For You I Will Fly
A Novel Written with a Movie in Mind
When Patrick and Paola met in New York during the holidays, they could not speak each other’s language and lived 5,000 miles apart. As they try to overcome the obstacles of language, distance and time, Paola’s breast cancer returns. What unfolds is a story about the power of love, resilience, and optimism to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of building a life together.
EXCERPT FROM PROLOGUE
Written with the author’s soul and profound sensitivity, this book guides us along the path of a love story that shakes the very foundations of the heart. It strikes a chord not merely through its harrowing authenticity, but through the characters' composure, their joy amidst adversity, and an unwavering bond—forged by an implicit pact of love—that grows stronger in the face of life's trials.Set against this is a constant backdrop: a sort of mystical ritual performed by the Central Park skaters. They seem to channel mysterious, invisible energies toward the protagonists with a sense of pure, playful innocence—an act that goes unnoticed by the world around them yet undoubtedly transcends it.
EXCERPT FROM BOOK
In the dead of the night, Patrick is wide awake, staring at the ceiling. He turns towards his bedside, staring into the darkened room, his face filled with concern and anguish. He is starting to be overcome with a sense of desperation. He tosses and turns, then goes back to staring at the ceiling. After doing this several times, he decides to get up to sit on the balcony. He does not know what else to do. The cold night air might ease his mind. Maybe.He gets out of bed, puts on his hotel robe, slippers, and a hat. He walks quietly across the room, opens the balcony door, and steps outside. He lets the immense weight he is carrying fall into one of the plastic seats. His face remains a mask of agony. His shoulders slump with the invisible weight of his apprehension. His fingers twitch as he holds his head in his hands, pressing into his temples. In his mind, he is in a state of desperate, almost existential questioning. He stares into the night, the dark ocean, and the flickering lights on the hills of Valparaiso in the distance. He is attempting to reason with what is happening in his life and everything that led to this point. He whispers to himself, voice breaking.“By chance... I found a great love.”With a fierce intensity, he gazes toward the horizon, grappling with the uncertainty that lies before him, seeking clarity in the chaos.I commit to that great love... despite all the obstacles, language, distance... and now this.He leans forward, hands still gripping his head, as if he is trying to hold it together—physically, emotionally, spiritually. Shaking his head, whispering, pleading.“My God!... Why? Why?”His face is contorted with worry, filling his body and mind.“I can’t do this. I can’t do this. It’s too much... It’s too heavy. No. I can’t do it. I can’t…do it!”He shudders visibly, a tremor running through him. He tightens his grip on his head as though trying to squeeze the anxiety out.“No... no... I can’t... Why? Why?”As Patrick continues to stare into the darkness of the night, he is suddenly hit with what can only be described as an epiphany. It feels like a tiny bolt of lightning strikes his mind, jolting him from the depths of his despair to a profound realization.At that moment of deep despair, I am struck by the realization that I am staring at the reward for my life’s efforts and commitments up to this moment. My commitment to teaching a challenging and necessary way of reasoning with the world. My commitment to finding the words to communicate that reasoning to the broader audience through writing. My commitment to the great love I have for Paola.He continues to stare out at the dark of the night, his thoughts becoming clearer.You are a writer. This is your unique journey, your narrative waiting to be told. Dive deep into your experiences and transform into the writer you were destined to be. Share your story!
Steve - United Kingdom - Positively life affirmingA frank account of a romance across continents. Written in a style that is distinctive, authentic and relentlessly life affirming, the authors enthusiasm and positivity is infectious. I challenge anyone to read this book and not feel better about the world and its inhabitants.
Elizabeth - New York - For you I will fly! A love story for all!From the moment I read the first page I knew I would not be able to put this book down! The journey of two people that fell in love in spite of near impossible odds kept me reading until the wee hours of the evening. I felt the pain, the joy and the celebration of these two wonderful people as they journeyed through life! A must read for all to celebrate love and joy!
Susan - New York - Delightful and heartwarming bookThis beautiful and poignant story captures the magic, romance, and challenges of a long distance relationship. Set in NYC and Chile, the descriptions and language transports you to each place completely. I loved this story about love and resilience.
Sal - New York - real nyc love story!!A captivating soulmate-finding love story, where two individuals, thousands of miles apart, find each other! This story can definitely become a great flick!!
About
I am originally from Ireland and have lived in New York for 26 years. I have been a professor at Columbia University for over 17 years, having also taught at Yale, UC Berkeley, and NYU. My focus is on teaching statistical reasoning, the philosophy or why of statistics, to liberal arts students in a language they can understand.
My Books on Love and ReasonI have published three editions of my book titled "Statistical Thinking through Media Examples". In short, it teaches the student how to question and reason with the statistical information consumed through the media every day. My second book, For You I Will Fly, is about the challenges my wife and I faced when trying to build a life together. Written with a movie in mind, I am currently in the process of making that a reality.I live happily with my wife, Vivian, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Review
For You I Will Fly is an emotionally resonant contemporary novel that explores the extraordinary resilience of love when tested by distance, language, culture, and life's unforeseen hardships. Inspired by true events, the story moves beyond the conventions of romantic fiction to examine the quiet courage required to build a relationship across continents and circumstances that neither protagonist can fully control.Set between Chile and New York City, the novel follows two individuals whose chance connection evolves into a profound partnership despite the obstacles that stand between them. Rather than relying on dramatic twists alone, the narrative derives its emotional strength from authentic human experiences: navigating unfamiliar cultures, communicating across language barriers, caring for family, confronting illness, and choosing hope in moments of uncertainty. These challenges give the romance a credibility that is both refreshing and deeply affecting.One of the novel's greatest strengths is its vivid sense of place. The bustling energy of Manhattan contrasts beautifully with the coastal landscapes of Chile, creating settings that are integral to the emotional journey rather than merely decorative. Airports, city streets, skating rinks, cafés, and seaside promenades become memorable stages on which the characters discover trust, vulnerability, and enduring affection.The prose is direct, accessible, and cinematic, allowing readers to visualize each encounter with remarkable clarity. Dialogue feels natural, and the gradual development of the relationship lends emotional authenticity to every milestone. The story avoids easy sentimentality by grounding its most moving moments in believable choices and genuine sacrifice.Beyond its romance, For You I Will Fly is a meditation on perseverance and the transformative power of human connection. It asks what people are willing to risk for love and answers not through grand declarations but through countless acts of patience, compassion, and unwavering commitment. In doing so, it presents love as an active choice sustained through adversity rather than a fleeting emotion.Readers who appreciate thoughtful, character-driven fiction with international scope will find much to admire. The novel combines the warmth of a heartfelt romance with the emotional depth of a personal journey, resulting in a story that lingers long after the final page. Its universal themes, cinematic imagery, and cross-cultural perspective give it broad appeal and suggest strong potential for adaptation beyond the printed page.For You I Will Fly is a compelling and uplifting novel that reminds us that while oceans, languages, and circumstances may separate people, genuine love possesses a remarkable capacity to bridge even the widest divides.
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