Falling by T. J. Newman delivers a gripping, fast-paced thriller with a unique premise of a pilot forced to choose between his passengers and his family. Reviews highlight its relentless tension and unpredictability, praising Newman's background in aviation. However, some critique its implausibility and underdeveloped characters. Overall, it's a captivating debut, albeit with some shortcomings.

Readers who would enjoy Falling by T. J. Newman are thrill-seekers and fans of high-stakes suspense. If you liked the intensity of The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins or the heart-pounding scenarios in Hostage by Clare Mackintosh, you'll likely be captivated by Newman's gripping aviation thriller.

In T.J. Newman's debut novel, Falling, commercial airline pilot Bill Hoffman faces an impossible dilemma when his family is kidnapped during a flight from California to New York; he must crash the plane to save them. Exploring the high-stakes challenges and the intense emotional turmoil experienced by Bill, the novel combines a gripping plot with the author's insider knowledge of airline operations, culminating in a taught thriller. This guide mentions stereotypical portrayals of Middle-Eastern peoples.

Suspenseful / Dark / Unnerving / Emotional / Challenging

- T. J. Newman, a former flight attendant, spent a decade working in the airline industry, providing her with firsthand insights that inspired her debut novel, Falling.
- Falling was written during T. J. Newman's downtime while working red-eye flights, often jotting down ideas on the back of airplane napkins.
- The novel caught the attention of Hollywood even before its release, securing a movie deal shortly after a high-profile bidding war for its publishing rights.

**Bill Hoffman**  
An experienced pilot and dedicated family man, who grapples with intense pressures both in the cockpit and his personal life, embodying themes of leadership and responsibility.

**Saman "Sam" Khani**  
A complex antagonist whose actions are driven by personal and political motivations, presenting a challenge to the protagonist while revealing unexpected dimensions through interactions with other characters.

**Jo Watkins**  
A skilled and courageous flight attendant who plays a pivotal role in ensuring passenger safety and communicating with authorities during a high-stakes situation.

**Carrie Hoffman**  
Bill's supportive wife, who exemplifies the strength of familial bonds and plays a crucial part in revealing different facets of other key characters.

**Theo Baldwin**  
An intuitive FBI agent known for his decisive and risky actions, providing essential support and coordination with authorities in resolving the central conflict.

T. J. Newman

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Falling Summary and Study Guide

Background

Falling Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 8

Falling Prologue-Chapter 8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-17

Falling Chapters 9-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-26

Falling Chapters 18-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-34

Falling Chapters 27-34 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 35-42

Falling Chapters 35-42 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Falling Character Analysis

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Themes

Falling Themes

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Falling Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Falling Important Quotes

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Falling Essay Topics

Falling: A Novel

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