FLIGHT BEHAVIOR, Barbara Kingsolver's novel soars. Put this atop your must read list.

Kingsolver has been named one of the most important writers of the 20thC by Writer's Digest.  In 2000, she received the Nat'l Humanities Medal; the highest honor in the U.S. in the arts.  Perhaps, she is best known for her novel, THE POISONWOOD BIBLE; a Pulitz. Prize Finalist.  The Dayton Literary Peace Prize was given to Kingsolver in '11 for the culmination of her work.  FLIGHT BEHAVIOR, '12, is certain to receive prescient literary awards.  Similar themes exist between "Flight" & "Poisonwood."  Both novels depict the shortcomings of narrow mindedness, blind faith and the consequences of turning a blind eye to the consequences of our actions.   Environmental destruction & global warming is a key message in "Flight."  A phalanx of monarch butterflies alight upon the trees that belong to our heroine's, Dellarobia, in-laws.  Dellarobia is a 20 something housewife & mother of two young children.   Her shotgun wedding to Cub occurred before graduating high school.  Dellarobia, remains in her dismal marriage to Cub despite an early miscarriage.  Dovey, Dellarobia's best friend, and the voice of humor & reason states, "Men and kids get to just light out and fly, without ever worrying about what comes next."  The mystifying aberration of the monarch's migration to this "hillbilly" town draws both scientific and mass media attention.  Kingsolver does not proselytize but wake-up calls are delivered by her intriguing characters.  Dellarobia's contemplation of her life & possibilities makes us question our obligations & the ties that bind a family.  I bestow Kingsolver as one of the most relevant, talented and important writers of the 21st C.