Synopses & Reviews
A stunning literary debut about a woman – an airforce pilot – torn between duty and desire.
The long shadow of a charismatic father leads Annie Shaw to decide, as far back as she can remember, to follow in his footsteps and become an air force pilot. Years later, after her mother's death and her own graduation from the academy, Captain A. Shaw is now one of the first female pilots in American history to engage in active combat duty during the first Gulf War. But her pride at earning rank as the only woman in an all–male fraternity offers little solace as the realities of battle change her, forever, into a wary, combat–wise survivor.
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“Recommended … a well-told story and one not often heard.” Library Journal
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“Tense and erotic … urgent and morally complicated … this carefully crafted war story and romance marks an ambitious debut.” Publishers Weekly
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“Wry, hardheaded sensibility…” New York Times Book Review
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“Harrowing. . . Catch-22 worthy rogues.” Los Angeles Times
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“Real romance … Ponders knows of what she writes.” New York Post
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“Powerful . . . beautifully done, haunting and sad. . . . Ponders is . . . a talented writer.” Washington Post
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“Engrossing [with] gripping moments … shows promise.” Kirkus Reviews
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“Compelling ... Readers will find insight and wisdom.” School Library Journal
About the Author
Kim Ponders grew up near Boston and graduated from Syracuse University. In 1991 she flew with Desert Storm as one of the first American women ever in combat. Her experiences formed the basis of her first novel, The Art of Uncontrolled Flight. Now a speechwriter for the Commander, Air Force Reserve, she lives with her husband and sons in New Hampshire.