Review of The Trouble with Wings

[Emily_Jen]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Trouble with Wings" by Jillian Bright.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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The Trouble with Wings by Jillian Bright is the author’s memoir and travelogue, telling of her experience through the uncensored and unbridled adventure that came with her choice to leave her home on what started as a solo backpacking trip while in college. With this book, the author hopes the readers become inspired to see more, experience more, spread their wings, and fly into their unknowns, despite the “trouble” they will inevitably encounter.

In this book, the writer starts by describing how she grew up in Humboldt county, where she saw the world from a Christian's perspective. We then see how her class teacher’s action prompted her zeal to explore the world. Bright then explains how she dumped her degree after college to start a custom-made swimsuit business in a foreign country, following her heart since then. We get to read through her experiences as she travels across continents and how the countries she visited further reinforced her passion for exploring. The author also gives us a peek into her numerous adventures in the tropics, redwood forests, the Himalayas, the Mediterranean, and more, all the while narrating details of her numerous failed relationships up until when she gets pregnant.

The first thing I like about this piece of nonfiction is how each section begins with interesting facts about an insect or bird. The characteristics of these insects/birds seem to have some relationship with the content of the section in which they appear. I found the tarantula hawk most fascinating. I learned about how the female tarantula uses its male counterpart as an unwilling sacrifice to hatch her eggs.

Another thing I liked about this book was the first-person narrative style the author employed to tell her story. As a result, I was not only able to understand what her reasons were for every action she took but was also able to have a feel of how passionate she was about her story. I was especially exposed to the author’s passion when she talked about her time hiking the Himalayas. Also, I appreciated that the author left nothing untold about her life, both good and bad. When readers read through her romantic relationships with several men and the circumstances in which these relationships developed, one could easily think the worst of her. However, she told her story regardless of how ugly it seemed. Because of this, I believed every other thing she said about herself. I was happy for her when I read how she opened her swimsuit business, and I was distraught while I read through her experience while dating a violent guy called Marco.

The author’s vivid descriptions were also nice to read. It was easy for me to picture the places she described. I was particularly pleased while I read through her experiences in some of the temples she visited in Sri Lanka. However, I would have loved the book even more if some pictures of the author were included in the pages, especially when she got to the end of the Himalayas. I would have connected even more if those pictures were included, although it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.

This publication is not free from negative points. I did find several errors throughout the text. The writing issues didn’t negatively affect my reading since most of them were a result of joining two words together when one space was required between them. Even if the mistakes didn’t affect me, they are mistakes nonetheless and have cost the book a one-star deduction. I rate this edition 3 out of 4 stars. Readers that are interested in reading about other people’s memoirs would find this one interesting. If you are looking for an inspiring autobiography that would encourage you to follow your heart, this book is also for you. However, readers should note that this volume contains major profane words.

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The Trouble with Wings
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[Jennifer Garcia 555]

I like the title of this book. It sounds like an interesting story. I like that the author gives the good and bad. Great review!

[Ruchi Raina]

This book seems like an enjoyable read. The author has tried to motivate the readers to experience things by sharing her own experiences. Her following her heart to open a swimsuit business is very inspiring. The facts about insects/birds seem fun to read. Thanks for the great review.

[onyii_review]

I feel like this book will make a good pick. I hope it's as interesting as it sounds. Good job you did here.

[Chiwelite O]

I think I'm more interested in knowing the troubles the author encountered on their journey. Great review, seems like you enjoyed reading the book.

[Precious DA]

This book seems like an interesting read. The way the author tries to incorporate different things with the story of her journey is quite amazing. Thanks for the review!

[hodiacspy123]

The book sounds amazing!!!!! Can't wait to read it