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Michael Patrick Clark
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Flying with cuckoos Kindle Edition

by Michael Patrick Clark (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 160 ratings
A heart-warming coming-of-age tale, Flying with Cuckoos is Michael Patrick Clark's hilarious autobiography; plotting his early life from orphan child in unhappy adopted home to membership of one of the most ill-disciplined and disreputable units in the British armed forces. As the story unfolds we follow his unsteady progress; from one-sided battles with school bullies in suburban England, to even-more one-sided battles with the S.A.S. in some of the world’s most dangerous and exotic places, and from embarrassing skirmishes with teenage Lolitas to carnal catastrophe and more sophisticated sexual predators. Set against backgrounds as diverse as occupied Europe, the jungles of South-East Asia, the hedonistic excess of swinging-sixties Bangkok and Singapore, and the desolate wilderness of the Northern Sahara Desert, Flying with Cuckoos is a touching story of hope and achievement, and the remarkable journal of a young man’s struggle to survive and overcome. Reviews: “A genuinely touching story with real laugh out loud moments!!” – Amazon Reviewer “This is a coming of age story that many people can empathize with” – Amazon Reviewer “It is a wonderful story of finding yourself, finding your strength and finding what lies beyond.” – Amazon Reviewer “a compelling tale of triumph over adversity” – Amazon Reviewer “An excellent book. Captivating, real, tragic and funny.” – Amazon Reviewer Contains adult subject and strong language
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  1. Print length
    280 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    2 Dec. 2013
  5. Reading age
    14 - 18 years
  6. File size
    1.7 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B008EKQYQC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ MDB Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 2 Dec. 2013
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.7 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 14 - 18 years
  • Customer reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 160 ratings

About the author

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Michael Patrick Clark

Michael Patrick Clark

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Michael Patrick Clark was born on The Fourth of July 1950. He spent the first few years of his life in an orphanage, before adoption brought a new home and a change of name.

Unhappy at home, Michael joined the armed forces as a boy apprentice. He trained in telecommunications, before joining a specialist mobile-communications unit.

In the years that followed he travelled the world; living and working in environments as exotic, hostile, and diverse as the Sahara Desert, Europe, the Australian outback, South-East Asia, and Central and South America.

Following his service with the armed forces Michael moved into the computer industry; working on international consultancy for U.S. technology manufacturers, before a dramatic change of priorities saw him abandon the bustle of commerce for a more relaxed and rustic lifestyle writing novels in the Spanish countryside.

Since then he has written and published three books: The Folks at Fifty-Eight, Flying with Cuckoos, and his second and latest conspiracy and espionage thriller: Hierarchies of Greed.

If you'd like to get in touch with Mike visit his website at http://www.michaelpatrickclark.com/ add him on Twitter: @mpclark77 / add him on Facebook: MichaelPatrickClark

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
160 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book to be a great read with engaging storytelling and humor. They appreciate its authenticity, with one customer noting its detailed portrayal of 60's history.

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10 customers mention ‘Story quality’10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's story, with one customer describing it as an absorbing tale of growing up, while another finds it a wonderful story of courage.

"...What an interesting story taking you through life's highs and lows; I found this book to be truly inspiring...." Read more

"...The similar perverse humour is there, but this book also reeks of 60's history, described in such a way you just wanna be there...." Read more

"An interesting story of one mans struggle through life...." Read more

"...with the help of friends and colleagues in the R.A.F. A wonderful story of courage with lots of attitude...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Authenticity’5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the authenticity of the book, with one noting its true-to-life nature and another highlighting its detailed storytelling.

"...(which is a spy thriller) I thought there was a very good tranisition in styles to biography also." Read more

"An unusual book about real life with no punches pulled...." Read more

"...what Michael has done is told a superb story of his life, with such detail,facts,it was really good,and appreciated the last page to let the reader..." Read more

"Thoroughly enjoyed this autobiography dealing with the early part of the author's life in the RAF...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Humor’5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one noting it is written with dignity.

"...The F@FE was gripping, intense and for me, a must make film. Touching, funny and at times humbling, it certainly wasn't!..." Read more

"...Unusually, I found myself laughing out loud and didn't want the book to end. This is a rare occasion where I agree with the sales blurb." Read more

"Written with the dignity of one who has suffered as an adoptive, unloved child and created a life for himself with the help of friends and..." Read more

"This book was not quite what I expected, it reads easily and has a lot of humour, there was a lot in the authors account which most men can relate to..." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Readability’5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a great read.

