Given to Fly

John Rivers is a kind and imaginative 11-year-old who is about to learn that magic not only exists, but is closer than he thinks. After strolling up a hill near his house, he finds a cliff with a cove at the bottom and a huge tree growing over the water. What's special about this particular tree is that it currently serves as the resting spot for a house that defies logic while embracing the amazing. As curious as he is kind, one look at Od Manor would have been all it takes for him to consider heading into the sideways house, but when he sees a shadow inside, he climbs down to make sure no one is in trouble. Once inside, he discovers that no one is in trouble but that the term living room has never been as literal as when an ottoman starts asking questions. The house's owner is called Fäet Odstein, which would be odd enough if he weren't also the literary persona of JD Estrada. Adventure ensues as Fäet discovers that John dreams about flying. Intent on helping the boy out, they seek the help from a library pillaging bookworm, angels, spiders, and even take a moment to contemplate at the meaning of life in the linen lagoon as they try to discover what it takes to fly. Influenced by Hayao Miyazaki, Peter Pan, and dreams of flight, Given to Fly is a book full of heart that skips the violence in favor of the fantastical. Given to Fly is the 13th book by Puerto Rican indie author JD Estrada. It is a work that shies away from violence in favor of exploring the inner child we all have that is always ready and willing to dream.