The inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War 11
Ms. Landdeck is an associate professor and teaches courses on the twentieth century United States and global war. What an interesting read her book is.
“The Women with Silver Wings” is the culmination of her 20 years of research on the Women Airforce Service Pilots. The WASP were the first women in history to fly for the U.S. military, serving between 1942 and 1944 at the height of World WAR 11. These daring female aviators who helped the United States win WW 11 only to be forgotten by the country they served.
It has been a privilege for Ms. Landdeck get to know these women over years and to tell the stories of these amazing women in action. At the height of WW 11 more than 1000 women volunteered as civilian pilots to relieve men for overseas duty. They ferried planes across the country from factories to points of embarkation, towed targets behind planes to train ground and air gunners, test flew planes after repairs and other domestic flying duty that the Air Forces needed done. The author describes in details their day to day life: the months of training, were they were stationed, the types of aircraft they flew and their down time.
The WASP were deactivated in December 1944 up to 1977 they continued their battle to be officially recognised as part of the Military. In 1984 each pilot was awarded the WW 11 Victory medal and others the American Theater Ribbon and Campaign Medal. In 2009, after decades-long battle, the women contributions finally honored and were granted the Congressional Gold Medal and officially recognized as military veterans. The status fully recognised in 2017.
This book is superbly researched and consists of numerous vignettes of the remarkable pilots. It is smoothly written with relatively short chapters to keep us interested. In whole an easy read and a great educating tool.
On the down side: I found too much was said for a regular size book, information seemed cramped in. I was deeply into this book for most part but ¾ in, things started to turn in circle, became repetitive and dragged somewhat. I was anxious to see the ending by then. Having said this, I still would recommend this book to those who love this time in history.
I received an ARC from Crown Publishing via NetGalley for my thoughts.
Ivy Nash Thriller book #1
Redemption Thriller book # 7
Ivy Nash is the second sub-series of the Redemption Thriller Collection. In the past few months I have been reviewing the Alex Trout Thrillers, the first of the sub-series and enjoyed them immensely, so I was eager to get my teeth (hands) on the Ivy Nash experience hoping to be as much entertained as in the first series.
John Mefford is a talented author and knows how to build his characters for us to relate to them and he does a good job in doing so. “In Defiance” starts by telling us a bit of Ivy’s background, a system kid growing up in foster care. As an adult Ivy became a special investigator for Child Protective Services and would do anything for the wellbeing of children. So, when a volatile hostage situation at a foster home happens Ivy is right there to help but unfortunately the situation reaches a bitter end and an investigation is launched. The story that follows is a series of twists and turns, accusations, abuse, connections to drugs and a shockwave of horrific childhood memories.
Ivy is a character you simply love: she is strong, independent and is not afraid of trouble. Her past will not dictate her present and she will go all out to prove that a 10 year old boy is not guilty of murder. There is some heart breaking moments.
The tempo is moderate and keeps the same pace from start to finish. Although I did find Ivy’s drama entertaining I was not as captivated by it has I was with Alex’s stories, anyways so far. . Having said this, “In Defiance” is still a page turner and a good opening for another exciting series. Looking forward to story #2.
Zeb Carter book #5
What can I say except this is one exhausting read and a heck of a good one on top. For those looking for thrilling and never ending action, this latest will more than satisfied your craving. In “Traitor” Mr. Patterson does not leave Zeb any time to rest now that he is the target of all the assassins around the word. The best and most respected operator has been framed, labeled a traitor and a kill order has been placed.
The story line is a riveting one and could easily be ripped from headlines. In Libya, Zeb is in pursuit of the world’s deadliest terrorist when the first kill team attacks him. But this is the start of a hunting game…Can he stay alive….well of course he did …as in all good series the protagonist is needed for the sequel (no secret there).
This is by far not a boring story, from the first chapter till the very last we have Zeb jumping many hurdles and killing many to stay alive in order to accomplish what he came to do. Along the way, we are into one crazy scene after the other giving us lots of excitement with many of twists and turns popping out continually. Mr. Patterson also did not forget to give us plenty of violence to make us cringe. This thriller is so vividly describe that you can picture every move in your mind. As for the characters, the usual gang eventually shows up to save the day, they play strong parts as expected. All good by the end…good guys win and bad guys lose…
This is another good suspense written by one of my favourite authors.
