From Reno to Normandy and Home to Macomb: Scott Grange’s Debut Novel “Flying Lessons”
By - Hannah Chatterton - The Forgottonia Times™
Author Scott Grange posing with "Flying Lessons" during a book signing at Wordsmith Bookshoppe in Galesburg.
In the familiar town of Macomb, Scott Grange has found a new chapter in life—both literally and figuratively. The retired educator turned novelist recently released his debut book, "Flying Lessons," a poignant tale of family, self-discovery, and the echoes of history. Grange's journey from the bustling streets of Reno, Nevada, to the tranquil Midwest mirrors the themes of his novel: uncovering hidden truths and embracing transformation.
Born in California and raised in Carson City, Grange's early years were shaped by a love of storytelling. While still in high school, a creative writing course at the local community college with fantasy author David Eddings ignited his passion for writing. "He pushed me to write about things I never wrote about before, and at a much higher quality." Eddings' encouragement stayed with him through decades of teaching, marriage, and raising three children. But it wasn't until meeting his second wife, Noela, that Grange found the courage and inspiration to pursue his long-held dream of becoming an author. His love and thanks to her for her support is apparent as he talks about his entry into authorship.
"Flying Lessons" unfolds across two timelines: one in 2023 and the other in 1944. It tells the story of a man estranged from his 101-year-old grandfather, whose death reveals a trove of secrets about his wartime service as a decorated pilot. The grandson's journey to Normandy to piece together his grandfather's hidden past becomes a lens for his own personal reckoning. Many of the protagonist's reactions when arriving in Normandy are actually Grange's own responses to visiting Normandy on its 75th anniversary. Though still a work of fiction, Grange was inspired to write the story based on true experiences that his grandparents told him as a child about their lives throughout wartime.
"I wanted to honor my grandparents and their generation by writing it," says Grange. "So, even though my grandparents have passed, my love and honor for them was the main inspiration for the story that I finally put down on paper."
Grange's 30-year career in education provided a wealth of material for his writing. Teaching and leading schools gave him an appreciation of human idiosyncrasies and complexities—qualities evident in the nuanced relationships depicted in "Flying Lessons." Amusingly, an actual conversation Grange held with a middle school teacher twenty years ago underpins a conversation the main protagonist and his principal have in "Flying Lessons." Grange's portrayal of generational tension and reconciliation is also deeply moving, offering readers a heartfelt reminder of the importance of understanding family legacies.
Now calling Forgottonia home, Grange and his wife have embraced the Midwest's charm and sense of community, feeling as welcomed here as if they had lived here their whole lives. He shared that growing up, he loved visiting all the small local bookstores near him, receiving book recommendations from all the owners who knew him before big book companies like Barnes and Noble made those shops obsolete. His books are now displayed in New Copperfield's Book Service in Macomb and Wordsmith Bookshoppe in Galesburg. "Seeing my novel on their shelves fills me with pride," Grange says. "I realize I am still part of a culture that values great customer service and cultural literacy."
Grange is already at work on his next book, a departure from historical fiction that promises to surprise readers. As for "Flying Lessons," it continues to resonate with audiences, offering a timely meditation on healing, heritage, and the courage to take flight.
For those seeking a novel that deftly bridges past and present, "Flying Lessons" is a soaring debut. Sneak peek below:
"I believe it is up to us, the children and grandchildren who knew these people, to keep these stories going." Dieter pointed to the gravesites in front of them. "So all this, this madness, doesn't happen again. So the men in all these cemeteries are worth more than just a headstone."