Sky Daddy by Kate Folk is a delightfully bizarre yet surprisingly heartfelt novel. Linda’s unconventional obsession with planes becomes a poignant exploration of self-acceptance and desire. Amidst the absurdity, Folk crafts a narrative that’s both hilarious and deeply moving. The balance of humor and emotional depth makes this an unforgettable read, even if the pacing falters slightly in the middle.

The minute I heard about the premise of this story I thought to myself, "That is so bizarre...I need to read it immediately!" It didn't disappoint. It was bizarre, heartfelt, funny, and sometimes aggravating and sad. I found myself often wondering what condition the main character had since it seemed her issue went way further than just a fetish. Also, if you have an issue with second-hand embarrassment, this is not the book for you. There were parts that, while fascinating, were deeply uncomfortable to read. I finished the book last night and I'm still thinking about it. In fact, I reread the last page immediately after finishing the book. Twice.

If the synopsis of this book appeals to you, it's worth a read. I'll be interested in picking up other things from this author.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

From the first sentence I knew this was going to be a clever book.

On face value it might seem like a slightly (OK, very) unhinged book but ultimately it's really a story about finding self-acceptance and the power of the law of attraction.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, and the author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I already know the “weird girl book” section of booktok is going to eat this up. As they should. This was such an absurd, hilarious read. I found myself reading passages out loud to my husband just because I was loving what I was reading and I needed him to experience it. There was a lot more emotional depth in this than I was expecting, and Kate Folk managed to balance the emotions with the humor so well. The only thing keeping this from being a 5-star was I did feel the pacing slowed down a bit in the middle, but even with the slower pacing I found myself reading this one sitting because I was loving it so much.

ARC provided by NetGalley

This was one of my favorite reads of the year. I really admire Kate Folk’s writing style, because with such an out-there premise and a naive, peculiar main character, it would be easy for this book to go off the rails and become near-parody, but it’s sweet and tender, amidst all the weirdness. Linda, the main character, is written in such a loving, non-judgmental way, that her obsession and love for aircraft carriers seems almost ordinary. It’s a testament to Kate’s writing that what could be too bizarre a plot is instead a moving story of a different kind of character finding her own place in the world. Also was laughing out loud at the descriptions Linda gives of the planes she is attracted too - referencing their “undercarriage” and calling them “fellows” was such a fun choice. I loved this. Will absolutely be buying copies for the readers in my life.

I’ve just finished Sky Daddy. It was such a humorous read. Pick this one up on publication day. You’ll be laughing out loud.

I've been sitting here for 6min now trying to think of how to even start this review.... This book.... Man, I just... It's so good, and I don't know why? I tried to explain the premise to my husband and he asked if I was okay. I'm embarrassed to suggest this to friends IRL because of what they might think of me and my tastes. I'll never be able to mindlessly board a plane again, this has changed everything.

But seriously, Kate Folk has a knack for immersing you in a story so weird your "this would never happen" radar doesn't go off (or maybe I just don't care if it does? either way, I like it). I wasn't sure Out There could be topped, but I Sky Daddy takes the cake that it's clear as.

I really don't know how else to explain this book other than suggesting you try to imagine if Hard Copy by Fien Veldman and The New Me by Halle Butler<i>annnnd</i> Exalted by Anna Dorn had a baby.

{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Kate Folk and Random House for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!}

(Submitted to NetGalley and Storygraph 9/7/24)

I rushed to request this book on NetGalley, being a big fan of Kate Folk’s short story collection, and this did not disappoint. Underneath the truly insane plot (tried to explain it to my husband and he didn’t believe it was a real book) is a story about a strange woman trying to make sense of the world in her own terms. If I was in college, I’d write a whole essay analysis on the subtext of this weird novel, because there is so much within it about love, friendship, and the power of our own minds. I enjoyed this book a whole lot, and I can’t wait for Kate Folk’s next offering.