What if the life you built isn’t the one you were meant to live?
John Freeman did everything right.
He followed the rules. Built the career. Chased success.
But somewhere along the way, he lost something.
When a stranger on a commercial flight shares a near-death experience with an impossible twist, John’s carefully constructed life goes into a tailspin. For the first time in years, he begins to question everything.
Because deep down, he knows:
This can’t be all there is.
Drawn back to a dream he abandoned long ago, John discovers a hidden airfield untouched by the modern world. There, a mysterious flight instructor offers lessons that have nothing to do with flying—and everything to do with seeing beyond life’s illusions.
Over one unforgettable summer, John is forced to confront the questions he’s spent years avoiding. Torn between the comfort of the life he knows and the undeniable pull of something more, he faces the ultimate choice:
Stay safe… or risk everything to become who he was meant to be.
Because to truly soar, he must learn to let go of what’s been holding him down.
Praise for Flying Colors
"At home in the compelling realms of The Alchemist and Field of Dreams, Laney's Flying Colors is richly told and impossibly vibrant. The story will stay with you long after the final page is turned."
— John Hart, six-time New York Times bestselling author
Flying Colors is more than a novel. It’s a journey back to wonder, purpose, and the part of you that still believes anything is possible.
Perfect for fans of The Alchemist, Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah, and Way of the Peaceful Warrior, this is the kind of book that finds you when you need it most—and stays with you long after you set it down.
Reader comments about Flying Colors:
“Flying Colors is a masterfully written, thought-provoking, and deeply moving novel.”
“This is a beautifully written story that is easy to read and contains wonderful lessons for anyone who has ever questioned if they are on the right path.”
“If you're looking for a book that will leave you feeling inspired and hopeful, Flying Colors is a must-read.”
“This book is truly special.”
“Flying Colors is one of those stories you keep coming back to over and over in your mind, long after the last page is turned.”
“This book is absolutely one I will read many times over the coming years…”
“From the first page to the last, this story is one that lifts you. This book will get your mind churning with thoughts of why you haven't taken that leap like you dream.“
“Flying Colors kept me engaged all the way until the end.“
“Poses a lot for a person to think about — do we do what is expected of us by others or ultimately find our own path?“
“What a positive, inspiring read in a day and time of constant negativity!“
“Loved this book with the lessons on life and happiness.“
“Makes you realize that there can be more in life if you let it, but you have to want it and go get it.“
“Flying Colors is an inspirational story that has reminded me to follow my true path. I have never finished a book so quickly.“
“This may well be one of the most inspiring books I've ever read.“
“This is a great story of the journey to discover the true self.“
“If you are looking for a book with inspiration and meaning to uplift you, look no further.“
“I am jealous of anyone who hasn't read this book yet because there is nothing like that first time of being delightfully surprised by an engrossing book that you don't want to put down.“
Christopher (Chris) Laney is a writer and pilot born on the hills of the Mystic River in Massachusetts. That may be why he loves to follow life's glints and glimmers to discover the magical places they lead. He now enjoys living in the mystic realms of North Carolina, where he's working on his next novel. Chris has penned numerous magazine feature articles on varied subjects, from learning to fly to travel to destressing through mid-day escapes. His recent novel, Flying Colors, is a fitting story for turbulent times that encourages readers to discover what matters most by finding what lifts them. If you'd like to read more by Chris, check out his Dare to Soar posts at ChristopherLaney.com.
