TOPGUN by Dan Pedersen seems to be the type of book that would appeal to many of our students who are interested in war, the military, and adventure. In fact, this non-fiction work has been praised by Booklist as "an excellent read for YAs curious about naval aviation." Unfortunately, I lost access to the preview text before having a chance to delve very deeply into it so I am giving this title a neutral 3 star rating.

I thank Captain Pedersen, USN Ret, for his service and for the gift that is his story. Topgun is written quite conversationally, and I appreciated that writing style while reading the more technical sections. Who better to share the story of the creation of Topgun, than a man who lived and breathed it. This book is definitely a combination of genres, memoir and history, with a sprinkling of social commentary and institutional criticism. I think that the addition of the back story of Dan Pedersen's personal and professional life (outside the Topgun years) laid the foundation for an interesting book. I appreciated his willingness to refrain from sugar coating the aspects of the career he chose, especially the effect it had on his family. I would recommend this book on many levels, for the aviation buff, for the history, for the story, and for the experience.
I received my copy through NetGalley and am under no obligation to the publisher.

"Topgun" is equal parts autobiography, history of the Naval Fighter Weapons School, and diatribe against foolish Navy leadership and politicians. This a fun book, especially the parts about Pederson's time aboard surface ships. In the end the hero gets the girl, so all is well.

A well written history of Navy Fighter Weapons School, also known as Top Gun, although it's more of a autobiography of its founder. This is a quick read.