroetsch (author of The Storm Series)

I couldn’t help but wonder if Chad represents a quality in each of us that tends to stereotype and categorize others, seeing them as groups rather than unique. But Chad’s growing friendship with his uncle made his stereotypes crumble and he was able to see the man for the amazing person he was. By the end of the story, the way that Chad looks at life is transformed.

The book took me on a journey that was insightful, emotional and enlightening.

~ Mark Tedesco (author of SHE SEDUCED ME: A LOVE AFFAIR WITH ROME and LESSONS AND BELIEFS: SEARCHING FOR LOVE IN THE GAY WORLD)