Sherman Alexie's Flight is praised for its compelling exploration of identity and redemption through the journey of a troubled Native American teen. Reviewers commend its powerful narrative and dark humor, though some criticize the book's abrupt shifts and uneven pacing. Overall, it offers a thought-provoking and intense read.

A reader who would enjoy Flight by Sherman Alexie is intrigued by coming-of-age stories with complex protagonists. They appreciate narratives exploring identity, social justice, and Native American experiences, and likely enjoyed The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian or Reservation Blues.

In Flight, 15-year-old Zits, a Native American teenager, runs away from his foster home, is arrested, and befriends a kid named Justice who persuades him to commit a bank shooting. After believing he is fatally shot, Zits experiences time travel, inhabiting different bodies, including an FBI agent in 1975, a young Plains Indian warrior in 1876, an Indian hunter, a pilot post-9/11, and his alcoholic father. Ultimately, Zits returns to the present, receives help from a supportive foster family, and begins a journey toward healing. Topics include gun violence, time travel, indigenous history, and abuse.

Challenging / Mysterious / Emotional / Dark / Hopeful

- Flight by Sherman Alexie explores themes of identity and transformation, weaving in elements of magical realism to enhance its narrative style. 
- The book uses a protagonist who experiences a series of time-traveling episodes, providing readers with diverse historical perspectives that contribute to its exploration of social and moral issues. 
- Sherman Alexie often draws from his own Native American heritage in his works, and Flight is no exception, as it subtly incorporates elements reflective of indigenous experiences in America.

**Zits/Michael**  
A 15-year-old orphan with a difficult past, who has experienced a series of foster homes and a life filled with hardship and instability. He is known for his cystic acne and tough demeanor, navigating his life with a combination of humor and distrust.

**Justice**  
A 17-year-old boy Zits meets in a juvenile detention center, known for his kindness and handsomeness. He introduces Zits to new philosophies and ideas.

**Officer Dave**  
A compassionate white police officer who acts as a mentor and father figure to Zits, understanding his struggles and attempting to help him find a stable home.

**Hank Storm**  
A 35-year-old FBI agent who Zits temporarily becomes during his time warp experience. He is admired by Zits for his appearance and confidence.

**Young Warrior**  
A voiceless indigenous boy, around 12 or 13 years old, whose body Zits inhabits during a journey through history, experiencing life in a family and facing moral dilemmas.

**Augustus “Gus” Sullivan**  
An elderly Indian hunter suffering from pain, who Zits becomes during another historical journey. He grapples with his conscience and the harsh realities of his duties.

**Small Saint**  
A young soldier involved in an attack on a Native American tribe, who chooses courage and morality over orders. He attempts to save a young boy named Bow Boy.

**Bow Boy**  
A five-year-old Native American child who struggles to defend himself during an attack. His perseverance and the aid of Small Saint create a bond between them.

**Jimmy**  
A conflicted pilot with a complicated personal life, whose body Zits experiences later in the story. He deals with guilt and loss against a backdrop of post-9/11 tensions.

**Zits’ Father**  
A Native American man who abandoned Zits and his mother, leading a life of homelessness in Tacoma. His troubled past influences Zits' understanding of family and identity.

**Robert and Mary**  
A couple who become Zits' foster parents at the suggestion of Officer Dave. They provide Zits with a structured, loving environment, marking a new chapter in his life.

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Chapters 7-9

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Flight Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

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Flight: A Novel

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