Hi All. I've just read the new book "The turbulent life of an American Icon", and am very impressed with it. The author focuses mainly on AE's personal life in the
beginning, and does an excellent history on her family members. I fully expected this to be an AE Basher book, but bought it anyway, and I'm glad I did. Although
Kathleen Winters points out many of AE examples of negligent and reckless piloting, she does it in a non-judgemental or sarcastic way. Kathleen and many woman
pilots (Jackie Cochran, Louise Thaden, Elinor Smith, etc.) agree that her main problem was from inexperience, and George Putnam pushing her into flying to make
records and stunts beyond her skills, scheduling her tours, etc. so that she didn't have the time to become more proficient, especially with her Electra. I thoroughly
enjoyed reading this book. It's well written and I believe shows us the real AE, tellng the truth without insult.
Jackie Tharp #2440