Flight #116 Is Down!

I'm not, typically, a fan of the kind of disaster narrative that introduces you one by one to all the characters to make you like them first or whatever: I tend to prefer my fiction to focus on one or two folk with a strong arc of some kind.

But once the disaster gets going it's really clear that the arc is about the disaster, and everyone pulling together to deal with it, and that's a kind of story that gets me all in the feels, and it's told here so very very realistically and well. Many feels were had.

(The author even manages to end the book after the first wave of dealing with things without me feeling all anxious about how even worse in so many respects is the long trudge of recovery afterwards. I do however desperately want show more Darienne exposed as publically as she stole the limelight, so that wherever she goes afterwards she's instantly recognised and scorned. Very petty of me.) show less

Flight #116 Is Down is a fast-paced disaster thriller by Caroline B. Cooney. When a jumbo jet crashes into the woods of a wealthy family’s rural estate, several teenagers with very different lives—Patrick, Heidi, Daniel, and others—collide in the aftermath. They must navigate fear, responsibility, and survival as they deal not only with the crash’s physical danger, but also with moral and emotional stress. Cooney builds tension through multiple perspectives, showing how each character responds to catastrophe differently. Themes of heroism, identity, guilt, and class come into play. It’s a compelling read for students who like action, disasters, and character growth under extreme circumstances.

Really enjoyed this YA novel showing the complexities of relationships during a disaster

This was a second time reading it because I remembered the title from years ago but not all that happened. The book covers about 9 hours and jumps from person to person to see many different view points but mainly focuses on Patrick and Heidi. While Heidi is out walking her dog in a freezing rain, she is stunned when a 747 comes crashing down in her rose garden. Called to action, she finds out what she is capable physically and emotionally. This was a great book and I ended up hating someone and crying at the fate of others.

Really enjoyed this YA novel showing the complexities of relationships during a disaster

Excellent YA about a tragedy. Sad and I got teary eyed multiple scenes.

When a 747 crashes in Heidi's backyard, the night turns tragic. Heidi scrambles to call for help, but feels she's doing nothing whatsoever. After the minutes feel like hours, the rescue shows up and the crash hits the news. Cameras flashing, people crying, people dying, the night is gloomy for almost everybody around.

This book is awesome!