What an outstanding Audio book! The story swept me away immediately, and the narrator did a fabulous job. Definitely destined to be in the top ten audio books of the year!

This book is why I love historical fiction. I knew nothing about the aviatrix Bessie Coleman but now my brain and heart are filled with her challenges, desires, and courage exhibited to become a trailblazer. She is the first black female aviatrix in the early days of flying. In order to get her pilot's license she had to go to France, learn the language, and pass the tests there since no one would teach her in the U.S. She earned her license before Amelia Earhart. Bessie overcame racism, sexism, language barriers, broken bones, money issues, and more to fulfill her destiny. Back in the U.S., she performed barnstorming stunts around the country to share her love of flying in hopes that it would inspire other Black girls and boys to want to fly. Her life ended way too soon and in such a surprising way, I gasped as I was listening to the book.
Kudos to the author for sharing this amazing woman with the world. Bessie was unstoppable. She was blessed with a wonderful family and some very smart sponsors who supported her throughout her flying years.
The narrator, Alaska Jackson, did a wonderful job performing the many voices of this story. Her tone and inflections of the many dialects are spot on and add to the enjoyment of this book. I felt like I was listening to Bessie tell her amazing life story. I would listen to more books narrated by her.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for an inspiring story of another woman that has been forgotten in history. It is a little long, but the time to read this was so worth it. I will be thinking of Bessie Coleman for quite a while.
#APairofWings #NetGalley
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.