"I was given this book as a gift and have found it to be a great read...." Read more

"...Although some parts were slow & difficult, this turned out to be a very good book, shame it ended when it did." Read more

"...done is told a superb story of his life, with such detail,facts,it was really good,and appreciated the last page to let the reader know how it all..." Read more

"We could all learn from the road trodden here. Very enjoyable and true to life. End of the review, bye!" Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • MLF
    5.0 out of 5 stars A very compelling read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 July 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I was given this book as a gift and have found it to be a great read. Normally I have a few books on the go at any one time by they all went by the wayside when I started reading this!

    What an interesting story taking you through life's highs and lows; I found this book to be truly inspiring.

    Having read Clark's other published book (which is a spy thriller) I thought there was a very good tranisition in styles to biography also.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • M. D. F. Phillips
    4.0 out of 5 stars A very real tale of a young man finding himself.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 July 2015
    Verified Purchase
    An unusual book about real life with no punches pulled. An account of a lonely young man adopted by unloving parents and the appalling bullying he received which transforms into his colourful adventures in the RAF in many different countries during which time he finds himself and grows strong as a person. The various locations are described in a detailed and colourful manner that I found fascinating. This author has real talent. My only criticism was I found the childhood section a bit too long but the real test is whether I enjoyed the book and did I finish it. I enjoyed it greatly and I felt a bit sad when I finished it that I had come to the end! I recommend it.
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  • peter gomme
    3.0 out of 5 stars Quick read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 June 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Good start dragged on a little
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  • OsteoMan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gem of a surprise!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 August 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Having enjoyed the excellent Folks at Fifty-eight by the same author, I downloaded this for my Kindle. I don't exactly know what I was expecting, but it certainly wasn't this.

    The F@FE was gripping, intense and for me, a must make film. Touching, funny and at times humbling, it certainly wasn't! Which is where Flying with Cuckoos comes in. Credit to the author who is obviously both talented and versatile. He knows how tell a good story, and this is a great story! There are aspects of his personal take on the RAF which remind me of one of my favourite reads, Catch 22. The similar perverse humour is there, but this book also reeks of 60's history, described in such a way you just wanna be there.

    So, all in all, a fab journey. Highs, lows, tears & laughter!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 September 2014
    Verified Purchase
    An interesting story of one mans struggle through life.
    Although some parts were slow & difficult, this turned out to be a very good book, shame it ended when it did.
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  • Skytriker
    5.0 out of 5 stars Everything the sales blurb promised
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 July 2014
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    I really didn't expect much from this book. After all, how could someone's life in the peacetime RAF be anything other than self indulgent. I have never been more delighted to be wrong. Unusually, I found myself laughing out loud and didn't want the book to end. This is a rare occasion where I agree with the sales blurb.
    One person found this helpful
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  • P Reed
    1.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't finish it
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 October 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I'm sad to say I just didn't get on with this book. I gave it a good stab, but found it boring and actually gave up on it.
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  • avid reader
    4.0 out of 5 stars A heartfelt tale
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 November 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Written with the dignity of one who has suffered as an adoptive, unloved child and created a life for himself with the help of friends and colleagues in the R.A.F. A wonderful story of courage with lots of attitude. Thanks Michael for writing your story, you sure deserve the happiness you have now. I thoroughly recommend this book.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Julia
    2.0 out of 5 stars Not exactly says she...
    Reviewed in Canada on 7 July 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I took this to be the first writing effort of Michael Patrick Clark 's. Let me say firstly, do not judge a book by its cover nor its title. If you are keen on books about aircraft, ace pilots, military aircraft., or all combined esp any battles, wars, event involving any of all of the above, you'll be disappointed. The title is much exaggerated imo, be transported doesnt exactly put you as "Flying w Cuckoos "esp when on your way to military game practices with tanks & trucks, jeeps in the plane as well, I doubt too much "cuckoo "manoeuvers wud be involved -a tight landing. Once. Not enuff to constitute slapping such a title.

