Am I Alive? A Surviving Flight Attendant's Struggle and Inspiring Triumph Over Tragedy

by Sandy Purl, Gregg Lewis

Tells the story of flight attendant Sandy Purl, who survived a 1977 jet crash only to experience anguishing nightmares and guilt feelings, which she eventually overcame through the help of God and therapy

Genres: Memoir, Aviation

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1986

Reviews

[Rodney Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally know Sandy. However; I did not read this book until just yesterday. 7 years after we met.

Sandy is a resilient woman that has had many up and downs of her life fighting the reoccurring thoughts that sometimes come out of nowhere by certain triggers as easy as a smell.

The remarkable thing about Sandy is her love of life. Her newborn appreciation that only a traumatic experience can bring to one’s awareness.

Sandy is the most selfless person I have ever encountered and while sometimes assisting her in her moments she has brought more substance to my life.

It is without doubt that God had a plan. She has a purpose and as the days fade from April 4, 1977 He has revealed to her what was once the most horrific experiences a human being can bear the importance and value He puts certain people in for a greater cause in the future.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story of overcoming a tragedy, the Apr 4, 1977 crash of a Southern Airways flight that killed many people including a relative of mine. I recommend this to anyone who needs assistance in recovery of a tragedy, this tragedy or anyone interested in airplanes.

[Teresa Woodis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read, especially since I live 2 miles from the crash site.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal and hits home. Lost my dad’s first cousin and her husband to this crash. RIP this made it very real.

[Scott]

I bought this book (used) a year or so ago. I'm into commercial aviation and was reading about infamous airline crashes when I came across the story of Southern Airways Flight 242. This book was written by a flight attendant who survived the crash.

The crash itself notable for the fact that it killed almost an entire college football team (among others). The story was dramatized in 2006 movie "We Are Marshall".

I've still not gotten around to reading it, but I can almost bet I'll give it no less than 3 stars...

I'll update this review once I've read the book...

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating and harrowing story of a flight attendant who saved many lives after the crash of Eastern 242 in April 1977. I couldn't put it down. If you hate to fly, don't read this book; it'll scare the cheese out of you. Purl's brave recounting of her story is unforgettable and inspiring. She's very real and transparent about all the problems she had working through her post-traumatic shock. A good read for anyone interested in aviation history or even how to deal with trauma of any kind.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mother in law gave me this book to read. She lost her husband and father of my husband on Flight 242. I have to admit that I had a hard time reading the book not only because I kept thinking of my father in law but because my husband didn't want to see me reading it. It bothered him. It's good to know that the airlines now have more information on how to help crash survivors and I am glad Sandy Purl was able to do something positive with this horrible tragedy.