Book Tour: Snippet + Top 10 List - Wings by Pete Abela
BLURB
Wings is a stirring, cross-generational account of the love of flying inspired by the true story of Walt, a WWII RAF pilot, and his grandson Scott who has his sights set on becoming a modern day airline pilot. Wings weaves together two tales: one set in war-torn northern England, and the other set in the modern-day Illawarra region of New South Wales. As Scott learns about the sacrifices and difficulties Walt overcame to take to the sky, he battles his own challenges in order to follow his dream. As Scott progresses, his grandfather declines – Walt loses his wife, his sight and his hearing – but throughout these difficulties is still there to offer support and encouragement. In following Scott's progress towards his dream, Walt also keeps alive the wonder of his own youth. With insights into the modern day aviation scene and life in the Royal Air Force of World War II, this is a must for anyone who has an interest in history, aviation or simply an old fashioned love story.
SNIPPET
Walt pondered the question for a moment. “She’s in bed. She’d probably like to see you. How about I take the children out the back and you duck inside for a little bit. That’ll give me a break too.”
Bronwyn nodded, which caused her blonde hair to bounce. “Kids, you go down the side there and into the backyard. Grandad will be with you in a minute. I’m just going inside to see Grandma.”
Scott and his siblings trooped through the side gate and into the backyard of the old cottage, taking a seat on the back patio. The yard was cluttered, filled with tools and wheelbarrows. Two old sheds, bursting at the seams with the accumulated contents of forty years of Walt’s work as a builder and concreter, leaned wearily in the afternoon sun.
The back door opened with a clatter as Grandad stepped outside. Walt – Walter Johnson to give him his full name – stood almost six feet tall. Despite the fact that he was almost seventy-five years of age, his back was straight and his head was covered with a thick mane of silver hair. He was a strong man, with large rough hands calloused from years of manual labour.
“What have you kids been up to today?” he asked jovially.
“I was playing Flight Simulator,” replied Scott. “I’m getting close to making my first unassisted landing.”
“Flight Simulator, eh?” mused Grandad reflectively. “We never had anything like that when I was a boy.”
TOP 10 List
My top ten list: - Dinner for two at a nice restaurant - A game of tennis - Family outings - Hiking in the Australian bush - Moments of gratitude - A swim in the ocean - Holidays - A quiet space to read (and the free time to do so) - Deep conversations - Puns
About The Author
Pete heralds from the city of Wollongong, just south of Sydney in the state of New South Wales, Australia, where he lives with his wife and four kids. His love of reading eventually led him to take up writing, a difficult task which presents rewards and challenges in equal measure. A Painted Room is Pete’s second book, and follows his debut novel, Wings (2012).
When he’s not working, reading, writing or enjoying the company of his family, Pete likes to sneak away for a bit of exercise – either tennis, golf or a refreshing swim. You can find more about Pete at his website and blog (http://peteabela.com). The blog contains a number of bad jokes and puns. You have been warned.
Tour List
January 27
January 28
January 29
January 30
January 31
February 1
February 2
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