    There's a lot I found bogus in this memoir. An adopted English child to English parents is despised by both parents & sister, even as a young age. No one forced this adoption, no dying relative, so it's quite incredulous that the mother is nasty & sneering except when he's accused of looking up a teacher's skirt, the mother speaks to the headmaster calling the teacher a tart & inviting this conduct -it does not sound remotely feasible. There's a lot of unlikely occurrences where girls, prostitutes, mistresses are given to words & actions that are pretty much type cast in the same sleazy manner, sorry to say obviously tits n ass view of some English men, even sadder, younger generation. It hampers them as men & writers. It's also laughable that a guy
    with one sexual escapade while drunk & to the credit of two Bangkok hookers who find him irresistible they stay the night, is later able to satisfy a married woman into ecstasy she's never sampled ...to coin a phrase used too often by such lads "it's silly! "....

    Moving on as better characterization is saved for boot camp "Beastie " turns this insipid weakling bullied all his youth by his peers & of course loathed by his adoptive parents, into the makings of a boxer.

    There are segments in this young man's career with the RAF Royal Airforce. -training but not as a pilot (hence flying w cuckoos is cuckoo) but the closest they come to squirmishes with any opponent is with the Aussies in a part of the South Pacific - yes war games with paintball guns & blanks. All great fun. A few snags with one incident avoiding a snake thus putting a vehicle into a tree. The reason it's not that funny - at least to me & most I wud think -The Vietnam War is taking place with the Americans in the thick. Now our RAF communications young man is quick to observe this & to remark that while the Brits playing war games w the Aussies are not involved, they are given use of one of the American bases. Oh how terrible he notes, all those missions, each one in future by statistic less likely to end well...but boy do those Yanks have it good. The food, the spread they get when the Brits @ their fake skirmishes had to eat stew from a can. Those Americans are warm to the Brits because tee hee -they think they're there to assist in their war, not just eat at their base, enjoy movies & entertainment. Clarke is speaking of those at base of course who made it back or aren't up to their waists in jungle swamp.

    I just don't happen to see that War through the same view but then, I was there playing war nearby with the Aussies & washable paint as my weapon.

    Things pick up -it's off to Africa & damn if the Americans dont top the Brits again by having a base near Tangiers & the nicer part of the Mediterranean. Whereas, the Brits are in some gritty place with desert view & nothing to do but drink lager. It does get more complicated when deciding between a waterskiing club or diving group must be weighed in..while screwing the brasses wife....

    There's a laugh or two to be had. The writing isn't really bad but if I were someone interested in the afore mention such as flying w cuckoos, planes, battles, and not just a woman
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  • Annie Athens
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Free Book This Year
    Reviewed in the United States on 16 September 2013
    Verified Purchase
    OK first I must say this is a 'Man's Book'. A true story based around the coming of age of a young orphan and his experiences in the RAF. I enjoyed it but am not one for sickly romances or 50 shades of Grey. Saying that this does have some very explicit sexual passages which in this case I found acceptable as they relate to the portrayal of the characters in the book. There is understandably a good deal of bad language as these are young servicemen not novices. If like me you are an avid reader, like something different to the usual run of the mill good reads, then you may well enjoy. You can then save your money by passing over to hubby or boyfriend who for sure will enjoy the narrative. There is pathos and humour and I did enjoy. I am not a friend of the author, or an editor,and I haven't read his other novel but I will in the future.
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  • Tom from CT
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well worth reading
    Reviewed in the United States on 1 July 2015
    Verified Purchase
    A fine autobiography-exposed me to a life and time I knew little about (British military in the last 60's and early 70's) and subtly conveyed some important life lessons along the way. Too many autobiographers are too full of their own self importance (especially moderately famous entertainers) or feel they have to beat you over the head with the points they are trying to make repeated. Mr. Clark does an apparently honest telling of this stage of his life, warts and all.
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  • M. T. Dyson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the download
    Reviewed in the United States on 12 September 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Originally bought this because it sorta sounded interesting. But from page one the book grabbed my attention and never let go as it follows a young social misfit from his school days through his enlistement in the RAF and subsequent worldwide adventures. I can only really remember one part of the book that bogged down a little bit (when he goes home and confronts his father.) other than that it's a crackerjack of a read from start to finish.
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  • Perspectives
    3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on 17 July 2014
    Verified Purchase
    It was more of a adult comming of age and his attempted sexual exploits than antisipated.
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