The Kite That Couldn’t Fly
and other May Avenue Stories
by Michael Menard
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Pub Date May 24 2024 | Archive Date Oct 18 2024
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Description
Trigger warmings: complex childhood trauma
In “The Kite That Couldn’t Fly: And Other May Avenue Stories,” Michael Menard crafts a captivating memoir, weaving a narrative of resilience and hope from the threads of his challenging childhood. Raised amidst poverty and complex trauma, Menard was one of 14 siblings, each uniquely shaped by their shared experiences. His memoir transcends mere storytelling; it’s a journey through the harrowing and the humorous, the unbelievable and the universal, resonating deeply with the human spirit of overcoming adversity.
Menard’s life is a beacon of triumph, demonstrating that out of the darkest circumstances can emerge the brightest futures. His account is not just his own but a voice for those who have faced similar trials. From laugh-out-loud anecdotes to heart-wrenching realities, the book navigates through a spectrum of emotions, offering readers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into a life less ordinary. At its core, this book is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. Menard’s mother, Arletta, emerges as a hero, imparting lessons of love, hope, and resilience. In contrast, his father, Paul, embodies the complexities of a man shaped by his own trauma, offering a nuanced portrayal of parenthood and survival.
“The Kite That Couldn’t Fly” isn’t just a memoir; it’s a mirror for us all, reflecting the universal journey of struggle and success. It challenges readers to confront their pasts, understand their present, and rekindle hope for their futures. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to find light in their darkness, strength in their struggles, and a reminder that even a kite that couldn’t fly can soar to unimaginable heights.
About the Author
Michael Menard’s journey from a childhood marked by complex trauma to a successful adult is a story of post-traumatic growth. As a teenager, he gained confidence and presentation skills as a member of a popular local rock band in Chicago.
His early years were characterized by innovation, as seen in his creation of mouse-skin gloves at age 12 with his sister Polly and his idea for a disposable diaper with elastic legs at age 18, leading to his first patent.
Michael’s inventiveness caught the attention of Johnson & Johnson, where he eventually became the first Worldwide Vice President of Engineering, earning a total of 14 patents that revolutionized the absorbent products industry. Michael holds the original patents on infant disposable diapers and feminine sanitary napkins with wings. His inventions are now responsible for over $50 billion in annual sales.
Michael later co-founded The GenSight Group, a consulting and software company that helps organizations optimize the allocation of their limited resources. Michael has advised the leadership of and has spoken to such organizations as Intel, Coca-Cola, Pfizer, The US Department of Energy, NASA and The United Nations. He is the author of two best-selling business books; A Fish in Your Ear and Corporate Transformation and remains the President of GenSight. Living in Tennessee with his wife, Emilie, Michael is a proud father of five daughters and grandfather to nine grandchildren.
Michael Menard has already achieved great success as a world class inventor, entrepreneur, business leader and father. But now at the age 73, Michael’s book The Kite That Couldn’t Fly may be his greatest contribution to the planet.
A Note From the Publisher
Author is available for interviews, blog tours, autographed tours, autographed book giveaways, contests, and book club discussions
Advance Praise
"What a truly superb and beautiful book! Michael Menard is a master storyteller, whose tales brought me from laughter one moment to tears another. The Kite That Couldn't Fly is chock full of wisdom, humor, and insights about why we thrive and why we stumble. It shows how unconditional love, hope, faith, and a strong spine overcome the most difficult circumstances. I'm grateful for the pleasure of reading it and know it will be an inspiration and uplift to all who read it." - GLENN R. SCHIRALDI, PH.D., LT. COLONEL, AUTHOR, THE ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES RECOVERY WORKBOOK
"An amazing journey from violence and poverty into triumph! The stories are compelling and touching but it's more than a story. This book can help heal the wounds we carry from childhood. I couldn't put it down." - DAVE FARROW, INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR
"Menard has written a midwestern version of Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes and even the malignant nuns make a cameo. It's the storytelling and the unique structure of the book that makes The Kite That Couldn't Fly so compelling." - JAMES MURRAY, PHD
“I have been working in the clinical field for 25 years with a focus on chronic Depression and the trauma that typically precedes it. Michael Menard’s book, “The Kite That Couldn’t fly” is not only entertaining but packed full of hope and resilience. The toxic stress from childhood trauma creates mental and physical health hazards that affects over 150 million adults today in the USA alone, and over a billion people on our planet. Michael tells his stories with vulnerability and raw openness; stories that open eyes, minds and doors to those suffering from generations of childhood trauma. Rarely is there a book that comes along that is not only a great read, but also reveals bacons of hope and healing.” — LEE LONG, EDD, LPC-SDIRECTOR OF RESTORATION COUNSELING, FORT WORTH TEXAS
“This book is a must read for most everyone. Some to better understand their own childhood challenges, and some to better understand their own humanity. Some greatness takes year. Harlan Sanders started KFC at age 65. Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote Little House on the Prairie at 65. Grandma Moses started painting at 76. Michael Menard has already achieved great success as a world class inventor, entrepreneur, business leader and father. At age 73, Michael’s book The Kite That Couldn’t Fly may be his greatest contribution to the planet.” — DAVID E. NIELSEN,BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, THE 9 DIMENSIONS OF CONSCIOUS SUCCESS
"This book brilliantly showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the intricacies of life. I was deeply moved by the shared emotional experiences, rooting for the children to overcome their challenging starts and to discover strength and confidence in their unique personalities and gifts. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of how our childhoods shape us and the profound realization that we are guided by forces far greater than what is immediately visible around us.” — LAUREN ECKHARDT, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR & CEO OF BURNING SOUL PRESS
“Menard has become one of the great American storytellers. Every one of the stories brought me to tears. Some from joy, others from sadness, but mostly tears from reliving my childhood. This book has open doors that have been tightly closed for 40 years. About time” - JAMES WRIGHT
Available Editions
EDITION | Hardcover |
ISBN | 9781950476916 |
PRICE | $26.99 (USD) |
PAGES | 364 |