This book was okay…I think I would’ve enjoyed it more if I was interested in the actual science behind flying, flight statistics, and airplanes. I would have DNF’d it if it wasn’t for the personal thread of Beth’s life and my interested to see how her relationship played out. Honestly, if you have little to no knowledge of flight information and don’t have any interest in learning about it, then this book isn’t for you.

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

My review was originally published to my blog at https://rianashahid.com/blog/books/flying-alone-beth-ruggiero-york-review/ on October 15, 2020. Here is an excerpt:

Flying Alone by Beth Ruggiero York recounts her turbulent (pun intended) journey through the male-dominated world that is aviation. We follow her through her jobs at shady airports to eventually reaching her goal of flying for a major airline. While this is a memoir, it is written with so much attention to the art of storytelling, that I completely forgot that this isn’t a work of fiction. The writing is so raw, honest, and suspenseful that I read this entire book in less than 24 hours — I seriously could NOT put it down.

Beth knew she wanted to be a pilot from a very young age. But when a probable diagnosis of multiple sclerosis threw a wrench into her plans, she still doesn’t give up. She works and continues to learn at a small local airport to earn her license. But this is where everything gets a little messy.

Young and blinded by love (or maybe just a desire for male approval), she falls into a relationship with her flight instructor, Steve. Let’s just say that Steve is not the most wholesome person for Beth to be around. He is a much more experienced pilot and doesn’t let anyone forget it. When they work at the same airport, Beth is always kept in Steve’s shadow. And when she tries to advance her career by taking better jobs elsewhere, Steve is quick to apply for the same jobs, wowing everyone with his experience and charisma. Steve reads as the kind of grimy character upon whom you wish nothing but failure. He repeatedly dismisses Beth’s accomplishments and belittles her, which only makes the ending all the more satisfying.

Had high hopes for this one. Was a bit monotonous and it wasn't a fun read.

Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book . While I got the book for free, it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.