This amazing biography is about an amazing man who does not consider himself a hero. He explains why in Sully: My Search for What Really Matters, by Chelsey B. "Sully" Sullenberger III with Jeffrey Zaslow (originally published as Highest Duty). From the time he was a young boy Sully loved anything about flying. To that end he trained, read, practiced ... He studied reports on plane crashes, what went wrong, what might have done differently, etc. On January 15, 2009, it all came together when he landed his crippled plane in the Hudson River. Mesmerizing.

Women like to fly, too, and they were finally able to prove just how good they could be in WWII. It was a tough struggle, but hundreds of women served their country by ferrying planes across the country. Early on (by treaty, it seems) planes could not fly across the U.S./Canadian border so those bound for Nova Scotia would actually be pushed across! From there a British pilot would take the plane on to Britain. On Silver Wings:1942 - 1944: The Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II,by Marianne Verges is a thrilling history of that service.

If you are a long time PNW resident then much of this book will be familiar: the locations, the names ... well, it will if you are of 'a certain age'! Island Bush Pilot: Founder of San Juan Airlines, by Roy Franklin is a wonderful read of the history of the airline service in the San Juan Islands. It was hard work, at times there was just one pilot who carried not only passengers, but freight, and the mail. He provided medical transportation (for both the local doctor, and to the mainland to the hospital), carried the mail, and dropped food and supplies to fire crews. Just amazing!

Reading Hermit With Dog